This from Ever So Sleightly where the idea of pitching the papers came up and here is a question along with my response and question:


So how does one pitch the buddha papers?

I don't think you need a pitch for Buddha Papers.Just demo it and go for the sale.I sent you an P.M.

Don

At one time, I added the Buddha Papers to my pitch joint. I sold a few but they really didn't move.

In my experience, there are much better pitch items. That's because the Buddha Papers require lots of folding and unfolding, which of course has to be done right on the table. So you don't get the good visibility you normally get with the Svengali Deck and the Magic Worms, and it's not that great for pulling or building a tip (unless you have Don Driver's charm and personality!). Also, in my humble opinion, it's not much of an attention-getting trick in the first place. After a lot of folding and unfolding, you can make a half dollar disappear or change into a Chinese coin -- not really a big deal, folks! Also remember that unless you are very creative, the Buddha Papers will probably require a reset to pitch, which is a time-waster that you don't need when pitching.

I should have taken Don's advice to stick with just the Magic Worm and Svengali pitches; instead, I learned the hard (read: expensive) way! But if you really want to pitch the Buddha Papers, get 'em from Robbins rather than Royal -- they are less than half the price, still good quality (will last at least until the kid reaches the parking lot) and are basically the same thing, minus a fancy cardboard sleeve. SETH

DITTO...except for the (unless you have Don Driver's charm and personality!)
Don

Aw, come on Don, don't be so bashful!

We all know that if anyone can sell iceboxes to Eskimos, it's you! SETH

I realize this thread is almost 6 years old, but I figured I’d hide this valuable information here.

FTR I’ve pitched BPs with a special demo where a borrowed $20 doubles to two $20s, a blank paper changes to a $5, a $5 to a $10, a $10 to a $20 and remember folks, a $20 always doubles!
Because the series of changes was a cycle, the reset was automatic.
I closed the last pocket leaving the pair of $20s and when I started the pitch again, I opened and removed the blank.
Then I borrowed a $20 and started over.

The gimmick was I used a special a four pocket BP set!
There’s another little trick my uncle “Doc” taught me that makes it all work.
And the fold a flip of all the papers is what sells it.
The papers are waved high in the air as four and as each paper is folded, “fold the sides in, the top down and flip it over” it goes into a paper from the set being waved around.
The slum sold to the marks was Robbins with a standard double pocket, so they couldn’t do my demo.
But they never knew to kick.

The best part of my pitch was not returning the borrowed $20 until last.
I offered him the $20 that was made from the $10 to check to make certain it was spendable.
When he agreed I asked him if he wanted that one in return.
The mark always said yes, but I’d snap it out of his hands and give him what he thought was his original $20, saying he didn’t want that one... it’s counterfeit!

When I pitched magic in the 80s (and Horoscopes in the 90s) I wanted slum I could produce myself if needed.
And anything that looked like it would pay off like a Stripper, D Looper or 2CM, sold best.
So the BPs did very well where the line was low like flea markets.
I think $2 back in the 1980s ($5-$6 today).

Anyway, I also have an amazing demo for the coin a glass trick.
That envelope contained a square of newspaper, a blank sheet of paper, a paper disk and instructions on how to glue it to a glass.
But I guarantee the demo was unlike anything you’ve ever seen.

Hahahaha I LOVE building up a miracle out of slum!

Peace
Docc







M

Hey Docc, that pitch sounds amazing! Would of loved to have seen it..

I never tried pitching them Budda Pappers.. wouldn't know where to start..

Perfect place to hide this gem as it'll stay recorded for future generations to read!

Thanks for sharing..!

There was some chat about Micky in some other threads past.
I believe Dick mentioned him and someone had some general info.

There’s a great old book entitled: Secrets of the Street Conjuer by Wilfred Huggins and Frederic Culpitt, published by George Johnson, probably during the Second World War.
These guys give really good handlings and tips as they worked the theater lines in London for years.
The papers was one of the tricks they tip with the fold over flip.

I’ll add that a simple tip such as not locking you table top when using a music stand table, has been priceless to me.
Whenever someone on the street, while busking or even backstage, brushes against your table it can be easily knocked over.
If you don’t screw the top securely down and allow it to freely rotate, a rube can bump it while walking past and the table absorbs the bump!
Brilliant!

BTW I described more details about the BP pitch on another thread.
Frosty, if you want more info just ask buddy.
I’d Love to know someone was using the Hilford secret to pitch them again.

Peace
Docc