{"id":4186,"date":"2023-02-22T12:05:58","date_gmt":"2023-02-22T12:05:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/partywizz.com\/blog\/?p=4186"},"modified":"2025-07-17T12:46:07","modified_gmt":"2025-07-17T12:46:07","slug":"set-your-prices-as-a-performer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/partywizz.com\/blog\/entertainers\/set-your-prices-as-a-performer\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Set Your Rates\/Prices as a Performer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>A question many performers dread is \u201chow much do you charge?\u201d&nbsp;&nbsp;And for some, their answer is not dissimilar to the mathematical trick that starts, think of a number, any number&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-elements-6a311136e6104 has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color\" style=\"font-size:30px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cta-service-cms2.hubspot.com\/ctas\/v2\/public\/cs\/c\/?cta_guid=c9c0cadb-2994-4c34-a064-48133f7c45e8&amp;signature=AAH58kGg5N_C3UiXO1OwoqcMf4U0wWMl9A&amp;portal_id=3811420&amp;placement_guid=c714ba4d-1776-44ae-bf8b-5eec3b2aae38&amp;click=bef7a7ea-f1fa-46ae-8f59-3857f2252920&amp;redirect_url=APefjpEz7s4SdqkUBPWgVwDrzJG4l5psc3tSW5jOM5qS1FBy9tzAd_b1lMZFLml8zBkY94hdwmzmudUcdayIHYmjDRIlAgX6i7Tvt3EuJXhh0wDWclcCY_-STGn96NFCjoBAp4aK6HSI&amp;hsutk=&amp;canon=https%3A%2F%2Fpartywizz.com%2Fblog%2Fentertainers%2Fset-your-prices-as-a-performer%2F&amp;ts=1752756133995\"><strong>>> Get More Gigs by Registering with PartyWizz<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<style>.wp-elements-6a311136e6104 a{color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-cyan-blue) !important;}<\/style>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>In many ways, this is completely understandable, especially if you\u2019re just starting out.&nbsp;&nbsp;On the one hand, you don\u2019t want to price yourself out of a job, but on the other you don\u2019t want to charge so little that it\u2019s barely worth your while taking it on.&nbsp;&nbsp;This is when panic pricing sets in and you begin plucking figures from the air.&nbsp;&nbsp;Needless to say, it\u2019s not a strategy that works well!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So how do you go about setting your rates as a performer?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the assumption that you want to make a living, you\u2019ll have to work out how much money you need to earn each year.&nbsp;&nbsp;When you have that figure, add on approximately 30% to cover UK tax and NI contributions and a percentage for your pension fund.&nbsp;&nbsp;You should also factor in an amount for holidays and sickness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With this calculation to hand, you can estimate how many gigs you anticipate getting per year and divide your calculation by that number.&nbsp;&nbsp;This will give you a price per gig that you need to charge to make your required annual income.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, it\u2019s not quite that simple as no two performances, or clients, are the same.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Indeed, there are numerous things that affect how much you should charge, so we\u2019ve compiled a list to help you work out what they are and how they play into your pricing strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The competition<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the first things you should do is check out the competition.&nbsp;&nbsp;Look at other performers in your area who offer a similar service and find out what they charge.&nbsp;&nbsp;If their website doesn\u2019t mention pricing, you\u2019ll need to pose as a prospective customer, or persuade a friend or family member to do this for you.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The point of this exercise is not to undercut your competition, but rather to find a baseline from which to work out your own pricing.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Being the cheapest is not necessarily going to bring in more business; when people are celebrating, they may well be of the mindset that they deserve something better than the budget option.&nbsp;&nbsp;As the saying goes, if you pay peanuts, you get monkeys!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"704\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.partywizz.com\/blog\/20230313083549\/Screenshot-2023-02-22-at-12.57.20-1024x704.png\" alt=\"band playing in a living room\" class=\"wp-image-4189\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.partywizz.com\/blog\/20230313083549\/Screenshot-2023-02-22-at-12.57.20-1024x704.png 1024w, https:\/\/assets.partywizz.com\/blog\/20230313083549\/Screenshot-2023-02-22-at-12.57.20-300x206.png 300w, https:\/\/assets.partywizz.com\/blog\/20230313083549\/Screenshot-2023-02-22-at-12.57.20-768x528.png 768w, https:\/\/assets.partywizz.com\/blog\/20230313083549\/Screenshot-2023-02-22-at-12.57.20-1536x1055.png 1536w, https:\/\/assets.partywizz.com\/blog\/20230313083549\/Screenshot-2023-02-22-at-12.57.20.png 1540w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Talent and experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When you first start out, you should expect to set your rates below those of more experienced performers.&nbsp;&nbsp;The other question you should be asking yourself is, \u201chow talented am I?