talkmagic.co.uk

I never said to book the shows when calling around, just ask what they do and what they charge for it. The people called will just think that it was another potential customer that decided to go another way. No one is offended by that.

Actually they are, it's very annoying when we get calls that usually we can tell are fake calls just trying to get price info. It is much preffered for fellow magicians to be honest and admit who they are and why they are calling. I certainly give far more help when they do that and I know others do the same.

I have been reading the bit about places that are put off by bad magicians.
I wish there was a proper ranking system for magicians.

as for what to charge...find out what a restayurant is willing to pay...then work out how good you are (be honast) and see if it is right, if not, suggest the price you wish to work for and if they say no then leave!
Do not degrade yourself by bargining with them.

I don't do restaruants, I don't need to and I don't like doing them anyway. yes you get experience but it is often not a good one.

I find when people ring me and ask what i charge they always appear to be very shocked that a 'Magician' can cost so much. if people argue, tell them to hire a bouncy castle and see if it is as elegant and skillful for their evening as they would have liked.

Good Luck with your venture.

Steve Dela

Steve Dela wrote:as for what to charge...find out what a restayurant is willing to pay...then work out how good you are (be honast) and see if it is right, if not, suggest the price you wish to work for and if they say no then leave!

Do not degrade yourself by bargining with them.

...if people argue, tell them to hire a bouncy castle and see if it is as elegant and skillful for their evening as they would have liked.

Wow.
Is it normal to be this aggressive when looking for business? It shocks me to read Steve's post above. No bargaining or negotiation? I've assumed that negotiation is one of the key elements of any new business, whether you're established or not. Surely bargaining shows you are of sound business mind?

I know, I know - "and don't call me Shirley..."

Zack,
Yes bargining is a big part of getting work unless you have an agent and a manager... I am not saying don't I am saying don't go out for less than you want or are worth.

only do it if you are scraping about for work.

Steve Dela

Steve wrote:

Yes bargining is a big part of getting work unless you have an agent and a manager... I am not saying don't I am saying don't go out for less than you want or are worth.

Whilst I agree in principle - does this present a bit of a dilema for the person who's just beginning to perform for a fee?

People often think that they are better than they are and particularly early on, you sometimes need a reality check. Ruining someones birthday of wedding reception when you're a third of the way through a paid performance is not the time or place for the reality check to happen.

Is it right to do a few performances for free and without liability, just to see if you're cut out for it before you start charging a fee? Is is right to just start performing and charge the same as a veteran performer and take a risk? I don't have the answers to these questions and the only person who can answer is perhaps yourself.

One thing for sure, DO NOT underestimate what is required to stand up as a magician and deliver an entertaining performance. If you're not sure about your ability then you're not ready and if you fail, you not only fail yourself, part of you is failing all magicians who are earning a living from magic.

Dat,
I alomst agree with most of what you say. If a magician is not good enough to perform then they should hold back untill they are.

It is best to seek the advice of other pro magicians to find out what they think you are worth.

Being a magician is a very responcible job as you are there to entertain and ensure people enjoy themselves.

Steve Dela

In seeking advice from other pro magicians - always consider joining your local magic club! You should find a few seasoned performers there.

I fully agree that it is a responsible job!

www.magicweek.co.uk has a list of all local magic clubs in the UK, check them out.

I am in 3 local clubs as well as 2 others.
The nice thing is, if you are one of the best, you get passed on work that other magicians can't do.

Steve Dela

Magic Week has a list of all local magic clubs in the UK, check them out.

Actually, as good as Magic Week is (and it is good), its list of magic societies isn't complete as it only contains those with websites.

For a complete list of ALL UK magic societies you would need to visit
Regional List of All UK Magic Societies