Having a benevolent facial expression, artistry and some skills, you can not only give joy to children and adults, but also provide yourself with very good additional income. On Christmas Eve, a Santa professional gets up to $ 800 per hour, while the average salary in the US is $ 26. $ 55 per hour.
No one says it's easy. For such earnings it is not enough to grow a snow-white beard - it will require diligence, entrepreneurial veins and even knowledge of the basics of marketing.
The experts tell how to become a successful Christmas grandfather.
One of them - the former firefighter Randy Cook from Enumclaw, Washington.
62-year-old Randy - one of the most famous Santa Claus in the Seattle area. Instead of low-paid pre-holiday work in supermarkets, he actively promotes his services on the Internet.
Advanced Santa has a website, works with an audience of social networks and experiments with different marketing methods. His efforts bring results - despite high tariffs (from $ 150 per hour on weekdays and from $ 280 per hour for holidays), Randy Cook is unusually in demand, not only in winter. Sometimes he even has to give up orders because of employment.
In addition to appearances at parties, corporate parties and other Christmas events, Randy starred in commercials, introduced the brand Janus Motorcycles and the Filson clothing brand. With all this, he finds the strength and time to promote charity events.
63-year-old Ed Taylor from Torrance, California - no less prosperous Santa.
His services range from $ 350 to $ 800 per hour. The secret of Ed is love of one's business and, again, experience in trade and advertising.
Unlike his colleague, he began the career of a fairy-tale character from the supermarket's camera. Prior to this, the former marketing and sales manager sometimes played the role of Santa on a voluntary basis, and he really liked this lesson. When he had the opportunity to fully devote himself to a new profession, he did not hesitate to do it.
Ed is a famous Santa in California and beyond. At one time he starred in the Christmas movie "Elf" as an understudy, and now he is often invited to television.
Ed has perfected his skills so much that he can teach him others. In addition to his main activities, he teaches at the Santa Claus school (yes, there are also such). Visitors to his trainings learn how to work with children and the adult audience, learn about the nuances of performances at standard New Year parties, television and social events, and also learn the basics of promoting their business.
The availability of educational institutions for those wishing to become Santa is another proof that this is a full-fledged profession.
In Michigan is the Charles V School. Howard, who has international status and is the first of its kind. Just imagine, in a place called "Harvard for Sant", gray-bearded disciples from all over the world.
Mastering the craft of Santa can also be in Colorado and London, UK. In 2018, the opening of profile schools is also planned in Seattle, Dallas, Anaheim and Tampa.
The minimum cost of the relevant course is from $ 247 to $ 520.