Rate for a Halloween party?

Do you charge a different rate during the holiday periods? I received an inquiry about a Halloween party and was wondering what I should charge (approx 3 hours, 40 or so kids). It is for a company, in Manhattan, not an individual. Does that make a difference? I'm so used to promotions, and giving things away free, that it's hard for me to actually ask for money or decide on a rate!

Also what are the hands down most popular designs at Halloween? Traditional ones or more trendy? Thanks for any help!!!

Halloween is our retailer version of 'Christmas'. I'd set an hourly rate and ask for it. If they were potential repeat clients all year long, maybe you could give a small discount. But since it's a party, I'm sure they will budget you in!

During October, the highest bidders get the best days!

Heather what do you do then if another higher bidder comes in, if you agree to a low rate far in advance (have not done so, jw...they have only sent the price inquiry). I HATE to break a commitment and probably couldn't bring myself to do so...I actually once turned down a promo gig once that paid DOUBLE the one I had scheduled! October 28th is the date though...

Depends what time of day.

Last year I did a 2-hour gig in the morning at the store for my regular rate, and then took appointments the rest of the day.

This year I am taking appointments all day as it is a Saturday - but I would take an early gig at regular rate. If they wanted me in the afternoon or evening... I'd have to think about it. I like doing the party goers up to match their costumes! I charge $25 for adults, $15 for teens ad $10 for under 12 at my home studio for face painting - sfx, blood, hair are additional cost.

The only days I would charge an extra premium for are Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

So far, fortunately, I've not had any schedule conflicts...

However, I have not required depostis yet either....alot of my clients are my TKD school (so they would not 'stiff me') and Churches!

If the event is near a busy holiday, I will tell them to give me a non refundable deposit to 'for sure' hold the date, otherwise that date is only 'on hold for 'first dibs' and not 'theirs'until I receive a deposit.

If I had a date on hold, and got a much better offer, I will call the first client and give them the option to go ahead and place a deposit to hold it. If they won't do that, then I go with the next client...or so is my plan. It's a small town I live in and most don't want to write out a deposit check, they just want to pay when you are actually there...so if they want to stick to that plan, then they risk loosing me that date! But fortunately I've not had to enforce it yet.

Once I have the deposit and contract it is confirmed. I have never, and will never, pass on work when something better comes along.

I worked as a "temp" for years for multiple agencies and it was always the first call that got me. I never cancelled - it wasn't worth my reputation OR the loss of work that would result from letting an agency or client down.

Put a deadline for receipt of the contract/deposit in your terms. If you haven't received it back in time, make one follow-up call - most times it arrives promptly after that. If not, then you are open and available.

Shannon said it much better, but yeah, that!

Great to know, thanks! Is there a specific way to word a contract or just basically "_______ agrees to pay _________ X amount for X hours of work on X date" type deal?

Even if I don't get the job offer, this info is really important to know I guess...I didn't even think about contracts and all that! Guess I am just a bit too trusting, haha.

Thank you again!!!!

check out shannon's web pages, she's got great examples of contracts. You can probably check out the snaz site for contracts.

If you ever ran into a situation where you were already booked, try to find someone else to do the job if you can... even if you don't take a cut, you are establishing a very professional reputation.

I would charge your decided hourly rate... if you get more bookings on the same day but a different time, you could charge progressively more as the day goes on, just a thought. I haven't had any halloween bookings before, but I might try to work something out with my daughter's school or something.

There are some forms on my free resources page... also my CDs have all sorts of business forms for face painters including different types of contracts, etc.

I don't change my rate... I'm already the most expensive person in town, so I just charge what I always do. Besides, there's never any worry that I'm not gonna get jobs or whatever... Halloween always books up!