Holiday Rates

Does anyone charge higher hourly rates for face painting on holidays?

Only on New Year's Eve, Christmas Eve, Halloween, and Easter.

Happy painting!

Nope. My rate is my rate whenever I'm available.
If I don't want to make my regular rate on any given day, for any given reason, I am not available at all.

I rate at my discretion.dont really do hourly
depends how faraway, what my plans are, if I have bills to pay or shopping to do, how long the gig is, how many kids.

I will drive 2 hours if the pay is 300 minimum.on holiday, bump that to 550.

I do charge holiday rates. it is my belief that if you want me to give up my holiday then your going to pay me well for it.

I agree with Mike. On those big holidays, I would double the price.

Thank you for the input everyone! I haven't had requests for holiday gigs until this year. I've been trying to decide if I should charge time & 1/2 or double plus charge a travel fee... You've helped me decide especially since I'll have to stay in a hotel if I accept this gig.

I always charge a travel fee.the very rare time I make an exception is if I already have a gig that day, and this gig is right up the street from my house.

hotel cost would definitely be added on to the bill, along with any food.

hotel costs are part of travel expenses. the time you spend away from home should all be taken into consideration.

I haven't worked a New Years Eve event for painting yet, but I am wondering if you charge double your rate to any client (Repeat clients), or just new ones? Do they ever question it if they are someone you have worked for previously (not on a holiday) or do they pretty much expect it because of the holiday?

great question.
the clients understand so far...my repeat clients so far have said "I understand if you can't because it's a holiday" to which I respond "actually, I can, but the holiday rate would be *blah blah blah*"


my discretion....kinda like how I choose which non profit to volunteer for free, or which one I send a quote to.

I just can't imagine placing a specific price when there are so many variables.  If the event is outdoors in extreme weather, that is simply going to cost me more.  If I have to bring my own table and the whole shebang, that is going to cost more.  If I will be in the car driving longer than I will be working, that is going to cost more....and if the client has a problem, they can shop around for someone closer who doesn't celebrate family holidays.


The way I present it, "Spin it", is I sell myself as a cheaper rate on off peak weekends....that way they are saving money on ME, and I am still booked with my holiday still available-and if I DO get booked that day, it is definitely financially worth my while.

I will ask for the client to provide a hotel room. I don't know why it makes it seem cheaper, but often businesses have relationships and they can get a room nicer/cheaper than I could. I have a lodge I stayed at (and brought the kids/husband) I love when jobs can double as family vacations!!