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 |  | Low: $100-$165 Per Hour |  | High: $225-$400 Per Hour |
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Party clowns are costumed entertainers who often perform at birthday parties and special events. Professional clowns with a business license and insurance can command a high hourly rate.
Typical costs: |
- An inexpensive party clown typically ranges from $100 to $165 an hour. Inexpensive clowns may have fewer years of experience than higher-cost entertainers or may have less equipment to put on their show. For instance, an inexpensive clown may own a costume and makeup but have no puppetry or balloon-twisting skills. Kids Birthday Party Characters[1] in Los Angeles offers inexpensive entertainers starting at $100 an hour.
- An expensive party clown typically ranges from $225 to $400 an hour. Expensive clowns generally have more years of experience than low-cost entertainers in their field and should be equipped to offer add-ons like balloon twisting or a magic show. Clowns charging rates in this price range typically own several costumes in order to act out various clown personas and can customize their show for groups of all ages. All About Entertainment[2] in the Miami area books clowns for $260 an hour.
- While some party clowns charge an hourly rate, others offer a specific birthday-party package lasting 1 to 3 hours and typically in the $100 to $485 range. For example, both of the following party clowns offer birthday party package that lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes. Merlin the Magical Clown[3] in upstate New York advertises magic, balloon twisting and face painting for $175. Anna Banana[4] in South Florida offers a similar package for $375, offering face painting, singing and games.
Related articles: Magician, Balloon Twisting, Cake, Helium Balloons
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What should be included: |
- Party clowns typically advertise skills such as comedy, balloon twisting, juggling, face painting, interactive games, singing or magic. For instance, clowns from Bounce House Party[5] in Florida offer balloon animals, face painting and games. Clowns should provide all supplies related to these talents, such as enough balloons and/or face paint for a specified number of children, which is confirmed prior to the party date.
- A party clown should offer a phone consultation before an event to discuss the details. There should also be a written contract between both parties before payment is made.
- Always read the contract carefully to ensure that both parties agree on the total cost, date and location of the party, and what will be included. Deposits and a cancellation policy should be outlined in this contract.
- Most clowns will arrive in full costume and face paint, though clowns can go without face paint if requested.
Additional costs: |
- Party clowns may charge $2 to $6 per additional child above the specified number of kids included in a birthday party package (typically 15).
- For travel costs outside of their county, party clowns may charge $25 or more. Travel fees should be discussed at the time of original price quote.
Discounts: |
- Some clowns offer a discounted rate on additional time after the first hour. The savings range anywhere from 5 to 50 percent off the first-hour rate, encouraging longer bookings.
- As about discounts for non-peak bookings. Balloonimations[6] in San Antonio offers a $10 per hour discount for non-Saturday bookings.
Shopping for a party clown: |
- Sites like Gigmasters[7] and the National Clown Directory[8] list party clowns by area. A local party store may be able to recommend birthday party entertainers in your city.
- The Califormia Clown School offers a list of questions to ask before hiring a clown for a birthday party. For instance, it's a good idea to ask if the performer's costume and makeup can be altered to calm young children who might be frightened by a clown's appearance.
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
| Posted by: Celine in Wayne, NJ. | Posted: March 7th, 2016 02:03PM |
| Special Skills : Magic, face painting, balloon twisting | Amount of Time Hired: 2 hours |
After a bad experience with a "budget" entertainment company, I refused to make the same mistake twice with my second child's birthday.
I paid more, got amazing talent and compliments AND I wasn't embarrassed like I was the first time by the entertainer who painted as well as any toddler. She was nice but I thought I was paying for talent. Kids cried because they didn't like how their face painting came out.
If you can't afford professional entertainment people will understand, but a child won't forget how bad they felt at your party. |
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| Posted by: a user in providence, RI. | Posted: October 27th, 2012 12:10PM |
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External Resources: |
- kidsbirthdaypartycharacters.com/Types_Of_Parties.html
- www.allaboutentertainmentinc.com/Clowns/clowns.html
- www.merlinthemagicalclown.com/merpg5.html
- www.allaboutentertainmentinc.com/Clowns/AnnaBananaTheClown.html
- www.bouncehouseparty.com/clownscharacters.html
- www.balloonamations.com/prices/
- www.gigmasters.com
- www.clown-directory.com
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