14/06/2026
A p*erie thought that's been going round and round in my head, I was told by a nice well meaning lady recently that I should be glad of the "free advertising" that the come and try days, and showcases etc bring me. I had been asked how much work went into them and I'd jokingly replied "too much". But actually what she couldn't see during the conversation that followed is it isn't free at all, and that I've never done it for the advertising, I've always done it to support whatever event is happening.
The first photo shows the initial outlay and a small fraction of repairs costs and insurance etc that I have to pay. The other two are showing that due to being outside and weather factors I'll need to be buying new A pieces for my frame soon
Not shown in that is clothing, milage, various other things, and (most importantly) TIME.
To do yesterday there was a half hour kit check to make sure I'd got all the essentials.
15 minute load the car
Half hour drive to event
15 minute unload
Half hour set up
5 hours at event (1 x 5 minute break for a p*e no actual stop for lunch, just eat bites between folk on the equipment)
20 minute pack up/reload car
Half hour drive home
3 hour unload car, clean and dry and check
equipment
That's 10.5 hours just for yesterday. At minimum wage that's £133.45.
And that's just my time, it doesn't include my wonderful helpers/volunteers (and their mum driving too!)
That's all money (theoretical or actual) I've spent just to be able to do that.
So yeah, I guess "free advertising" is good....... but I'm actually doing it to support whoever/ whatever has asked me for the support!
