The Opportunist Price-Hunter During Our Recession

Lately I’ve noticed a trend with certain consumers. Given the challenging times, everyone these days (including affluent customers) seems to be discount-crazy. I don’t fault anyone for attempting to get the most bang for their buck, but come on people!

In fact I’ve noticed, even people with who haven’t lost their jobs and still have lots of money in the bank want a discount. These are people living in wealthy communities. You know the “right” zip code. But why? Well, because…there’s’ a recession going on, right? This to me seems a lame and remarkably convenient excuse to seek the deepest possible discount. A little too advantageous if you ask me. Hey, I realize many people are in dire straits and are in some very real fear. Those people are NOT calling me for a magic show. I’m a full-time professional magician in the middle of a recession – trust me – I’m all too aware of the “slow-down” in the economy. Hell, sometimes I can barely pay attention.

Recently I had a high-dollar school call me regarding performing at one of their school assembly programs. I happen to be fully aware of this school, their location, (west San Fernando Valley) and know they have heaps of money. After inquiring about my magic show and asking for the price, the lady responded with “Wow, that’s a lot of money.” Cunningly playing numbskull while being fully aware that this school was an affluent Christian school, I asked her, “Is this a low-income school?” She laughed out loud, as well she should’ve. Of course, after her cackle subsided she said “no” and went on to reason that she was asking for the discount because of “the recession.” At the time, I told her I was all too happy to perform my magic show for her school, but that I could not afford go lower than a certain dollar amount. I was frank, direct and to the point.

She understood, sort of, but ultimately must have chosen to either forego the assembly program altogether or go with another magician who gave her a better price. I won’t criticize somebody for wanting to work and giving her a better price. There’s a recession going on, you know. Bottom-feeders have babies too. Okay, that could’ve gone without being said, but you get the point.

What I should’ve asked was if her school had lowered their tuition rates in direct response to the recession? Hey, there’s a recession going on, you know. I’m sure she’d never ask for a discount unless they themselves as Christians were doing the same, right? Don’t know, but I think not.

Hey lady, how come I have to lower my prices if you’re not? If it sounds like I’m complaining, I am.

The hallmark of a professional is to set prices then adhere to them. I don’t want to be stupid, and yes, I want to work, but what’s the point of setting prices if people just want to make up their own. I already offer a 5%-15% discount, but people seem to want more. I say save your money if things are that tight. Baby will just have to suffer NOT having a magic show.

Would I be considered a cynic? What’s a magician to do? Telemarketing? God, what a world!

Hey, here’s a good one. Next time you’re going to see a movie , try telling the box office you’re NOT going to stay for the WHOLE movie, that you won’t’ watch the ENDING, so you just want to pay half-price. Try it. See what they say. I’ll bet they say, “The price of the show is the price of the show, take it or leave it.” But, try it.

Oh and don’t forget to remind them there’s a recession going on!

Curled up in a fetal position and holding the fort,

Tim Mannix, Los Angeles Comedy Illusionist & Live Performance Artist
www.funamazingmagic.com/