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FacadeTheStiltBoy Elite user Greensboro NC 474 Posts |
Ok, last night my fiance and I were hit by a drunk driver and now for the most part doing shows is seriously put on hold for a while, in which I might have to cancel shows because of it.
Is there any way and what can I do to keep my promoters happy and still be able to recover from the losses? |
R.T. Regular user 107 Posts |
I would say be honest and explain the situation. Gurantee them that when you come back you will fulfill everything within your contract.
Hope everything is ok, and best of luck. |
afun14u Loyal user Tennessee 249 Posts |
I would explain to your clients what happened and get a fill-in for the shows you have booked...DON'T just cancel them the client (even for a good cause) will feel like they got a shaft. Sorry, but that's the hard truth. Their event is still going to happen and they have advertised a "Magician" was going to be there. Think from their shoes.
Just a thought Robert Jones
Empowering Kingdom Growth through Evangelistic Entertainment!
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NJJ Inner circle 6437 Posts |
Call around and find 3 magicians who can a) match your price and b) match your quality.
Call the clients and honestly explain the situation. See if there is anyway they can reschedule. If so, then reschedule and give them a small gift (bottle of wine etc.) for being so understanding. If not, then give them the number of the replacement performers. After the advertised date, call them up and ask how it went. |
joshlondon Regular user 169 Posts |
2 great posts above, I totally agree. Recently I was contracted for a huge speaking gig, but my grandma passed away 2 days before the gig. I called my client and said that I would have another speaker come out, luckily I have a few friends who speak. I got one to go out and just gave him the remainder of the balance, but I still got 50% of the speaking fee, so all was well.
Sometimes I think that as business owners we think of our clients as gods. Maybe they are; they clothe us, feed us, and put a nice roof over our heads. However, when it comes down to it they are people too. Just like you or me, they have stuff happen to them in their life which isn't good. So just talk to them like people and they will more than likely wish you well with no hard feelings. |
Salazar Magic Veteran user New Jersey 344 Posts |
They just got hit by a drunk driver. A bottle of wine may be the last thing they want to give as a gift.
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Lyndel Inner circle wrote the theme to the TV show COPS! 1623 Posts |
Good call Salazar...
I once got a client a bottle of wine and planned to give it to her when I flew in... During the flight I thought, "hmmm, what if she is a recovering alcoholic?" As it turned out, the situation was even worse than I had feared... Turned out the clients husband was a wine collector/aficianado... I felt two inches tall handing her the relatively inexpensive wine that I had purchased from my local grocer... Now, if I have to cancel a gig or need to make nice with a client, I go with a gift card/certificate from a nice restaturant. Some people don't drink, but everybody eats! Lyndel |
Skip Way Inner circle 3771 Posts |
Facade...this is a little late for your situation...and I hope you're both doing well. I offer this advice for our newer performers for future situations like yours. Best wishes!
One of the most common complaints I hear from new clients booking a last minute gig is, "The performer we booked just called and cancelled." In my opinion, that has to be the rudest and most damaging thing any performer can do to a client...regardless of the reason. Every performer should recognize that he or she is a mortal being to whom things can and will happen at the most inopportune moment. Planning ahead can minimize these problems. If you have to call a client...it should be with the name of a replacement, if at all possible...not a last minute bail-out. Network among other entertainers in your area...regardless of their specialty. Clowns, jugglers, storytellers, puppeteers, folk singers...get to know them. Arrange to cover one another in emergencies, as available. If you're lieing in a hospital, your client will be tickled to get any suitable replacement. I dislike using agents...but, keep lines open to the local agencies and offer to fill in for last minute performer losses...as available...in return for the same courtesy. I am personally part of a close network of six trusted performers. We fill in for each other, no questions asked, as available and needed. I have had situations where a higher priced entertainer has covered for me in the past...I cover the extra cost out of my pocket. It isn't the client's fault that I'm out of service and I'm still bound by our agreement. I honor it. I have also covered for entertainers in my area who charge considerably less...I accept their lower rate for the emergency gig...I consider it a professional courtesy. When you send a replacement, give the client the replacement's name, contact number and, if available, website. This is the professional thing to do. If an emergency happens, you've tried all of your planned emergency resources and you just can't find a replacement...you did your best. You checked the clown alleys, magic clubs, entertainment & party agencies and such. You tried to honor your commitment. Contact the client immediately and explain the situation. Offer some form of reasonable compensation. I missed a family's First Birthday party due to an unavoidable accident enroute. I had no time to arrange a replacement and had to call & cancel. The next day I sent a $50.00 gift certificate from a local baby store with a handwritten note. Since then, I've performed for this child's last three birthdays. Courtesy works. Skip
How you leave others feeling after an Experience with you becomes your Trademark.
