50 people in 3 hours?

Business is picking up and I'm happy about that, of course. I had a lady contact me for a family reunion for 3 hours for 50 people. That seems alot (I'm still not super fast!), so I suggested 2 painters. She only wants to pay for one ( and my rates are low to begin with!). So, what is your opinion folks? Do it and rush the faces, or say "good luck, no thanks"? Also, it's when I'm out of town and need to sub-contract out with another person. Hate to stick someone with that. Feedback please!!

I would do it but let her know you will only be able to offer a select number of designs. Then just pick your fastest designs for their options.

Pick a couple fast designs. Put the mirror on the table and doecst them to it, it helps get them out of the chair faster. Let her know that you feel comfortable with xxx amount per hour and tht you will move as fast as possible but no gaurantee. If she isn't satisfied let her move on to a more expensive painter that will tell her the same thing.

Not everyone will want to get painted either. Especially if it’s 50 people, not 50 kids. Tell her you’ll paint the kids first and if there is time left, then you’ll work on painting adults.

I would do it, for corporate events the average is 20 kids by the hour, and as eviedejesus said not all the 50 will get painted, if you take your fast faces menu you will be able to do it.

It's actually way more people than 50...just 50 kids. I told her pretty much what Misha said. We'll see what happens!

I have a topic similar, it was from a few months ago however ill link you to it

http://www.facepaintforum.com/t12264-50-faces-in-2-hours-oh-my

Maybe you will find some of the advice useful

I tell them my rates, 2-hour minimum AND how many can be painted.

Now that being said - I would have no issue with 50 in three hours. That is more than 3 minutes per face so I would recommend my "Fast Faces" option (15-20 per hour) to ensure that all 50 could be accommodated.

But if you cannot meet that speed wise be completely upfront on how many people you can paint per hour. And PUT IT IN WRITING... get a contract signed so that they acknowledge you have told them that. Or don't take the job.

This goes for everyone... if you can't meet the requirements of the job as stated by the client, don't take it. If you think you can meet the requirements, go for it. And don't bend over backwards for someone who is too cheap to pay for what they really need for the job - it doesn't do you any favours in the long run.

Shannon Fennell wrote:if you can't meet the requirements of the job as stated by the client, don't take it. If you think you can meet the requirements, go for it. And don't bend over backwards for someone who is too cheap to pay for what they really need for the job - it doesn't do you any favours in the long run.

YES. THIS.

Thanks everyone! I haven't heard back yet, so we shall see. That said, I was very busy yesterday and my speed is improving!