What’s a children’s entertainer to do in a shrinking economy? While business is up for a few, according to a couple of articles at the MiamiHerald.com, the economy is shrinking what parents are willing to spend on their child’s birthday parties.
In Tears of a clown: Economy shrinking kid parties, last year Amy Tinoco, otherwise known as Oopsy the Clown, grossed about half of what she did the previous year. In practical terms, she went from about a dozen parties on any given weekend down to three.
A similar (and obviously related) article, Kids’ parties being toned down, also notes that those who make their living from performing at parties have felt the financial pinch because parents are spending less on children’s parties.
How Much will Parents Spend
One interesting bit of information in the article is some research done by Parents Magazine on how much their readers were planning to spend on their child’s party. Here’s what they found:
- 26% – Less than $75.00
- 49% – $75.00 to $200.00
- 19% – $200 or more
- 6% – Didn’t Know
Strategies for Booking Shows in a Down Economy
One strategy mentioned in the article that may be useful for increasing bookings during the economic downturn is to offer a bonus.
For example, do you normally offer “extras” such as bubble machines or goodie bags for an additional fee? Consider offering them at no extra charge. Everybody loves a deal and it mean the difference between working and staying home.
Your turn now. Have you experienced a downturn along with the economy or is your business booming? What strategies are you using to stay busy? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
About LouPage
Lou started his career working his way through college as a magician and clown. Somewhere along the way he managed to become a school principal! Along with Steve Kissell, Lou co-founded the Circus Magic Convention. Lou is the webmaster at CircusMagic.com, a site dedicated to helping clowns, magicians, face painters, and other family entertainers improve their performing skills.
Contact Lou at: lou@circusmagic.com or Visit Lou's Website
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I decided to run a recession special during the first quarter of this year, reduced my price and figured better to work for less than not work at all. I am doing better during Jan so far, a little better than in the past…..Offer a deal get a job
I use social networking sites (Twitter, Facebook) to help stay in touch with customers and offer specials. I also make my customers aware that I am able to offer multiple entertainment options that can save them money.
Twitter and Facebook certainly help, but for me, diversifying things a bit and trying to work with people's budgets is also key. I would rather work than sit on my hands.
Use of a list, of perspective clients and past ones can be utilized to secure more work.
Don't hold on so tightly to any one concept of what you do or will do as an entertainer. Stretch out a bit and find new avenues. Wedding receptions, and family treunions are places to look for work, if you don't currently. Spoprts teams, sporting events ands games and colleges and universities. The "regular" places funny folk work, might not be as viable, so lookm for other ways. You can adapt and bend the rules!
If you don't do party games, add them! It's not that hard. Add a sing-a-long or game show or contest. Not one of these has to cost a penny … and it will make you stand out and be different.