Why Sites Like GigSalad and The Bash May Be Hurting Performers More Than Helping

Full Disclosure: I am listed and active on these performer websites. I have been for over a decade on one and about as long as others. The points in this article are my opinion as a long-time paid user.

The Hidden Costs Sites Like The Bash and GigSalad: Why Performers and Clients Both Lose

Over the last 10-15 years gig sites like The Bash (formerly GigMasters,) GigSalad, Bark and others have revolutionized how people book live entertainment. They provide an accessible marketplace where clients can browse and book entertainers for all types of events.

At first glance, these platforms seem like a win-win: clients get to compare options and performers have a centralized place to find work. However, the reality for entertainers and performers is often less than ideal. These platforms encourage price shopping and favor the lowest bidder, creating challenges that hurt both seasoned professionals and the industry as a whole.

In this article, we’ll explore why the structure of these gig sites can harm entertainers, how price shopping devalues live entertainment, and why clients who book the cheapest options often walk away disappointed. We’ll also break down typical pricing for performers (specifically magicians and mentalists,) explain why professionals ask for your budget, and discuss how undercutting prices hurts the industry and individual performers alike.

Price Shopping: The Industry’s Silent Killer

Gig sites inherently promote price shopping. With listings presented side by side, clients often focus on finding the “best deal.” While this may work for purchasing a commodity, entertainment is not a commodity—it’s an experience. The lowest-priced option might seem like a bargain at first, but live entertainment requires skill that often takes years or decades to master, preparation, and professionalism, all of which come with a price tag. You're not paying just for the event, but the experience and level of quality provided.

When clients book the cheapest performer, they often end up disappointed. The performer may lack the experience, equipment, or polish necessary to deliver a top-tier experience. They may not be able to accommodate or quickly adjust the event if parameters change or if something pops up unexpectedly. They may not be able to quickly, calmly and professionally handle these situations and can sour clients on the idea of booking live entertainment altogether, creating a ripple effect that impacts the entire industry.

For seasoned performers, competing on price alone becomes unsustainable. Professional entertainers invest years into honing their craft, purchasing high-quality props, and delivering consistent, high-value performances. When clients focus solely on cost, it undermines the hard work and dedication that professionals bring to the table.

Membership Costs and Pay-to-Play Models

Gig sites are structured to profit from performers rather than invest in their success. Performers pay often expensive membership fees, and the platforms often offer additional upgrades for “featured” or “priority” listings. These costs can add up quickly, especially for performers who are just starting out and are not getting that much work. Meanwhile, the resources provided by these platforms often fall short, leaving entertainers to fend for themselves in a highly competitive marketplace. We have the ability to add videos, images, bio and a simple pricing structure but direct contact to the performer is often complicated or very difficult.

This model creates a race to the bottom. Performers who are desperate for gigs may lower their rates to remain competitive and get the work, even if it means earning less than what their skillset is worth. Over time, this devalues the industry as a whole and creates unrealistic client expectations about what live entertainment should cost.

These are private companies and can do what they want regarding their prices and options. Nobody is forcing performers to be listed on these sites. However, putting a focus on both the client AND the performer will benefit everyone including the trust in the company in question.

Understanding Performer Pricing

One way to combat the devaluation of live entertainment is to educate clients about typical pricing structures. Here’s a general breakdown of what clients can expect to pay for magicians and mentalists, though similar ranges apply to other types of performers:

- Children/ Family Events (e.g., birthday parties): $350 - $1,000 depending on the location, add-ons, specific requests, and duration of the performance.

- Adult Parties (e.g., small company parties, adult birthdays, anniversaries, holiday events, etc.): $500 - $3,000+, depending on the complexity of the event. Strolling entertainment typically starts at $500 per hour, while full shows or a combination of services can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 or higher.

- Corporate Events: Prices vary significantly based on the scope of the event, but high-quality performers generally charge $1,500 - $5,000+ for tailored performances. Some do charge significantly more. The best way to find what works best for you is to do your research on the individual via their personal websites, social media, and reviews and/or references from previous events.

These numbers reflect the value that professionals bring to an event. Factors such as travel, customization, and equipment also influence pricing, and performers often tailor their services to meet a client’s specific needs.

Why Performers Will Often Ask for Your Budget

When a performer asks for your budget, it’s not about trying to squeeze the maximum amount of money out of you. Instead, it’s about tailoring a program that fits within your budget limits while ensuring a high-quality experience.

Please Note: ALL performers create and offer their own set prices and fees. Some performers like myself keep a range of fees in order to further customize an event for the client.

