A) Unfortunately, Classy Clowns has encountered various abusive scenarios that led us to have to adhere to this rule. The most common example is "the person with the money is not here yet" (and the person never shows up). Or, sometimes people use withholding of payment to get us to stay longer or do more than agreed upon. Also, people who try to sneak in paying with a check will try to wait until the last minute until we have no choice but accept it. As you can imagine, many times the checks are bad.
Q) If I pay the clown upon arrival, can the clown leave early or leave out parts of the show?
A) In most cases, no. If the guests at the show have become excessively unruly the clown will request that the host control the guests or the host will be warned that the clown will have to leave without refund - only if the request ignored would the clown actually leave early.
Q) I scheduled a party and nobody showed up. Can't we just tell the clown we don't want their services anymore when they arrive?
A) No. By the time the clown arrives at the party, the clown has already traveled an average of 1 hour to get to the location of the party. Its not fair to ask the clown to drive that long and that far for nothing.
We highly reccommend that you get RSVP's from your guests so you know who is coming.
Q) Can we lose our deposit if we cancel or change a party at the last minute? What about weather?
A) Yes. Classy clowns reserved that time-slot for you, meaning we could not schedule another party at that time. However, if you cancel your party on or earlier than 72 hours before the party, you can get your deposit back minus a $5.00 processing fee. Please be advised, although every effort will be made to accommodate you, if you change the party the clown may not be available at your new time. date, or location. If the change affects the clown's ability to attend and it is made after the 72-hour mark, it is treated as a cancelation. To be safe, always have a back-up plan in case of inclement weather. Also click HERE for a 10-day weather forcast. If inclement weather is approaching, notify Classy Clowns in advance about your intent to cancel to avoid forfeiture of deposit.
Q) Why can't the clown wait for late guests?
A) Weekends are busy for us and the and clowns are scheduled in 2 hour intervals: 1 hour for the party and 1 hour to travel to the next destination. Many times parties are scheduled across town from each other. This leaves little room for waiting. Most party guests arrive 1 hour late to birthday parties so please schedule the clown 1-hour into the party to be safe.
Q) The clown called me and I was busy/had my phone turned off so I didnt answer. Now the clown didnt show up, why?
A) The clown was probably lost and needed directions. If you don't respond after several attempts- they will give up. Please please please answer your phones or return messages left for you by the clown.
Q) If the clown is there, why do the parents still have to supervise the children?
A) Because one clown cannot control multiple children. Plus, a clown in costume will not have the kind of authority that a parent can. Damage to the host/hostess's property, damage to Classy Clowns property, or guest injury can occur if chidren (or adults) are acting irresponsibly.
Q) What happens if I do not email the clown the details of the party?
A) The clown will have to arrive based on the instructions given on the phone at the time of the booking. These instructions are then verified again shortly before the party. Any discrepancies between the details given at the booking and the confirmation will be pointed out to the host/hostess during verification. After that, Classy Clowns will assume all the details given for time, date, etc. are correct as stated. Thus, if the information for address, time, directions, etc. are incorrect - Classy Clowns will have demonstrated a good faith effort to comply and deposits will be non-refundable if the clown cannot fulfull the contract due to misinformation. Likewise, if the directions are clear on the email and the clown cannot fulfill the contract, you are entited to a refund of deposit. Please, email us the details so both sides have clear instructions.
Q)Are your costume characters trademarked?
A) We do not rent or use trademarked characters/costumes. Or characters are "look-alikes" that resemble their famous cartoon counterparts with slight variations to avoid trademark infringement.
Q) How can my credit card be charged by phone & still be official?
A) The same way it occurs when you make purchases on the internet or by phone. You give a verbal contract at the time you release your credit card information. All of our disclosures are made open and publicly on this website to be fair to all parties.
Q)How come some clowns wear less make-up than others?
A) There are 3 types of clowns. Aguste, White-Face, and Character. Emerald is an Aguste Clown which is known for a zany personality and less makeup. Sparkles is a white-face clown which is the little princess of clowns: cute, fun-loving, and very formal in make-up. The character clown may not wear any make-up at all but dresses like a "character".
Q) Can we pick our clown or can another clown be substituted for our original?
A) We will do everything possible to honor specific requests but sometimes the clown's schedule prohibits taking every assignment offered. All of our clowns: Emerald, Sparkles or our sub-contractors deliver quality shows...
Q) When does a clown booking become official?
A) Upon receipt of your deposit. Without a deposit you are not considered scheduled for a party.
Q) Can I have a discount?
A) Discounts are available for clients offering multiple-hour bookings (2 hours or more) or for church/corporate/non-profit clients (offering 2 hours or more) but not for standard birthday parties. Please keep in mind, Thanks to our many years of customer service Classy Clowns is a very in-demand. We have to be fair to ALL of our clients and charging some more than others wouldnt be fair.
MORE FAQ's COMING SOON
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A) Good question! For one, we have been in business over 12 years registered the first 6 years in Bexar County and the last 6 years in Harris County. During those 12 years we have not recieved a SINGLE complaint to tbe BBB. We also have an esablished positive rating with Paypal which means nobody has challenged our credit-card transactions. We have worked with several event planners for extended periods of time and would be happy to share their name if you want to find out about our quality. Classy Clowns cannot do business this long and this clean if we used the rules to abuse our customers. Clowns are human and are subject to the same imperfections we all are, being caught in traffic, getting sick, etc. But, we always do everything that is humanly possible to make things right for our clients. Even the security measures like placing a deposit and emailing instructions provide security to the client as well as it shows we have agreed to provide our services as expected. As always, we are available by phone to answer your questions and concerns. Please allow 24 hours for returned phone calls, especially on Saturdays, but most calls are returned much sooner.