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Four Jokers Magician New user 36 Posts |
What do you charge for really good walk around and bar magic at resturants. Do you just work off tips? What are the rates?
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Paddy Inner circle Milford OH 1571 Posts |
Do NOT even THINK about working for "just tips." If you aren't good enough to get paid then you're not good enough to perform. And the reverse is true also, if the restaurant is not good enough to pay you they are'nt worth performing at. The only exception that I can think about is a ONE (count 'em ONE) night audition. You are going to hear from some of us that say "don't accept tips at all." I believe in taking tips myself just not relying on them for my income.
As to what to charge that will depend on where you are located. New York City rates would get you laughed out of Keokuk Iowa and you couldn't live on the rates they pay in Bismark ND if you lived in Chicago. But do not work for "just tips," you're better than that. Peter |
Peter Marucci Inner circle 5389 Posts |
Four Jokers,
Paddy has it right: Don't even THINK about just tips. If a tip is offered, I refuse it the first time but accept it the second; it's very often the only way the customer has of saying thanks and to refuse it too often would be rude. But to rely on tops is even worse! A rule of thumb of what to charge is to estimate what a table for two would spend for dinner and drinks then double that for a nightly rate (about two hours -- no more). That way you can tell the owner/manager (and there's no point in talking to anyone else) that you only have to attract two tables for him/her to break even. |
bishthemagish Inner circle 6013 Posts |
Bill Goldman once said to me a person performs in a place for two reasons... Business contacts or tips... What they pay you really doesn't matter - but they SHOULD PAY YOU!
So get something.
Glenn Bishop Cardician
Producer of the DVD Punch Deal Pro Publisher of Glenn Bishop's Ace Cutting And Block Transfer Triumphs |
briantwig New user 78 Posts |
Being that magic is a hobby for me and I don't need the income to live off of I get $125 for two hours walk around and a meal.
Paddy, in Paul Wilson's "The Restaurant Act" he talks about tips. He says you should refuse the tip and tell them to leave it for their server but if it is a LARGE tip then take it. I agree with this. Especially since servers seeing you get tips could lead them to believe that they are getting shorted on their tips because some of it is going to you. Wether it is true or not, they will perceive it that way and possibly complain to management that you are costing them money. If they see you telling customers to leave it for the server, they will appreciate it and be less likely to complain about it for any perceived issues you might be causing them. Some say never work for free, except possibly a one night audition. I work for free several times a year at large charity events. Doing anywhere from 2 to 4 hours of work on the following conditions 1) They are charities or organizations I support 2) I require that I get billing in the events program as well as an ad in the program if it has ads 3) I do a several effects over and over and over again that end with the spectator or several spectators ending up with some of my marketing material. Such as Paul Green's "Jepordy" and some business card magic |
Paddy Inner circle Milford OH 1571 Posts |
Quote:
On 2004-05-28 16:17, briantwig wrote: On the first part about tips, Paul Wilson, you and I will have to agree to disagree about taking tips. I do accept them and make very good money doing so. As to the servers, without exception, they all tell me, and more importantly the managers, that their tips are better when I am there. The customers are entertained and happy and are more generous to me and to them. The second re: free shows. That is up to each one of us as to how we donate to charity. Free charity events, as I see it, are not the same as "free shows." They are a donation to the organization of your choice in the currency of your choice. Free shows as I was talking about is working a festival for just tips, or working at a restaurant for tips. I too do charity events unless the person tries to push me with the phrase "Think of the publicity you'll get." That shuts me down on the spot. I personally have never gotten any business from any charity work I have done. When I charged for an event I wind up with more work from the attendees, but never from a freebie. Don't know if that is everyone's experience but it is mine. By the way, my requirements for a charity show is that the staff of the charity must be volunteer. If the group can afford paid staff they can afford me. Peter |
Mediocre the Great Inner circle Rich Hurley 1062 Posts |
You must get a salary. don't work just for tips. In fact, I always refuse tips, offering they give a little extra to their server... this really gets the support of the wait staff. If someone really insists on a tip, I accept it graciously - but only if they make a big deal of it.
That's my philosopy.
Mediocrity is greatly under rated!
-------------------------------------------- Rich Hurley aka Mediocre The Great! www.RichHurleyMagic.com |
Four Jokers Magician New user 36 Posts |
What is a good starting salary in western New York (Bufalo and sourounding cities)?
PS: thanks guys for all the great advice!!!! |
MYMagic New user Florida 24 Posts |
I agree don't work for tips
May your day be filled with MAGIC!
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Shane Wiker Inner circle Las Vegas 1199 Posts |
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