Tag Archives: cost

Why I charge what I do.

Mr T Ricks Childrens Entertainer Bridgend Hello everyone, While out and about in my clown car the other day, I spotted a notice in a shop that I would like to share with you all as I am occasionally asked why there are other children entertainers that charge more or less….

“It is unwise to pay too much, but it is worse to pay too little. When you pay too much you lose a little money; that is all. When you pay too little you sometimes lose everything, because the thing you bought is incapable of doing the things it was bought to do. The common law of business balance prohibits paying a little and getting a lot. It cannot be done. If you deal with the lowest bidder it is well to add something for the risk you run, and if you do that you will have enough for something better. There is hardly anything in the world that some person cannot make a little worse and sell for a little cheaper, and the people who consider price only are this person’s lawful prey.” John Ruskin 1819 -1900

So let me tell you why I charge what I do…….. I am a professional children’s entertainer. That means this is my business and my main source of income. This is not a second job, and I don’t just work weekends. I work 7 days a week 365 days a year. (Yes, I have worked many a Christmas Day) For me clowning is a serious business. When I am not performing I am either practicing routines, working on jokes, or keeping up with the latest trends. In the past I have even asked for footage of my performance, filmed at a birthday party by a family member, so I can evaluate the show from a spectator’s viewpoint. …and then there are the props! I am constantly buying new props to replace those that get worn through age, or wear and tear (and for those who have seen my act some of these get deliberately whacked about. :-p) This helps keep the act looking professional and presentable. Cheaper I am now in my 23rd year of being a professional children’s entertainer, and I’ve had many imitators, but I have always seen these inferior performers come and go when things get tough. So the next time you want to build childhood memories for your child, or make everyone laugh and smile at a once in a lifetime event, ask yourself: why do some so called ‘children’s entertainers’ need to charge so little to secure their bookings? I am Mr. T.Ricks – professional clown, magician and children’s entertainer. My prices are competitive for the quality service I provide, and although I may not be the cheapest… I would rather be the best. 🙂 Bye for now… Mr. T. Ricks.