Like Joan, Cynthia and Arla said, it is a regional economic issue. And it is a business. While we can all b*tch about someone coming along and charging less, they have the right to do so - Just as we have the right to set our own prices to what we feel we are worth. They obviously feel they are worth less. But, the customers will go with what they perceive to be the better deal - be it the lower price or the "professional with experience" or whatever.
I'm in a market without too many competitors - one is higher priced than I am but is a full service clown with face painting added on, I am only a face painter, another is LESS than half of what I charge, but I'm not losing any customers to the less expensive one, and am picking up customers that feel I am a better deal from the higher priced one. Our economy here wasn't hit as hard as you all in the US were (and I've been getting annual raises and a $1/hour attendance bonus at the dayjob...) and things are picking up now as well in the oil patch. I have not lowered my rates, BUT, I haven't raised them in about three years. I reworked my package rates and multiple booking discounts to be less instead - so while I still give a break to the customer I am making a bit more on those deals. Shannon Fennell Make-Up Artist Whether You're a Beauty or a Beast ~ Everyone's a Work of Art! 2007 US Body Painting Festival - Second Place 2006 Winner of the Fantasy Worldwide Facepainting Contest in Belgium Best Face Painter of 2005 in North America 2005 International Face Painter of the Year www.shannonfennell.com www.facepaintingproducts.com My blog: http://shannonfennell.wordpress.com/ -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Face Painting and Body Art Association." This is a PG-13 forum dedicated to the discussion of Face Painting and Body Art. This group is provided for the benefit of all and as such is not moderated. Our goal is to promote open and unrestricted communication between people interested in face painting and body art. We hope that you will be courteous to others and try to stay on topic. You are free to offer products or services related to face painting as well. Please address concerns with the original poster before contacting the management. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/fpba-assn
