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Cancelled and trying to re-book - Can I quote more?

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fesspenter
leapinglizards
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Face Painting by Jessica
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Post by Face Painting by Jessica Fri Apr 20, 2012 9:40 am

Hi everyone! This is my first post on the forum and I'm in need of some suggestions... I had a client book me for 2 hours April 28th, then she cancelled through text message about a week ago. She texted me this morning to say the party is back on and she would like me to come still.
Part of me is wanting to charge extra or get a deposit for the hassle - how am I to know if she cancels again? It's a non-local party and my long distance rates have changed since she first booked so I'm not sure if I should quote her the same amount or the current rates...
I kinda want to just tell her I'm unavailable but I don't think turning down business is a good idea.
It's a bit of a pickle lol, please help!
Face Painting by Jessica
Face Painting by Jessica

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Post by Lady Jayde Fri Apr 20, 2012 9:45 am

Well, it all depends on how badly you want the job. I'm a big fan of teaching people how to treat me, so I'd not only require a deposit, but increase the rate and explain to her that the discounted rate is not being offered any longer and that you will require a good faith deposit before you commit to be there. If she takes the rate...good and she now knows not to mess around...if she doesn't, then she can find someone else and you can feel better about not being taken advantage of. The balls in your court. Might I suggest you start working with a contract (if you don't already) and requiring retainers for gig confirmation, it cuts down on a lot of that kind of crap.
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Post by leapinglizards Fri Apr 20, 2012 9:55 am

I absolutely would say that due to the short notice, cancel and rebook, you need a non-refundable 50% depost to secure the date.

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Post by Face Painting by Jessica Fri Apr 20, 2012 10:22 am

Lol, leapinglizards, the seriousness of your reply totally made up my mind. I have to start thinking like a business person if I want business right? Thanks!
Face Painting by Jessica
Face Painting by Jessica

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Post by fesspenter Fri Apr 20, 2012 10:41 am

Dear Jessica:
Where in Ontario are you located?
xoxo
fesspenter
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Post by Face Painting by Jessica Fri Apr 20, 2012 10:46 am

Hey Lisa, I'm about an hour from you! I'm in Georgetown lol. It's funny, the party I'm talking about is in Toronto. I don't usually do that area.
Face Painting by Jessica
Face Painting by Jessica

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Post by fesspenter Fri Apr 20, 2012 11:09 am

My mum lives on the 10th line in Halton Hills in Georgetown.

When a client is being unbusiness-like and flaky, it makes me suspicious.
The signed contract and receipt of their deposit is when I will consider them booked. Don't forget to charge a travel fee in your contract.

I would love to get together with you and jam. It seems that there are not very many face painters in Toronto. Barb Ruggabug (barbsmakingfaces.com) is wonderful, gratious & very talented. Barb lives in Toronto, too.

Happy Painting!
fesspenter
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Post by Face Painting by Jessica Fri Apr 20, 2012 11:21 am

I'd love to! And yeah, I've noticed that face painters are far and few between unless they twist balloons and sing songs also lol.

I just told the client that I need a non-refundable deposit of $40 and that the quote is now $80. She seems fine with it, although I'd kinda rather not do the party lol I have a Stag and Doe to go to that evening...

Hey Lisa, want this one? Lol!
Face Painting by Jessica
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Post by fesspenter Fri Apr 20, 2012 11:47 am

Nope, and thank you for thinking of me...
I am already booked.

I volunteer at SickKids Hospital on 5a/b every Wednesday from 10am-2pm. That is how I justify NOT face painting at every great cause, and I can charge a charity rate of $50/hour for a registered charity. The only two other events I volunteer at are the SickKids Burn Unit Picnic every June at Heart Lake, and Shania's Sunflower of Hope on Saturday April 28th at the Markham Fair Grounds. I love doing Shania's because, not only is this a great cause, (raising money for research to combat Neuroblastoma) there are other phenomenal face painters there.

Alas, I cannot twist balloons, and even though when I am singing, it means I am happy, my children have informed me that I cannot sing.

Have a great painting day before your Stag & Doe!

xoxox
fesspenter
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Post by Face Painting by Jessica Fri Apr 20, 2012 11:53 am

Good for you! I've been wanting to get into charities like that because I'm all for the kiddies. I actually got to paint at the Canada Pakistan Friendship Association (CPFA) and it just feels better when you're celebrating a cause.

