Why Entertainers are ‘Expensive’
I recently came across a post on a wedding group on social media, where the poster was requesting recommendations for an entertainer (not a magician) and had been quoted a price, which was around £700, for a 45 minute performance which they thought was far too expensive, and wanted cheaper options. I’ve seen this before, and have experienced first hand people wanting cheaper. Remember… Cheaper isn’t always the better option.
Would you prefer to pay a cheaper price for your flight to Spain because the pilot had only flown a plane 5 times, or a higher price for the pilot with thousands of flights under his belt? It’s the same thing. You pay for experience.
Okay, so firstly, I agree that £700 is a lot of money. However, for what the person wanted at their event, it wasn’t. They were looking for a service they obviously really wanted, from a professional, on one of the most important days of their life.
Let’s say you’re booking me. You’re booking a professional entertainer, with over 20 years experience, over 20 years of practice, who has entertained thousands of people, and wedding, parties, in theatres, who doesn’t just turn up on the day and wing it, I spend hours before an event liaising with the booker and the venue ensuring everything is going to run smoothly, before I even take out a pack of playing card!
The issue here, is that the person looking for entertainment doesn’t really fully understand what they are paying for. It’s not that 45 minutes they see on the day, it’s the 20+ years leading up to those 45 mintues.
So what am I actually paying for?
Whether you’re looking to book a magician, singer, musician, or any other form of entertainment, this is what you’re really paying for:
Experience - Professional entertainers, such as myself, bring years of experience and skill to the table. Just like any other craft or profession, the expertise and mastery that these entertainers have developed takes time. Not just days, weeks or months, but years or decades of practice, every day.
Pre-Event Admin: Behind the scenes, professional entertainers dedicate significant time and effort to ensure that their performance, and more importantly your event run smoothly. This includes consultations with clients, customising performances to suit the event, coordinating logistics, liaising with your venue and preparing the necessary equipment for the event. All these administrative tasks add value to the overall experience provided.
Added Value to the Event: Magicians, singers, musicians are not just entertainers; they are experience enhancers. The wonder, awe, and excitement they bring to an event are priceless. Whether it's creating memorable moments, fostering audience engagement, or leaving a lasting impression, the entertainers contribution to your event goes beyond mere entertainment.
So, the next time you come across the perception that entertainers are expensive, and look for that ‘cheaper’ option, remember that what you are really paying for is not just a performance, but a package deal of experience, meticulous pre-event planning, and an experience for you and your guests that elevates your event to a whole new level.
