Expert: Patty Sachs - 5/14/2009

Question
I am 10 years old and I LOVE planning partys. I am sending an email to all my little brother's friends
telling them I would like to plan their birthday party. The only thing I need help on is how much
money I should charge, and how I should ask for the money, I can't just say "I planned your kids
birthday party, now give me the money."

Can you help?????

Thanks

Emmy

Answer
Emmy:

I actually set up a service like this for my granddaughter.

First you need to print up a little flyer that explains what your services will be. You would be more of a party "helper" than a planner.  You would do things like setting up, preparing the gift bags, helping with serving, organizing kid's games and gift opening, and then helping with clean-up.  You can do extra things like face-painting, balloon twisting, hair streaking and tattoos, etc. for entertainment.

I would charge $10-12 per hour for 4 hours. Especially if you will paint faces, etc.  That is about how long you will be working. If you have a close friend who might want to do this with you, it will be a lot more fun for you and you can brainstorm ideas, etc. You would charge $50 for the event and split it.  Babysitters make about that much and you will be doing far more.  Check with friends to see what they charge for sitting.

When you agree to do a party, give the customer a slip that lists the customer's name, address, phone number and date of party.

Put the amount that you will be paid and that you will be paid at the end of the party.  Have the customer sign it and you sign it, too. You can make it in duplicate with carbon paper and leave one for the customer.  this is your agreement.

The more professional you look with your paper work the more work you will get. Let them customer know if you would like cash or check...cash is best, especially if you are splitting it.

Google "birthday party planning" and you will find tons of great birthday party ideas for kids parties.  This way you can help your customers come up with plans, too.

I hope this has been helpful, I am sure your parents or a friend would help you further with the plan.

Best of luck,

Patty Sachs