Thread: Spinoff: Upcharges & Extras

I wanted to take a moment and expand on some of the thoughts that were expressed on the Props thread.

A lot of us work with flat rates for most of our gigs, but there are always occasions where we feel it's appropriate to charge a little bit extra. Personally, I increase my prices or tack on a small fee for holidays, costume changes, travel, extended sets (longer than 30 mins), and additional sets. For corporate events and weddings, I'll also calculate any on-site meetings into my total cost.

What do you charge extra for, and why? Are your clients typically agreeable to your fees?

- number of sets and costume changes
- any special requests that take more prep time
- driving distance
- people and gigs that sound like a hassle
- gigs on days i dont feel like working ;-)

Originally Posted by artemisia_danst

- number of sets and costume changes
- any special requests that take more prep time
- driving distance
- people and gigs that sound like a hassle
- gigs on days i dont feel like working ;-)

Ah, yes! The ever-so-important 10% Stupid Tax!

Originally Posted by artemisia_danst

- people and gigs that sound like a hassle

I charge more for same day bookings, because of the hassle of getting everything together in a few hours. Same day bookings also mean I can't do a contract and deposit in advance - I can't take credit cards, and most people seem completely clueless if I mention PayPal. So yeah, they get a PITA charge added on.

My Full Set (20-25 minutes, 5 songs) includes one prop number in addition to an entrance with veil. If someone wanted more than one prop in a single Full Set, or if they wanted a prop as part of the shorter BellyGram package (10 minutes, 2 songs), I would charge more.

If someone books me for two Full Sets, I include a costume change at no charge. But if they book me for two BellyGram sets and want a costume change, I would charge extra.

If they want me to arrange for more than one dancer, I tack 10% on to the additional dancer's fees. That way the other dancers make the going rate, but I get to keep a little extra as compensation for coordinating more than just me.

I charge mileage for anything over a 30 minute drive.

Other than the mileage, I usually don't break these additional costs down for the client unless they specifically request it. I just quote them the base rate and any surcharges in one lump sum as my rate for doing the gig.

I also include PITA tax for last minute bookings. I hate them--people need to plan in advance and it usually means I have to give up my plans.

Also, yes, I also charge extra for things like longer dance sets, costume changes, travel, etc.

Hmm...rethinking my stance on the PITA tax. I really can't stand when people call the day before and expect me to whip something up on the spot.

I also like the idea of the additional dancer fee. I ended up "fluffing" my rates significantly for a recent corporate event because I had to liase between myself, another dancer, a drummer and a vendor.

Do you guys spell this all out on your websites or in your contracts?

If I have to bring my portable sound system.

Originally Posted by SatinWorship19

Do you guys spell this all out on your websites or in your contracts?

The mileage is the only thing broken out in the contract. My website lists the main towns/cities within a 30 minute drive, and there's a disclaimer that says "Galatea is happy to perform outside of these areas, but an additional mileage charge may apply".

If I had a client like a large corporation who needed everything broken out line by line, I would do it. Of course, these are exactly the type of client that the PITA charge was invented for, so I might have to get creative on the wording of that surcharge. ..l;, But 99% of my clients just want to know how much it's going to cost them, period.

Originally Posted by laura 2

The mileage is the only thing broken out in the contract. My website lists the main towns/cities within a 30 minute drive, and there's a disclaimer that says "Galatea is happy to perform outside of these areas, but an additional mileage charge may apply".

If I had a client like a large corporation who needed everything broken out line by line, I would do it. Of course, these are exactly the type of client that the PITA charge was invented for, so I might have to get creative on the wording of that surcharge. ..l;, But 99% of my clients just want to know how much it's going to cost them, period.

"Entertainment Logistics and Planning"

Originally Posted by mahsati

"Entertainment Logistics and Planning"

Yes, I think I said "On-Site Meetings and Pre-Show Consultation"

Then, there's the fun of waiting for the large Fortune 500's to pay you! I just danced for the second largest corporation in the world. Nearly a month later, still no check in sight. *twiddles thumbs* My dad did marketing consultation for this company, however, and regularly had to strongarm them for his paycheck. A lot of large corporate entities handle their payroll off-site....so while the pay for corporate events is, indeed, sweet, it's not always timely.

These charges all sound pretty consistent. Mine are generally the same as those listed here.

* Additional Props, Time, Dancer, Costume Changes, Sound System, Driving Distance, Short Notice, Unusual and time-consuming requests

Originally Posted by mahsati

Unusual and time-consuming requests

Let's probe into this one a little deeper, shall we?

I recently did a music video shoot where the musician asked me if I could do a Turkish drop. After explaining that the Turkish drop was a potentially dangerous move, we agreed to compromise with a slightly more "civilized" version of the drop. This still required a great deal of research and practice, on my part. Not to mention, three days of intense pain and a black-and-blue on the outside of my left knee, from repeating that same move upwards of 25 times on the day of the shoot.

