Those of us that do this professionally are in "show business". The business part is what puts food on the table. So I thought I'd pose this question:

What are some ways to make money at a gig after you've already booked the gig beyond your fee?

I'll throw in my two cents once we get a dialogue going.

Bor
Back of room sales

Mark,

What would you sell?

Stelling tricks at the table?

I mean selling tricks at the table?

Autographed photos,tee shirts,basic magic dvds

Back of the room sells is a great one.
Booking a private lesson with the birthday person or Staff members is another.
Booking a package deal for future engagements.
Asking to work overtime at the end of your performance.
Any others?

FYI... I do one of the gags out of my Bamboozler books and mention what's inside each book.
Afterwards I have a Square credit card reader and typically sell a few books.

Jim what is a square creditcards reader?
Brehan

http://squareup.com
or
http://www.paypal.com/here

Take credit card sales anywhere, anytime.

It works on the iPad as well. I believe PayPal offers a credit card reader now as well. I'm not sure which company provides the best rate though.

That's Great gizmo

What would a typical packege deal look like?
I like this topic!
Thanks jim

There's lots one could sell. Posters. Pics. Tshirts. Instructional DVDs (that teach beginner magic). Books or booklets. I take my Bamboozler books because they are small.

When doing big family functions where there are a lot of kids. I'll give out signed bookmarks that have my pic and business info during the show. At the end of the show I'll announce that if the kids form an orderly line then I'll give each of them a signed bookmark. Also I have some magic booklets that teach 50 tricks with things around the house. The booklets are $5.00. About every third kid will buy a book but every kid gets a free bookmark.

When I said package deal... let's say you just closed the deal on the phone for a company's award picnic. You can ask, "Do you have another event coming up or a holiday party?" If yes is the answer you could say, "Book me for both and I'll knock $100 off the price." Just an example.

Overtime is the one that has put the most money in my pocket.
Most strolling gigs are two hours.
At the end of the two hours, if I haven't made it to everyone, I'll say to the host,
"My time has expired. Everyone was great. Unfortunately I didn't make it to everyone.
Would you like me to work longer? I'd be happy to do so."
Half of the time they say, "Yes."
I did not ask that question until about ten years ago.
So for 16 years I was missing out on money that was right in front of me.
Also, I have a large repertoire.
So even if I have made it to everyone and they just don't want me to leave, I know I can show them more.
Also carry more on you than what you need for your show. Be prepared.
I have a commando act in the trunk of car if I ever need it.

I always do my overtime for free!
But not anymore Thanks jim

Brehan. A little bit is okay. I too try to give 110%. But if you know that they need or want a lot more, then charge for your time.

This brings up another point. I have never in my professional career over the last 26 years performed for tips. Nor will I ever. I think that when someone works for tips only that they are telling the client that their time is worth nothing. The client then assumes that perhaps all magicians, other than the famous ones, that their time too is worth nothing. Thus making it next to impossible for another magician to work there for pay sometime later.

I'm not saying that one shouldn't take tips. That is at your disgression. But I think magicians, clowns, balloon artists, whom ever should always expect some type of wage.

Intuit offers a credit card reader too.