How can you say No??

So i have no idea whats up with people and Feb 19th cuz ive had ALOT of people calling me asking if im available...i am completely booked that day...i even gave some gigs to my aunt who does this more as a hobby than a business...how crazy its been ive been given my competitions number away!...im not sure if thats bad for my business...i only know 3 people who face paint here where i live..one is the main girl and her rates are 70-80dls per hour...this other lady (whose number i gave) does 100dls per hour (these apparently have been in the business for a while)...my rates are 50dls per hour (planning on going up a little since i feel more confident now with my "skills") (might sound too low for some of you but remember depends on the area..and mine aint rich! lol)...anywhooo!..how do you tell someone youre not available? Maybe its me being new i guess i just have to get use to the fact that theres only One of you and you cant split into millions like ive wished sometimes! lol

-Thank you guys!

Abril, LOL did you know that you posted in Upcominig Events - North East? I think Texas is down south? Maybe repost for a better response?

ohhh no wonder!! LOL!!!

im new at posting stuff...but i know where i went wrong haha..i was reading another post..i dont remember which one and just clicked on new topic...i think thats how i ended up here...wow!! i feel so silly now! LOL

Thank you! hehe

I have also had to turn down offers because i was already booked.
I only recommend those whom i know reallllly well. and they are
my sister and neice.
I thank the person for contacting me and let them know that perhaps next year we can work on something but that my calendar is first come first serve so call early to reserve me!

I suggest you work out a subcontractor deal with your competitors. You book for yourself as you have been doing, and if you're full you have other facepainters you can get for a client for 120% of what the other facepainter will charge you to do the gig. They can do the same for you, book you for 120% what you are charging them. Everyone gets to keep the business that comes to them and help each other at the same time. I also strongly suggest that you are only willing to do this if they give you a discounted price. You can send a lot of business to them, but if the people can go to them directly for much cheaper they may just cut you out. For example, if the $100 an hour painter is willing to do business with you for $90 an hour, then you charge $110 an hour for the convenience of not having to go contact another vendor and start to work out a deal, everyone wins. customer is only paying $10 more than they would if they when directly to your competitor, competitor is only making $10 an hour less, and you get $20 per hour of the event for a phone call and some customer service.