Restaurant gig discount?

I've been approached to do fp at a local restaurant. They want a quote for the grand opening of one location and possibly a weekly gig for kids-eat-free night. So, what kind of discount would be standard for a weekly gig on Tuesday nights? It's not like I would miss out on any other parties on Tuesday nights, though I'd have to find childcare.

I'm thinking for the grand opening, just to charge regular rates or discount if there is a promise to try me out for a few weeks on the weekly gig.

The problem is I have no idea on what kind of discount to offer. What do you offer? ...or... What would you offer?

TIA for all the advice I can get!

I know many folks on here offer discounts, or work for meal vouchers.

I do not. My rate is my rate.

I sometimes give a discount of 50% off my normal rate, as long as they allow me to put out a tip jar, usually make my normal rate at that. Or you could also barter with them- you could say you would take 50% Cash, and 50% gift cards for your normal rate, its good for you and them!

The problem with a GC is that I don't care for this restaurant.

I am willing to work for less if the place is close, only because it's always on a weeknight and it's steady business. I recently to a local one for 2 hours 30 $ per hour and 25$ per hour food certificate. I eat there all the time anyway

I don't give a discount straight away, since I 've had a few bad experiences with customers saying they would book me weekly, and after two weeks stopped booking, but got a great discount.

What I actually do now is just charge my fixed rate, but if my rates are being changed, they keep getting the old rate, since they are long-lasting customers.

I would be willing to give 25% off for a regular restaurant gig on a night that I'm not busy and take part in GC. Even if we didn't eat there (which is a lot of places with family allergies to both gluten and dairy) because you can use them as a prize/draw for other customers.

I'm still not at this point at all, though I hope to be when my situation allows. (just keep practicing and enjoying till then)

But Perry, It seems that giving your customers gift cards to a restaurant is a great way to promote/advertise for that restaurant. If you let them know that's what your doing, maybe they could work something out for you (maybe free cards at a lower denomination?) I don't know, just think your using your hard earned GC to advertise for them.

I would start with your usual rate. Then, if they are willing to offer you a Play or Pay contract (Meaning, if they cancel you still get paid) for a certain number of weeks, with the discount taken at the end of the cotract in "free" nights.

This way, if there are any bumps along the road, or they decide after half the time has lapsed they can't afford you, you got your rate for the time worked.

Speaking as someone who has had the same weekly restaurant gig for 5 or 6 years (can't even remember anymore how long I've been there!); I work for an obscenely low rate but usually double my pay with my tip jar... (have been using the electronic tip jar for many months now and the kids LOVE to put their tips in it!)
I have a whole slew of regulars every week and have gotten countless gigs and birthday parties from being there. I also get to take home dinner for both myself and my son. Plus, they have included me in other events that they do. I would never give up this gig... I get recognized quite a bit when I am out and about due to it.

And... it keeps me in the "groove" when other bookings are slow. I've also been able to do whatever I want there so I can practice new designs or methods. And for the last several weeks I have only offered glitter tattoos because I have been feeling too crappy to dig the face paint gear out of the packed van and drag it into the restaurant. But I didn't use my good Faketoo stencils - I used the Tulip stencils that Michaels has with a 50% off coupon.

Can anyone tell me what kind of restaurants use face painters, especially on a steady basis? Not looking to get in on anyone else's gigs! We're all spread around the states and globes...just wondering if there are certain chains that like doing this! I did approach Chucky Cheese once, bad experience, lol...the people were very unfriendly and said they don't have power to hire one, EVERYTHING had to go through the "coporate offices". I wasn't even going to bother. Thanks, Tina

I have not done this yet, but it is in my plans!

Tina- I have been compiling a list of places that have children's/ family nights and working on a proposal letter to present to the manager. If it is a chain they may have to speak with corporate for approval. I would try a family/privately owned restaurant first. Always get a contract!

I paint at Moe's Southwest Grille on Tuesday nights and will soon be painting Sunday nights at Zebb's (hopefully!) I also did a stint with Quaker Steak & Lube last year, but stopped when they required me to be on THEIR payroll.

The reason that I would be willing to use part of my pay as an incentive for customers is for a few reasons... It gives me a chance to run promotional contests that build my customer base and brand loyalty without having to buy full price GCs for prizes; It makes the restaurant more inclined to hire and keep me since I AM advertising for them; AND the main reason for this kind of gig at all is to build that regular following.

I make practically nothing working the local farmers' market. I make back my booth fee and a little bit more... why the heck do I get up at 5 am every Saturday morning then to put on my clown makeup, drag my butt over there to set up my tent and make almost no money?? Because I get two very important things: Press & Groupies. Those kids follow me EVERYWHERE... every festival, every fundrasier... everywhere.

Perry, that's great,good for both of you, and a great idea! Just thought they might want to do more to help you promote them .