For example: (specifically for magicians and mentalists)

- A client with a $2,000 budget may focus on a high-impact, 60-minute show or strolling entertainment for 1 to 2 hours. Some performers may offer a combination of services.

- A $500 budget could be great for an hour of strolling at a cocktail party or before a corporate dinner. For family events, a children's birthday party could get a really great magic show.

Providing a clear budget upfront helps the performer structure their offerings in a way that aligns with your vision. This collaborative approach ensures that both parties walk away satisfied.

The Harm of Undercutting Fees

Beginner or amateur performers often charge lower rates to gain experience, which is entirely reasonable. However, when seasoned professionals feel pressured to lower their fees to compete with less experienced performers, it creates a race to the bottom that hurts everyone.

Here’s why undercutting is harmful:

1. Devalues the Industry: When clients see low rates as the norm, they’re less willing to pay fair prices for experienced professional, which forces them to either decline the gig or undercut their own price to get the job. Either way, someone loses.

2. Unsustainable for Performers: Low rates often don’t cover the costs of travel, props, and preparation, forcing performers to work longer hours for less money. The show doesn't start on the stage. The preparation and commitment to professional - polished events starts the second the event is booked.

3. Damages Client Expectations: Clients who book cheap performers and receive subpar experiences may lose trust in the value of live entertainment. Remember you get what you pay for.

4. Stunts Professional Growth: Beginners who consistently undercut prices may struggle to raise their rates later, limiting their long-term earning potential. This will also eventually create a negative mindset around getting jobs as a whole.

Performers who charge fair rates not only sustain their own businesses but also contribute to the overall health and reputation of the live entertainment industry. There are thousands of reputable performers all over the country whose fulltime job is performing. They make it a point of pride to provide the best possible Experience and offer a rate that matches their skill and works best for each client.

Be wary of "pros" who constantly cut down their price just to get the job.

When you get the cheapest option you often sacrifice quality!

Why Clients Should Avoid the Cheapest Option

When clients book the cheapest option, they often prioritize cost over quality. While it’s tempting to save a few dollars, this approach can backfire in several ways:

- Inconsistent Quality: Lower-priced performers may lack the experience needed to adapt to unexpected challenges or engage diverse audiences. Would you rather get a quality product from Apple, or a no-name one from Temu?

- Limited Resources: Budget performers often can’t afford high-quality equipment, professional-grade props, which can impact the overall experience. You may see a repetition of material and not much originality in less-experience performers.

- Missed Opportunities: A lackluster performance can leave guests unimpressed, undermining the value of the event and making clients hesitant to book live entertainment again.

By investing in seasoned professionals, clients ensure a memorable and impactful experience that reflects well on their event.

Zero Barrier to Entry and Its Impact

One significant drawback of gig sites is their open-door policy, allowing virtually anyone to join with little to no screening or qualifications required. While this inclusivity can appear advantageous and great for beginners, it often hurts the industry by flooding the market with inexperienced performers who may not deliver professional-grade experiences. This influx of unvetted talent creates inconsistencies in quality and can lead to negative client experiences, which in turn damages the reputation of live entertainment as a whole.

Seasoned professionals who have invested years honing their craft are forced to compete with newcomers who may offer lower prices simply to secure gigs. In securing these jobs they bring nothing new to the table. This undercuts the value of experienced performers and again fosters a race-to-the-bottom mentality, where price often trumps quality. Additionally, clients who book inexperienced entertainers may end up disappointed, leaving them reluctant to invest in live performances again regradless of the new performer's credentials, skill set, or seniority. Gig sites must implement better screening processes or tiered systems to differentiate seasoned professionals from amateurs, ensuring clients have a clearer understanding of the value they’re paying for.

What Can Beginner Performers Do To Get More Gigs:

Here are 10 ways beginners can gain experience and earn money without undercutting other performers:

1. Community Performances: Offer to perform at charity events, community gatherings, or non-profit organizations to gain stage time while supporting a good cause. Build up a client base from people who've seen you live. Give out business cards, offer deals on bookings for those you saw you at "x" event.

2. Open Mic Nights: Participate in open mic events to refine your skills and gain exposure in a supportive environment. Get Flight Time! The more time on stage, the more comfortable you'll be at providing a fair price for quality, developed work.

3. Collaborate with Established Performers: Work as an assistant to seasoned professionals, learning the trade while earning a fair rate.

4. Street Performances: Perform in public spaces with appropriate permits. It’s a great way to practice and earn tips while building confidence.

5. Private Practice Shows: Host free or low-cost performances for family and friends to get feedback and build word-of-mouth referrals. This is wildly easy to do today with the availability of ticketing sites like Eventbrite and Ticket Leap.

