1. How much does it cost to hire a clown in the Philadelphia area?

In the suburbs and exurbs of Philadelphia, amateur birthday clowns cost from $0 to $150.

But here's the deal.

Once a clown buys props, and buys marketing so you can find her, she has to charge at least $150 per party to cover investments & a minimal wage. And if she buys premium props and travels nationally to become really excellent? Then it takes well over $150 per party to break even.

And for a real pro with top skills, who makes a living as a clown, manages the children well, and is wildly entertaining? Well, it's not cheap. (Read on for exact pricing).

1b. Is there a guarantee?

What you get for your money is as important as the price of a clown. Ask about a guarantee.

My guarantee: I email you your order the same day, so you have it in writing. I text or call the week of the party to confirm. I arrive early or on time. I smell good (never of smoke or drink). The children will laugh at my show. The balloon animals will draw an "awww" from one or more guests. If yo have my face painting, it will spark compliments.

2. What is the clown price from Lilac Birthday Entertainment?

Whether you hire me as a clown, or without the clown getup, my pricing is a la carte.

My off-peak time slots start at $225.

Peak time slots start at $325.
My full party-planning package, with me and my staff? Well that one takes a day and half of my time. And it reduces my parties that day to 1. So it is WAYYYY more money of course!

Bottom line?

Clients do pay extra for skill and speed.

I can do this kind of face painting in 2 minutes (braggity brag):



And that's not all.

I also do advanced balloon animals and a variety show.

I'm a FABULOUS birthday clown.
Modest too! The greatest really. And the humblest.
;0)

Point is:

If clown price is the main concern, you can probably get a clown in Philadelphia for a hundred fifty bucks. But if excellence is your main concern? Choose a Clown who spends lots of money on training and props, a real pro who costs more.

Let's get back to questions to ask when hiring a clown:

3. How much is a clown after any other fees?

With me? None. Gas, travel time & supplies are included.

Make sure everything is included in the price your clown is quoting.

By the way, you should know...

A good clown will have limited availability. Use the contact form to check Lilac's availability for your party date.

What are the hallmarks of trustworthy clowns for hire?

A trustworthy clown has high ratings and reviews. (Here are a couple of mine):

"Lilac helped to make our daughter’s birthday party special. The magic show, balloon art and face painting all were a huge hit with the girls. Thank you Lilac!"

"Lilac was amazing for my son’s birthday party. She was early, professional, and most importantly FUN! I would hire her again in a second!"

A trustworthy clown can provide background check papers (I can. Just ask.)

A good clown arrives at your party early.

If she does face painting, a trustworthy clown has her shots, including Covid, MMR and yearly flu shot. (Psst! I'll confess why I keep my shots up to date: I'm a little germ phobic. Just ask my face paint kit and brushes, which get disinfected within an inch of their lives after each party.)

A trustworthy clown avoids live animals in their clown show. The most important trait in a clown in kindness. Unknown to most people, live animals in magic shows get stressed by frequent travel and confinement. It is unkind to use live animals in this way. I am nice to animals. And you can trust me to be nice to children, too. (And by the way, puppets are WAY funnier than live animals. And puppets do not pee. The only pee that at my clown show is from audience members laughing too hard.)

4. What if a too many children show up wanting face painting or balloons?

Well, yes, this happens.

The reality is this:

Some activities take time.

Nobody can do complicated paintings on 60 children in an hour.

>There are several ways to handle volume.
One is to have mad skills and to use small, quick, designs.

And to reserve enough of your clown's time to do a good job based on the number of children.

But there's a little challenge with this:

Parents cannot predict how many children will be at the party.

When there are too many children to cover in the time reserved, I use a special system to keep service great and avoid disappointment. Ask your clown how she would this situation. Look for a cheerful answer that solves the problem, shows flexibility and gives you confidence.

5. Can you help with comparisons between birthday party clowns?

Here is a pdf chart to help you compare 3 local clowns.

6. What do you do?

Clients choose from:
- face painting
- balloon twisting
- magic & puppet shows.

What will you need at the party?

Nothing.
I bring everything.
Even table & chair if doing face painting.
I am there for your convenience.

7. How much time is it?

Timing of clown activities should be tailored to:
Type of activities.
Your guests' ages.
The number of children.
Flexibility is also key.
I routinely make adjustments.
For instance, balloon art can be simple with lots of kids, or detailed with fewer:

8. Are you running any specials right now?

Why yes, I am.
Complete a Lilac the Clown rental reservation by Friday, and get a BOGO.
That is, buy 1 activity, get 1 free.
Ask what the free activity is this week.
To get the BOGO, you party does not have to be before Friday.
Just the reservation and payment.

9. How do I hire you?

Easy online signup.
No need to mail anything.
It is convenient.

10. How long have you been a birthday clown?

Over 20 years.

11. How do you make them sit still for face painting?

What?

I don't.

What's fun about that??
Some sit statue-still.
Some wiggle a bit, no problem.

Real wigglers? Let 'em go play.

Invite them to come back if they want.

Of course, there are techniques to reduce wiggling.

This video discusses them: