What to do....no charge to promote, or charge a little?

I am invited to paint at an event for moms with a limited budget
they offer me to promote my bussines in their comunity news paper for an extended period....

I would not like to work for free for a big reason I am trying to get extra money for my kids, but at the same time I really think this can be a key job since is an event for moms, so... I truly believe I might get the clients that I need are in this event.

I want to focus in birthday parties mainly, since I don't really have to much time available for big events.

Then I though.... what about if I charge a ridiculous amount so at least I can cover my expenses, but the big question is: if I charge let's say $2 per face, later the people that can be interested on hire me for their events will expect to pay $2 per face in their event?

What do you think and what would you do?

please help me!
I need to reply soon their event is in 2 weeks.

I forgot to mention that I am new in face painting but seems that my job is not that bad since they like me and I need loot of practices so I can do more kids in an hour... that is why I have a big dilemma.

I'm not sure I'd put much effort into cultivating parents with a limited budget....seems like they won't want to pay regular rates for parties etc....it it were me, I'd pass on this one...

I have had some very good parties from some very poor families... when they do it, they SAVE UP to have you and they really appreciate everything that you do.

That being said, what we offer is a luxury service and with that comes a price. I would never paint for less than $5 per face. When I am trying to cater to a cheaper crowd, instead of my prices being $5 and $10, I make everything $5. If there is no charge for you to do the event and you aren't turning down other work to do it, I would give it a try. BUT never less than $5 a face to cover your expenses and your time.

so true!!
I think I will ask if I can charge by my own so they don't have to pay me, and I can do my profit, after all what I need is experience, let see what happens.

If you are getting advertising in the newspaper for an extended period..thats a pretty good deal..and great exposure.Are they saying you will have an exclusive write up with picture etc..If so that would compensate not getting cash on the day..Sounds like thats how are trying to pay you. If this event is to treat lower income women then they probably dont want them to pay anything. I am a bit torn on this one.If it was me and I had just started..I would go for it and not charge for this one time..The exposure in the paper would be great. Make sure to network and bring a huge smile on the day.

Thank you guys for your advice
Finally looks like I am not doing this event, the woman that contact me was telling me this story about being for mother bla bla bla, I reply by telling her that I was interesting to see how much are we talking about when she said I "will cover you basic expenses". I mention her that I need to cover at least my non-profit rate like Shannon recommend in her article, since just like them I am a mom too trying to grow my business to support my kids.
and guess what? so far they have not come back to me!
I just feel "funy" when they try to make you feel guilty because you don't work for free.

I get inquiries all the time asking for free service. I had a set number of volunteer things I can do. I once donated a huge balloon sculpture to be raffled and the organizer decided to use it for decor instead without my permission. When I found out and asked, she told me she could do as she wanted and that I should be grateful for all the business she got me just by allowing me to participate, etc. For the record, not a single booking from that event.

I have volunteered and I just find that people really under-value what we do. I let one organizer set my prices and I just painted and painted. I had a line the entire time and they even closed the festival down around me. Guess what she was charging for my work? ONE DOLLAR PER FACE! No wonder I had a line for 3 hours!

Like Perry wrote, if you aren't doing anything else and can do it without feeling taken advantage of, go ahead. If it's a worthy cause, do it. Just don't do it purely for marketing. And don't feel guilty. It happens to all of us. I'm sure they aren't meaning to make you feel guilty. They are probably just being like most and shopping for the best deal. Good luck with it.

I was going to point out the irony, of you being a mom and trying to support your kids, but it seems the event organizer already got it

it has been said MANY times that one can die from exposure. Don't fall for that line . Been there, done that, learned my lesson....I NEVER work for free. Who can afford to do that ?

thank you for your comments
I guess I just need experience dealing with this kind of situation.

Yep...get at least one call a week asking me to donate my time for "xyz" I say that I cannot afford to do that, but I can afford to give them my 501c3 rate on weekdays during the festival season and in slow months, sometimes on weekends. Otherwise, I have one free event per year, and it is one that I choose.

If you do $2 a face, nobody is going to hire you for a birthday party at a decent wage, they will expect that you get $2 a face at a party too. Do you really want to go to a party, paint 10 kids and get $20?

When you work for free, you advertise yourself as someone who works for free. You will be VERY busy, but also broke and losing money.

When I work my 501c3 rate, or if I am working an event that is "free" to the public, I always post a sign that says Face Painting Provided by: X company" so that nobody has any illusions that I am not in business.

I have done painting in exchange for advertising, but it is still provided by that company...it is a barter. I can work under an "event sponsor" sign too, but never, never leave the public with the impression that you are free.

Put a value on yourself, set it high, and your customer base will jump that bar. If you set it low, you may not like your clients.

so true! I got it, guys and I really appreciate all your comments!