6. Children’s Parties: Start with smaller, local events where expectations may be more manageable, and charge a fair entry-level rate.

7. Social Media Content: Share performances on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok to grow an audience and attract paid opportunities.

8. Corporate Networking Events: Attend networking events for small businesses and offer demonstrations to showcase your talent and make connections. Get involved in your local chamber of commerce and take part in their networking events.

9. Barter Services: Trade performances for exposure or other goods/services (e.g., photography, video production) that can enhance your promotional materials.

10. Create Your Own Events: Organize small community shows, selling tickets or accepting donations to cover costs and build your portfolio. As stated in point 5, this is wildly easy to do today with the availability of ticketing sites like Eventbrite and Ticket Leap.

How Gig Sites Can Help Foster Positive Change

Gig sites like GigSalad and The Bash are in a unique position to create a more equitable and rewarding experience for both clients and performers. Here are 10 ways they can make a difference:

1. Implement Quality Filters: Highlight performers based on verified reviews, experience levels, and seniority on the platform.

2. Educate Clients: Provide resources to educate clients about the true value of live entertainment and how to choose quality performers.

3. Encourage Fair Pricing: Set minimum pricing guidelines to discourage extreme undercutting and protect the industry’s standards.

4. Offer Transparent Costs: Reduce or eliminate hidden fees for performers, making the platform more equitable.

5. Highlight Value: Showcase performers’ unique offerings and credentials instead of just listing their rates.

6. Support Emerging Talent: Create mentorship programs or featured sections for new performers to gain exposure without undercutting professionals.

7. Create Tiered Listings: Allow clients to filter by experience level, so they can choose between seasoned professionals and emerging talent without confusion.

8. Promote Customization: Encourage clients to share more of their event details and budgets upfront to receive tailored proposals.

9. Reward Excellence: Offer incentives like discounts on memberships or priority placement for performers with consistent 4 or 5-star reviews.

10. Provide Tools for Growth: Develop resources such as marketing guides, performance tips, and networking opportunities to help performers succeed.

11. Eliminate Cattle-Calls:  Gig sites can eliminate the cattle-call style gig availability. By throwing the event to everyone who matches the performance style, you encourage all of the negatives discussed in this article. Allowing a client to choose their entertainment specifically will encourage a more comfortable experience for the client and avoid being hounded with dozens of emails, and replies. Thus making the experience anxiety inducing and forcing the client to either leave the platform or just choose the cheapest option.

    
    

By implementing these changes, gig sites can create a more sustainable marketplace where clients receive great entertainment at fair prices and performers can thrive professionally.

Building a Better Industry Together

The live entertainment industry thrives when clients and performers work together to create meaningful experiences. Here are some ways we can foster a healthier marketplace:

1. Educate Clients: Performers should take the time to explain their pricing and the value they bring to an event. Transparency builds trust and helps clients understand what they’re paying for.

2. Support Fair Pricing: Clients should avoid defaulting to the cheapest option and instead focus on finding performers whose offerings align with their vision and budget.

3. Encourage Professional Growth: Beginners should charge rates that reflect their current skill level while striving to improve and raise their fees over time.

4. Advocate for Performers: Gig sites should prioritize supporting performers through better resources, fair pricing structures, and transparent fee systems.

 Final Thoughts

Gig sites like Bark, The Bash and GigSalad and many others provide valuable opportunities for clients to find live entertainment. However, their structure often promotes price shopping at the expense of quality and sustainability. By educating clients about the true value of professional entertainment and advocating for fair pricing, we can create a more supportive and thriving industry.

Whether you’re a client looking to book entertainment or a performer navigating the gig economy, remember that quality and professionalism always pay off in the long run. Together, we can ensure that live entertainment continues to inspire, captivate, and create unforgettable memories for years to come.

The Event Equation ©

www.eventequation.com 

Note: This article is a personal opinion and does not speak to the feelings, experiences or thoughts on gig sites from other performers, or clients. This article does not represent the opinions of the respective representatives of the gig sites mentioned or not-mentioned here. These are private companies who choose to do run business as they see fit. This article is an opinion of a seasoned professional who has had great success on these and other similar platforms.

Fair Use Act Disclaimer:

This article and it's contents are for educational purposes only.

Fair Use:

Fair use under the 1976 Copyright Act permits limited use of copyrighted material without requiring permission from the rights holders, provided the use meets certain criteria. These include purposes such as criticism, commentary, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research (17 U.S.C. § 107). Factors considered include the purpose and character of the use, the nature of the copyrighted work, the amount used, and the effect on the market for the original.