Restaurant payment and more

[Tomas Simkus]

Ladies and Gentelmen, boys and girls, magicians and non-magicians,

we all are into this wonderful art of magic, we buy decks, gimmicks, ropes, tigers, elephants and other material for close-up or stand-up performances. We perform magic and get HUGE reaction from pulling elephant from a hat or tiger-to-pocket routines. But decks get worn, gimmicks mysteriously disapear, tiger starts to see elephant as potential snack...and you notice that the money in the purse ar gone. Then you ask highest spirints for THE way.....slowly big finger apears and points to a restaurant nearby....you slighly hesitate because of "bloody-meat-all-kind family restaurant" name, but you believe in spirit...you go, meet owner and pull tiger from his ear...his is impressed and say: "how much?"....then you start talking about your pet-worm, called with a very original name "worm"........

This is a story we all have come accros. So what do you say about your price? How you decide how much? Why do you charge so?I am asking for explanation of your decision. Also, how long have you been into magic before first restaurant gag and how long are you in restaurant business?

Any additional information for a restaurant magic are very hugely and honorably welcomed,

Thank you,

Tomas Simkus

 

[Deryn]

I've been performing magic for 17 years. I've been performing at restaurants for over 5. I guess price depends on a few things. For me they're these....

- How well known you are in and around your town.
- Have people seen you perform before and do they know what you can do?
- What CAN you do?
- Do you have enough material to fill a 3-4 hour shift?
- Can you hold someone's attention
- How much is the restaurant wanting to pay you

When I get my restaurant gig where I work now, I didn't perform for the manager and "pull a tiger out of his ear." Instead, I suggested that maybe a performer like me would benefit his establishment. People would buzz about it and if I were that good, people would come not only for the food but to see me perform. I then told him I'll give you a free one hour demo. What have you got to lose? An hour.. but you have more to gain with this hour. So when he heard "free" he said go ahead. After an hour, I had 8 tables just wondering what the hell just happened at their table. I also asked them to please tell anyone in charge about their experience. After the manager heard the responses, he hired me and we negotiated pay.

My little cousin just started in restaurant magic and he charges $50 an hour. He's only performing for 2-3 hours tops. That's not too much to ask (in the eyes of the restaurant). Soon, if he gets rants and raves, he'll be working 2-3 nights a week. The more he gets noticed, the more he'll be asking for. Remember that pay still is based on experience and starting at $50 an hour is not bad at all! Just think if you were doing it 20 hours a week... that's $1000 a week, for about 3 hours of work each day. I've branched off into 2 restaurants, 3 bars, plus I get to pass out my business card for private shows.

And if all else doesn't satisfy you, at least you're getting real world practice.

Hope this helps,
Deryn

 

[Big George]

Work out what it costs you to do the gig (transport etc).

Add on something to let you develop (buy new DVDs etc).

Think realisticaly what you would bring to the resteraunt as a comodity and add all 3 together.

If you are new to the resteraunt scene then you might have to try working for cost (only what it costs you) or even free. If you are having trouble getting a specific rate then you can offer to do an hour for free.

You can always ask what the manager wants to pay. This will probaly be quite low in your expectation.

Above all else be prepared to negociate.
Be sure to explain the long term benifit of a magician. these being
1. customers who are being entertained while waiting for their meal will feel the services is better than it is. Its also great to entertain the kids and this helps the parents relax.
2. People will go away and talk about the resteraunt. This gives ongoing referals for the resteraunt.
3. People come back again to see you (and have a meal). Managers dont really believe this but its completly true. If a family are chosing to eat out are they going to go to a resteraunt where its the same every week, or where they can all sit back and enjoy some entertainment for 5 mins?

Best of luck.

 

[Tomas Simkus]

50$ per hour is enough to begin with, because I also began with 50$ (well I am from Lithuania and there aren't $, there are litas). I worked about 2hours per week and boy, was I happy? Oh yeah...but now I moved to another city, because of study and worked in parties. Parties=many many $$$, but cannot do it regulary, this is the worst thing. Sometimes you have a job, sometimes you are out of game. Restaurants are great for its regularity. I am going to get another restaurant .

IThis is personal question, but how long do you spend near table? The average time, please . I know, it is personal thing, but still I would like to hear your opinion.

Then I was working my performance varried from 5-30min., but average would be just about 20min.

Also, how many tricks you do? 3? 5? 45? Why?

