Being asked for prices while face painting

While face painting at a birthday party, a parent will often ask, "How much do you charge?" They are not appearing to be nosy but are expressing a general interest and want to know if they can afford it. My business card with directions for removal is on the corner of my table so they already know they could just call but yet they still ask. I have been telling prices but thinking that discussing prices with a potential client is not right while I'm on the time of my current client. Yet I want them to know because when they call me they are not price checking. They know who I am, they've seen and liked my work, they know my prices and am now calling to book a date. 90% of my parties are the direct or indirect result of me being at another party. I'm thinking of making those print-your-own business cards with my price and extra mileage and travel time costs on it to discreetly give to them. I guess I would also have to put price effective though date like they do coupons in case I want to increase my prices. What are your ideas on this? How do you handle telling prices while on the time of another client?

Hi I won't quote when I am attending a job, I tend to explain that I need details, venues and dates before I can quote and If they would like to email/ring me. I would be happy happy to have a chat with them.

I have my rates printed on the back of my potcards. I have put in additional clauses for travel, bank holidays and after hours but it gives them an idea so if they are interested we can discuss the details. Most of my gigs are local parties so 90% of the time the rate is very straight forward.

Skylark,
Do you leave the post cards out or only distribute if asked.

I do leave them out. I they ask I explain that the details are on the back.

My husband, an accountant said "what happens if your prices change?" but I have set them at a level that I am happy with and as I mentioned before I have put in specific clauses that the cost needs to be confirmed.

In terms of people being able to afford it, I have been very surprised. At the end of the day a face painter is often cheaper than an entertainer or going out to a specific venue.

I found the couple of time I felt uncomfortable about it the person in my chair picked up on it and so did the potential client.... now I just tell them really quickly and quietly... no big deal.

They usually just want to know your hourly rate and are too embarassed to ask the host of the party.... that's a no no.
So they ask you. If you answer really quickly like you are asked all the time, it's really not a big issue.
I just say - " Im $80 per hour plus travel depending on where you are located.
They then go "oh that's great and pick up my card"
And they are gone.
If I had to give them something I would have to stop painting.....
A few times I have passed them a card and said everything is on my website.... but I think this make it sound like it's so much I don't want to shock you so go and have a look yourself.....lol
I haave found if I just say offhand" oh it's only $80 per hour with a two hour min plus travel depending on where you are" ... that they are already planning to have you at their childs party before you have even left.
I may change this when I lift my rates as $100 per hour doesn't come out as easily as $80 per hour.... I would be worried about the reactions.

I usually just tell them my base rate and then I point at my biz cards My hands are usually covered in paint or I would had them a card myself!

In the past I have always just said that it is all set out on my website, and suggest that they take my card. Tash, you may have a point, it does sound like I don't want to be shocking them!! I think that in future I will say, "It depends on the number of guests and what types of designs you want, why don't you take my card - my rates are all listed on my website."

I kind of like the idea of a printed rate card, just to give out when people ask that, not as my regular business card. Hmm.... especially if the card said "Rates are subject to change, please confirm at time of booking".

Fabtastic wrote:In the past I have always just said that it is all set out on my website, and suggest that they take my card. Tash, you may have a point, it does sound like I don't want to be shocking them!! I think that in future I will say, "It depends on the number of guests and what types of designs you want, why don't you take my card - my rates are all listed on my website."

I kind of like the idea of a printed rate card, just to give out when people ask that, not as my regular business card. Hmm.... especially if the card said "Rates are subject to change, please confirm at time of booking".

Good advice!

I have a printed card which people can pick up at events, and occasionally at birthday parties I will pass one out when asked (but only if I have them handy and I am not too busy)

Usually I just say my prices start from $80.00, but take a card and flick me an email with more details to get an exact price.

If I am working at a private party (birthday etc) I try not to talk prices. I give them my card and tell them to contact me. I don't feel comfortable while on the clock for someone else in a private setting.

At public events I will answer, briefly, just quoting my straight hourly rate and give them a card telling them to contact me as I do offer packages and day rates.

I don't post my prices as I allow room to negotiate, increase, etc.

I just tell them "anywhere from 75 to 175, depending on what you'd like. We can work within most budgets." then hand them a card. "Check out the website, give us a call, and well make sure we take good care of you."

I see others do disclose their price with the potential client either verbal or printed. So it's not a "No No"to do this. I like the post card idea too. With the large size a parent may more likely stick it on the fridge. I'm not sure how I'm going to do it but will continue with letting them know my prices but now not feel so uncomfortable doing so.
Thanks everyone!