Thursday, September 16, 2010

Say No To Balloon Strangers

Say No To Balloon Strangers

Some  children are afraid of full whiteface clowns. Not only that, but a full whiteface hides a person’s true identity. A softer looking face and a more gentle approach help to calm a child. It also allows a parent to better see the person’s face.

When you are hiring a children’s Entertainer, call and ask them what they do at the party and how many kids they cover. Most entertainers say the packages are based on 12 kids to get the job. Tell them exactly how many kids you expect you can get a true quote from them.

If you are calling off of the Internet, ask them what city they are located in. See if it meets your needs. They may be hundreds of miles away and will subcontract the job to someone more local to you that may not be qualified.

Do not give out your credit card information to the companies off the net. If you must pay a deposit pay it through PayPal. It is better if you can pay in full at the door when the entertainer arrives. A deposit refund sometimes requires 4 months to get back.

When the Entertainer arrives, ask for ID at the door. Do a written contract at the door. Avoid third party invalid contracts. Use the entertainers Business License or Drivers License for proof of identity. No balloon strangers in the house with the children.

Do not hire an Entertainer without proof of Liability Insurance of 3 Million Dollars or more. Professional entertainers have liability insurance and this check separates the  non-profession from the professional. The entertainer should show you a certificate of insurance at the door with their name on it since few companies have blanket policies covering their entertainers. This helps protect you from personal liability if a child chokes on a balloon.

All of this is to keep your children safe from strangers and to hire a professional. Many companies subcontract out jobs illegally to others and your contract with that company could be invalid. Worse yet, you could have no clue who can in and handled your children. It could have been anyone. The goal is to work together to educate parents and to keep the children safe. 
 
Hanna is NOT a stranger! She has been an active member of the Stockton community for thirty years. She is licensed, insured, fingerprinted, and has recommendations from years of service. Give her a call at 209-464-6677
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