OK, I’ve officially had enough!!! In a tough economic climate, we all have to tighten our belts and be flexible with our prices, but some artists out there are guilty of under-pricing, which is ruining the market for all of us!
Today I was approached by an Agency who’d been let down by another artist, due to ‘family illness’. The booking was for 3 hours, North UK, fee was £215!! I’m guessing, but I suspect the artist in question under-priced himself then was offered a more lucrative booking elsewhere. A more experienced artist would never have quoted for so little, especially in mid-wedding season and would certainly never have let down the hand that feeds him.
For God’s sake people, lets keep a reign on this and school these unscrupulous traders, before they put us all out of business. Anyone disagree with me on this????
What Are You Worth?
If anyone out there struggles with pricing their services and has not taken a basic business course, please visit this Blog for some basic tips and advice.
http://www.typepad.com/services/trackback/6a00d8341cccd753ef011571072114970b
Artist should know better…
When I looked closely at one highly ranked (Google) Super-market style Agency site recently, I noticed the price structure. I Quote:
Adam Hanson £215, Mickey Toones £220, Neil Thomson £240, MH* £220, RC* £220 for 2 hours!! All figures quoted are gross – BEFORE agency commission!
I was gob-smacked! After nearly 19 years in the trade, I’m still having to contend with Agencies promoting bargain basement services by publishing cheapest available artist prices, like a menu at McDonalds! As if 1st Choice weren’t enough to battle against, with their ‘Bid for a Job’ price-war structure, I’ve just about had enough! If I find one instance of another budget artist publishing such stupidly cheap rates I’m gonna have serious words!! This is my living – MY LIFE and I’m not about to roll over and let some low budget charlatans ruin what has become an excellent way of life for so many of us.
Chicken or Egg? Do we hold the artists accountable for lowering their prices or the Agents who tell them thats all they’re worth? I know its business, but COME ON!!
As a community we should be nurturing and teaching the next generation their worth. Perhaps some of the above named (*veteran) artists could lead by example? I’m happy to welcome new-blood into our community, but if they keep undercutting the market I’m afraid I’ll raise the drawbridge and prepare for battle.
So what about quality? I will continue pitching to the upper end of the market, providing them with a polished entertainment package and let the Bargain Basement Traders squabble over the scraps. Time will tell who has the gumption, the reputation, the talent and commitment to stick around. Until then, my knives will be sharpened and my oil on the stove!!