Image courtesy of stockimages / FreeDigitalPhotos.net I'm always amazed when people are surprised at the fees for a professional entertainer for their kid's party. It's a rare occasion; most people accept the price without problems. But every now and then, you get that one caller that is both surprised and outraged that you would dare charge them so much. They act like anything over $50 is highway robbery.
Let's look at the facts here. Professional entertainers are just that: Professionals. They have gone through countless hours (we're talking years) of training and rehearsal, refining their craft. They have invested not only time and effort, but also great deals money in their act acquiring specialized gear, renting rehearsal spaces, marketing and promoting themselves, as well as costs of running a business, all the while raising a family like everyone else. They are a highly specialized, sought after service which cannot be substituted easily. Also, they don't perform 40 hours a week like a regular job. They have to earn most of their income in a brief week-end period. So why are some people so surprised at the costs?
I remember a caller not too long ago who was indeed outraged by my fee (which incidentally is quite within the normal range for the Ottawa market). He went on saying that he could get his neighbour's kid to come and do it for $25. While I mean no disrespect to the neighbour's kid, it's highly unlikely that the performance would be very good. This is your child's birthday here! You want to create something memorable for them, not ruin their appreciation for the performing arts.
Let's look at the facts here. Professional entertainers are just that: Professionals. They have gone through countless hours (we're talking years) of training and rehearsal, refining their craft. They have invested not only time and effort, but also great deals money in their act acquiring specialized gear, renting rehearsal spaces, marketing and promoting themselves, as well as costs of running a business, all the while raising a family like everyone else. They are a highly specialized, sought after service which cannot be substituted easily. Also, they don't perform 40 hours a week like a regular job. They have to earn most of their income in a brief week-end period. So why are some people so surprised at the costs?
I remember a caller not too long ago who was indeed outraged by my fee (which incidentally is quite within the normal range for the Ottawa market). He went on saying that he could get his neighbour's kid to come and do it for $25. While I mean no disrespect to the neighbour's kid, it's highly unlikely that the performance would be very good. This is your child's birthday here! You want to create something memorable for them, not ruin their appreciation for the performing arts.
Image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici / FreeDigitalPhotos.net Let me paint you a mental portrait. Imagine a fine meal, let's say fillet mignon and giant prawns, served with a twice baked potato, mixed greens and sauteed mushrooms. Along with that meal is a glass of red wine: a Chateauneuf du Pape. For dessert, a chocolate soufflé. Now imagine someone offered you all of this for $1.99. Sure, a few people out there would jump at the chance to get something cheap. Most people, however, would probably question why the price is so clearly off the mark. There has to be something wrong with the food for it to be served so cheaply. We will easily accept a hamburger from a fast food place for $1.99, but a fine meal? I don't think so. We understand that there is an inherent value to what is offered and that such an obvious discrepancy should set off alarm bells.
Image courtesy of Morguefile Free Photos The same can be said for your entertainment. While you can get the neighbour's kid to do a magic show for $25, you should realize that you get what you pay for. You'll wind up with fast food when you're expecting steak! In other words, a professional entertainer is well worth the price.
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