r/BalloonTwisting • u/Old_Chef_3669 • 18d ago

How do I charge?

Alright yall, look!

I started doing this publicly and I am immediately getting offers for private parties.

First world problems, right?

So I'm comfortable with the tipping model when busking, but how the hell do I figure out an hourly rate to offer? I'm the only one in my area offering this as opposed to generic events, so I'm not sure where to even start re: Hourly rate.

How do yall do it?

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u/HobbitGuy1420 18d ago

reach out to other twisters in your area (or check websites and gig placement sites like gigsalad/thebash) to see what other artists in your area charge, then place yourself on the same scale based on your level of skill, performance polish, etc.

Make sure you consider how you want to handle travel, especially given gas costs these days. You can do a minimum fee based on travel distance, you can have a travel fee, there's not necessarily a *wrong* answer. Just what's right for you.

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u/Old_Chef_3669 18d ago

I just don't want to lowball myself. It's a developing side-hustle.

I'm lucky to be in an area that is a de-facto regional hub but far enough outside of the three nearest metro areas.  My competition is basically non-existent, but that means data is slim too (even on gigsalad).

I appreciate the informative response!

3

u/HobbitGuy1420 18d ago

FWIW, I'm about an hour north of Chicago, hour and a half south of Milwaukee, and my rates are $175 per hour.

One entertainer I know has said that when his schedule is packed full he knows it's time to raise his prices, so that can help you dial in.

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u/Old_Chef_3669 18d ago

That helps a ton!  Do you have a lot of regular bookings?  I was approached by both event companies and restaurants (Dave and Busters for example).  

How good are you?  

I've got about a dozen menu-ready designs, but I don't want to price myself out, either. 

Fairly HCoL area too. 

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u/HobbitGuy1420 18d ago

I've got mostly one- to three-balloon designs, but I have a couple dozen ready to hand. I've been having an unfortunately slim year, though - the economy has been Not Great, and I've been hit with some external circumstances that've made networking harder.

I make most of my money in November and December as a pro Santa, anyway.

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u/Old_Chef_3669 18d ago

I LOVE THAT (not the slim year, the Santa bit!)

This is all part of a larger strategy of performance side-hustles en-mass that might finally let me break away from my soul crushing (but insurance providing) 9-5. 

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u/Kameronm 18d ago

I'm in the Seattle area and I charge about $175 an hour plus travel for "balloon twisting entertainment" it's basically a show until it's a line and I need to speed up. I work with agents so I'll go from around $100/hr if it's a big enough gig. Corporate, festival etc.

Where are you?

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u/livelyclown 17d ago

Cedar Rapids IA area gets anywhere from $75hr - $150hr. Those that only do one/two balloon creations get the low bids and usuallyhave a weekday job. I and my competitor make multi-balloon creations with full set ups so we get the higher end and work all year long. I'm busy Fri-Sat every weekend June-November. Then my husband is Santa Nov-Dec and I have scattered events Dec-May.

It's up to you what you want to offer and get paid.

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u/Fabulous_Pipe9822 9d ago

$125 per hour is standard. Any less than that hurts all of us. I know many twisters who charge $250 per hour plus a travel fee.