I have owned a performing arts studio for quite some time and have recently added a dance teacher and dancing to my recitals. We therefore are using dance costuming for the first time. I did not markup the costumes this year. I cover my studio costs in lesson fees and a little retail and my recital costs in ticket sales. My dance teacher says that it is customary to markup the costumes. Is this true and if so what is the standard percentage of markup? I suppose a small markup might be okay to compensate for my time in ordering, etc. All I did is round up to the nearest $5 for ease of accounting. Any thoughts?

These types of questions are always best answered on a closed SO board.

However, I can say that a lot of time does go into costuming. Including sizing, fitting, ordering, distributing, dealing with those costume companies (just the stress of that alone sometimes deserves a little compensation.) I feel it's up to each SO to mark up as they see fit.

I've seen it rounded up to the closest quarter ($50, $75, $100, and so on), a set dollar amount tacked on, or double the cost. It's up to what you need and can get away with.

I encourage you to join the SO board! There's alot of shop talk going on (especially now during recital season) you'll find handy.

I know I should sign up for the owners board but I'm too cheap quite frankly. My studio is wait listed for classes so I don't need to advertise. I could expand but I'm happy as things are. That is why I posted the question here.

Most of the studios nearby are very hush hush about costuming costs. I suppose I could dig but I'd rather have people who are willing to give me the info which is why I came here as well.

So it is common to charge say $65 (flat fee, random amt for these purposes) for all children's costumes to even out the difference between costumes that cost $75 and those that cost $55. I get that in one way but then I also think it is sometimes obvious that one costume costs more than another. I was thinking there might be a standard markup percentage like there is for retail.

There is not a standard mark up. The reason I say look at studio's in your town is because $95 may seem normal for one area, but completely way too much money for another. You want to stay in the same range as your competitors.

I would also charge the same amount for all kids costumes. The cost of costumes vary by companies and styles, etc. You need to add $ to your cost to cover shipping and the need to ship back for possible exchanges. The costume companies will charge you extra for exchanges and most of the companies will not take back costumes, in case you have a parent who "changes their mind". I have been stuck with several costumes when I wasn't experienced enough to get the costume fee in full before I ordered.

This is a great web site and you'll love all the help.

Clevlandgal the purpose of the closed board isn't really about the listing for advertising purposes, but the fact that only Studio owners can read your posts, thereby making such confidential subjects as costume mark ups for their eyes only.

Quite honestly I think previous posters have divulged a bit too much confidential information already, and have been pretty judgemental in the process.
I would be happy to discuss the subject further on a closed board.

bisousbisou wrote:

Clevlandgal the purpose of the closed board isn't really about the listing for advertising purposes, but the fact that only Studio owners can read your posts, thereby making such confidential subjects as costume mark ups for their eyes only.

As I said, I'm not going to pay $50 to have a "private" conversation. Besides, I'm not sure that anyone couldn't pay the $50 and come up with what they are asking for as proof but that is just my opinion.

bisousbisou wrote:

Quite honestly I think previous posters have divulged a bit too much confidential information already, and have been pretty judgemental in the process.
I would be happy to discuss the subject further on a closed board.

Really? I don't think anyone has been judgmental. I think everyone has just given me their thoughts without judgment. I personally think if there are going to be markups that there is no need to hide or advertise this to parents. If they ask and I did I would say that I do so as to cover my time and overhead. I think that hiding it would just cause ill-will if they did find out. I read on another message board that a photocopied price list was being passed around their studio amongst the moms. Thankfully, I've never seen that happen or heard of it first hand but there's always the friend or family member that may or may not have access to these prices and I would prefer to be above board. That isn't to say that I would tell the parents the prices or the percentage of markup but that I wouldn't hide that a markup existed if it did.

Well the many of us HAVE paid the $50 for that private conversation so I am sure that you'll understand when I say I prefer not to share what I consider to be confidential information on an open board. If you are "too cheap" (your words.....)I am sorry, but I really am not comfortable "speaking" so openly when anyone can read it. I have paid for a place to communicate with other S.O.s without having to think about my clientele reading my remarks, if you care not to do so that is your right, but I will not be divulging things like profit margins here with you. I am happy for you that others have chosen to.

