Thread: Coorporate party rate

I just received an email request for 2 dancers for a party at a convention. They want one or two sets. I was thinking set 1: solo each & duet of some sort. Set 2: solo each and get the crowd up to dance instead of 2nd duet. What is the going rate for something like this? They also mentioned possibly wanting a third dancer- I figure they'll make that call based on the price I give them.
Thanks.

Sometimes I ask what their budget is and work from there. Last year I was paid $800 for around 3 minutes' worth of dancing, although I had to arrive at 9am for rehearsal (I left around 3pm).

Originally Posted by tamrahennatx

Sometimes I ask what their budget is and work from there. Last year I was paid $800 for around 3 minutes' worth of dancing, although I had to arrive at 9am for rehearsal (I left around 3pm).

Bingo. Corporations often have large entertainment budgets.

Of course, IME, they require just as much hand-holding as a nervous bride, but are often very willing to compensate you well for your time and effort. So don't sell yourself short!

Definitely nothing less than 150% of your private party rate for two dancers doing two performances. Be prepared for a lot of waiting around even though they tell you to be there an hour early!

AND they can use your payment as a tax write-off so they recoup some of the money anyway!!

I'd ask for a budget as well to work with.

What Crystallized said. 150% of nromal party rate.

this thread reminds me of the one where we discussed the rates for weddings. Someone said they could only justify charging more if they do more, and not because the budget is bigger.
So while I understand that some corporate parties do require more effort than regular private parties, in my case it hasn't been like that.
It is usually the same effort, no need for visits with clients, etc. I usually show up, dance and leave, so even that is similar to a private party. So because of that reason I charge the same. If they want 2 or more dancers, I give them rates as it was private party also, based on the length of performance and number of dances / dancers.

Although corporate parties often require additional paperwork (sending invoice, contract, W9, etc) they do pay in advance or at the event with no problems, so I just assume it's part of the nature of the event.

Originally Posted by Marianna

So while I understand that some corporate parties do require more effort than regular private parties, in my case it hasn't been like that.
It is usually the same effort, no need for visits with clients, etc. I usually show up, dance and leave, so even that is similar to a private party. So because of that reason I charge the same. If they want 2 or more dancers, I give them rates as it was private party also, based on the length of performance and number of dances / dancers.

I have to say, this has been my experience with almost all of my corporate events as well. I would charge more if they wanted to meet ahead of time, expected my to block off several hours of my schedule to accommodate delays, or if I needed to have rehearsals with other dancers in advance. But like Marianna, I've always just shown up, danced, and boogied out with my check.

LOL I guess I get all the strange corporate parties and weddings then.

I wait for the manager/owner to make an unplanned speech...
I wait because the band before me was late and wants to finish out their set...
I'm kept an hour beyond what was planned because ALL 500 people want an individual photo with me...
They want me there an hour early...

Now I just charge extra to anticipate the trouble (normally with time). After explaining what is included in the "all inclusive package" they always want that option.

I don't charge extra just because I can. There is reason for it!

How long is the wait around time? Is there other entertainment (causing likely delays)?
THESE things would effect my quote.

I would charge (per dancer) my regular "one show rate" for the first show and the second show rate would depend upon anticipated delays or wait around time. If I'm waiting more than an hour between shows- they'll be paying for two full shows (again- per dancer).

Ladies,
Thanks for all the advice. Here's the deal at this time. I spoke to my contact ~ 2 weeks ago. I did as you all suggested and inquired as to the budget. He said that they didn't have a budget in mind and that he would have to "take it to their sponsor" Ok.. so I give him a price that I think is a little low for some areas but is fair for my area $175 per dancer for 2 X 15 minute sets. There isn't a stage so there isn't going to be a big production. As of yesterday I hadn't had any further communication so I sent a follow up email yesterday. Just short & sweet saying that I was holding the date for him for 3 dancers (it's 09/25/10)
Basically I have other things going on and need to know- I didn't say that BTW.
Today I receive an email asking me for a written quote for him to take to the CEO and that his supervisor thought the price too high. (What happened to the sponsors?)
I just now replied saying that the price included basically everything and listed it all out.
I guess we'll see.
Has anyone ever posted a link in their justification to someones rates page or similar?
Thanks :-)

Originally Posted by basil1

Today I receive an email asking me for a written quote for him to take to the CEO and that his supervisor thought the price too high. (What happened to the sponsors?)

