What would you charge?

I do fireworks shows in Second Life. While most of these have been on a sim I am largely involved with, I also did one recently for another location, and was paid very nicely for doing so. I have recently been contacted by third location, who wants me to do a show for their fundraiser.

Last night, I was asked what I charge.

I have not come up with a set "fee" for these shows. Both of the venues I've done them in have been special situations, with the lions' share of my shows being done to help promote the sim I'm a part of. I have not given a lot of thought about "taking the show on the road."

The shows themselves are roughly 20-30 minutes, with me emceeing the show (opening and closing the event, welcoming, thanking, etc.). They are not wholly automated, and do involve work on my part.

What would be a fair price? What range should I consider? Should I also consider a different rate for a "fundraising" event versus other ventures?

Thanks in advance.

Mari

It would be good if you filmed your show so potential customers can prevuew it. I know I bought that full fireworks system years ago but refused to put the time into learning the timing and stuff needed to set up a spectacular show.

I think a 20 minute show is a huge undertaking and you should charge at least 750L to 1500L for your service.

i would say charge the cost of the supplies (If its a one time use set of fireworks) + your time.

Ive never seen a firework show for sale before (with someone conducting the show) so im sure there is some type of benefit for being the first!

I would say if you think that the payment you received from the first party was a nice amount (Not outrageous, and not skimpy) then stick with that, maybe a little extra for additional equipment.

Also, prepare ahead of time.. IE: 4th of july would be a pretty busy night for you (i would guess) so they can either book you ahead of time, OR pay extra the closer it gets.

Hope this helps

You should also put up something for tips...if you don't do that already (I have never been able to make it to one of the fireworks shows yet, stupid time zones...)

When I do a fireworks show, I run it at least for an hour, although I have be known to run for 9 hours straight. I've never asked for money, but it IS quite a bit of work, especially if you're hosting, taking pictures, and DJ'ng at the same time. Fortunately my system is a hud, so that does make life much easier. Also, prepare your guidelines as a gesture (you know, to welcome arriving ppl, to tell ppl to go to midnight, up their particle count and such), so you just have to type a trigger every so often.

As far as payment, I think it's comparable in the amount of work as DJ'ng, so that may give you some pointers. Definitely put a tip jar out!

I do know what all of you mean, pricing things in SL especially services is very hard. For a start you have the expectations of the customer, some people think that a professional programmer in RL should charge some really tiny rate for doing the SAME work they do all day for like $40 US an hour, then you've got exchange rates and peoples perceived value for the service.

I think at the end of the day for some things I just look up what the MARKET rate is, e.g. land sales - see what everyone else is charging - however if you have a unique service like a firework display I would have thought a higher charge is in order ESPECIALLY if you are performing for an RL corporate company. You have a skill that is valuable and brings happiness and joy to others don't undercharge!

I do hate it when I do someone a favour and they say how much do I owe you? I'd rather they just like gave me some lindens or plainly just said thanks for the help. Saves all that embarrasment.

How much to charge? - at the end of the day I'd get your best friend in SL and ask them how much they would pay for your service, then get someone you don't know and ask them the same thing and go for something in the middle.