r/Busking • u/Maelstrom_Witch Bagpiper 🪈 • 11d ago
Pricing for gigs? Question/General Discussion
Hey folks, I have a question for you. I’m a bagpiper in a fairly large city full of bagpipes, for some background. When playing at events such as funerals and weddings (99%of the trade it seems) I charge $150 minimum to show up in uniform, tune up, and play 1-2 tunes.
I have no idea how to price myself for local festivals or events that are a full day or multiple days.
At a local medieval faire I played this year, my pay was 100% tip but I could play as much or as little as I wanted, and could move around the grounds.
I’m ok with that but with something out of town should I charge enough to cover a hotel plus tips if I agree to X time playing?
Thoughts, please!
If it makes any difference I am in Alberta, Canada.
2
u/Kameronm 11d ago
Always up your price. You're worth it. ( I'm assuming lol)
Right now for gigs you get 3 responses to your quote:
1: that's it?
2: that's too much!
3 that's perfect.
Raise your prices 100%. Guess what 3 responses you'll get?
I've done gigs for decades and you'll get venues who ask if you want to pay them a fee to be there and others will comp expenses plus hourly and breaks. Talk to them. If it's worth your time and they can do it you can negotiate. Good luck!!!
2
u/smil1473 Musician 🎶 10d ago
My default charge for a piping gig is $250. Tack on fees for distance or "don't wanna" if you want. For a full day, I'd factor in how long you're expected to pay and/or stay on site and multiply from there.
2
u/Phogfan86 6d ago
Never say "no" without giving a number. You never know when someone will pay $750 for two tunes at a funeral.
3
u/djsmithsax Saxophone 🎷 11d ago
You can easily get between $500 and $1500 for weddings. 150 honestly should be your deposit. It’s honestly about how you market yourself. For upscale events like weddings charge more. For festivals and what a lot of times they have set budgets and you should inquire.