Re: What do people charge for parties?
Posted by Kenzi on July 7, 2003 at 17:54:37:
In reply to: What do people charge for parties? posted by Amyliana on July 7, 2003 at 16:23:47:
I usually charge by the hour (my rate is $60/hour) and I have a 2-hour minimum. I also offer to charge by the design and allow the
client to choose which they prefer. If they are interesting in the
by-the-design option, I try to spell out to them the cost of the
average design and also how long it would take me to do all the
people at the event; that way they can choose how to do it.
About 98% of the time they go with the hourly option; this is usually
because it is one person paying for the party and all the services
and it would be seen as tacky to make the guests pay per design. I
did a women's book group once so they thought it would be too much to
pay me hourly and that it would be easier if each person paid for
what they got; that way if someone really wants something big they
are not hogging my time, but pay for that design. What was funny was
that when I totalled everything up, they actually paid me more than
my hourly rate. But, they were happier that way so I was too!
I think that if you are charging hourly, you need to know how many
people you can do in an hour. I try to estimate based on my typical
$10-20 designs. Also, at the party, make sure that you don't spend a
half hour on one person; you may have to tell people that you can't
do the design they want because if you do it you won't have enough
time to do henna for everyone.
I would agree beforehand with your client the minimum number of hours
you will be there, and then make it clear that you are willing to
stay longer if they decide they want you to. But be very clear on
the minimum number of hours; it can be a pain if you "think" that you
agreed on 3 hours, and then the client sends you on your way after
one hour.
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