Per Person Rate
Per Person Rate is a pricing method commonly used in event planning where costs are calculated based on the number of attendees. Instead of giving one total price, event planners quote a price per guest, which typically includes items like food, drinks, service, and sometimes venue space. For example, rather than quoting $5,000 for an event, a planner might quote "$50 per person for 100 guests." This approach makes it easier to adjust costs as guest counts change and helps clients better understand what they're paying for. Similar terms include "per head pricing," "per guest rate," or "price per attendee."
Examples in Resumes
Managed corporate events with Per Person Rate ranging from $75-200
Developed all-inclusive Per Head Rate packages for wedding services
Created flexible Price Per Guest options for various event sizes
Typical job title: "Event Planners"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Event Planners
Professional Associations
Online Communities
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you determine an appropriate per person rate for different types of events?
Expected Answer: A senior event planner should discuss analyzing costs (food, beverage, staff, rentals), market research, profit margins, and creating different package tiers. They should mention considering seasonal factors, venue partnerships, and volume discounts.
Q: How do you handle per person rate adjustments when client requirements change last minute?
Expected Answer: Should explain their process for building flexibility into contracts, having clear policies for changes, and maintaining profitability while accommodating client needs. Should mention minimum guarantees and cut-off dates.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What elements do you include in your per person rate packages?
Expected Answer: Should list common inclusions like food, beverage, service staff, rentals, and explain how they bundle services to create attractive packages while maintaining profit margins.
Q: How do you explain per person pricing to clients who are new to event planning?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate ability to break down costs clearly, explain the benefits of per person pricing, and show how it helps with budgeting as guest counts change.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What's the difference between an all-inclusive per person rate and an à la carte rate?
Expected Answer: Should explain that all-inclusive rates package multiple services together while à la carte allows clients to pick individual items, and discuss basic advantages of each approach.
Q: How do you calculate the total event cost from a per person rate?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain the simple multiplication of rate times number of guests, plus any flat fees or minimums that might apply.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic package creation
- Simple cost calculations
- Understanding of standard inclusions
- Basic client communication
Mid (2-5 years)
- Custom package development
- Profit margin analysis
- Vendor negotiation
- Complex pricing strategies
Senior (5+ years)
- Strategic pricing models
- Market analysis and positioning
- High-volume event management
- Team training on pricing structures
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unable to explain basic pricing components
- No experience with different types of events
- Lack of understanding about profit margins
- Poor math skills or budget management
- No knowledge of local market rates
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