\u201d&nbsp;&nbsp;The more talent you have, the more you can charge, although you will need to prove yourself first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On that note, your website and social media should include videos, photographs and reviews from previous customers showing that others think you are talented too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Seasonal<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You will probably find there\u2019s a particularly high demand for your services at certain times of the year, such as Christmas and New Year\u2019s Eve.&nbsp;&nbsp;With many performers booked up to six months in advance of the festive season, supply becomes scarce, meaning you can increase your normal rates during these periods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Type of work<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Some work is better paid.&nbsp;&nbsp;Corporate clients in particular tend to have large entertainment budgets, so think carefully about the type of client you are dealing with when quoting.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Private celebrations may well have smaller budgets, but some events, such as weddings, will usually attract higher rates than Christmas or birthday parties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Travel costs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Your rates should include time spent travelling, particularly if you are going any distance<strong>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong>It can be helpful to break travelling costs down into geographical boundaries.&nbsp;&nbsp;You might, for example decide to include travel costs within a five-mile radius of your local area and create a set charge for every so many miles beyond this.&nbsp;Alternatively, you could charge a per mile rate.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And don\u2019t forget to factor in extra costs such as overnight parking, congestion charges or toll roads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other costs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Monitoring your costs is a good way to evaluate how much you should charge.Below we&#8217;ve listed a few items you might want to consider. The list is by no means exhaustive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Equipment and props<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>PA systems and other items \u2013 you are effectively hiring these out and will at some point need to replace them so factor them into your pricing.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Insurance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Public liability insurance is essential, as is cover for any equipment and props you use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Clothing<strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether it\u2019s a costume or a dinner jacket for a wedding or corporate event, include an amount for cleaning, maintaining and purchasing these items of clothing.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Professional memberships<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Membership of a union, such as the Musicians\u2019 Union or other professional body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Accommodation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There will be occasions when you need to stay overnight in a hotel if you finish in the early hours or are a long distance from home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Food<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are performing at a wedding or corporate event, food may be provided, if not you will need to factor it in.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Accountancy services<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>An account will be able to deal with your tax affairs, but they cost money, so take this into account when setting your prices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Website<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A website is an essential tool for promoting your services, so if it\u2019s costing you to host it, include a small amount in your pricing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Minimum rates<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Set a minimum price below which you will not go, even if the client only wants an hour\u2019s performance!&nbsp;&nbsp;Your evening is still being set aside for this client.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Remember, you can always say no if a booking is not worthwhile.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Package deals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Package deals can be a good way to set your rates.&nbsp;&nbsp;You could create a budget package, a \u2018popular\u2019 package and a luxury package.&nbsp;&nbsp;Customers like these because they know exactly what they are getting for their money, but it can also help you, as an entertainer, to potentially get a better rate as people often opt for the middle option.&nbsp;&nbsp;However, there will always be occasions when you need to create a bespoke package.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"775\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.partywizz.com\/blog\/20230313083549\/Screenshot-2023-02-22-at-12.57.28-1024x775.png\" alt=\"accounting sheet\" class=\"wp-image-4190\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.partywizz.com\/blog\/20230313083549\/Screenshot-2023-02-22-at-12.57.28-1024x775.png 1024w, https:\/\/assets.partywizz.com\/blog\/20230313083549\/Screenshot-2023-02-22-at-12.57.28-300x227.png 300w, https:\/\/assets.partywizz.com\/blog\/20230313083549\/Screenshot-2023-02-22-at-12.57.28-768x581.png 768w, https:\/\/assets.partywizz.com\/blog\/20230313083549\/Screenshot-2023-02-22-at-12.57.28.png 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The client\u2019s budget<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When creating bespoke packages talk to your potential client, develop a rapport with them and find out exactly what it is they are looking for.&nbsp;&nbsp;Once you have established these details, you can ask what their budget is and determine whether the price you are aiming at is close their anticipated spend.&nbsp;&nbsp;You may want to consider adding approximately 10% to the figure you quote to allow room for negotiations too.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>That&#8217;s <\/strong>a wrap<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We hope this post has helped you think about how to set your rates as a performer.&nbsp;&nbsp;While there\u2019s no magical formula for working out exactly what to charge, you should at least have a rough idea of how much money you need to cover your costs and still make a profit. It\u2019s up to you now to ask a fair price for the entertainment you provide.&nbsp;&nbsp;And don\u2019t forget, you can always say no if it\u2019s not worth your while.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-elements-6a311136e62da has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color\" style=\"font-size:30px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cta-service-cms2.hubspot.com\/ctas\/v2\/public\/cs\/c\/?cta_guid=c9c0cadb-2994-4c34-a064-48133f7c45e8&amp;signature=AAH58kGg5N_C3UiXO1OwoqcMf4U0wWMl9A&amp;portal_id=3811420&amp;placement_guid=c714ba4d-1776-44ae-bf8b-5eec3b2aae38&amp;click=bef7a7ea-f1fa-46ae-8f59-3857f2252920&amp;redirect_url=APefjpEz7s4SdqkUBPWgVwDrzJG4l5psc3tSW5jOM5qS1FBy9tzAd_b1lMZFLml8zBkY94hdwmzmudUcdayIHYmjDRIlAgX6i7Tvt3EuJXhh0wDWclcCY_-STGn96NFCjoBAp4aK6HSI&amp;hsutk=&amp;canon=https%3A%2F%2Fpartywizz.com%2Fblog%2Fentertainers%2Fset-your-prices-as-a-performer%2F&amp;ts=1752756133995\"><strong>>> Get More Gigs by Registering with PartyWizz<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<style>.wp-elements-6a311136e62da a{color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-cyan-blue) !important;}<\/style>\n\n\n\n<p>PartyWizz helps you book the best entertainers and party services in UK and Ireland. From\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/partywizz.com\/partners\/magicians-for-hire\">magicians<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/partywizz.com\/partners\/face-painters-for-hire\">face painters<\/a>\u00a0to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/partywizz.com\/partners\/djs-for-hire\">DJs<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/partywizz.com\/partners\/photographers-for-hire\">photographers<\/a>, you\u2019ll find those in your area on our\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.partywizz.com\/\">easy-to-use platform<\/a>.\u00a0 Whether you\u2019re planning a corporate event, a wedding, kids or other private party, go to\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.partywizz.com\/\">PartyWizz<\/a>\u00a0to find the perfect service providers in just a few clicks!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A question many performers dread is \u201chow much do you charge?\u201d&nbsp;&nbsp;And for some, their answer is not dissimilar to the mathematical trick that starts, think of a number, any number&#8230; >> Get More Gigs by Registering with PartyWizz In many ways, this is completely understandable, especially if you\u2019re just starting out.&nbsp;&nbsp;On the one hand, you [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":4188,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[36],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/partywizz.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4186"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/partywizz.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/partywizz.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/partywizz.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/partywizz.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4186"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/partywizz.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4186\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5300,"href":"https:\/\/partywizz.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4186\/revisions\/5300"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/partywizz.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4188"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/partywizz.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4186"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/partywizz.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4186"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/partywizz.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4186"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}