Many of us are feeling the effects of tighter finances this year and we need to remember that our customers are feeling the same struggle. Santa’s all over the United States are reporting that while the calls are steady for booking this year….it is much slimmer than previous years.
Many of the repeat company parties that all of us have come to depend on are not booking this year. The majority of companies that have thrown elaborate parties for their employees and their families are finding that there is no budget for frivolities.
The malls and photographers are being heavily affected as well. A number of malls will not be hiring real bearded Santa’s this year but replacing them with fake bearded Santa’s at a lesser pay scale in order to make up some of the loss from the lack of picture sales.
While the calls are slow but steady there are still markets that need Santa’s. Instead of getting a mall job….you may want to try soliciting a store (large department store) for a few days a week. Be reasonable in your rate. If you try to charge them for your lost business….they will find someone else. Home parties are still out there but once again be reasonable in your pricing. Customers that book home parties are feeling the economy pinch as well.
This season is not like any other that I have experienced in the past years. All of us in the Santa business need to be realistic and flexible in our pricing to accommodate our customers who are struggling. Be thankful for the jobs and customers that have contacted you. Always remember that this crisis will soon pass and things will hopefully be better next year.