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Donald Dunphy Inner circle Victoria, BC, Canada 7563 Posts |
Yes, I covered emailing rates in my post. That can be by autoresponder or regular email, or even access to a hidden page online. I've mentioned David Farr's Amazing System in many posts, so I'm familiar with it although I don't use it myself. In fact, I was once on a webinar where both David Farr and Brad Ross told me to put my rates behind a form on my website (they disagreed with me having my rates out in the open), so the customer has to give me their email address in order to get that info from me. But I feel that I don't need their email address or contact info in order to quote rates online for a birthday (I will ask for their name and some other details when they call)... I'm not interested in putting the prospect onto an email list, mailing list, phone list, or into my database, just because they ask about a birthday show.
I only really need that info if they book a show. I put my birthday show options and rates, birthday show FAQs, and birthday party tips right out in the open (BTW, that's not an invitation for other magicians to swipe my website content). Also, for rates outside your normal area, this is easy enough. Simply say on your webpage that these rates are for shows in a certain area, and say that you do shows in other areas, and that they'll have to call for those rates. Also, I wouldn't worry about a customer objecting to you changing your rates on your website one week to the next. I've never encountered that problem, but if I did, I would simply point out that they should have called at that time when they were first interested. After all, you can't get a drink at McDonald's for the same price today, as it was a week ago. If it was on sale then, it was on sale then. If it was a day later, then I might honour the old rate because they mentioned it. Whenever I quote rates in a mailing, I simply state the date on the letter, and say that the rates are only valid if they call within 60 days. Obviously, this doesn't apply to a website, but people realize that rates can change from time to time. - Donald P.S. If you haven't quite figured it out, yes I do like doing birthday shows. I do them well, offer good value, and I have happy customers. But I think that some performers work way-y-y too hard to get those types of shows, with hiding their rates behind a form, repeat emails in response to an inquiry, use of adwords, etc. Also keep in mind that I'm not really asking for advice about how I generate my birthday bookings. I'm happy with what I have and how it works for me. That is why I mentioned that I've been doing it this way for the past 2 or so years. If I wanted something different, I would change it or ask for advice. And again, it might not work for everyone else. Some people want to hear from every prospect (whether that means a phone call or a website form that is filled out). An autoresponder, etc. might work fine for others.
Donald Dunphy is a Victoria Magician, British Columbia, Canada.
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Ken Northridge Inner circle Atlantic City, NJ 2392 Posts |
I agree with Donald's birthday party strategy and the reasoning behind it. Many times the birthday mom doesn't want to play games by filling out forms, etc., etc. Just give her what you do, the price, your availability and some glowing testimonials. I love it when people call me and say, "I was just on your web site and I want to book!"
I love the birthday party market too and hope to be entertaining at parties when I'm 80. Why not? My only problem is those hot shot young magicians that pop up every now and then. You know, the ones that are on their way to being the next David Copperfield....just like I once thought!
"Love is the real magic." -Doug Henning
www.KenNorthridge.com |
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Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
I'm with you Ken
I will be making the little kiddies laugh until I'm 85 or until my legs quit on me.
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/ "Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone" |
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tacrowl Inner circle Maryland 1633 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-03-05 16:32, Donald Dunphy wrote: Donald - I wasn't advising you - I was merely pointing out another option - since you wrote the post I was referring to, I addressed it to you. I felt it may be an option for the discussion. And you are correct, I missed the email option you mentioned - results of a quick read. My apologies if you thought it was advice on your business practices. Personally, I haven't been in the birthday party market since 1987 - so if putting your fees on your web site works for you - who am I to say differently? Tom |
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Donald Dunphy Inner circle Victoria, BC, Canada 7563 Posts |
Gotcha. Even though your comment was addressed to me, it was meant for everyone. I'm sure there are other readers on the thread who didn't know about it, and who might benefit from it.
- Donald
Donald Dunphy is a Victoria Magician, British Columbia, Canada.
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Siraldi Regular user Johnson City, Tennessee 102 Posts |
I usually do a 40 minute show and balloon animals for birthday parties. Between the 2 that's usually an hour. But I always tell me customers that I really appreciate them and if the kids are still dying to see some stuff after I'll do some close up stuff for them. This is the job I've wanted my entire life; so I make sure every customer is happy (when possible) and stick around a little if needed. I usually don't have to; but by telling them I'm willing to work a little extra I usually leave them with a good feeling.
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