Hey Dave – I’m a juggler from the NJ area. A few years ago, I purchased your “Corporate Comedian” book. A great read! When it comes to pricing, you mentioned charging per person as a way to arrive at a fee. You felt $5 per person is reasonable. I was thinking about using this formula to price my 30–45-minute shows. I also offer a 15–20-minute show. Since it’s shorter than my full-length show, do you think I should stick with the $5 per person formula or lower it a bit to say $2 or $3 per person. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much! – Bill
Ring it up!
Hey Bill – Thanks for reaching out and for the kind words about the book. You’re officially my new best friend!
Yes, the $5 per person guideline was shared with me early on when I started booking comedians and speakers for corporate events. It’s a good starting point for pricing but remember this is show business – and like any business, fees are often negotiable.
Here’s a quick story:
When I was active with the National Speakers Association (NSA), I had a friend who regularly booked $2,000 gigs through a bureau. However, if a local opportunity came up for less – sometimes a lot less – he’d still take it. He loved what he did and saw smaller gigs as a way to stay busy and make extra money. His agent wasn’t thrilled, but because they had a strong relationship, it worked out.
Bottom line: it depends.
In my opinion – based on years of working with performers and agents – your fee is your fee, no matter the length of the show. Whether you’re performing for 20 minutes or an hour, you still need to:
- Prepare your act
- Travel to the venue
- Set up
- Perform
I showed up so pay me.
Think of it like this: When I had a plumber out last year, they charged a $75 flat fee just to show up, whether the fix took five minutes or an hour.
Performers should think the same way.
I’ve had clients try to “lowball” me with, “We can’t afford your one-hour program. What would you charge for 30 minutes?” My response?
Same fee.
I’ve even joked that my program is free – but they still have to cover my travel fee (which just happens to match my quoted price).
So, my advice:
Stick with $5 per person for both your full-length and shorter shows. Of course, everything in showbiz is negotiable if you really want the gig, but don’t let clients undervalue your time and talent.
And one final tip:
If a client balks at your fee, ask them how much they’re spending on table centerpieces. Chances are those decorations cost more – but ask them which will be remembered longer: the centerpieces or your show?
You already know the answer.
Thanks for reading – and keep laughing!
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For comments, questions about workshops and coaching please email – Dave@TheComedyBook.com
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