This post has been edited due to the amazing responses and assistance I have received here... you guys are awesome! Cheers...
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Performing Sick Have You Ever?
- Thread starter AshleyHall
- Start date
This is actually a good topic Ashley. They way I handle this is that in my contract that I have the client sign and mail back to me, it clearly states that if an incident like this (performer is too ill, birthday party child is ill, etc.) that I can reschedule with the client or try to find a replacement magician to perform at the party. Knock on wood, I have yet to have to cancel due to illness on a client in the past few years.
What Rick says here is standard fair when it comes to the legal protections but do understand that if an amicable agreement is not reached withing 30 days, you do need to refund the deposit (which should be a minimum of 35% of your fee/ 50% is normal)
HOWEVER, having the sniffles doesn't count. . . having cracked ribs or wearing a cast doesn't count. . . I've performed with my ribs wrapped and leg in cast, with a neck support collar and feeling like I was going to die on more than a few occasions. As the saying goes THE SHOW MUST GO ON . . . while agencies might excuse you once in a blue moon, they never forget. If you cancel on them too many times (more than once over a two year period, for example) and the reason isn't a matter of life or death, they will stop handling you and worse, will not likely offer many kind words on your behalf. So it is our bane in life to keep on trudging.
I've personally had to stop booking shows too far in advance for this very reason; I don't know from one day to the next and sometimes from one hour to the next if or not I'm going to be in the ER by night fall. It's quite frustrating even though I still ply my hand at doing shows here and there. Unfortunately I'm unable to deliver the sort of quality I use to pride myself on.
HOWEVER, having the sniffles doesn't count. . . having cracked ribs or wearing a cast doesn't count. . . I've performed with my ribs wrapped and leg in cast, with a neck support collar and feeling like I was going to die on more than a few occasions. As the saying goes THE SHOW MUST GO ON . . . while agencies might excuse you once in a blue moon, they never forget. If you cancel on them too many times (more than once over a two year period, for example) and the reason isn't a matter of life or death, they will stop handling you and worse, will not likely offer many kind words on your behalf. So it is our bane in life to keep on trudging.
I've personally had to stop booking shows too far in advance for this very reason; I don't know from one day to the next and sometimes from one hour to the next if or not I'm going to be in the ER by night fall. It's quite frustrating even though I still ply my hand at doing shows here and there. Unfortunately I'm unable to deliver the sort of quality I use to pride myself on.
Craig added some great pointers. The biggie is that it will only take 1 or 2 clients to spread that word that you are typically a "no-show" or frequent cancellation and you better believe your name is "mud" throughout the community. Word of mouth travels faster than you think.
Some of you probably aren't even using contracts or entertainment agreements. Some of you probably aren't even requiring a deposit. These are all things that you need to start doing in this business or YOU WILL GET BURNED. Trust me.
Thanks for the additional comments Craig. You bring up a valid point about, not being able to deliver the quality you used to pride yourself on. That takes a lot to admit; however mentoring up and coming guys and passing on your first hand knowledge is what you can and are doing successfully. I applaud you.
Some of you probably aren't even using contracts or entertainment agreements. Some of you probably aren't even requiring a deposit. These are all things that you need to start doing in this business or YOU WILL GET BURNED. Trust me.
Thanks for the additional comments Craig. You bring up a valid point about, not being able to deliver the quality you used to pride yourself on. That takes a lot to admit; however mentoring up and coming guys and passing on your first hand knowledge is what you can and are doing successfully. I applaud you.