Family discounts?

Hi everyone. So I have been facepainting for a good 2 years already and I think that I have gotten pretty good.

I started my rates at 50.00 per hour.but now raised to 60.00

my point is do you all give family discounts? I have a BIG family and they have ALOT of kids..lol. and they always want me to paint for them but never want to pay what I charge. so I end up giving them an hour for free. and they pay me for 1.

I wanted to stop doing this because when people ask them "oooh how much did she charge you,i want to get her for my kids party" they tell their friend "oh she only charged me 60.00. you should ask her she'll hook you up"

anyways just wanted to know if you all give family a discounted rate or charge them your regular price.

1.How about trade outs to make it more fair? "Sure, I can help with a discount, what night would you like to babysit/mow my lawn/send home a meal for my family?"

2. Explain that you have to take work that pays full price on the weekends & holidays (your work week) to help pay for the very expensive supplies and insurance--a party on a weekday when you are not booked would maybe work for you though.

3.You could institute a price only for siblings' kids, that doesn't go beyond immediate family, (subject to forfeiture if they tell someone you'll "hook them up").

4.Or you can take a non-confrontational way out & just be "booked" a few times (business is growing) & arrive late at the event to pay your respects.

NO WAY! first off I think you should raise your rates more than just $10. after 2 yrs. I NEVER offer a discount. I keep my prices fair and have no problem saying ‘no can do’ if people ask for a discount.

If you choose to offer them a discount, why a whole hour free? that means you were working for $25. an hour and that didn’t even include the time you spent commuting there and back and the time to clean your kit and prepare for the party, etc.

I have painted some bellies for free to get pics. I told them, if anyone asks just tell them someone bought it for you as a gift and you don’t know the cost, but give them my company name. They can look up the price on my website.

anniel wrote:1.How about trade outs to make it more fair? "Sure, I can help with a discount, what night would you like to babysit/mow my lawn/send home a meal for my family?"

AGREED! When a “non-profit” or “charity” asks for a discount I ask them where will they be advertising me in return. I don’t do free, but I’ll consider a discount if it benefits me in some way. Of course they will have to agree in writing as I’ve heard of some that promise to promote the business, then don’t.

My family loves me.
At least... I told them to love me.
My family pays full price.
The way to support your family members is to also honour their profession. My sister wrote a book. I bought the book on Amazon. I did not wait to hope to handed one for free. If I offer a gift of face painting, then that is up to me.

Happy Profitable Painting!

I have a family discount, but I only offer it when I want to. No one expects it. And I do NOT discount on weekend days for anyone.
Not even family.
My family discount is 25% off.