Thread: <headdesk> unreasonable requests, yet again!

I got an email from a woman looking to book me for her husband's 50th bday party. I outlined my prices and set lengths, saying as I usually do that since the party is in her home I would recommend a short (10-15 minute) set as opposed to a longer (20-25 minute) show. She really wants the longer show, and I get this response from her:

"We do have a large space for you to perform, so I would like a 25-30 min. performance. I was wondering if there is a chance for you to change costumes may be once? That would be fun."

a) 20-25 minutes does not equal 25-30 minutes (sorry, lady!)
b) Yes, I would be happy to spend half of my set changing costumes for you! So we're talking 10 minutes of dancing and 15 minutes of changing, right? Because yes, that would be fun for me.

<headdesk>

You know, you could offer to change costumes and do a second 15-20 minute show, for double the cost, of course!

I really think that, for the most part, people don't realize how long a 15-20 minute show really is!

Actually, I have been known to change costumes half way through a 25 min set. You have one song where you jet back to the dressing room and change. this does mean that you have to have simple costumes to change out of and into.

{{{HUGS}}}

I've been hired for situations where the client wanted two 15-minute sets with a costume change in between. I charged accordingly, which was fine with the client, and it worked out well for everyone.

She actually said the costume change would be "fun"? Sure it is...it's fun when they pay me for a costume change and a second set. :)

I think Shira has the right idea on this one. It does work out well and a fresh costume IS fun. Maybe start more covered up and then change into something more glitzy for more of a "Show Biz" feel. Its not an unreasonable request.

Originally Posted by damiena

You know, you could offer to change costumes and do a second 15-20 minute show, for double the cost, of course!

I really think that, for the most part, people don't realize how long a 15-20 minute show really is!

I have found it VERY useful to quote number of songs instead of length of time...people seem to be able to grasp that concept better, for example "a party set of 3-4 songs"

~~Kimahri

I think when she said fun, she probably meant fun for the audience, not you.

If you don't want to do it, I would just tell her that you have a minimum set length for a costume change (for example, only for two 25 minute sets). But as Shira mentioned, the 15 minute/costume change/15 minute arrangement isn't completely unheard of to me.

I usually quote number of songs and approximate length to clients - "The BellyGram is two songs, and that's about 10 minutes of dancing."

Originally Posted by Kimahri

I have found it VERY useful to quote number of songs instead of length of time...people seem to be able to grasp that concept better, for example "a party set of 3-4 songs"

~~Kimahri

I like this idea of quoting number of songs..... smart lady your are.

Originally Posted by Kimahri

I have found it VERY useful to quote number of songs instead of length of time...people seem to be able to grasp that concept better, for example "a party set of 3-4 songs"

~~Kimahri

I agree with you Kimahri. I've found that much easier than trying to explain why 15-20 minutes is long for a party like that. But they "get" the number of songs much more easily.

Originally Posted by AngelaDiCaprio

I like this idea of quoting number of songs..... smart lady your are.

seriously. I never thought of describing a set as "per song." what a great idea - very easily grasped by the GP!

"i am happy to do a costume change, and to do two sets, in two different costumes, however I need at least a 15 minute break between two sets in orde to do so. two sets of 10 minutes, with a break in between costs XXX "(and i quote not double but like half more)"

than see what she says

actually iused to have this request more often, if people think you usually dance 25 minutes (for example thats what it says on your website or advertising), and you suggest to dance only 10-15 cause that's long enough, (and i agree) for an at home party, they think they are not getting their moneys worth? they also know half an hour non stop is too long, so up comes the costume change idea, to get two times ten minutes (same amount of minutes eh, so same price, in their eyes) ... this is what you get when they think in minutes for $

Originally Posted by lilya

I got an email from a woman looking to book me for her husband's 50th bday party. I outlined my prices and set lengths, saying as I usually do that since the party is in her home I would recommend a short (10-15 minute) set as opposed to a longer (20-25 minute) show. She really wants the longer show, and I get this response from her:

"We do have a large space for you to perform, so I would like a 25-30 min. performance. I was wondering if there is a chance for you to change costumes may be once? That would be fun."

a) 20-25 minutes does not equal 25-30 minutes (sorry, lady!)
b) Yes, I would be happy to spend half of my set changing costumes for you! So we're talking 10 minutes of dancing and 15 minutes of changing, right? Because yes, that would be fun for me.

<headdesk>

Heck, why not just change right there as part of your show! That would be fun. NOT.

"and of course, you will provide a secure and private space for my changing space, away from the guests, with someone to watch my belongings, right?"

:)

The bottom line is:
costume change equals more time spent at gig=more money! If she wants to pay then go for it if not then say no right?

Originally Posted by Nepenthe

Heck, why not just change right there as part of your show! That would be fun. NOT.

Yes it would! Get a costume that has velcro seams, and just RIP it off with a flourish a la Chippendales to reveal second costume beneath. Voila.

Originally Posted by kharis_UK

Yes it would! Get a costume that has velcro seams, and just RIP it off with a flourish a la Chippendales to reveal second costume beneath. Voila.

I was in a little bit of a mood this morning and then I read this...spit out my tea cause I was laughing so hard! *wiping away the tears from all the laughter*

That is probably the funniest visual I've had in weeks. Thank you so much! Its going to be days before I stop giggling every time it randomly pops in my head.

Too awesome!

..l;, ..l;, ..l;, ..l;,

Originally Posted by kharis_UK

Yes it would! Get a costume that has velcro seams, and just RIP it off with a flourish a la Chippendales to reveal second costume beneath. Voila.

More "a la Asmahan"!

Originally Posted by kharis_UK

Yes it would! Get a costume that has velcro seams, and just RIP it off with a flourish a la Chippendales to reveal second costume beneath. Voila.

..l;,..l;,..l;,..l;,

...

Originally Posted by Kimahri

I have found it VERY useful to quote number of songs instead of length of time...people seem to be able to grasp that concept better, for example "a party set of 3-4 songs"

~~Kimahri

excellent idea