How much can I expect to pay for an entertainer ??

Your questions answered by JELLO the Clown !!
Some of the most frequently asked questions are

Do you charge by the hour or by the show ??
What do your fees cover ??
What is your entertainment worth ??
How much should I expect to pay ??

There are several things we need to know when pricing a show

...for example

  1. What type of entertainment are you looking to purchase ?? i.e.  facepainter, balloon artist, clown...magician...walk around entertainer
  2. The type of party ??   Birthday party,  School show, Corporate Holiday Party
  3. How many people will be attending??  This is important in determining amount of time, and equipment needed for show.
  4. When will the party be held....  Weekdays or Weekends....Squeeky and friends offers discounts for weekday and Sunday  morning birthday party and daycare center shows !!  We also run occasional specials during the winter months of January and February.

Charging by the hour or by the show

Facepainters and Balloon Artists traditionally charge by the hour and occasionally require a minimum amount of time for their performance. 

A magic entertainer normally charges a flat fee for a magic show.  However if other activities such as faceapinting or balloons are also requested,  additional charges might apply.

In a third scenario... an entertainer might charge for a show that normally takes an hour,  but charge extra time because of unforseen delays,  such as the birthday child being late...  or an increase in the number of children  or adults wishing to get balloons or have their faces painted, all of which increase the time for which additional charges are necessary.

Hint: 

  • Make every effort to ensure that you are ready to start at the agreed time as the entertainer will normally charge extra ( or reduce the show time)  for time spent waiting

  • Include older children and adults if you know they will want balloons.  Quite often people think of children as being 10 and under but often the older teens and adults like to get balloon hats and facepainting designs or tattoos also.  Extra people mean extra time so be sure to reserve enough time for the show so EVERYONE can join in the FUN !!!

  • Ask if any additional charges may apply and why

What do your fee's cover ??

Entertainment is like any other business....Our fee's cover the cost of the entertainer as well as all other expensed... gas, insurance,  supplies used during the show,  costumes, makeup, magical props, taxes and other business related expenses.  Rather than think of the fee as an hourly rate....  think of it as how much it costs to bring a quality show to entertain your guests and make your party a memorable occasion.  

What is your entertainment worth ??

First birthdays,  like weddings are very important as they are a once in a lifetime occasion...the memories are priceless and can never be recaptured.    Birthdays and Anniversaries bring memories that will be treasured for a lifetime.  I have had customers come back to me years after performing a party  and tell me  that their son or daughter was still watching the videotape of my show...YEARS after the show was performed... So that tells me... the cost is soon forgotten but the memories of the show last FOREVER.

In corporate events.... the cost of hiring an entertainer is almost non-existent  when you compare it to the benefits of having  an entertainer  at your function.

  • Your Employees and their families will feel recognized and appreciated.  How much is that worth in terms of employee value and team building ??? How much is that worth to the profitability of your company ??

  • Your clients will see that you ARE taking care of their needs,  by making the effort to provide quality entertainment for them AND (more important)  their families and loved ones.

  • At trade shows, and conventions....entertainers give that extra 'oomph' to promoting your product and attracting clients and business to your display.

In  business promotion,  grand openings and in house store promotions,  whether a single retail location  or a international chain of stores ....

  • Entertainers, especially balloon artists,  ATTRACT crowds...crowds attract people and people put money into YOUR pocket.   An entertainer,  when used as part of a publicized marketing campaign  will INCREASE the  traffic to your business location.

  • Entertainers create LASTING impressions in the minds of your clientele who will remember the performer and the excitement created at your location.  When conducted on an ongoing basis they will tell their friends who will tell THEIR friends and the popularity of your store will GROW.

So to answer your question....  The costs of an entertainer is nominal...  The WORTH of an entertainer is  PRICELESS !!!

 

How Much Should I expect to pay ??

Here are some  price ranges for different entertainment packages.... your price may vary due to any of the variables which make each party different...such as time, day of the week,  entertainment desired,  number of entertainers, size of show   etc.

FACEPAINTERS -   Traditional or Clown      $65  -  $95.00 hour  (minimum times may apply)

BALLOON ARTISTS -  Traditional or Clown  $85.00 - $125.00 hour  (minimum times may apply).

BIRTHDAY PARTY SHOWS -     $135.00  -  $185.00   hour or show

CORPORATE and COMMERCIAL PERFORMANCES -    $125.00  -  $250.00   hour or show

RESTAURANTS, BUFFETS and FOOD COURTS    $50.00 - 75.00   (weekly performance and minimum times apply)

 

A good piece of advice is - " You get what you pay for".   Many entertainers have competitive prices ....depending upon the packages which they have to offer.   If a price is unusually low,  you may wish to ask yourself "Why" ??   Is the entertainer a professional or just starting out....do they have a quality show ???  Can they be counted on to show up at your event on time and professionally costumed...or will they call you at the last minute to cancel,  while your guests are waiting??

True Story:

When Jello was first starting out,  I worked with a clown who charged  $25.00 an hour.  The reason why she priced her performance so low was because she was just starting out as a clown thus lacked the experience and expertise of a professional.   She was a $25.00 an hour clown and customers received exactly what they paid for... a $25.00 show ...much to the disappointment of those thinking they were getting a bargain.    As she developed as an entertainer,  her shows became more professional.   Now she charges over $200.  and her performance is worth EVERY penny and much more...her satisfied clients again... get what they pay for !!   A true story !!!