There are many kinds of events that can benefit from entertainment. Birthdays, Christmas parties, family gatherings, retail promos, employee appreciation, corporate conferences – almost any event can be enhanced with entertainment. Why? Because events are a shared experience that create lasting, shared memories.
When a potential client calls into our office, one of the things we hear is that they have found another entertainer for a lower rate. Believe me, we do not charge the highest rates in town. We offer good talent for a good rate. So, when we hear this, we know exactly what is happening. Industry undercutting. There are two kinds of underpriced entertainment out there.
1. National companies (some attached to large party supply sources) who don’t have an understanding of the area but have a lot of marketing dollars.
These companies have been appearing lately. They are located all over the nation and attempt to book talent in areas that they are unfamiliar with. They have never met the performer they are sending you. I, myself have gotten several calls from these national chains. They tried to pay me less than half my rate for face painting. (I politely declined.) These companies charge you full price and pay the entertainer a pittance. Most of these companies reach beyond industry standard commission and truly gauge the performer. Not only that, but they do not have a handle on the talent in the area. Most agents who specialize in DFW have been here for 20+ years. The danger in using a national "agency" is that you are sent a desperate performer who is willing to work for almost half the standard rate. Is that really what you want for a special occasion?
2. New performers who think they can gain market share by bidding low on jobs.
We have all, at one time, been the new performer on the block. It isn’t easy and it takes time to build your business and your skills. However, there if you have great skills, giving a bargain basement rate never makes sense. Would you go to work for half of your salary? There is probably a reason they are offering a price below even the lowest of market standards. If someone is offering you a low, low price – ask why. Are they really going to be the performer that creates memories?
The bottom line is that if you get a bargain and a sub-par performer comes to your party – will you be happy with that? Most of the hosts that I speak to on a daily basis want a good performer for a good price. Local , reputable agencies will offer you just that. We represent performers who have proven skills and stellar reputations. Many of our people have actually been acclaimed on a national level. We are proud of the performers in DFW!
How do you know you are hiring a good performer? Find an agency with a solid reputation and ask your friends who they have used in the past. A great deal of our business comes from referral. We consider that the highest compliment! Hire local, check reviews and have a great party!
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