How much do I charge?

[wes]

Hey Guys I'm wanting to get into making commercials, for local companies(car dealerships ect...) I know what i charge for building my puppets but what should I charge my puppeteering. how would that work I don't know, could some ione point me on the right direction.
thanks my friends,

 

[Buck-Beaver]

You should check what SAG or AFTRA (the unions for puppeteers in the U.S.) charge for regional or local commercials. Be sure to check the local rates because they are very different (lower) than what actors get paid for national spots in the U.S. I think.

I know of a few commercials shot this year in the Southern United States were paying $450 - $600 per day for experienced, non-union puppeteers so that might be a good guide to go by.