talkmagic.co.uk

just been asked to do a walkround close up-gig

60-70 people, for 2 hours, 7-9 on a friday night, for a 50th anniversary

What would you recomend charging roughly for something such as this?

Although I regularly do performances, I rarely do them for cash.

The client had somebody from the magic circle last year, and said that that was a huge success, and hope to have me this year.

They also would like the option to extend.

What price do you believe, roughly, would be suitable?

I would rate myself very good and entertaining for adults, having done regular performances for them.

Cheers people! I just have no idea how much to quote, really!

I am not sure how this equates in pounds vs. canadain dollars, but for two hours of roaming I charge $225 canadian

How far are you having to travel?

If it's in the Reading area ( not too far for you to travel)then I'd go in at between £200 to £250 for two hours and judge their reaction. This is about the going rate and you will usually run over by 15 to 20 minutes anyway so you can sell this as a bonus. Any further afield then you will also need to start considering your travel expenses and travel time.

If they had someone from the Magic Circle last time then you can bet that they would have charged a minimum of £300 for a 2 hour slot.

Oh, and good luck!

it's always a hard thing to think of

you want enough to make it worth your while..but not too much so as to scare them off

That's the rate that I usually charge for 2 hours and very rarely does it scare them off. Most people expect that sort of rate anyway, particulalry if they have hired a decent magician before.

If them hum and harr about it then you need to do a bit more selling. Show the a few tricks, sort of an audition and you should soon have them convinced. If they are really going to expect you to work for a couple of hours with your levels of skill then you need to ask if you really want the work and be prepared to tell them that they can get cheaper but they will be taking a risk.

They will have paid several hundred pounds for a disco and more if they have a band. I often tell people that the evening will not be remembered for the disco but it will be remembered for some time for the magic.

Also consider telling them that you have someone else who is interested in booking you for that night so they need to make their mind up quickly.

I'd agree with dat, £100 an hour is a good benchmark. Before coming up with this as my own price structure I did a bit of research and asked a few other working guys and decided that it was about right for my level of ability and experience. So far I've found it to be acceptable, only once have I been turned down due to price.

Unfortunately, I have to take my age into account. Many people wouldn't expect a 17 year old to be any good and actually worth the money

wear a nice long beard instead...

never mind the age, feel the quality...thats what my uncle used to say..he's in prison now mind you

as moodini does this kinda work alot, i'd say go with him...hundred or so notes per hour...travelling expenses on top...

Unfortunately, I have to take my age into account. Many people wouldn't expect a 17 year old to be any good and actually worth the money

Don't sell yourself cheap. Would young Wayne Rooney accept half as much because of his age, or price himself accordingly based on his talent?

true enough. I've said £150, plus £75 an hour on top of that. All there is now to do is wait

I would personally charge £200-£250 aswell based on the requirements and this fee I believe would represent an average wage from alot of others aswell. To make the night successful thoe you have to charge how much you feel you are worth because if you charge to low you will already be going into the night feeling a bit down and that's not a good start but if you charge how much you feel your worth then the potential bookers will get the biggest bang from there buck because your confidance is up, you have a descent fee and you will feel you need to put on a good show to actually prove your worth. Good luck with it anyway beard

yep! £200 - £250 at the lowest.

problem is, they only saw me when i was pi$$ing about at the Harry Potter launch in the cue...and that was effectively my audition, not my best stuff

So I can;t charge too high based on what they saw

Any chance of going to them and showing them a rough idea of what you would be doing in your walk around? (or send them a video etc.) So that you can justify a higher price?

not really...gig is next week, and im working tomorrow, friday, sat, sun, mon, and school tues, wed, thurs, fri