Readings For Pay in the Student Union - Tips?

[Protagonist]

So, I've finally broke down and decided to start doing reading for money. I'll be tabling (meaning, sitting at a table with a sign) in this area of my college. It isn't exactly a student union, because we don't really have one of those - it's just where the bookstore and coffee shop are located. I figure it is good to table near the coffee shop. A blended fruit drink goes for three dollars there, so the people who pass through will likely have money that they can spend at leisure.

I'll admit I'm mainly doing this because I need money. Normally, I give readings to friends and sometimes strangers for free. Right now, though, I'm in a massive push to make 650 dollars in three weeks, and I can do that with my current job, but it doesn't leave much wiggle room.

So, um, if you were me, how much would you charge per reading? Also, how should I advertise this? I'm not going to have any New Age clipart or anything, and, to be honest, I was thinking of titling the fliers "Because I am Broke..." or something to that effect. Self-effacing and humorous, but not desperate. I figured I'd mention that I've been reading for something like three years.

[Taliesyn]

how about 3 to 5 bucks, keeping the readings short (a dollar a card?) and you better check with the school first- some have a problem with soliciting.

the most i have ever seen street readings go for was $10 us- but that was 20 years ago, when I lived in the city.

[pentacledreamer]

I was thinking of doing something along the same lines but I'm at community college and it's hard to get by with it.... I do offer readings at this hang out I go to every Friday.. *thinks* I haven't been there in a long time though should go back.. *shrugs* but I only need to make like 50$

[wolf]

Assuming that you've cleared everything with your university ... you should also check your state laws to find out whether or not "fortune telling" is legal. A lot of the time it isn't. You also need to find out how to deal with taxes from any income. Yeah, it sounds like a hassle, but will save you a lot of trouble in the long run if you get things settled in advance.

Confidence will sell your readings much better than desperation.

Figure out exactly what type of readings you're going to offer, and charge accordingly ... for example, a three card (past-present-future) for $10 (aiming for 15 to 20 minutes, maybe a one card for $5, trying to stay under the ten minute mark.

Have you ever done readings for other people? Before you start charging money, you might want to do some readings for friends in the dorms, just to get the idea of how to deal with live clients, who tend to be very unpredictable. You also have to practice disengaging, because otherwise, your 15 minute three card reading turns into an hour long therapy session.