Moogie's award winning face painting and balloons

Why do I need a
"Real Clown"?

"A Wig and Nose Do Not a Clown Make"

Some people dress up like clowns. They learn to do a trick or two and twist a balloon into a dog. But unfortunately, that isn't all that it takes to be a Real Clown. Real Clowning takes a certain bit of magic that can get a giggle from a toddler or a reminiscent smile from a senior. That magic takes both experience and training to bring forth. When booking a clown be sure to ask about their experience and training!

Here's an email I received from a potential client who chose not to hire me for their corporate picnic. Her email is in italic, my response is in regular type.
Subject: Re: clown rental

Hi Moogie,
I had chosen a party company and they included clowns. So the party is over, and I was very unhappy with the clowns they provided. I was looking for 2 clowns, to do the face painting, balloon sculpturing and mingle and play with kids. Well, I rec'd with my package 2 teenage girls, both an hour late, didn't mingle never mind be bubbly with the kids. Anyway, I have learned my lesson that you get what you pay for.

Hi Carol,
Sorry not to get back to you sooner. I've been thinking about your email alot. Unfortunately, your situation is not a unique one. Many times, when one is expecting a clown, what one gets is an untrained non-professional who happens to fit into a clown suit that the company owns.

The most common objection to hiring professional clowns is the price. I won't kid you (not about this, anyway!), professional entertainment is not cheap. A professional clown has many expenses that do not immediately come to mind, there's insurance, the cost of continuing education, props, also, materials such as quality balloons and facepaints are quite expensive. I've seen some of the aforementioned people in clown suits putting paint on children (I have to educate parents that the makeup I use is non-toxic, hypoallergenic and fda approved and that their child will not have a reaction to it like some materials that may have been used by other 'clowns'). I've also seen them offering balloons to infants, a potentially life threatening situation.

One thing to keep in mind is that you are not so much paying for the entertainers' time , training and experience so much as the chance to create special memories that will last a lifetime.
Your realization is quite correct. You do get what you pay for.

So, what I would like to do, if you could send me a brochure or business card. We have created a "picnic" folder to look back on next year. We were very pleased with everything else. Next year I will be hiring clowns from the outside to do all what I believe you do. Do you have a partner? We have a lot of children at our picnics and there always tends to be lines for the face painting and balloons.

There are a couple of people that I work with, some clowns and some non-clown facepainters who are excellent.

If you are interested please send me a brochure and/or business card and I will put you on the call list for next June's party.

I'd be glad to send you a business card and my marketing package if you supply me with your mailing address. You are welcome to print out anything at my site that may be of use. There's a section on points to consider when choosing an entertainer.

Do you travel and how far. All of new jersey??

Most of NJ and NYC.

Sorry I made the wrong choice.
Carol Vxxxx

Thanks for visiting!
Moogie the Clown