Personal Secure issues

Well, I got this gig like 2weeks ago, but just 3 days a go the client send me the address, so today ( that finally my Internet service was back) I google the address and the location looks very unsecure I don't feel secure to go to that place , how can I decline the gig now because the party is this sat, I don't want to look unprofessional or had a bad review at my web site, but I don't really feel confident enough to go there and even worst to recommend the gig to an other person, a friend of me told me the same issue when she saw the location, what you would do?

I would bring someone with me and go... you've already confirmed.

You accepted the gig, you do the job. If it was a client cancelling at this date a painter would be having a fit. Perhaps your website should define the areas you will go to and when you handle a booking find out immediately. Not really sure how you could have priced a job without knowing where it was. Good luck.

I vote for safety (disclosure: I have "safety issues"--for good reason, sad to say...NOT related to any face painting jobs tho!) You are in a BIG city, is this going to be at night?? I can sympathize with your dilemma because I am sure you are conscientious AND want to keep your reviews good.

IF you do go, I agree with Perry, take someone with you (preferably Big ) Don't go alone. And make sure a number of people know Where you are and when you should be back. Maybe they can call you a few times to see how you're doing (I know...are real bother when you might be in the middle of a face!) or at least call a friend when you are leaving.

I'm rooting for you, girl. Just be careful, ok?! (and come back here and let us know what happened one way or the other.)

I vote for safety too. Your well-being is always more important than a gig.

I've learned that sometimes I am hesitant about something because it is outside my comfort zone...other times it just doesn't feel right, it's that little warning check in the spirit. You have to figure out which it is (if it were me, I'd pray about it), and follow through appropriately.

Safety comes first, voice your concerns with the client and defiantly take someone out with and have mobile check in times with your friends/family to let them know that your ok. Dont forget at the end of the day I would prefer to lose the client and have a bad review... than be harmed in anyway. Good luck with what ever choice you make.

Thank you so much for your advises, I actually accepted the gig because she told me it was in an event salon, and was about to coinfirm the address because she wasnt sure to do it there or at her house that is in a different neighborhood, I always google the address before accept a gig, but this time I just trust my client, I dont like to fail my word but the place is a little heavy and the gig is at night, I also always let the gig address with my relatives, but like you said I will take someone with me is just too late now to cancel the gig

I vote for safety too especially when you live in New York and you're in the city and it's kind of your clients fault for switching locations on you. I would just say that youre not able to travel that far sorry to disappoint.

Are you uncomfortable with the outside of the location or the inside of the location? Could you ask the client for an escort?

I think you should trust your gut instincts, they're there for a reason.

I would talk to the host and dicuss your concerns, see what she says.. I always have mace on me..even in the daytime..Money and mace.. They go together.. Be safe get your directions ahead of time, if you can drive it in the day so if your gig is at night you will be familiar with your surroundings or even if its dark when you leave. Is there plenty of street lighting? If not bring a flashlight. A magnum works well and has a very heavy handle. ( works as a blunt instrument) I don't want to deter you just be prepared and you will do great!!! Walk with confidence too!!!

I'd be too worried to carry a weapon in case it was used against me, I've never owned mace! Be careful

First of all, one of the best thing I learned in my martial arts training is, "Any weapon you take into a situation is a weapon that can be used against you."

Second, This is why I have a retainer fee. It gives me more security. The client knows, I won't show up if it's not paid & I just don't think someone is going to pay me 1/2 the party fee to mug me. My contract says, "for security reasons entertainers do not carry cash so please have exact change." It also says, "entertainers reserve the right to leave an event or party if there is any illegal activity or they feel like they are in danger. Examples would be, weapons, drugs, excessive drinking, violent behavior. All money will still be owed." I once had a lady & man try to start fighting & the birthday mom looked at them & said, "She'll leave if you don't stop & I'll still have to pay her!"

I like that Linda, safetly clause.

Thank you for your quotes, our work is also about going to work with people who we don't know in places we dont know, and sometimes that can be a issue, I talked with the lady, and she told me the area was safe, but anyway I am taking with me my cousin and his friend ( hubby has to stay with the kids), I don't want to risk my self, so I just told her I will bring my helper, thank you so much for your concern and your advises.

Linda what you do is totally grate, I also ask for deposit, and she made the deposit on time, and like my weapon I always use my keys between my fingers when I walk alone, just in case we never know