You BET I kicked myself in the ass for not charging extra for that!

What kind of unusual, time-consuming requests have you guys all charged extra for?

Originally Posted by SatinWorship19

Do you guys spell this all out on your websites or in your contracts?

My website states that there are additional charges for last minute bookings and travel. How much depends on the PITA factor. Also, on my website, I state that prices "start at $XXX"--this gives me some wiggle room when I'm booking.

Originally Posted by SatinWorship19

What kind of unusual, time-consuming requests have you guys all charged extra for?

The most unusual one I charged extra for was probably when I requested a 'hazard pay' upcharge for dancing on a 15' high, 4' wide pedestal. It was part of a night club grand opening where I danced 1 set on a stage, 1 set on a low pedestal, 1 set on a balcony, and 1 set on the high pedestal. The high pedestal set was specifically requested to be with wings of isis and I had to climb up through the inside of the column and come out of a trap door to get to the top. It was a very expensive gig overall because they had so many special requests.

As for time-consuming, I charged a significant up-charge for a wedding where the bride changed all of the music 2 days before the event and I had to arrange and choreograph for 4 dancers based on the new music. We ended up rehearsing for nearly 8 hours straight the day before the wedding.

Originally Posted by mahsati

The most unusual one I charged extra for was probably when I requested a 'hazard pay' upcharge for dancing on a 15' high, 4' wide pedestal. It was part of a night club grand opening where I danced 1 set on a stage, 1 set on a low pedestal, 1 set on a balcony, and 1 set on the high pedestal. The high pedestal set was specifically requested to be with wings of isis and I had to climb up through the inside of the column and come out of a trap door to get to the top. It was a very expensive gig overall because they had so many special requests.

As for time-consuming, I charged a significant up-charge for a wedding where the bride changed all of the music 2 days before the event and I had to arrange and choreograph for 4 dancers based on the new music. We ended up rehearsing for nearly 8 hours straight the day before the wedding.

OMG, I had almost the exact same situation happen to me! Bride sent me a CD with ALL NEW MUSIC days before the wedding, and it was a three dancer gig. We rehearsed like hell the entire day of the wedding.

How did you manage to charge more at that point? Did you have something in yoru contract that allowed for that? For me, contracts were already signed, and I would have never thought to put a provision in my contract that states if the client changes the music last minute, there is a fee! We didn't get any extra money for all the extra hassel. I still don't have a provision in my contract for that, though, because honestly in all the years I've been doing this, that's the first and only time that's ever happened.

Originally Posted by danielabellydance

OMG, I had almost the exact same situation happen to me! Bride sent me a CD with ALL NEW MUSIC days before the wedding, and it was a three dancer gig. We rehearsed like hell the entire day of the wedding.

How did you manage to charge more at that point? Did you have something in yoru contract that allowed for that? For me, contracts were already signed, and I would have never thought to put a provision in my contract that states if the client changes the music last minute, there is a fee! We didn't get any extra money for all the extra hassel. I still don't have a provision in my contract for that, though, because honestly in all the years I've been doing this, that's the first and only time that's ever happened.

I have a provision that states that "if the performance parameters significantly change from those agreed upon at the time of signing additional charges may apply" with examples listed as changes in show length, music requests, and other special requests. When they made the request I explained that this was a material change and we could either a) go with the show as planned or b) I could send them an addendum with the additional charges. They decided to go with the additional charges. ..g.:

Originally Posted by mahsati

I have a provision that states that "if the performance parameters significantly change from those agreed upon at the time of signing additional charges may apply" with examples listed as changes in show length, music requests, and other special requests. When they made the request I explained that this was a material change and we could either a) go with the show as planned or b) I could send them an addendum with the additional charges. They decided to go with the additional charges. ..g.:

This.

Even if there isn't a provision in the contract, you can still do the addendum. All ya gotta do is tell the client that he/she has made material changes to the original contract which will require additional $$$ to accommodate and, as Mahsati posted, they can either go with the original plan or sign an addendum and pay the upcharges.

I think that's fair.

Deborah

I guess an "unusual request" is kind of like porn....it's kinda vague, and everybody's definition is different, but you definitely know it when you see it!

Mahsati, that's absolutely NUTS that they had you dance on that pedestal, with wings, no less. Perhaps, it would have also been appropriate to tack on a hefty upcharge for "pre-emptive personal injury attorney fees?" .w.:

I recently had a client who commandeered my set, mid-drum solo, and made me dance to crazy-fast Israeli music because she didn't like whatever I was dancing to that night....if I only could have summoned up the chutzpah to institute a Retroactive Stupid Tax!

Anyone have a clause in their contract to prevent these extreme last-minute changes?

