People, especially in the creative industry often get taken advantage of. Whether you’re a graphic designer, host/emcee, actor or so on, you or your friend would’ve encountered countless situations where a company that would like to procure your services ask you to do it for cheap, or worse, for free!
Recently, a comedian, host, and actor Rishi Budhrani from Singapore took to Facebook to share an important message to everyone out there. He revealed one incident where a bank tried to hire him for a lower price than what he’s charging. Here’s how the conversation went:
Conversation with a representative of a reputed bank;
Rep: Hi Rishi, we are doing an event for the top 1% of our clients on XX date, and would love to invite you to do a stand-up show.
Me: Ok sure. There are a few inquiries, but am tentatively open on that date. Fees would be $YY for an approx 20min show.
Rep: Oh. Ok I heard from someone that you charged them lower than $YY.
Me: From whom?
Rep: I can’t say.
Me: Ok. Well, it’s false. The fees are as I’ve quoted you.
Rep: My management team actually wants a longer show. Our clients really prefer that. And can you do a discounted rate for us?
Me: It’s a peak date. Like I said, there are many other inquiries. So it’s unfortunately not possible. If you want a longer show, it’s gonna cost more.
Rep: Are you sure you can’t do the discount for us?
Me: You want me to perform a longer than normal show, at a lower than normal rate, for the richer than normal, TOP 1% clients of your BANK. Is that right?
Rep: Rishi, don’t put it THAT way. Why should we pay more just cos we are a bank?
Me: I’m not asking you to pay more. If you wish to engage my services, I’m just asking you to pay what everyone else pays.
Rep: Can I discuss with my upper management and call you back?
Me: Sure. While you’re at it, ask them this; If they were asked to take on a bigger role in the office, which meant longer hours, more work etc, and were told that they would also get a pay cut for taking on that bigger role, would they accept the role, or move on to another job?
Rep: Errr..
Me: Btw, I’ll be doing an open mic spot tonight at The Merry Lion. They can come watch a 2 hour show, with 10 comedians, at zero cost.
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At the end of the post, he urged artists, performers, and creators to know their own worth. It’s very important for everyone to hold onto their own value so companies like these will not try to lowball your own price in exchange for your time and service!
He writes, “It gets tough sometimes, but never let the big guys throw their big guns in your face. You’re bulletproof. Always remember.”
Now that’s one lesson worth sharing!
Also read: M’sians Working Overseas Shocked They Get to Leave the Office Before 5PM
