Hi Holly, great question!

I've had this same discussion with others and the best answer I've come up with is the issue of a "day rate."

This is your rate for the entire day. Then, it's the day rate times that many days (in your case, a week)

Yes, it ends up being less than you can make hourly, but it's still a lot of money no matter how you look at it!

Hope this helps!

Luke the Juggler

Would love to have your problem – book me for the entire month, everyday, 5 days a week, bring it on!o:p>

I would agree with Luke – A daily price is the easiest and in most cases the fairest for all parties.  If you were getting paid 60,000 a year you would make $1,153.84 dollars a week (60,000/52 weeks) Hourly you would be making $28.84 an hour (1153,84/40 hours).  

Keep in mind that most consultant will charge by the day are rates three times their yearly pay per hour – or $28.84 *3 = $86.52 an hour.  Then take $86.52*50 hours $4,326.

This odd hourly number will also help with negotiate the contract.  The odd number with change, reflects a calculation and thought was used in developing this dollar amount.  If you just quote an event amount, the client will think that you just quoted a number for the top of your head and will try to negotiate you down in price.

The $$ amounts are just guess and not designed for anybody to base prices on.  The concept is calculating the cost of a long running show.

I wish I had those kind of calls all the time too!

But the formula seems to work well when I am doing any job that would encompass more than just the normal party or event gig. Just remember, when negotiating, don't give the store away just to get the job! You will end up having a grudge against the place when it really is the point that you are mad at yourself for not getting what you want!

The best addage for anytime you go into any deal like this is:

Think before you act!

Plan it out so that you have your answers for any possibility! It will keep you looking more professional and everybody will be happier. The discussions will go quicker and a lot less hemming a hawwing.

Rapso:p>

I would respectfully decline this opportunity.  Tell your client that you do this for a living, and that this is not a hobby.  Thank the client, and let them know if they every need a professional, please feel free to contact them.

You many get lucky and pickup another job for that day, but if you don’t, then spend this time with family or friends.  Lastly forget about the job and enjoy the day. 

My thoughts

Dale

Everything has a value! Just to be the Devil's advoquate, You have to see what the value of doing it for free would be. Is it worth the same amount spent in advertising to do this job for free? Don't forget, either you are spending the money you earn on advertising or you are trading your skill for the same result!

I myself have been bit hard by this arrangement because it fell short of expectations! I lost "money" on the situation!

The other thing that happens is you lose respect as a professional! The old addage, "you get what you paid for" comes to mind. I have found that when I am being paid, I get respect from the workers and if I am donating the skill, I am treated as a peon! It doesn't seem fair, but that is the way they think!

To give another example, I used to do some acting. In movies, commercials, stage and TV. I have done a whole lot of extra work in some of the big movies shot here in Chicago and even did some commercials and TV. But when I had a principal part in a commercial I was paid more and was treated a whole lot nicer! Extras are treated like cattle! But the better pay gave me the respect that should be there anyways!!!!!

Remember, always know your worth, and don't be ashamed of it. Just know you are worth it and believe it. Remember if you don't believe it, they won't either! Don't be cocky, just confident!

You ARE what they want!

Another option that I have heard done is the actual billing of the services, receiving a check, deposit and write out your own check to them for the same amount as what they paid you. This is supposed to cover any problems with being a charity donation and the proving of it.

I have not done this method but it is supposed to work!

Good luck!

I'm going to email a CPA friend to see if this is true, but when it comes to charity work, you can only write off your supplies, not your time.o:p>

Dale

In response to your questions, regarding whether to donate your services to charitable organizations.   You should be very careful about the organization you are working for, each organization must be approved by the IRS in order to claim a deduction.

The current rule for performing services for charity is; NO charitable deduction is allowed for the value of services, the taxpayer is allowed a charitable deduction for his unreimbursed out of pocket expenses incurred in performing services free for a charity.

Another approach is to calculate the number of hours spent and supplies used for the charity and use that amount as an advertising expense.  ( Be sure you are able to prove it ! )

Hi Holly

I use an on-line system that is good for the store, $300-500 max order, cap of $3000 for the month.  No service fees, except the 3.5% processing charge.  Most companies charge $24+ month is service fees. 

Dale