And the last one.....what kind of restaurants or bars do you choose? I mean company's? One owner? World wide known?

 

[tokyoUW]

There is a great book written by Jim Pace from Portland Oregon about restaurant work. I forgot the name, but it is most likely something like, "Restaurant guide for Magicians," or "The Magician's guide to Restaurant work," etc... It doesn't got into specific routines, it tells you how to get the job, how to do the interview, which kind of tricks to show, how to set your price, etc... Lots of information.

One thing he mentions about setting a price is as follows: Imagine a typical dinner for two is around 40-50 dollars (if it is a semi decent restaurant), but even if it is only about 30-45 for a dinner for two, and if your magic brings in an extra 2 couples per night, it is justifiable for you to charge 60-80 dollars an hour, provided the standard time for a dinner for two is around 1 hour.

 

[Deryn]

I'd also like to add a video set called "Live at the Jailhouse"... The Jailhouse is a jail turned restaurant. It stars a lot of guys that are nothing but restaurant magicians. Not to take away from the other guys' talent or credit but I only recognize Justin Miller. Great tips, great advice. Pick it up!

-Deryn

 

[Jamesthepickpocket]

This is a story we all have come accros. So what do you say about your price? How you decide how much? Why do you charge so?I am asking for explanation of your decision. Also, how long have you been into magic before first restaurant gag and how long are you in restaurant business?

Any additional information for a restaurant magic are very hugely and honorably welcomed,

Thank you,

Tomas Simkus

I always hated when someone answered my question with another question, but I have to ask.

How long have you been doing magic?
Have you ever performed at a restaurant before? (Aside from buddies)
Do you have material to perform standing up, not using the table at all?
Have you ever worked in the service industry before?
If not have you ever worked in retail?


Everyone usually says 50 an hour as a standard price. If its your first time working a restaurant, I wouldn't ask that high.

If you live close enough that it doesn't effect gas money much, and you haven't worked a restaurant before. I would maybe go a little less. Maybe 25 to 30 hour.

You have to remember, Yes its great to get a days wage in 3 hours, but if you are worth it, then the restaurant will pay it. If you think you are, but the restaurant doesn't.... you know the rest of it.)

25 bucks is still a great pay to perform card tricks.


But please answer the questions I asked, I'd be able to help more then.

 

[Close-Up Expert]

$25/hour is most definitely decent pay...that's what I'm at right now and I've been at Red Robin now for over a year. The reason I'm hesitant to ask for a raise is that the outside gigs are just too plentiful, and definitely make up for the small pay at RR.

January 29th (Tuesday), I have a corporate gig performing for about 45 General Managers from Red Robins all over the east coast. I'll be doing a 30 minute stand up show. Can you say a lot of $$$$$$$$$$$?!?!?!?!

It's the gigs like those, weddings, etc, that make me stay at RR at the price I'm at....ask for $50/night (2 hours), get the gig, and get the experience. Personally, the experience is what it's all about at this stage now. And besides, how much you're making all depends on how you look at it.

I see myself getting paid $25 an hour to advertise my services to other people...look at every table as a possible gig, and audition for them like a $300 gig depended on it.

Best.
Steve

 

[David Rysin]

$25/hour is most definitely decent pay...that's what I'm at right now and I've been at Red Robin now for over a year. The reason I'm hesitant to ask for a raise is that the outside gigs are just too plentiful, and definitely make up for the small pay at RR.

January 29th (Tuesday), I have a corporate gig performing for about 45 General Managers from Red Robins all over the east coast. I'll be doing a 30 minute stand up show. Can you say a lot of $$$$$$$$$$$?!?!?!?!

It's the gigs like those, weddings, etc, that make me stay at RR at the price I'm at....ask for $50/night (2 hours), get the gig, and get the experience. Personally, the experience is what it's all about at this stage now. And besides, how much you're making all depends on how you look at it.

I see myself getting paid $25 an hour to advertise my services to other people...look at every table as a possible gig, and audition for them like a $300 gig depended on it.

Best.
Steve

Although I would have to go a little over $25 an hour, or if at $25 an hour be promised at least 8 hours a week, I have to say Steve's advice is some of the greatest on this thread. Don't get me wrong, listen to all of the advice on here- it's all great, however Steve's really puts things into perspective...don't think of it as working for $25 an hour, think of it as auditioning for hours for possible high paying gigs, weekly, and being paid for it!