Magic Youth Raleigh - RaleighMagicClub.org |
magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
I agree with Nicholas on this one. I have a small network of performers who I feel match in my price and the quality of show and service I present. I say small, because I know there are not many magicians and entertainers who I feel really match up to what I provide every time out.
This small group is my base network and we help each other out in good times and in bad. When one person can not do a gig, then we feel confident that we can still meet the needs of the client by having one of my friends sub in for me. The client is happy and I still am providing a service. Kyle
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
Allan Elite user 405 Posts |
I have reread your post and you do not say that either of you were hurt. If that is the case, take the advice already given and my best wishes for a speedy recovery.
If it is only your car that was hurt, borrow or rent a car or use public transportation. Don't miss the gig even if you lose money on them. They contracted with you & you should be there unless hurt. |
FacadeTheStiltBoy Elite user Greensboro NC 474 Posts |
Well here is the hard part, finding a magician is easy, but they wanted a swordswallower. The show is not at a house or an office, but a night club. My back and neck is jacked up, so I can't do a bed of swords, or the bed of nails. I'm having to cut out the acts that would hurt me if I bend in certian directions or lay down.
For the most part the promoter and I talked, and the stuff that I can do without breaking myself I can do, but everything else I'll have to cut out and I'll just get paid on a curve, the rest can go to lost wages. Thanks for the help guys. I did though get a replacement for some fire performers at least. (no poi or staff for me until I get better) |
Lyndel Inner circle wrote the theme to the TV show COPS! 1623 Posts |
Best wishes for a speedy recovery FacadeTheStiltBoy!
Lyndel |
FacadeTheStiltBoy Elite user Greensboro NC 474 Posts |
Thanks Lyndel.
I guess that I could go back to practicing to DJ, I just have to have my records on a desk instead of in the case on the floor. I just hate not being able to do squat until I get healed up. |
Big Jeff Loyal user 300 Posts |
I would add up the money you lose for any gigs you have to cancel or charge less for and add those $$$ to what the other guys insurance has to pay. If you had a regular hourly job and missed work they would have to pay.
TAKE THE DRUNK TO THE CLEANERS!!!!!! Big Jeff |
Chrystal Inner circle Canada/France 1552 Posts |
Hi,
I'm sorry to hear about what happened to you and your fiance'. What a awful turn of events it turned out to be for you. I hope the clients were understanding regarding you not being able to perform all your acts. Best of luck to you and wishing you a speedy recovery. Chrystal |
magicdoctor39 New user 14 Posts |
May you have a speedy recovery.I myself have a couple of magicians that I can call for back up if I need.so far I have'nt had the situation come up.thanks to all for great ideas if it does.
vonmagic.com
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FacadeTheStiltBoy Elite user Greensboro NC 474 Posts |
Hey thanks.
I know of a few magicians but definatly not many in my area. (Omaha Nebraska) But I never really got to hang out with them all too much so I don't know how they would work out. Swinging poi would definatly hurt, juggling hurts like all hell. I'm actually starting to dread this show. |
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