Thread: What would you have charged?

Okay, so about a month ago, I got this mail from a company, wanting me to give 3 introduction workshops (1 hour duration) in a row. It was for an open event, so I (and the organiser) didn't know how many people will eventually be taking the workshops.

I gave them my price and they booked right away.
Yesterday however, they sent me an e-mail stating that another dance school came up to them stating they would give these workshops for less then HALF of what I was asking... (STUPID me, I hadn't asked for a deposit yet)

Now I know I charged a little at the high end.... so I wouldn't have been surprised if they found someone cheaper, but less then half is a LOT less .w.:

So just to be curious ..g.:

How much would you have charged for giving the same 1 hour workshop 3 times in a row? (giving that you have to drive for about 40 minutes)

*off topic*

Yay I got my first star :-)

for teaching i usually charge 125 for the first 2hours and 50E for each additional hour.

for a company? I probably would have said
- just me, 250E, including travel and max 30 participants
- throw in a stage, a headset and let me bring an assistant/stagiare, and for 300E we can have workshops for up to a 100 people if you like.
- 500E will include three performances and three workshops, and i'll be there all afternoon.
- i can bring hipscarves for 75 people

what i mean is i present them with a menu, it also makes you look more professional than possible undercutters. you need to make clear you will know how to deal with situations that come up, that you will be easy, flexible.

in other words, you need to make sure they understand that if they hire you, they are getting a professional, that has done these things before, knows how to deal with hick ups. and then they wont look elsewhere

Thx artemisia,

I totally get what you mean, that's a golden tip!

Question: did you tell them you expected them to follow through on their commitment to you? If so, what did they say? Just curious.

good question

when this happens i usually say "well, i kept this day free for you now, i have said NO to other gigs. this is my JOB, you are now making me loose my income. we had an arrangement. this is thourougly WRONG".

they just stammer excuses then; but i'm ok with putting a guilt trip on them, with some luck they'll think twice next time on how to deal with hiring an artist.

and then i usually throw in a well "good luck, you usually do get what you pay for".

Can I just say how tacky it is to make a committment and then try to come back and lower things in this way? I think it's fine to shop around a bit before making a committment, but once you've made a decision it's pretty crass to continue to look for lower prices.

I just have to say that I am glad to see this thread here, I think being open about what to charge helps to stop undercutting and it's good to see it!

Always ask for a deposit for larger events. I just booked a performance/mini-lesson for an event in late September. I asked for a deposit, so that now they have some skin in the game, and will be less likely to dump me for someone else.

:zillevil:

Originally Posted by maurazebra

Question: did you tell them you expected them to follow through on their commitment to you? If so, what did they say? Just curious.

Yes, I've send them an e-mail saying I was quite shocked that they continued their search for a lower price after they already booked me.

Also told them maybe I'm not the cheapest, but I can guarantee quality... (for whatever that's worth)

Wished them the best of luck with their event...

I tried not to say too much, although deep inside I just wanted to send them an evil, shouting mail saying they are soooo unethical and I hope the event will be a fiasco lol

But that wouldn't be very professionnal ..l;,

Oh and of course, I didn't hear anything back from them!

*sigh*