Originally Posted by mahsati

I have a provision that states that "if the performance parameters significantly change from those agreed upon at the time of signing additional charges may apply" with examples listed as changes in show length, music requests, and other special requests. When they made the request I explained that this was a material change and we could either a) go with the show as planned or b) I could send them an addendum with the additional charges. They decided to go with the additional charges. ..g.:

Love it. I will be adding a provision like this to my contracts!

The initial quote includes all the factors that we are aware of:
extra travel, extra sets, time between sets, costume changes, extra dancers, new choreographies for same, portable sound system, pre-show visit to venue to plan event. If the customer wants to meet, they come to our studio. We are careful to outline all the above in the contract so that the customer understands the effort that goes into 'just' showing up and dancing. If there is a last-minute change that requires extra effort then there is an extra charge (with an explanation that the original requirements have changed, therefore the cost has changed also). We also include OUR requirements (depending on the gig: dressing area, security, water, snacks) and how we expect to be publicized / announced and who is in charge of any extra dancers (US). This is a good reason to get a contract out to the customer ASAP, so you have a point of reference if additional services are requested.

PS: Sometimes folks with changes agree to pay extra, sometimes they don't.

Originally Posted by mahsati

The most unusual one I charged extra for was probably when I requested a 'hazard pay' upcharge for dancing on a 15' high, 4' wide pedestal.... The high pedestal set was specifically requested to be with wings of isis...

Holy cow! Did you do any spinning? That sounds horrifying!

Originally Posted by Ainsley

Holy cow! Did you do any spinning? That sounds horrifying!

Yep, but it was a lot slower than normal and no more than 2 barrel rolls in a row at any time. I was terrified I was going to fall off at any second LOL

Yes -- I could just imagine barrel turning myself straight off the side of the platform!

Originally Posted by Ainsley

Yes -- I could just imagine barrel turning myself straight off the side of the platform!

That's EXACTLY what I was thinking! Hey, that's one way to become a YouTube sensation and a media darling overnight....although I'm not sure I'd recommend it ,r:;..l;,

Originally Posted by mahsati

As for time-consuming, I charged a significant up-charge for a wedding where the bride changed all of the music 2 days before the event and I had to arrange and choreograph for 4 dancers based on the new music. We ended up rehearsing for nearly 8 hours straight the day before the wedding.

Originally Posted by danielabellydance

OMG, I had almost the exact same situation happen to me! Bride sent me a CD with ALL NEW MUSIC days before the wedding, and it was a three dancer gig. We rehearsed like hell the entire day of the wedding.

Wow! I'll often ask clients (from over there) if they have a favorite artist and will incorporate an appropriate song into my show. But other than that, I structure the show appropriately for the expected audience and choose the music.
Daniela- that's easy- SHE changed the terms of the contract, so YOU get to change the price based on all the extra time it would take you to prepare new songs.
Personally I'd charge enough extra so that either they'd be discouraged from changing their minds, or I'd be REALLY happy to spend the extra time.

Originally Posted by laura 2

I charge mileage for anything over a 30 minute drive.

Do you charge for the whole 30+ minutes, or just for some of it? I'm about to discuss a gig that will have me driving 45 minutes, another dancer driving at least an hour and 15 minutes, and another driving 30 minutes. I'm trying to decide what to charge for all this. A fourth dancer lives in the city and wouldn't get any extra.

Originally Posted by Darbla

Do you charge for the whole 30+ minutes, or just for some of it? I'm about to discuss a gig that will have me driving 45 minutes, another dancer driving at least an hour and 15 minutes, and another driving 30 minutes. I'm trying to decide what to charge for all this. A fourth dancer lives in the city and wouldn't get any extra.

Anything within a 30 minute drive is what I consider my "service area", because I live in the 'burbs and driving into the city is about 30 minutes for me. After that, I tack on $25 for every additional 30 minute block. So:

30 minutes or less - no mileage
30 minutes to 1 hour - $25
1 hour to 1 1/2 hour - $50
1 1/2 hour to 2 hours - $75

For mileage, I don't charge in minutes, but in kilometres (or miles in your case)

I charge 0,25€ per km, any gig that is within a 15 km range from my home, I don't charge anything extra...

However, I never explain my wage in detail to the client, just give them the total amount (unless they ask for it). I've noticed people don't like to pay "extra's".
So I just say, this is the amount and all costs are included!! (I even emphasize on the this and that are included part, 'cause it makes them feel like they're getting a deal here ;-))

Does anyone charge extra for gigs that are really late?
Like after midnight or so?

i would charge extra for like a 2am, 3am gig. got a few requests from night clubs etc, but they usually end up balking at the price. but other than that, no i dont have an after midnight surcharge

i usually do charge them for mileage seperately and quote them "..." plus mileage, and as soon as they tell me the adress i give them the mileage quote.