~David Rysin

 

[Twozwozer]

Wow. This thread had really got me thinking about trying to get a job as an entertainer.

But what do you/would you perform each night? Would you do the same small act each night? Or, as David Stone says, have two small acts and switch between the two? When do you bring new material in? What do you do when you see the same customer but have no new material?

If any one can answer these that would be great.

Cheers, Tom

 

[Close-Up Expert]

Wow. This thread had really got me thinking about trying to get a job as an entertainer.

But what do you/would you perform each night? Would you do the same small act each night? Or, as David Stone says, have two small acts and switch between the two? When do you bring new material in? What do you do when you see the same customer but have no new material?

If any one can answer these that would be great.

Cheers, Tom

I've had the same routines in play at RR now ever since I've been there. The core of them is the same, but throughout the year, they've progressed and have gone through many many changes such as patter, order of trick in set, speed, and how I play on them (energetic, more relaxed, etc). In fact, $100 says anyone that saw my original stuff on day 1 wouldn't recognize anything today.

As for new material, I have a handful of stuff I'm constantly learning and adapting, changing, etc. There's always going to be something new I'm learning that I can show my regulars, even if it's not quite up to par yet.

Which brings us to your next question. You don't ALWAYS have to show them magic ya know!

There have been a few times where I'll just talk to them for a good 10 minutes and carry on a conversation. But, if you're working on something and have gotten to know them well, try it out! I have about 3-5 families that come in atleast 2 times a month now, and I've screwed up a few times in front of them. No worries...hell, one time I even taught some basic magic. Teach them something simple...I always use the key card principle for the trick I teach. Use the key card and deal the cards face up, then stop on the selected card...still fools 'em every time.

Hope that answered your questions!
Good Luck!

-Steve

 

[NlightN]

25$ is a very good start.

If you think about it, they are paying you 25$ an hour and you aren't even doing anything! It's like telling an alcoholic that he will get 25$ an hour for drinking beer.

How is resturant work anyway? Do you spend a lot of time on each table or like 5 minutes each?

if 5 minutes per table it can be good to have several small routines. this way if the customers comes back the likely hood of them seeing the same routine again is very small.

 

[Deryn]

Just to give you a perspective of how much it's possible to make (and this isn't just the highest limit, just my wage)

I work at the Hard Rock Casino on Sunday afternoons for one of their restaurants' brunch. I 'auditioned' for the GM of the restaurants and he threw a figure at me coupled with a length of time... $350 for 4 hours, Sunday, noon - 4PM. I couldn't turn that down. My booking agent takes 10% because without him, I wouldn't have even gotten to SEE the GM of Hard Rock, let alone audition for him.

I've also gotten asked to perform at private parties throughout the area. I've been up and down with my own figure in my head for years and I've ended on $100 an hour with a minimum of 3 hours. This includes an intimate 45 minute table top routine, an optional parlor/stage show, and of course walk around. I'd also like to ad that when I tell people my going rate, they usually say "Oh is that all?"

All this including I have a 2 contract with Vegas Style Parties. These people will transport Vegas games to you and temporarily turn your home into a Vegas Style casino, not gambling for real, but for fun. They have an average of 1 party a month in my area. As we all know, Vegas and magic pretty much go hand in hand, I'm the "optional accessory" when people are wanting to throw a Vegas Style Party. The company charges the client $300 for 2 hours of my time, taking 20% and I take 80%.

One downside, monitarily, is having "Entertainment Insurance." The Hard Rock made me get it and Vegas Style Parties asked me if I have it.. and of course I do. I pay $700 a year for a company to cover me JUUUUUUST in case something happens. I've had it for 2 years, nothing's happened.. ah but who's to say right?

Although this may be something you might be doing in the future, I just wanted to give you some insite on what I do. Oh btw, I have a day job as well. All of this happens on the days I do not work.

 

[Big George]

Wow. This thread had really got me thinking about trying to get a job as an entertainer.

But what do you/would you perform each night? Would you do the same small act each night? Or, as David Stone says, have two small acts and switch between the two? When do you bring new material in? What do you do when you see the same customer but have no new material?

If any one can answer these that would be great.

Cheers, Tom

For tables with kids I start with sponge balls. Adults seem to expect that you are there for the kids first. With my routine you can involve 3 different kids. I also use breakaway wand for the kids who are too young to do sponge balls or children I couldn't reach.
I have adapted some card routines that can be done on younger kids.
All of the card routines are quick and are done in the hands and I follow on with elastic bands and finish with the chop cup. I do a lime and lemon as a final load so the specs have something to remember that’s visual.

