Making More Money Twisting

I normally don’t write about one particular industry. But I was so inspired by my visit to the recent Twist & Shout balloon convention, I felt compelled.

On a personal note, the folks at Twist and Shout were some of the nicest people on the planet. No egos. Very giving, open to new ideas, and ready to learn. A GREAT EXPERIENCE.

Now, on with the subject of Making More Money In Your Twisting Career. The question I got asked the most at the convention was simply “How do I make more money?” Everyone from line twisters to folks that already have a “Show” had the same question.

I did a lot of thinking about this. And I came up with a number of ways to DRAMATICALLY INCREASE YOUR INCOME. But before we talk about the solutions, let’s bring up a few problems that balloon artists have when trying to sell their services.

Problem #1 - Whether you like it or not, the general public has the perception of balloon artists as “The guy at a birthday party that twists swords and doggies for my kids”. They don’t understand the talent and the value that you bring to an event.

Problem #2 - Most balloon artists charge by the hour. No matter how much you charge per hour, you still can’t make more than an hourly wage.

Problem #3 - We love twisting! This is a double edged sword. At the convention I heard on more than one occasion “I’m happy as hell to get paid any amount for something I’d gladly do for free”. It’s OK to love your art. In fact it’s a requirement. But what your doing has HUGE value.

Most balloon artists are dramatically undercharging for their services. I’ve seen your work. I know how intricate an art it can be . I understand the “Wow” factor when someone first experiences an amazing balloon sculpture. THAT‘S WORTH A LOT OF MONEY.

So, the question becomes…



HOW CAN WE CHANGE THE PUBLIC‘S PERCEPTION OF BALLOON ARTISTS?

How can we convince a potential customer that what we have to offer is worth way more than what they are used to paying?

It’s a pretty broad question. And there are a hundred different answers. I’m not even going to attempt to answer them all here. There’s not enough space. But there’s a secret formula that entertainers all over the world have used to increase the perceived value of their show. I am now going to reveal it to you, free of charge, no strings attached. Are you sitting down. Here we go.

The big secret is this.

To increase the perceived value of your services you must answer this question:

“What do I offer that no other entertainer in my field offers and why should someone pay more for my services than they pay for anybody else even remotely in my market?”

That’s it. Answer that question and you will DOMINATE your market and get payed more than any other balloon artist in your market..

But how do you do it. How do you offer something “different”. If everybody is offering balloon twisting at an hourly rate. Or a small show and 30 minutes of twisting for one low fee, how do you break the mold.

Here’s one very good answer: Package Selling.

Instead of selling twisting at an hourly rate, sell in packages. Have additional services that increase the perceived value of your art. Offer at least two, but better three, different packages.

Here’s some examples:

Package A
- Comes with 1 hour of twisting
- Plus a balloon dress for the guest of honor - “Imagine the look on your guests face when your daughter walks in wearing an original piece of art….”
- And an autographed picture of the Balloon Artist with the girl and the dress
(Of course you’ll put it in a cardboard frame with your name and contact info all over it)

Total Fee is ____________
- Over one hour is _______ per hour (a huge rate)


Package B
- Comes with 1 hour of twisting
- Plus I arrive early and make sure the party is decorated with 15 large balloon sculptures

Total Fee is ____________
- Over one hour is _______ per hour (a huge rate)

Package C
- Comes with a 1 hour of twisting
- Plus a custom made life-size balloon sculpture of the guest of honor, ready to greet your guests when they come to the door


These packages are worth way more than an hourly rate. You may or may not have the skills right now to offer these particular packages. But these are just examples. Be Creative! You’ve got to offer them something different!

Here’s an idea if you do strolling.

Most people sell strolling balloon twisting. The interesting thing is that the perceived value of “balloon animals”, no matter how intricate, is fairly low.

You and I both know that when you twist in front of people, you are entertaining them at the same time.

So, instead of selling “strolling balloon twisting”, sell the same service as “An hour’s worth of Mini Comedy Shows for groups of 2-7 people at a time, and at the end of each, one lucky participant gets an original piece of balloon art”. That will increase the perceived value of your service.

What you do IS ART! We just need to convince the rest of the world that it’s so!

If you MUST sell by the hour, and the client is not interested in anything else you have to offer, here’s a way to increase your pay and the perceived value of your hourly rate.

Package A
Doggies, Swords and Simple Hats for every guest
(Very easy and you can whip them out quickly and easily)
One low price of ______________

Package B
Looney Tune Characters for every guest
Plus a super sculpture for the guest of honor
Medium price of ______________

Package C (for the small audience)
Extravagant Balloon Sculpture for every guest
Plus a super sculpture for the guest of honor
High price of ________________


Now, of course, this is just scratching the surface of your full potential of what you can create.

Think Outside of The Balloon!

One last thing: To charge more for your services, YOU MUST BELIEVE THAT YOU ARE WORTH IT! When you give someone a price that is double or triple or even ten times what you’re used to charging, you must believe that they are getting value. That your services are worth even more than you are charging. That they are lucky to get you at all. Once that idea is deeply ingrained in your psychological make-up, you will make more money.

Good luck and may the latex gods be with you.

Dedicated to your success…
John Abrams
Rebel Entertainer
Inspiring Live Entertainers to Create Innovative Marketing & Breakthrough Performances

P.S. For more info on package selling and increasing your perceived value, I urge you to invest in the Rebel Entertainers Success System. It’s worked for many other entertainers and it will work for you.