Lee Smith wrote:I usualky keep away from these threads. Most of the time it just opens a big can of worms. Nearly all the professionals I speak to or give work to will start pricing at £350-£450 some will be more and this is (START) price depending on location and number of guests? Fees For trade shows are usually around £800-£2.000+ per day. And most have seperate fees for weddings. Most will be the same as a corporate fee and will normally all be for 2-3hrs (except trade shows) I don't deal with cabaret so not sure how much more that would be?
Residences will be a lot chaper but still consistant.
It will depend on weather the magician thinks they are worth the fee, are established enough or can deliver to the client and make sure they get their money's worth? I myself get really fed up with having to battle with people on pricing as the Magician last year did it for x amount (usually around £150)
If we all keep are fees up we will all be busier and have more work to share around.
I understand some are not full time and don't want to charge the standard professional rate or brcause its beer money for some. I know some semi pro magicians that charge the going rate and are busier than a lot of the pro's. This is because they are good at what they do and keep the fees up. When people ring around the give the same price as the pro's and sell themselves well. I would never have a problem with losing a booking to any one that has all the credentials and charges the correct fee.
But the undercutting is a big problem (as in any industry)
Ring any of the top magicians and book them. I gaurentee you will get a min of £350+ thats if they are free.
Just my two cents and im sure some of you will disagree.
Thanks for your input Lee, we have someone talking a lot of sense here now.
I know there are different charges throughout different parts of the country, my main issues are people undercutting in the same areas, that is a real no no from me.
I know Ive got no authority to tell people what to charge but com on all you workers, just charge the going rate.
Herts, Beds, Cambs is £350-£400 for 2hrs whether it be a wedding, corporate, Birthday party for me a 2 hr gig is a 2 hr gig , London for me is £400+
Residencies are normally £80-£120 for 2hrs, yes we all know this is below the usual fee, and it is not undercutting anyone, it is the going rate. but if you have a weekly slot or a twice weekly slot then this is regular money, with plenty of opportunities to give out your business cards and get some well paid gigs.
For me, my 45 min cabaret starts at £350, local (within 45 mins)of my home and £395 for up to 1 1/2 hrs and individual quotes for anywhere else.
Come on then all you workers lets all stick together and keep our rates at what they should be, and we shall get paid what we are worth.
DONT undercut, DONT undersell yourself Dont undersell the art of magic, and we will get along fine.
I now declare this can of worms, "WELL AND TRULY OPEN"
All the best
Steve
