Stretch Your Entertainment Budget
Posted by Sean Lukasik on Wed, Aug 18, 2010 @ 11:29 AM
Whether you are a non-profit, school, or corporation, everyone is feeling the economic pinch these days and wants to figure out how to get more for less. Entertainment is one area that, when cut, can affect the entire event’s success! However, creative cutting can result in a successful event AND huge savings.
First, think of what the greatest expenses might be for the company providing the entertainment. Most of the time, labor is number one. By reducing the labor costs of the entertainment, you can cut the amount they charge you.
Providing volunteers for the items that are simple to run, such as moderate inflatables, casino tables, Bingo, arts and crafts, fun foods, and carnival games can cut your cost and save the entertainment company a ton of money and give them more flexibility. Volunteers can be your employees, organizational members, or students as long as they are the appropriate age and responsibility. If you can’t use your own volunteers, consider hiring a local service organization (Kiwanis or Rotary Club), football team, or other non-profit and make a donation to the organization for their efforts. You get recognition for helping the group and you save money on your event.
Another method to save money can be in asking your entertainment consultant what deals they may have. Sometimes prices go up because of the cost of transporting an item. If everything fits on one truck or trailer, there is definitely a savings. Some companies might have items that they are overstocked with inventory and will discount the price to move that item.
Weekday work is another way to save money. Everyone wants their event on a weekend, particularly on Saturdays. At Bobby K Entertainment, we usually are sold out every Saturday but can always find availability Sunday through Thursday (other than holidays). By moving your event to a non-prime day, you allow flexibility in pricing.
When looking at price, remember it is always easier to get something thrown in for free or a discount than it is to get a discounted overall price. This way, the entertainment company maintains their pricing structure and both parties feel that they are working together to sweeten the deal! Most times, the item thrown in is a wonderful addition for your event while one of the lower cost items for the company.
By being creative, you can stretch those Entertainment dollars for most any event!