Hello all! I have a question about extra time for shows.
I mainly do kids birthday parties (bread and butter) and NORMALLY everything works fine. I don't normally do a contract, or deposit and I do my hour and get $125(which is about all I can squeeze in this area/economy)after the show. No Problems, no mess. I like to get paid after the show, because they often tip if they pay after. If they pay before, it's easier to leave right after and not stand there awkwardly asking for money, but again, no tip.

But every so often the kids ask for a few too many balloons, and I'm leaving a bit later than I wanted. My first thought is to send them a contract saying that extra time is extra, do the show, track my time, send them a bill for the total. My reservation is seeming like a jerk, although I know this is professional and expected. I'd rather be liked and referred than professional and perhaps seeming distant. Maybe I'm being too cautious.

What is your M.O.? and How much do you charge for extra time if you do? Keep in mind how much my normal fee and show is. I know some of you do $200 a show no problem. Obviously we would have to adjust for that.

Thanks!

With birthdays, I don't include balloons "by time." I include balloons "by the number of children." In my standard birthday package, the birthday child gets a balloon hat and a balloon animal. Each of the other kids gets a single balloon animal. If they got one during the show, they don't get another one at the end.

If there are more children, then making balloons might take a few extra minutes. But I also confirm the number of children when booking the show, and my fees are partly based on the total number of children (and sometimes adults) at the party. I have one set of fees for up to 15 kids, another set of fees for 16-25 kids, etc.

I have a good idea how much time the balloons will take, based on the number of children at the party. My standard package runs about 40-45 minutes, and that includes the show and the balloons.

- Donald

My basic rate includes balloons for 15 children. There aren't many parties bigger than that. If they are, it's only by a few...and if there are LOTS more, it's no longer a birthday party.

David

Sent you a PM.