Do you tip the children's entertainment?

[RadioFanatic]

Well, my DS's first birthday party is turning out well. We're having a circus theme and I've hired a clown. My question, however, is whether I need to tip him in addition to the service fee - he runs his own operation - it's not through a company or anything. I'm paying him $125 for an hour. I keep going back and forth - so any help would be appreciate.

I've also hired someone to make the cake - another solo operator. Do I tip her in addition to the cake fee? Thanks!

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Since they both own their own business I would say probably not unless they do something exceptional etc.

Our ds are party hosts at the bowling alley and most of the time they get tips, it can be anywhere from $5 to $20. and sometimes nothing as the parents feel that is part of the party package etc.

I bet they will give you their business cards and would be happy if you passed them out to all the parents in attendance etc.

Hope your ds has a great party.

 

[tipsytrtle]

i'm a henna artist who does lots of private parties in addition to faires and festivals
if i am doing a private party, i dont expect a tip, however one is always welcomed for a job well done...
i also ask if i can hand out business cards and am happy with just this option

i say, put a 20.00 aside, if the clown goes above and beyond, and you are happy with his services then tip, if not dont. or if money is tight dont tip....it's completely your call

 

[RichNKatHolly]

I say tip the clown if he rocks but I don't think the cake lady would expect a tip, nor would I tip for that kind of service - you're paying for the cake and that's really all she is providing.

We've used a clown before and he was totally awesome. He got other business out of our party and we gave him a $10 or $20 tip each time.

 

[horseshowmom]

I wouldn't tip them either. They "own" the company, and you're paying them for their services.

 

[cats mom]

I agree, since they both own their businesses and set their prices; there's really no need to tip and I doubt that it's expected, although I'd be surprised if they turned the extra money down if you offered.

But especially in this economy referrals are probably as much or more appreciated than a few extra dollars of tip money would be.

Good Luck with the party... it sounds like fun!

 

[java]

Depends- if the clown is over the top- involves the kids. really a fun clown- then I would tip.
Other than that the cost covers since he's a solo.

Cake lady- I have a friend that does cakes and she rarely gets tipped- only if the people felt like they paid low- in other words if she's doing a big time consuming job on it and you think it's worth more than she's charging- then tip. But in general I say no.

 

[mjkacmom]

I wouldn't, since it's their own business. However, we always have parties out, and I always tip the hostess about $20.

 

[Butwhyistherumgone?]

$125 an hour for a clown - WOW I am in the wrong profession!

 

[RadioFanatic]

$125 an hour for a clown - WOW I am in the wrong profession!

I agree - but he was actually the least expensive of the clowns we talked to. We were originally going to have a magician but they ranged $350-$450 for an hour. Talk about crazy!

Thanks for everyone's insight. I think I'll hold some money and if he is absolutely spectacular, I'll give him a tip, otherwise, $125 is plenty.

 

[chigirl]

My husband is a caricature artist who does private functions...he charges $125 an hour, too, and does not expect a tip. He gets one 99% of the time because he is really funny and gets the people at events going. I agree if the clown is GREAT, give them a tip. Otherwise, you are cool just paying he/she their hourly fee.

 

[Vijoge]

$125 an hour for a clown - WOW I am in the wrong profession!

Yeah, that's what I thought, too. At those rates I sure wouldn't be giving him a tip. For $125 he should be spectacular!