They sound like they have no idea how much work goes into it and have never hired professional entertainment before- they think they're paying for two 15 minute pieces of time. ..l;,..l;,
When someone asks me to lower my price or says it's too high, I nicely reply that I know what my business expenses are and how much time I put in which is much more than just the hours preparing for their event or the time spent at the event. No more explanation is needed.
They really can't argue with that. At that point they either have the budget or they don't.

Originally Posted by SamiraShuruk

They sound like they have no idea how much work goes into it and have never hired professional entertainment before- they think they're paying for two 15 minute pieces of time. ..l;,..l;,
When someone asks me to lower my price or says it's too high, I nicely reply that I know what my business expenses are and how much time I put in which is much more than just the hours preparing for their event or the time spent at the event. No more explanation is needed.
They really can't argue with that. At that point they either have the budget or they don't.

This. Who exactly are you dealing with? A member of the group who is holding the event or an event planner who has been hired to come up with the entertainment?

He is a "marketing co-ordinator" for a film company who produces 3d films. They a sponsoring a ME themed party to celebrate their new film release. This is occuring during one evening of a convention.
If he replies and accepts that's cool but if not, it's not a big deal. I feel like my price was very reasonable-isn't it??
They are a Canadian company BTW.
There are a couple of dancers in town who would do it for 50 cents and a doughnut - in their wal-mart bras & coin scarves.

Originally Posted by maurazebra

This. Who exactly are you dealing with? A member of the group who is holding the event or an event planner who has been hired to come up with the entertainment?

Maybe we should have a break down of the price. Like a parts and labor breakdown.
Parts: this would have to be pro-rated vs the expected numer of performances
Costume
CD
Zills
make-up
cover-up
veil

labor: driving time, waiting time, actual dancing, answering stupid questions...

what else?? Help me add to the list. The actual dancing would probably the cheapest component.
The full moon is making me really sarcastic! hehe ,r:;

Originally Posted by SamiraShuruk

They sound like they have no idea how much work goes into it and have never hired professional entertainment before- they think they're paying for two 15 minute pieces of time. ..l;,..l;,
When someone asks me to lower my price or says it's too high, I nicely reply that I know what my business expenses are and how much time I put in which is much more than just the hours preparing for their event or the time spent at the event. No more explanation is needed.
They really can't argue with that. At that point they either have the budget or they don't.

I think breaking down your costs for your own amusement (or aggrevation) is a good thing. But for the customer, a list of the benefits that come with hiring you might work better. Experience with the media (TV interviews and performances), experience with larger events for a 'professional' audience, and an ability to improvise to their choice of music might be a plus with this customer.

Originally Posted by basil1

Maybe we should have a break down of the price. Like a parts and labor breakdown.
Parts: this would have to be pro-rated vs the expected numer of performances
Costume
CD
Zills
make-up
cover-up
veil

labor: driving time, waiting time, actual dancing, answering stupid questions...

what else?? Help me add to the list. The actual dancing would probably the cheapest component.
The full moon is making me really sarcastic! hehe ,r:;

Oooh, you'll just depress yourself if you do that... or end up raising your rates a whole lot! lol.
How do you price the cost of all your classes, workshops, travel and practice?
How about marketing? Website? Photos?
Music, computer, videos?
Sewing/adjusting costumes?
The list goes on and on. All of these and more are a part of your business.

You may want to point him to the Articles that Shem's has written on the subject. Behind the Rates - Why Belly Dancers Charge What They Do by Shems

Originally Posted by SamiraShuruk

When someone asks me to lower my price or says it's too high, I nicely reply that I know what my business expenses are and how much time I put in which is much more than just the hours preparing for their event or the time spent at the event.

Yeah, this.

In fact, I just had to politely turn down a possible hookah gig this morning (they wanted "at least 3 sets for $100-150" - HELL no!), and I simply responded, "No worries, I completely understand. My own costs have gone up this year, so I'm afraid I can't offer you a quality show at that rate. Please keep my contact info on file if you change your mind, though." Done deal, donkey.

