I offered my services to a small village school for a fundraising event and told them I would do it free of charge in the months of October/November. Didn't hear back but now they have asked if i could do it on 15th December. I have replied that it is peak Christmas party time of year and my usual fee for that day and the type of event they want would be £330.

They have replied that they have been shopping around for quotes and the best they are getting is £200+ which they can't afford, can I do anything?

I can either stick by my guns and say no or enter into the Christmas spirit and think of the children. I was thinking of offering to do it for £120 - 25% deposit and balance after the event.

There is also the possibility of spin off work from it but am a bit reluctant to give up one Saturday in December when I could be earning a lot more.

So does the decision get ruled by my wallet or my heart? What would you do?

When you were willing to do it free, what would you have normally earned on that night?
Deduct that from the £330 that you would want for the 15th and offer to do it for that price.
The thing is that doing charity gigs tend to be great money spinners, maybe even better than the christmas party that you would do on that day.

I have taken a charity booking for december (getting paid but not my full fee) and from that I have also been given 4 full price gigs.

Jim

Thanks, thats helpful. If they had chosen a date I was booked it would of been a no brainer. The function also has an early 9.30pm finish (starts at 4.00pm) so would mean an early night and I have a few bookings during the week before the weekend to fill the coffers.

I'll see what they say.

Me Personally, I wouldnt do it for free in December - as you stated you'd do it for free in October/November.

If it was me , and the gig was local ish (within 15 miles) id offer to do it for £150

May sound cheap, but i think it would be good advertising.

TonyB - Supporting the community


Each to there own

Let us know what you decide.

I'm with Matt on this one.

You offered your free/discount rate for October/November. They have decided to choose December. I wouldn't do it unless they were prepared to pay say £330. I would offer a goodwill discount eg down to £250. They have put you on the spot for no reason, and made it difficult for you.

I have seen this happen before ie offer services for good causes only to find the event is changed to a busy xmas date or times extended.

It's provisionally booked at £120. Treasurer has okayed it but needs to be run by the Headmaster tomorrow.

in general charity or not I charge full fee for these events..

you will not find any other service offering a discount.. catering / security staff / venue ... so why should the DJ...

charge full price and then make a donation (Tax deductable) to the charity if you feel that you want too...

That is SO not true!

You would (obviously) be surprised at the number and type of people prepared to make hefty discounts or even make things or themselves available for free for charitable events!

Well there was me still in a bit of a quandary as to whether or not I had done the right thing but I've just received another booking through a recommendation as a result of helping the School out so I'm happy now

Good, i'm glad it's worked out.

Bit late for me to throw my tuppence worth in but - good on you.
The kids will love the disco, I'm certain that the word will get round that you've given up a lucrative offer to uphold your commitment and that you'll be supported by the parents/school etc.
Use it as a real promotion night, I've no doubt you will do, with glo-sticks, cheap christmas giveaways etc. and appreciate it as a night away from the pi**-heads at the Christmas parties.

Spinko

Most of the kids will be drunker than your usual Christmas Party crowd

I would only offer discounts on the condition that you get signed contracts for some future bookings.

So many times do you hear the words there could be future bookings. If they cant afford £200 will they be able to in the future. I doubt it.

Promised bookings arent worth a thing until you get signed contracts.

would depend on the charity...
i'm doing Menacap on a weekday 2 hrs in January... taking a day off work and any fee paid gets donated back.

some charities don't seem to make any money nor have any real reason for being a charity... just makesure it's one that you believe in!