Halloween is just around the corner, which means a lot of tarot readers will be working at parties and special events.
What do you think is a fair price for party readings? What would you charge — or pay — for a 5- to 15-minute reading at a public event?
The question came up yesterday when the manager of a Minneapolis bar called me, looking for Halloween readers. He mentioned the possibility of paying an hourly rate himself; that way, the readers could also get tips or a lower per-reading fee from customers. Basically, he just wants to make sure the readings aren’t too expensive for people at the party.
Right now, my youngest is at the ideal trick-or-treat age, so I’ll be playing the part of “Mom” that night — not tarot reader. I’m also hosting a neighborhood open house, so I’ll be monitoring a big pot of chili on the stove. (Stop in if you happen to be passing by.)
Theoretically, if I were to take the job, I think I’d probably charge $5 for a quick three-minute/three-card reading … and I’d put out a tip jar, too. Honestly, though, I don’t really know what other people are charging this year. Prices just seem to be going up, and up, for everything.
That’s why I’m asking: What’s the going rate for Halloween readings where you live?
PS: If you’re interested in that Minneapolis bar job, I posted the manager’s contact info on the Twin Cities Tarot Meetup site.
PPS: For practical tips and hints on reading cards at parties, check out my ebook How to Make Money Reading Tarot Cards at Parties.
$75 an hour is my basic fee for a party and it has to be for 2 hours. I do get more in some situations. The bar I do a Mardis Gra “Fat Tuesday” makes a tent and decorates it, plus they take really good care of me while I’m there. They have someone handle the people getting readings and they make sure I have enough water. Very nice folks! They charge the people getting the quick readings $2 and they keep it. They make back 1/3 of what they pay me.
Since your fee $120 an hour for a private reading, you might be able to get that much or more for parties and corporate events. When I’m doing 10 – 12 readings an hour, I want at least a $100 an hour because it’s harder than doing 4 14 minute readings in an hour. I did buy your guide on doing parties the other day
Comment by Susie Joyce — September 21, 2007 @ 9:00 pm |
I now charge $50 for a half hour. Then I just read until it feels done. Then I usually see
an hour has lapsed, it never feels like an hour and the client feels like they got bonus time.
When you live in a small town like I do $50 is a lot of money for a reading. In the end I think both the client and I come away feeling like it was time well spent.
Julie
Comment by Julie Cuccia-Watts — September 28, 2007 @ 1:43 pm |
I read tarot cards at the local sports bar for their halloween party. I charge $5 for a 3 card reading and $1 for every card they add to that reading. I also have a tip jar. I don’t get rich by any means, but I feel it is a great way to introduce the tarot to a broader audience.
Ann Marie
Comment by Ann Marie — September 30, 2007 @ 5:48 pm |