And I am not in the least bit ashamed to admit I mark up my costumes for a profit. I am actually proud to say I make a good living at what I do, and profiting from costumes sales is just one example of how I make that good living.

My issue lies with naming a price and saying its too high no matter WHAT a costume costs. As we know, this is not only inaccurate, but unfair to those who charge that and more.

bisous: I appreciate your not wanting to post your confidential business dealings on this board and I appreciate those who have given their input. If you don't want to answer these type of questions then by all means don't.

I don't think someone meant something was "too much." I think that they meant that some markets will bear more than others, at least that is how I took it. That is true within a 50 mile radius of me. My area has more affluent families who can afford more discretionary expenses whereas there are areas that are only 25 or 30 miles from my studio that the students' parents can barely afford the tuition because the unemployment in that area is so high.

Clevlandgal you will not make friends on this site by your tone. I too have paid my $50 to discuss this type of information in a private setting. So you will excuse me if I pass on this discussion .

Maybe if you treated your studio like a business you would have the $50 to learn how a real studio runs. If being too cheap to spend the money to gain invaluable knowledge then you are missing out on a great education. Some of the owners on this site have years of knowledge and experience behind them. We would all be very happy to help you but not with that attitude. Suit yourself!

daninqueen wrote:

Clevlandgal you will not make friends on this site by your tone. I too have paid my $50 to discuss this type of information in a private setting. So you will excuse me if I pass on this discussion .

There was no intended "tone." Just honesty about what I am willing or unwilling to do.

daninqueen wrote:

Maybe if you treated your studio like a business you would have the $50 to learn how a real studio runs. If being too cheap to spend the money to gain invaluable knowledge then you are missing out on a great education. Some of the owners on this site have years of knowledge and experience behind them. We would all be very happy to help you but not with that attitude. Suit yourself!

After that you said I had a tone? Wow! Well, as I said I have a wait list for classes and I have owned a profitable and successful performing arts studio for over 30 years. I have a lot of experience but don't feel I need to spend $50 for a private message board. I hired a dance instructor for the first time this year because I thought it would be a nice addition to the curriculum on Saturdays when I do not have other classes running. Therefore, the dance costuming is new to me but running a studio I could do with my eyes shut and sound asleep.

So for those who choose to berate me for not joining the other board and to announce that they do not want to answer on this board I understand and appreciate your opinion but there's no need to post a response.

Well then you know nothing about how a dance studio runs. Obviously you should listen to the instructor you hired!

When someone new comes on to this site they usually do not say the things you did. I can nnot imagine that you have been in business for 30 years and have never marked up anything that you sold??????

Alright guys lets not judge each other based on a $amount. There are plenty other places where it costs far less to chat online privately. $50 is a quite a bit of change to simply talk to other people. It is everyones personal choice, lets not critisize each other over it.

daninqueen: retail in my studio is marked up 100% as is customary in my area. I have never marked up costuming because I have never needed it to be profitable. Since some children have three or more costumes for one performing arts recital I didn't want to place a markup on those. I make my money in tuition, recital ticket sales and retail and have done wonderfully financially that way. My new dance teacher has 12 years of experience but never ran a studio. She said it is customary to mark up dance costumes but she wasn't sure to what percentage or amount. She was sure it wasn't 100% and I think that at what they cost 100% would be more than I'd be willing to mark them up. I was simply asking for some advice so I don't know where the animosity is coming from. However, if my questions are unwelcome I won't ask any here again.

Your questions are more than welcome here. Some of us were just suggesting joining the SO board, because some don't feel 100% comfortable giving out prices, etc... on an open board that customers can easily read.

Cleveland,
I am in no way attacking you at all, but the I am too cheap comment rubbed me the wrong way too.

To be honest, the $50.00 I spent on this board, is the best $50.00 I have ever spent.

I have gained valuable knowledge, gotten amazing feedback on things, and support when I needed it the most. All from people who know the business. I would not be where I was today without this board.

I understand that you have successfully run your studio for 30 years, but think of how much bigger you could be, and how many more cool things and improvements you could make by marking up costumes, and other things like that.

You are more than welcome to post any question you want here on this board. We are a friendly bunch, but I think want daninqueen was trying to say, along with bisous, is that A LOT of people (and those two are VERY successful people in the dance world) will not post their secrets, or even answer things on the "ask" board.