At the restraints I work at there are customers who come in nearly every week. For these I always have something I haven’t done yet or try new routines as I know these people I can get some feed back.

My advice on planning your routine:
1. Start with something that is quick that hits fairly hard.
2. Make sure you have stuff for the kids (even if you are not a kids magician)
3. Use your patter to get the whole table involved. If you want I can give you some examples of this.
4. Finish big with a routine that they will remember you.

Some general hints:
1. I ask if they want to see magic and if they don’t move on quickly and politely
2. Stay no more than 5 mins at the table
3. The best (and in my opinion the only) time to perform is when the specs are waiting for their food.
4. If the food turns up, finish up and offer to come back later.
5. DONT PERFORM WHILE PEOPLE ARE EATING!!!!!
6. No matter how well or bad you did, when you have finished thank them for their time.

Now go out there and make up proud!!

 

[Sergey]

Good advice guys, I might start doing this too. What would be the best tricks, I'd think coin-through-drinking glasses would be nice, am I correct? What about CIBs, and t'n'rs? And how would you get the actual job, and how would you confront the manager? Would you show them something quick and visual, or would you talk to them first about you wanting to get as job as a magician, and tfhen ask them if they want to see what tyou can do

 

[Tomas Simkus]

I thought about doing magic in Casinos, but imagime this situation:
you are doing card miracles for a guy, who lost his all life savings ( 500 000$ ) near poker table....ouch....that might hurt...

kaiarz, best tricks to do are tricks that you can do. I do not think that coin in bottle would be good, because pocket managment is really an issue. You should bear in mind that you have only a few pockets and many stuff: spongeballs, decks, thumb tip and more...

If you are looking for some material, I suggest you checking out Sankey's stuff. For restaurants and bars it is probably the best.

Now I will tell how I got my first job....

First of all I scaned the area and found the place I wanted to work. I dressed right and went there (do not dress like david blaine, you can try, but.....you'll see). I ordered a tea and then ask if a manager was there. And then he came........I started conversation, told how nice his place was....and he just said: "let's be clear, you want to do something here, right?" I said yes and explained who I was. Key words would be like magician, I can bring more people, more money, people will talk, will come back sooner and so on. The answer was: "ok, leave me a number....". This answer is the WORST you could get, because they are indirectly saying that they do not want youand still leaving YOU with a hope that won't come to reality. So I then said:" wait, I can work one night for free, what do you think?" He agreed. I started hitting tables and at the end of my act I said: "This is my first night and if you enjoyed me and if you would like to see me again then before going out leave a message to manager how much you liked me, ok?" After an hour a manager wanted to see me performing. He saw.......and immediatelly offered to work for him.

Hope this helped,

Tomas

 

[Sergey]

Tomas, I liked that story, when I'm going to confront a manager, I'll probably use that as guidelines, the only flaw I found was that you could have casually showed him a trick, as if doing for your self, and that might have changed their mind, I don't know, maybe, but you never answered about coin through drinking glass suggestoin, I think that would be perfect for restaurant work, and for the casual trick for the manager.

 

[Tomas Simkus]

coin thru glass is good decision, but do it casually. I mean then doing restaurant act you see empty glass on the table - do it. But do not carry with yourself one. Way too suspicious and not comfortable.

Also I would like to make clear about my "managers talk".

First of all say a FEW words that you like THE place and continue with a list below.

These would be the points:
*you can dramatically increase the experince of clients;
*customers will talk about THE place;
*customers will come back sooner;
*customers will bring their friends with them;
*(can be added more);

And if the manager is not an idiot, he will understand and start to smell your $$$.
If he still is a mood of "leave me a number", offer one night/evening/couple hours free demo. Say something that you have nothing to lose.

Also, if he asks to show what you do, show them 3 tricks: no more, no less (Jay Sankey's tip). Be proffesional. I once did more than 3 and ended up standing like a fool and the owner still was asking: "show me something more...show me something more...show me something more...". And after all I didn't get the job( f**k that B***H). Show 3 and they take you or not.

Be flexible, this is very important. But do not be a guy, who licks the shoes.

Very Important! Talk only to that people, who CAN get you a job. I once tried thru some sort of assistant of a owner and guess what happened - FAIL!

Thank you for your time,

Tomas