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Being a seasoned performer, having worked for many of the childrens entertainement companies listed, I would
like to help you select the best entertainment company for your child's party or event. Many party planners, usually go down
the list in the PennySaver or YankeeTrader and when they reach the first voice contact, they book without asking some very
important questions. Here is a list of questions you should ask before booking any party.
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1. Do your impersonators talk?
Right now many of the companies listed either talk or have a helper
do the talking. At Parties By Ziggy,
we talk, we try to create a magical similarity , and we use amplified, wireless microphone technology,
(technology no other company uses to date) so our performers don't have to scream to be heard.
2. What type of music & sound system do you have for my party?
Many companies require performers to purchase a small boom box. The music usually
provided is a bad selection, and of poor quality. At Parties
By Ziggy, we provide our performers
with a quality boombox, a Marshall amplification system, and character related music & dances. Both children and parents
can relate to our music. Every song is placed on a CD for continuous play. For larger parties, such as in a catering hall
or restaurant, we provide a PA system.
3. Do you provide any give aways?
Most companies listed maybe give a picture holder (if you provide the film) and give
a cheap plastic firehat and a flag to the party child only. At Parties
By Ziggy, we provide up to 20 picture holders (you provide the
film), have your child's name/ event name, and a picture of the impersonator on them. We also provide up to 20 goody
bags, which includes our standard "loot", a coloring sheet crayons, and a bendable figure. We have other items available to
add for a nominal fee.
4. Do you have Action Impersonators and what do they do?
Most of the companies have action characters with diffrent programing. At Parties By Ziggy, we
currently have two action impersonators. We bring props, saftey cones, tunnels, and have the kids do various activities.
In addition to our package, we also provide a professional diploma with each childs name neatly enscribed in caligraphy. At
the end of our performance, we conduct a graduation ceremony, where each child is awarded their diploma & goody bag.
5. Do you send an assisant?
Some companies do, some dont. When I worked for the competition, I did 95% of the shows
by myself. At Parties By Ziggy, we always send a helper to aid and assist the impersonator . We have trained our helper,
to be enthusiastic and keep the party flowing & FUN! Our helper will do all this, so you can participate and enjoy your
childs party.
6. How much & how long is the party?
The competion usually has three or four packages: 30minutes, 45minutes, 1hour-1 1/2
prices can range from 125 to 250.One company even offers a 99.00 special. We checked this out, and found
that they send a character for 15 minutes. No talking, no dancing,no goody bags and no FUN! DONT
BE FOOLED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!ITS JUST AN APPEARANCE. At
Parties By Ziggy,
with all the extras we provide, we can still offer competative pricing, and quality entertainment you can afford . Our
general impersonator package is usually 30 to 40 minutes. We do not recommend having a impersonator for more then
this time. In my experience the children lose interest and the magic is lost.
7. What type of payment method is available?
Most of our competition follows the industry standard. They take a deposit of half down, through a check,
or money order and then accepts the balance in cash the day of the party after the performance is completed. At Parties
by Ziggy , we follow this industry standard method and also now accept Master Card, Visa, and American
Express for your conviencence.
8. Do you carry an insurance policy?
The majority of parties/events are usually held at private homes. In the event of a
problem (God forbid), your homeowners policy covers most to all claims. However, when having a party/event at a catering hall
or on public property, an insurance binder may be required. When you select your entertainment company, ask them if they have
proof of insurance. Some will say they do, some will say they DON'T, some will say they do but they DON'T and some will
say they're in the process of getting it. ASK FOR IT IN WRITING! This
business is not a hobby. Remember we at Parties by Ziggy,
being a professional entertainment company, carry insurance on all of our features. If an insurance binder is required,
we would need a weeks notice to obtain.
Good luck in planning your party and feel free to call the Ziggy line with any
questions or comments!
Parties by Ziggy Inc,
a reliable source for Childrens Entertainment, DJs, Karaoke, Food
service, Machine Rentals and more, is proud to be a member of the...
St. James Chamber of Commerce
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