BTW.. is that you in your pic? Because if it is there's no way you're 51 lol
Face Painting by Jessica
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Post by Denise Cold Fri Apr 20, 2012 1:24 pm

Always get a deposit. Not just for the flaky ones. Search here on using Paypal for deposits. It's so easy. I just make it part of my "script" on the phone and I'm never apologetic and it's been so nice. Only one time have they NOT paid and shortly after I couldn't get them on the phone and so I didn't go. In the old days (earlier last year Smile) I would have felt compelled to drive there and make sure I didn't miss the party.

$80 seems cheap, especially for a traveling gig. Is that because it's Canadian dollars? I have a hard time understanding how that works.

Thanks for posting. I've learned so much about the business side from the forum. Makes my painting life much easier.

D.
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Post by Face Painting by Jessica Fri Apr 20, 2012 1:31 pm

Denise Cold wrote:
$80 seems cheap, especially for a traveling gig. Is that because it's Canadian dollars? I have a hard time understanding how that works.
D.

Haha nope, I'm just not comfortable charging higher prices yet. Our dollars are almost identical now anyway lol. I charge $30/hr within 20 mins of my hometown, and $40 outside that radius.

When I first started I would charge $25/hr and just factor the travel as I went, but it got confusing. I want to make sure my work is up to par if I charge much more.
Face Painting by Jessica
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Post by Griffinblue Fri Apr 20, 2012 2:07 pm

By the looks of your avatar, you should be charging TRIPLE that. Don't sell yourself short! That's why your client didn't say anything! She prob thought your 1st quote was a typo!
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Post by Face Painting by Jessica Fri Apr 20, 2012 2:24 pm

Oh my goodness thank you Griffinblue, that's reaaaallllyyy sweet Smile.

That was by no means a quick paint job, I tried to do a realistic lion but the highlights were in all the wrong places and after many corrections it ended up almost completely white with golden undertones. By then I just said screw it, we'll do another tiger lol.

I just finished watching Silly Farm's animal print video on youtube so the stripes were muuuch better than they have been. It's my favourite face so far I think.

But as far as my low rates, I know I would probably not hire a face painter due to how much we cost. I think I'm trying to appeal to the client who wants a great birthday party for their child but cannot afford all the glitz and glam.
Face Painting by Jessica
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Post by Denise Cold Fri Apr 20, 2012 5:37 pm

I know this sounds awful but the very moms that you are trying to help out have been the ones that have treated me the worst. I had the same mentality and guilt because I was a mom of five and have finally come around a little bit.

It was when we had a discussion here on the forum about not everyone can afford a face painter and it's okay...someone pointed out that wedding photographers are a luxury and those that really care about capturing beautiful photos will pay and appreciate the photos. There are still cameras out there for those that can't afford to hire a photographer...but those that want your services can't expect to pay point-and-shoot prices for the art you've worked so hard for.

Just promise me that you will have a goal date for raising your prices and maybe even publish it on your materials "my rates will increase July 1, 2012 so book now" and then you will do it. You'll get more money, better clientele and might get a tip or two. Smile

D.
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Post by Psalmbook Fri Apr 20, 2012 6:40 pm

No retainer fee, no party... I've been burnt too many times... This way if they cancel your not completely out.
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Post by fesspenter Fri Apr 20, 2012 7:06 pm

Dear Jessica:
By looking at your avatar, I would say that you should be able to charge more. I live in Toronto. I charge $100/hour, plus 50ยข/km round trip outside the GTA.
There will always be those Craigslist painters charging $35/hour. I have been asked to reduce my rate by a few mothers. I always tell them that I reduce my rate to $50/hour for a Registered charity. I have also been called at the last minute by three of those mums in the last four months asking if I "could come over really quickly... the other face painter is here and is really terrible". It is easy to face paint, it is hard to face paint well.
My avatar is my 17 year old middle daughter. My skin is, as Miss Ronnie describes hers...."vintage". The paint doesn't go on as smoothly as it used to 14 years ago. I guess I should replace my avatar with an actual picture of me.
You can get ahold of me through my website if you need cheering on.
xoxo
fesspenter
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Post by fesspenter Fri Apr 20, 2012 7:08 pm

This is the real me:

Cancelled and trying to re-book - Can I quote more? EvilWolfeBird

Well, as painted by Brian Wolfe.
xoxox
fesspenter
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Post by Astrid Mon Apr 23, 2012 8:07 pm

haha that looks like me when I wake up
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