You will get better answers, other than just vague $$$-$$$$ ammounts and you will also get very helpful insight. But, to each their own!

Here ya go Cleveland (& I'm new here too but not new to this business.) I mark my costumes up by approximately 1/3 of the price. I use the 1/3 and then round to a nice even amount so if I paid $64 and then add in 1/3 it comes to $85.12 so I'd either round down to $85 or up to $90. I do not charge the same amount for all costumes because some have accessories such as hats, spats, parasols, etc. that I couldn't justify costing the same amount but I uniformily markup that amount. I have never had anyone of my students or parents ask if I markup. I'm assuming that they know I do but if they did ask I would tell them the truth. Choosing costumes, measuring, invoicing parents for, ordering, sorting and distributing costumes is an arduous job and that is included in the cost. I wouldn't necessarily volunteer to a parent the percentage of my markup but just that I have to cover my work on it.

Yes, it is a lot of work and hassle: choosing, measuring, ordering, sorting, hanging, matching head pieces, etc. etc.

Well said A_triple_threat.

Are you an SO - owner of a dance studio - you said you have a successful business but just hired a dance teacher - I am confused

I do mark up costumes, most places do - it is up to you how much to do so. I spend hours and hours of non compensated time picking out the right costumes, ordering costumes, talking with costume companies, etc. etc. Our time is valueable and while I enjoy what I do - I should be fairly compensated for my time.

I set prices for each class $50 for the 7 and unders $60 for the older kids, still very reasonable for my area, but still a reasonable mark up.

Clevelandgal already said she runs a performing arts studio. By that I guess it is similar to our studio, primarily drama based classes but possibly singing and dance as well for music theatre.

I too have not signed up for the private boards (I am in the UK for one thing and so there is little point).

We include all costumes in the price of tuition if that is any help and we don't go as glitzy and identical as conventionsl dance studios.

I marked up costumes for my 29 years of owning my studio and I am SO glad I did. Now that I am retired I have a very nice nest egg in the ol' savings account!
This question about marking up costumes comes up alot and I have said it before and I will continue to say....think of your future,put that profit in a savings account for your future. I don't want to disclose how much I marked up costumes on a open board as I know for a fact I have former students on this site, but if you PM me I will be happy to share with you.
Tutuforu

fountainarts wrote:

Are you an SO - owner of a dance studio - you said you have a successful business but just hired a dance teacher - I am confused

I'll explain. My background is musical theater, acting and modeling. I am a trained dancer but do not teach full dance myself. I lived in NYC and performed on Broadway, appeared in tv and print ads as well as runway modeling. Did a made for tv movie too once. After I moved back home after getting married and having children (they were my priority) I started a performing arts studio. For 30 years I have focused on musical theater (so some dance but specific to that) and vocal lessons. I encouraged my students to take at least ballet as a foundation course elsewhere. There are many reputable dance schools and I wanted to focus on my area of expertise without bringing in even more teachers. I do not teach on Saturdays because I choose not to so the studio is open on Saturdays. I thought the timing was good to add a teacher who could teach dance. People are very loyal to my studio (thank goodness) and so I thought adding the class at the studio would get more of the kids into dance which they absolutely need if they are going to pursue musical theater. So as I said, I've owned a successful performing arts studio for 30 years and have just added dance classes.

fountainarts wrote:

I do mark up costumes, most places do - it is up to you how much to do so. I spend hours and hours of non compensated time picking out the right costumes, ordering costumes, talking with costume companies, etc. etc. Our time is valueable and while I enjoy what I do - I should be fairly compensated for my time.

I set prices for each class $50 for the 7 and unders $60 for the older kids, still very reasonable for my area, but still a reasonable mark up.

That seems like a very reasonable policy. Thanks to you and triple threat for your policies and ideas.

netmum: that's a great idea! If people are paying 10 months of tuition adding $6/mo. per class for costuming would be less of a one time cost shock.

tutuforu: I'd love to PM you but since I'm new to the board I cannot do that yet.

Truthfully studio owners this discussion is best kept either by private messaging or emailing eachother privatly. Remember, parents and students can read these comments.

I think as a curtesy to all of the studio owner members of this site you should refrain from this disucssion here. YOU may not care that your parents can read this but there are others who do!