Here's a quick story for you – after reading it I would like to predict that you will be thinking to yourself "He really should have know better"

I had a booking for a two-hour children's birthday for a Friday evening after school that my customer booked up many months ago. Contracts were signed and the usual booking procedure was followed.

A few days before the party I received a phone call asking whether it would be possible to change the party to a one hour show instead and what the cost would be. I asked what the reasons for wanting to change her booking and she said that it was a struggle financially and their daughter had just started nursery and cost was an issue.

Now I could have insisted that a deal was a deal but feeling a little sorry I said I would do my two hour show at my one hour party rate. I was a little annoyed but given the current environment I felt that a little leeway would be a good thing in the long run. She happily accepted my offer and all was well.

On the day of the party I arrived at the venue to find a very well spoken and 'posh' family, a nice house and three cars on the drive. Upon entering the home there was an expensive looking living room, a specially made birthday cake, loads of food, wine, buffet for the parents.... now at this stage I am fuming for being such a muppet.

I did the party to my usual high standard (although I couldn't be bothered) and on my way out I was paid cash. I opened the envelope to find it £25 short! I went back and asked for the money, bit my tongue, gave a wave goodbye to the birthday child in true entertainer style and stopped off for a pint at the Hungry Horse on the way home!!

Let my story be a warning to all you kind hearted entertainers.

I know the feeling. Everytime I have given more than usual (usually because I'm asked with some kind of sob story) the job ends up being a complete nightmare. I ended up doing 2 hours discounted at a wedding reception because the hotel didn't bother telling the bride I was there and it was my own anniversary too. Wouldn't mind but I certainly didn't get any referrals from it either.

I now do not discount or offer more to anyone regardless of how genuine the reasoning is as I've been taken for a ride too many times.  :cry:

Darren believe in Karma, you did a good turn and someone will do a good turn for you soon.
You felt good as you thought you were helping someone out in need which goes to show what a nice person you are.
Unfortunately some people are happy to **** on you and that is their problem not yours, do not change the way you are be at one with yourself.

Completely in agreement with Graham! Don't stop being the wonderful person you are!