Selling Leads

OK, here is my problem. I have been getting request from all over the US. From to Texas to Arizona to Illinois. I am located in Southern Indiana, close to Louisville, KY. I would have to charge these people a lot of money just in travel expenses. So usually I just tell them they are out of my service area. I really hate to let a good lead go to waste, and so I have been just giving them away. But I the one who spent the time and money to get the lead without getting the gig. So my question is should I charge a small fee, if I give the leads out? Or even contract with other face painters?
Thanks
Stacey

Of course you should try and get a cut, but can I ask what type of marketing you are doing to get leads from so far out of your service area?

I can't see someone paying for a lead unless it is an actual job. You could consider becoming an agent if you are getting tons of leads, but there are pitfalls to that.

Maybe a more targeted campaign is in order so that you get more leads that you can convert instead of worrying with the others?

I am listed on several party planning sites. I have listed on the sites Southern, Indiana and Louisville, KY areas and will travel up to 60 miles. I also have some printed ads in our local directories. Someone also mentioned to make sure they were legit, but how do you know?

I often get inquiries from outside my area... I just refer them onto painters I know in the area or to directories that actually list specific locations. It is just a courtesy to refer them to other painters... and I get referrals back too.

Personally, I wouldn't think about a "cut" or "selling the lead" ... it's just good karma to refer the work on if it is outside my area.

How much time and money would be spent to get these leads??? I get inquiries and it is all from free directories and reciprocal links so other than a few minutes to type information I haven't really spent any time and no money on getting them.

I've had lots from Southern California, all over Canada, South Africa, the UK...

Some of the sites, charge a monthly, yearly fee for the listing. Some of them I think I am going to cancel, because it's not worth it. I do believe in give a little, get a little. Which is what I have been doing. I am trying to change my marketing. I just had some postcards printed and I am going to try that route.