Hello, I have a routine (for kids) and have it scripted and all of that, but I now need to know how much to charge for a show. I curently am thinking $60.00 , but i herd that it is better to charge more, why? The other performers in my area charge $100.00 - $150.00, is this a good amount to charge. I would love some replys, thanks.

In my opinion, charge your $60 fee and use that till you get the kinks out of your show. Then charge more.

If you think your show is already good enough...go ahead and charge more.

Kyle, this time I disagree with you. The $60 fee when the others are charging in the $100 range gets other magicians very angry at you for price cutting tactics. First Braady I would start going to ring and assembly meetings and talking to other magicians in your area. That way they get to know you and may even refer parties to you when they are booked up.

But I would charge more in line with everyone else.

for the general public I would definitely charge near what the others are charging. I would say that you should first go within your circle of friends/family and either do free shows or your lower rate. These "clients" may not have originally thought about having a performer but will because they know you and want to help.

I am thinking about charging $100.00, but when I told my Dad, he said " You will never get booked", is it harder to get booked at $100.00?

Look at the podcasts. They will help you a ton about pricing

No, it is a lot easier to get booked if you are priced in the range of everybody else. If you're the cheap price everyone will wonder why you are so much cheaper than everyone else. Remember that people know that you can not buy a Rolls Royce for the price of a VW bug.

I knew you would dissagree paddy...we have spoke with people about this before.

The reason I agree with the cheaper and then raise the price method, is because that is how it was taught to me by a local when I was younger and starting out. After about 4 shows, my show became smoother and better, then he told me to raise my price a litte. So I doubled my fee. After several more shows, he reviewed my show and said it was good enough to charge equal competition price then...so that is when I started charging a top dollar amount for my area...

It can be worked both ways. I think that Braddy, should video his routine and watch it...and then determine how much his show is worth and how much he would be willing to pay for his show if he were going to hire an entertainer.

Last year in school, my yeacher got a bunch of gigs *for free) for classes, so in october I am doing a free show for her kids birthday, and will record it. I am thinking about charging $80.00, they after lets say five shows, it will be $90.00, and then after five more, $100.00 (like everyone elce). Comments?

Its a free show, yet your charging $80?

$80.00 for OTHER shows, this ones for free.

Yep we have. I really do respect your opinions and in no way want anyone to think otherwise. You have always given excellent and well thought out advice. (where sometimes I get a little...make that a lot sarcastic.) This is one of the very few things we have to agree to disagree on.

BTW LaShovana Tikivanu which translates as have a happy and blessed New Year. (Jewis New Year)

I'm starting shows also. I'm going to start charging $80.00 for a 30-minute show. Then increase it by every 5 shows. Sound good?

We aren't the right people to ask. You really need to see what magicians are charging in your area. Only then can you price accordingly.

Within a 50 mile radius of where we live you will have magicians charge anywhere from $150-450.00 a hour, some even more! So you have to price according to your target area where you are performing.

We let our daughter's mentor set her price. She would make almost double what you are charging for a 30 minute show. However, right now she only does a 15 minute birthday magic show and a 15 minute stage show. She can be hired for additional time if they want balloon twisting. However, with tip-- she walks away with even more than that. Her typical tip runs $20-50.00.