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JamesinLA Inner circle Los Angeles 3400 Posts |
How have you handled this situation?
Here's what just happened to me. A new corporate client calls me cold. They want three hours at a holiday party, 3 companies will be there, I can charge top dollar, get a lot of exposure. Only problem. I'm already booked for a 2 hours adult b-day party that same night for only 2 hours at 2/3s of the rate. Had to tell them no. Broke my heart. Going to give it to a friend and get a percentage. 20% or so. I had already gotten the deposite from the first booking. Too late to back out. After I hung up it hit me. Wish there had been a way to back out but I guess there's not. Has this ever happened to you? How have you handled it? thanks. Jim
Oh, my friend we're older but no wiser, for in our hearts the dreams are still the same...
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RobertBloor Inner circle The Socialist Republic of the USA. 1051 Posts |
Jack of All Trades, Master of Nothing.
And this ladies and gentlemen is the reason it's not possible to mix and match, doing both birthday parties AND corporate work together. Become a specialist. Pick one or the other. Robert Bloor
"That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government,"
-The Declaration of Independence |
mrmystic Regular user Chicago 200 Posts |
Jim, you did handle it the right way. You got the client what they wanted, you got work for your friend, you are still makeing money off both shows and you let the client know how helpful and in demand you are.
I would say to the client, "I am very much in demand this time of year and am already booked for that evening, but I would be happy to help you find and other quality entertainer. I only work with the top people. Please keep me in mind for future events and call as early as possable. I look forward to working with your company." You just became the companys goto guy for entertainment and still was able to keep your other client happy. |
Joe Howard Loyal user The Peoples Republic of Massachusetts 204 Posts |
Good post Jim,
It happens to me every so often. I always take the bird that was in the hand and try to find someone else for the newer, better gig. I think you did the right thing. ( then again, you don't see me living in a mansion, do ya?) I won't book private parties ahead of time in December, unless I get my corporate /holiday rate, even then, I'd rather not do it, but at least the money is there. I tell them that it is a very busy time of year, and I perform at some really large events. If they want to call me that week, if I am still open, I can perform for them. Usually they've already booked someone by then, but through the years I've had a few last minute fill in shows. I wouldn't dwell on it too long. You're a good guy, and things have a way of working out for the good guys. Joe H |
Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
20% don't call me. I don't charge, or pay for referals my concience won't allow it, because I answer to a higher authority.
Al
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/ "Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone" |
Bigmac New user 72 Posts |
I don't know if I understand Al's reply. The referral to a friend with regrets that you are already booked (book early next time) and the payment of referral fees are just good business practices. I never demand a referral fee but I always offer one when I am referred a job. I've had several clients come back to me for the next event just out of appreciation of my professionalism and gratitude for a good referral. I've also received the benefit of cross referrals from others to whom I've referred jobs.
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James Munton Inner circle Dallas, TX 1199 Posts |
Jim,
Take it as a sign you are doing well. It happens. You did exactly the right thing. Hey Robert, I respectfully disagree. Of course it is possible to do both birthday parties and corporate work. Actually, most of us full-timers do so very successfully. By the way, what are you a master of exactly? Al, My higher authority is my wife and she says "take the referral fee!" Best, James |
Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
I have been known to trade up for the better job, but I will never charge a fellow performer, and James is right on several points.
1. When you I am really bussy I don't need a pay check from every phone call I receive. 2. I am not a religous fellow, but the nun's left me with an undenieable concience. 3. I also fear my 90lb. wife more than anyone. 4, Jugglers are a much tighter fraternity, because there are so few of us. JamesinLA By all means take the money. My problem is 12 years of Catholic school. Al
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/ "Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone" |
Bill Nuvo Inner circle 3094 Posts or 2742 Posts |
This is why I have people that work for me. If a better gig comes along I will go do it while the other gig gets one of my employees. Unless a client has specifically asked for me (which doen't always happend in the smaller parties), my employees are well trained to perform all kinds of gigs. It is also understood that when people call, I tell them I have a magician available and that the magician can change with a suitable replacement as per contract.
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Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
Jim,
CONGRATS!! You showed incredibe integrity! I am glad to see the post. You did exactly what you needed to. Like Al I would not charge the 20% but that is only a matter of preferance, not ethics. You will be rewarded for this type of behavior in the long haul. Keep on keepin on buddy!
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
kenscott Inner circle 1869 Posts |
JIm
Ditto on above statments you did the right thing Jim. As far as the 20% I think you should get that or more. My thoughts are if you get the call then they saw you which means someone got you from an ad that you paid for. If you handle the job and have to do the office work then you should get a fee for your friend doing the job. I have jobs before where I have sent somebody else in place of me and the people do get upset. If people see you they more than likely want you as they have seen you work. Ken |
JamesinLA Inner circle Los Angeles 3400 Posts |
Thanks, everyone. I feel better about it. You guys are great. It's a good type of problem to have. Mr. Bill, I think that's the way Silly Billy does it. I think he's got lots of people who work for him.
Jim
Oh, my friend we're older but no wiser, for in our hearts the dreams are still the same...
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Allan Elite user 405 Posts |
If you are booked, you are booked. Honor the show you have accepted even if the contract has not yet been signed. Nothing worse than a bad reputation.
As far as a referral fee, you are entitled, the show was meant for you & you book it for someone, there is no reason not to make something on it. I used to just send the shows on to another magician, but an older wiser magician insisted on paying a referal fee to me. His reasons made a lot of sence. Hear is what he said."We are friends and we are also in business. If we just give the referral, as time goes on we may realize that we have given more than we have gotten. That can lead to bad feelings. The best way to handle it is to always pay and always recieve a referral fee. That way nobody is keeping count & everyone is happy. Lets treat our business as a business & our friendship as a friendship. by separating the two & handling them as two separate things we will all gain & stay happy" It made sence to me & I have handled referral that way ever since. |
Bill Nuvo Inner circle 3094 Posts or 2742 Posts |
I always tell people who they are getting. Even if I can't do it because of an illness or whatever. I just don't let someone show up without the client knowing. When they are booking, I put on the contract who they are getting.
And as I said above too, you should have a contract clause that states that if we can't perform for whatever reason we will provide a replacement of equal or greater quality at no extra charge. It's proffessional and it just eases the customer's mind. I can't tell you how many times I have gotten a call from people who have had a performer (mostly DJing) cancel just before a gig and left them high and dry. |
Chance Inner circle 1385 Posts |
I agree with all those who appreciate your integrity, Jim. Well done. There are some that would have ditched the lower paying gig by calling in sick or something, or even given that one to a friend and kept the better one for themself. The percentage is very fair, IMHO. It is also fair that any subsequent bookings born off that gig go to you and not your sub.
Chance |
JamesinLA Inner circle Los Angeles 3400 Posts |
Thank you, everyone!
Jim
Oh, my friend we're older but no wiser, for in our hearts the dreams are still the same...
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