Hiring other face painters

I've run into the inevitable problem that someone wants to hire me but we're not "big" enough and would need to hire other painters. I told her (through email) I knew some other painters that I liked in the area and now she wants their numbers. I don't want to give her their numbers and honestly, at this late date I'm worried that they will be busy. (I'm calling them today)

I guess I feel a little weird for a couple of reasons. This is my old employer and so things are already a little awkward (although we all can still get along) but I don't want to be perceived as small apples because I've worked really hard to do everything right. Two, last year I know we (my old company) hired 3 face painters through one source but the only reason they weren't already booked was they didn't return her calls and I happen to connect with them at the right time.

I'd be tempted to let her call the other company and just tag along but only one of the face painters that was sent over last year with this agency was really good, one was okay but one was a PITA and complained the ENTIRE time about acrylic paints, "not going to do spiderman", "I can't do that design", etc. and I would die if I had to work in the same pavilion with her.

So, how have you handled other painters? Do you call for their rates and put that in a bid? Should I let her find other face painters and contract with them separately? Should I call them and say "they are paying $50 per hour + travel, are you willing?" I know from past experience the moaning and groaning that went on in our office when they heard that it would be $50 PER PAINTER! OMG! (Of course it was the best thing about the event!)

I was so excited to get the opportunity and now I'm bummed about it.

D.

In our area the artist with the contact usually does the booking, and to save stress usually says, "I have a low paying gig with long hours on (date and time) are you interested/available? That way, you get to work with those you like to work with and avoid uncomfortable situations, as everybody knows upfront what the deal is. I don't think anybody would have a problem for giving you a fee for booking it, and here sometimes it happens, and sometimes not. (I think usually depending on what bills are sitting unpaid on the kitchen table...hehe) Hope that helps! (It sure opens larger venues for you!) Have an idea how you want to handle business cards--whether everyone passes out yours, since it is your booking, which is preferable--and they can write their name on the back, and you could always sub-contract them out if they get calls from the event...but you have the client's info then.

ok this is a touchy subject - and as far as I have been able to work out - it's a case of each to their own.

This is how I handle it - When the client calls and asks for multiple painters I tell them I will need to check the scheduals of my painters.
I tell the client that I will make some calls and get back to them asap with numbers.
I call my local painters - now here thie thig - there a re a lot of painters where I am from... in a city a 6 mil it's not really a surprise that you would find 100 painters or so. Out of those.... let say 20 actually know what they are doing.
Then say out of the 20 there will be say 10 that use good products /have insurnace and a website.
Out of those there is about 5 that are in my price range ( or who charge the same rate as me) if they charge higher I can't use them.

Now you have a choice. My regular rate is $80 per hour. I can higher the other painters at $70 per hour and keep the extra as a booking and dealing with the client charge...... Most painters are happy with this as they appreciate you having to deal with the whole set up an payments etc.
Soemtimes I just feel nice and pay them the full $80 - becuase I like them and as I see it I could never do the job without their help - so it's a win win.
My husband does not like me doing that... he thinks I'm way too nice, but I see my other painters as collegues and we need each other to keep the industry at a standard.
I have worked for other for $50 per hour and would again if it was last min and I had no other bookings or plans..... oh and it's a min of 3 hours.
If am booking a 6 hour gig for mulitple painters I drop the hourly rate to $60 per hour.... so far everyone I have asked to come and paint with me has said yes and thankyou.
If it turns out you can't get the painters you need or ones you trust.... then let it go and know you tried your best.... and get networking so you can have a little group you are happy to work with.
If there aren't many around you consider holding a jam so you can meet the painters in the area.... or just go stalk their websites till you find one you like and headhunt....lol

Thank you for the thoughtful advice. I'm trying to figure out what to do and made a list of face painters that were even close but most of the ones that I could find on the internet are gig-eaters who employ multiple face painters themselves.

I did try to contact the two I was thinking of with no success so far. Got an answering machine so I sent an email instead and no response so far.

D.