Slow time of year or rates too high?

This is only my second January in business. Last year I was just starting out and happy to have any gigs at all. By November of last year, I was booked almost every weekend. I decided to raise my prices on my one year anniversary because I was charging $10/hour less than the entertainment company who's face painters were not as good as me.

So, now it's January and I'm not getting bookings or phone calls. I'm wondering of it is normally slower his time of year or if people are just not willing to pay the higher rate. Is it usually slow this time of year for you?

I was just thinking the same thing - wondering if I should reduce my rates because I've not had ANY inquiries even for (it feels like) ages. I still may do. Or maybe have a special "book before January 31st and get 10% off" or a "refer a friend and if they book you get 20% off your party" or something else to bring people in...

boy though, whatever, I need someone to book soon! My face is getting raw

Your work is beautiful and if others in your area are charging comparable prices to yours, then I'd say they were getting a deal.

January is a deadzone, always has been, for FP. People are coming off Christmas and Bday bookings drop off. I always have NOTHING pre-booked for January.

I have work because there is always a show running at the theatre that I do (dress rehearsal on Monday)

This year seems a bit different though as I just got a booking for a bday for the 21st, had an inquiry for the 15th (can't do as matinee at the theatre) and an inquiry from the student union at the college to do a zombie apocolypse on the 20th.

But that is not the norm.

I usually spend January doing a postcard mailout, sorting my records, updating stuff, and sending emails to past clients about "confirming" their dates for this year.

Agree with Shannon.

I did a Home Depot kids thing today with an agency. But my party biz is slow and all of my nibbles are about Febrary dates, only have one out for a possible January booking. Janauary is just slow. I think you would shoot yourself in the foot by lowering your rates, they will not book now low or high, and will insist on low later even if they would book high later too. Just my thought. As long as you are charging a reasonable rate, go with it and know that you are worth it with confidence.

I am doing a lot of cleaning, paper work, working on my boards, post cards, scoping out the spring and summer festivals, getting my applications in early, contacting places I might be able to work, that kind of thing right now while I have the time.

Martha

I haven't had any bookings since November. It sucks! I had 3 people try to book me on the ONE weekend I was away during December, then nothing else all month. Now a few inquiries this month, but no returned emails. Slow slow slow... I think my rate is pretty reasonable, so I'll just chalk it up to lack of marketing (working on that) and the fact that winter can be slow.

Whew. You've all made me feel much better!

I was in the exact same situation last year. I raised my prices in January & my business died. I stuck it out & finally picked up in March. January & February are just slow months for all. Restaurants are dead too. The great thing is this January is not as slow as last January. I've actually got something every weekend & a few weekends in February

What I do in my slow season to keep it somewhat productive:

1) Practice & get to enjoy my paints again. When I'm super busy I don't have time(and sometimes the desire) to play with my paints.
2) I do some trade for face painting with my interests. I have an online magazine/printed magazine that is actually a good local advertising tool & they put on lots of family friendly free public events. I do several of their high profile events & get tons of spin-off business from them. I'm also trying to find a way to get Wicked tickets & a $100 gift card from our new local Dunkin Donuts "Keeping my fingers crossed..."
3) Work on my 1 year/5 year/ 10 year plan (Thank you Shannon for putting me onto this)
4) Get my taxes in order
5) Work on all my online advertisements & see if anything needs to be revamped.

Hang in there, you will survive.

Ah... good ol' January. I've created 2 new characters, created a website, and started balloon twisting. Only 2 parties this month. (One today and one at the end of the month). Sigh. It will pick up!!

Thanks for the insight guys, just raised my rates aswell and wow I havent had any thing since mid dec, I b'day party late Jan, but I have been keeping busy with marketing and applications for 2012.. I am hoping its like gardening, plant the seed , water and wait ----> fruit, lots of fruit !!! LOL

Wow Kylie - love your new designs on your website - what metallics do you use? The light blue and gold in the Garden Party album are especially gorgeous

We are in the middle of summer and work is still dead for me....

I only use tag.. and thank you

Well, I've reduced my rates by $5...maybe it'll be an amount more conducive to hiring in this local area... but as I'm the only one in this town it's hard to gauge really...maybe it'll encourage people to start thinking in terms of hiring a face painter for various things

Here's hoping it picks up again soon for all of us!