I used to get into lengthy explanations and/or throw undercutters under the bus with ominous "you get what you pay for" warnings, but that just makes me look bad and writes off the possibility that they'll ever call me in the future.

That being said, it can feel very Zen-like to walk away from a gig

I was just being silly with the parts & labor idea. I wasn't really going to send that to someone...or even do it for myself. Just being sarcastic.

He emailed me again today asking if I knew of a "band/ drummer" that could accompany us. I was thinking you can't afford 3 dancers but want to add the cost of an entire band or at least a drummer?
I politely simply replied that I do not know of any Middle Eastern bands in the area.

I agree Satin. I didn't offer to reduce the price or give a lengthy explanation of the economics. I did point out that the cost included 2 sets plus waiting time which is something I think clients dont think of. They think they are paying for 15 minutes. They don't consider the 1.5 hours it took to get ready and the hour wait between sets etc.

Originally Posted by SamiraShuruk

Oooh, you'll just depress yourself if you do that... or end up raising your rates a whole lot! lol.
How do you price the cost of all your classes, workshops, travel and practice?
How about marketing? Website? Photos?
Music, computer, videos?
Sewing/adjusting costumes?
The list goes on and on. All of these and more are a part of your business.

I could slyly post a link at the bottom of my email reply. I think I will put a link to this article on my website!!

Originally Posted by andalee-oriental

You may want to point him to the Articles that Shem's has written on the subject. Behind the Rates - Why Belly Dancers Charge What They Do by Shems

Originally Posted by basil1

He emailed me again today asking if I knew of a "band/ drummer" that could accompany us. I was thinking you can't afford 3 dancers but want to add the cost of an entire band or at least a drummer?
I politely simply replied that I do not know of any Middle Eastern bands in the area.

Oh, puh-leeez!

I agree with the above posters. Giving them a clue that a per-hour wage mindset isn't the way per-service entertainment works without going into every last detail (which sounds desperate and defensive) is a good idea.

I know good and well that I dance for free because I love it. The $225+ I get paid is for:

For typing the directions into MapQuest, and then clicking on "avoid" 7 times so that I can not drive on Canal St in Manhattan in Friday rush hour getting to the Holland Tunnel.

For cleaning out the jammed paper in the printer when the directions are finally ready to be printed. Re-starting the printer after it refuses to acknowledge that there is no longer a jam. Getting up to get more paper.

For spending 5+ hours putting hooks and velcro on the $700 costume that really does fit perfectly, but ... do YOU trust the sewing on those hooks?

For having my underarm stabbed repeatedly by rhinestone setting prongs that no matter what you do, won't stay down. For knowing to wad up tiny pieces of foil and putting in the places where there are missing rhinestones that can't be found ... for now.

For leaving lots and lots of extra cushion time on the way to the gig, and then driving around in circles and being almost late anyway because there are no visible street signs at a crucial intersection of your journey. For inconveniencing other drivers while you erratically slow down to look in vain for house numbers that don't exist.

For squinting in the glare of the sun because you HAD to have a sunset reception and false eyelashes won't fit under your sunglasses.

For making your spouse turn down the game so you can check your freshly burned CD in the player and make sure it works. For everything else you put your spouse through, for that matter.

For the botox and valium.

If they only knew ...

Originally Posted by basil1

He emailed me again today asking if I knew of a "band/ drummer" that could accompany us. I was thinking you can't afford 3 dancers but want to add the cost of an entire band or at least a drummer?
I politely simply replied that I do not know of any Middle Eastern bands in the area.

Yeah, you definately want to get YOUR deposit before turning them on to any bands. Or tell him you'd be glad to organize the ME segment of the entertainment for a fee :)

Originally Posted by Nabila-Nazem

If they only knew...

They're also paying me not to consume any sweets, refined sugars, fats, carbs, alcohol, etc. in the week or two leading up to a gig. Every dessert I turn down, every hamburger I eschew, every stomach crunch I perform in the gym I'm thinking "these people better appreciate what a bargain they're getting!"