Party entertainer - AIBU?

[puppymouse]

I am sorting out some of the basics for DD's 6th birthday party. It's a while away but the first one she's ever had and I wanted to do the bits that need booking now so it's done.

I did a bit of research into local entertainers. Found one I liked the sound of and messaged them. I sent a nice chatty message explaining dates and times and asking what their availability and set up time was.

They responded quickly but have just sent me a generic image of a flier with their prices on. No hello, thanks for your enquiry, yes I'm available etc. This pissed me off slightly as it's well over £100 and I just feel a bit of friendliness doesn't go amiss in dealing with potential customers.

However this person gets good reviews and is clearly great with kids. So am I being petty and that's all that matters so I should book, or do I look for someone who'll actually talk to me?

Wow, missing point of thread but that seems a huge sum to pay for someone to organise a few games and a disco for 6 year olds. My DS is a teenager now but I miss the days of organising parties, perhaps I should set myself up as an entertainer and earn £100+ a time. . I know everyone has different skills etc but is it really that hard to organise a party?

Round my area it's over 300€ for 3 hours entertainment.... (and they don't do 1 or 2 hours)

So far, DH and I have just done it ourselves (parties of roughly 10 children). It's really quite fun although exhausting. Means you get to know the children better though.

I agree they could have worded a generic intro thanking you for your interest.

@Ragwort if you fancy it, be my guest. It's my absolute worst nightmare. It's hard enough keeping one DC with low expectations entertained at home, let alone a room full of other people's!

Does it have to be inside? We've had lots of success with parties in the local park.

The key is to wear them out (we have boys - so start every party with races and obstacle courses) and to have lots and lots of games planned in case some aren't popular.

3 unexpected successes were: dancing (musical statues), DH throwing the gold coins up in the air for the DC to scramble to find and give back to him and repeat (the orginal game was a treasure hunt but we did this at the end and they absolutely adored it!) and finally, tig with DH chasing them all. Thankfully Dh enjoys running

@TchoupiEtDoudou it's going to be too cold for outside I think and our house isn't big enough to cope with 10-30 kids depending on who she's inviting.

Did you get any heads bashing over the coins? DD is a bit rubbish at running and stuff and loves discos and dancing.

Community hall and some music, a lot of community halls have stereos of some sort and some even have lights. Set up activity tables. Even some schools rent out the main hall.

We have been to loads of parties and had loads. The ones that are always remembered have been the simple ones.

We've hired our village hall. I just want someone else to sort out what to do with them and do a disco with lights.

I remember my dad was my DJ when I was little. It was great! He rented a costume and everything.

I've had to entertain kids quite a few times as part of my previous job. It's harder than you think!

@Biancadelrioisback I can believe it. I know I don't have the skills or mental energy reserves for it

No heads bashed. Just lots of giggling kids (and bemused parents who turned up to pick them up and couldn't get them to leave!)

No way would I do 30 kids without an entertained - 10 is our limit.

I agree with badb - they could automate some friendly 'thanks for your enquiry; here's our price list; please let me know if you need any more details' even if they couldn't afford 30 seconds to type 'Dear Puppymouse'.

DH is in the "shut up, they must get loads of enquiries. You just need them to be good with kids" camp