How far in advance should I book?
How much notice do you need?
When should I book?
These are variations of a question that I am often asked.
The simple answer has two parts …
- Book as soon as you can.
- It’s never too late to ask.
Here’s a slightly longer answer …
This Monday, I performed at a wedding. A wedding on a Monday is quite unusual, but this wedding was booked almost 2 years ago! When the enquiry came in, I’ll admit that I thought it was fake (successful magicians often get fake enquiries from magicians with less experience who are trying to find out prices etc). However, the couple liked me, wanted me, and booked me very early. I have had bookings even further in advance, but a Monday booking made 2 years ahead of the event was a first for me.
I’ll be honest, if you were normally looking for a Monday in May, you wouldn’t have to be in too much of a hurry. This month, I’ve only performed that one Monday. The other three remained available until the last minute.
This is a perfect example of “Book as soon as you can, but it’s never to late to ask.” If you’d wanted me on Monday 18th May 2015, you would have had to have booked more than 2 years in advance! However, if you want me on Monday 25th May 2015, I’m still available! And the other two Monday’s this month have passed by without me performing anywhere (what a waste!)
So what about busier dates? Like Fridays and Saturday’s …
It’s a very similar story.
Most Friday’s and Saturday’s get booked anywhere between 1 month to 18 months in advance.
On the other hand, most months have at least one Friday or Saturday that I’m not booked at all.
Further proof that
- You can never book too early.
- But it’s never to late to ask.
So, what should you do?
Confirm the booking as soon as you have made your decision.
I often have 7 or 8 enquiries for a single date. Any one of them (or a new call entirely) could put down a deposit any minute. Don’t assume that everyone takes days/weeks/months to make decisions. Some people are very decisive. My favourite enquiries come from people who make their decision within the hour! Some people even surprise me with how quickly they want to proceed. Once they have made up their mind, either because they like what they have seen on the website or because I have been personally recommended to them, they often pay the deposit over the phone in their first call!
It’s very disappointing when someone has taken too long to make their decision. I hate the calls when someone is excitedly telling me that they would love to book me, and I have to tell them that I am no longer available. I can always provide another great magician, but that’s little conciliation when they have decided on me.
So, one last time, for the quick answer to this question …
- Book as soon as you can.
- It’s never too late to ask.
I hope that helps!
If you have any questions about hiring a magician, leave a comment below and I’ll answer it.
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