What do you make of this?

There is a business in my city that has an ad on Kijiji (similar to Craigslist) for a 1.5 hr party that includes:

facepainting
balloon twisting AND
a juggling show

for upto 20 kids. They are currently offering this party for $90.00!!!! I get that I am new to this whole thing, but it seems imposible to me to paint, juggle and perform for 20 kids in that time frame. What am I missing?

are they wanting someone to do ALL of those things?
Would they hire different people for $90 each?

You could always do pre-made balloons--all girls get a flower and all boys a sword---

Do masks or eye designs

Juggle balloons or scarves, then when trying to juggle other objects just drop everything---"That's all Folks!!"

Sounds a little hard to do all that (or for me-just the face painting) in an hour and a half!!

Oh, my Goodness!
I cannot make dinner and answer the phone at the same time.

Wow!
They must be able to paint each face in 20 seconds.

They must be way better painters than I!
They should be hired.

xoxo

There was a clown that did an hour princess party here - dress up, face painting, story telling and game... in an hour. The face painting consisted of dots across the forehead I was told by a customer who hired ME the following year.

amylady, they are offering this service, not looking to hire for it.

Again, I know that I am new to this game, but I can't imagine that there would be quality work being offered. that said, I don't know how anyone could compete with that rate!

how do you justify charging just that, or in my city, in some cases, a little bit more for just face painting? How do you compete with that rate?

You cannot compete with that rate.
Your work and artistry are what will be sought after. You do not want to work for those people who do not appreciate you or you talent. They do not understand that quality supplies and amazing artwork is worth paying for.

A woman wanted me for two hours on New Year's Eve 2011, and, upon hearing my hourly rate said, "I don't know why you are charging so much, you aren't doing anything anyway. I can get a Craigslist painter for $35/hour." I told her that she should hire the Craigslist painter, they are worth every penny.

I don't want the client who does not appreciate my work. I cannot compete with their price of $35/hour, and they cannot compete with my style of work.

Happy, Prosperous Painting!

Excellent words of wisdom! Thanks Lisa!