contracts/ retainers

does anyone have a sample contract i can look at? how much do you usually charge for a retainer? is it a flat fee or a Percentage? help!

I don't do a contract, but my deposits are $20... enough for them not to want to throw it away, but not so much as to make people nervous that I'm going to run off with their money either.

I think Shannon Fennell has some amazing resources for all face painters. Check out her page and you'll find lots of great things.

As for deposits, it depends on the size of event. If they are booking a 3-4 hour event and I have to turn down other gigs, I want a larger deposit.

I charge 50% or $150.00 for a deposit, whichever is less.

I am now charging $40 for a deposit I figure since (i just upped my prices too) $60/per hour min two hours so by the time we get to the party they would only owe me $80 makes it less shocking than $120 all at once. I recommend keeping it even in 20's I have found most people are grabbing cash at the ATM and it is easier to just hand you $20 or $40 than $25 or $35
But that is my experience.

yes, but you might get a $10 tip

Never thought of the $5 issue. I have a paypal button on my site for a $25 deposit on parties. I don't know who I got my contract from, but I checked out many sites and read theirs, then changged up the wording so that fit my needs. it is at my website www.afacepaintingmom.com

My deposit is 50% of the total booking and must accompany the signed contract.

My deposit is $50 w/ the remainder due at the party(cash or money order).

I have 2 contracts. One is my regular contract & the other is for Not-for-Profits. I also have an invoice for Corporates.

Perry Noia wrote:yes, but you might get a $10 tip

More of a chance for a tip if they have to pay less at the party. Worked last time. Only had to pay a $25 deposit paid $40 then only owed me $25. (when my prices were different and had a discount) then paid me another $40.00 so...

A good contract should have a space for the event name, event date, event time, contact person, child's name, age & if they're a boy or girl(hard to tell w/ some names). hours of service & start time. Event address & address of contact person(if different than location). A place for a contact phone number & email address. Special info area: this is where you'd write, princess theme, everything must be pink or Park in Lot C. Hiring 1 face painter & 1 glitter tattoos, etc.
Terms & conditions about retainer fees, staying longer than scheduled, extended time fees & policies(I have a policy that if the client wants to extend the time for face painting they must extend all the entertainers on the contract; the balloon twister shouldn't have to sit unpaid while I'm still getting paid to paint).
Payment policy(no personal checks, have exact change, entertainers do not carry change for safety reasons, TIPS ARE APPRECIATED).
Parking Policy & how many flights of stairs you're willing to climb:-)
Policy on what is & isn't good shelter at outdoor events.
Rescheduling policy & bad weather back-up plan.
Will you wear heavy costumes in hot weather?
Do you have a policy on if weapons or illegal drugs/activities happen at your gig?
An area for your cost for that job including what the deposit is, travel fee, total & remainder & how you want it all paid.
A place for you to sign & date & a place for them to sign & date.

Psalmbook wrote:A good contract should have a space for the event name, event date, event time, contact person, child's name, age & if they're a boy or girl(hard to tell w/ some names). hours of service & start time. Event address & address of contact person(if different than location). A place for a contact phone number & email address. Special info area: this is where you'd write, princess theme, everything must be pink or Park in Lot C. Hiring 1 face painter & 1 glitter tattoos, etc.
Terms & conditions about retainer fees, staying longer than scheduled, extended time fees & policies(I have a policy that if the client wants to extend the time for face painting they must extend all the entertainers on the contract; the balloon twister shouldn't have to sit unpaid while I'm still getting paid to paint).
Payment policy(no personal checks, have exact change, entertainers do not carry change for safety reasons, TIPS ARE APPRECIATED).
Parking Policy & how many flights of stairs you're willing to climb:-)
Policy on what is & isn't good shelter at outdoor events.
Rescheduling policy & bad weather back-up plan.
Will you wear heavy costumes in hot weather?
Do you have a policy on if weapons or illegal drugs/activities happen at your gig?
An area for your cost for that job including what the deposit is, travel fee, total & remainder & how you want it all paid.
A place for you to sign & date & a place for them to sign & date.

You've just vindicated me! My contract has all of the above and some (painters) have commented that it's just too much and sounds so legal and not at all about the fun I'm supposed to bring...

Ah...bliss...

Lady Jayde wrote:You've just vindicated me! My contract has all of the above and some (painters) have commented that it's just too much and sounds so legal and not at all about the fun I'm supposed to bring...

Ah...bliss...

YUP! And this is whay when I come IT IS FUN
I don't have to spend my whole time arguing why I need to be paid, why I can't be in the middle of a field without shade in 100+ weather & why I can't carry all my supplies 12 blocks & have to pay an hourly rate for the parking....

Oh, just updated the contract... along w/ only 3 days to pay the non-refundable retainer fee you must sign & return the contract in 3 days to hold your time & date.I had to after a difficult customer kept changing her gig time, amount of entertainers etc. She'd paid the deposit but never signed the contract...