Hello Santa and welcome to our Special Photo Promotion.

By now you have spoken with your area supervisor and should have received, and confirmed, the studio or studios you will be working at, along with the days and times.   Here is what will happen next:

1. All contracts are being sent via EchoSign a division of Adobe.  You will electronically sign your contract and we will immediately receive a confirmation.  If you wish you can print out your own copy.

2. The contract also includes a non-disclosure agreement requiring you to not talk about this promotion until it starts, and any trade secrets, marketing, etc., are strictly the property of the client.  If you have any questions please read the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section below and then if you can't find the answer, contact your Area Supervisor.  (Links to the area supervisors are below)

3. The instructions sent with your contract, also include details where to send documentation or submit proof on the insurance and background check  that our company requires in order to contract with you.  Remember, you are not our employee nor the employee of the photo studios or their parent company or any of the stores you may be visiting.  You are a private contractor. (Links for info on insurance and background checks are listed above.)

4. Your employment also requires that you have a quality Santa Suit, Boots, Belts and white gloves.  Click here for the approved wardrobe.

5. Once we have your signed contract, W-9, proof of insurance and background check, You will then be ready to go to work.

6. Once  we have your contract, your name and contact information will be given to the photo studio who will contact you to confirm your appearance.  You may also look up the phone number yourself and call them.  Unfortunately they did not give us the phone numbers to the individual studios.  If you have not heard from them by the day before your scheduled visit, contact our office ASAP.

7. There is a special video on-line with additional information on this project.  We invite everyone to view it.   Itwill give you an idea of what it will be like working in a small photo studio, along with some suggestions on poses you can use, etc.  Sample poses can be seen at:  www.realsantas.com/posingexamples.htm

You may know by now, that you are part of a national team comprised of hundreds of Santas.  Yes, over 450 Santas (we were hoping for 700) are visiting over 1300 photo studios across America during the first three weeks of November. 

We know that you may have more questions.  So the rest of this page has answers to many of your questions.  If you can't find an answer to the question, you should contact your assigned Supervisor.  Their names and email addresses are at the bottom of this page

RealSantas.com has a goal to be the #1 source for qualified, professional Santas.  We want to be the best in supplying Santas for companies, organizations, families, holiday events and parties.  This means our Santas have some experience, possibly training or have been to a school, have a clean and realistic Santa Suit, and most important, are insured and have passed a background check.

Here are some of the Frequently Asked Questions:

When will I get paid?  There will be two pay periods.  We know that every Santa wants to receive their pay in a timely manner.  At the end of the first week we will collect your time sheets and process the first payroll. Checks will be mailed before Thanksgiving.  The second two weeks will be combined as the second and final pay period.  Time sheets will be collected on November 20 and we will be sending out checks around December 12.   Two checks: one covers the first week and the other covers the second and third weeks.

How will you know how much to pay me?  First, you will be told in advance and will sign an agreement with your work schedule and the Salary you will be paid.  Each day you work, you will initial a time sheet at the studio for all the time you worked that day.  If you work extra hours, be sure to note that and initial your time sheet. You will be paid for any hours you are asked to work over time.  Also let you supervisor at RealSantas.com know you worked additional hours by sending him or her an email.  Don't forget, you must let us know that day if possible.  It won't help us if you forget and tell us after the project is over. 

Will I get paid for Extra hours?  Yes we will pay for additional hours.  1) You will be paid for all hours that you work as per the schedule on your contract.  If the store or studio asks for additional hours, you need to remind them that this is additional and you need a note or simply and IOU for the additional hours.  You can also call our office to tell us of the added hours.  If no one is in the office, please leave a message with your name the store and the number of extra hours you are working.  Remember, extra hours can only be paid if the manager of the Studio or their District Director approves it.  If this happens it will only be one or two hours on a single day.  Otherwise you work only the time your contract calls for.  If they do approve the additional hours, you will be paid at the same rate you are being paid for the other hours. 

Can I get paid for mileage?  You were selected for this job because you lived close to the job site and therefore there is no mileage or other costs paid for in this contract.

Can I get reimbursed for Dry Cleaning?   Dry Cleaning is not covered in this contract.

Can I change my schedule?  Unfortunately all of these schedules are set up nationally and have been advertised.  So there are currently no provisions to change the hours.  However please let your supervisor know if you have a conflict or need to discuss this.

What is the wardrobe for this job?  The Wardrobe for this job is either the Traditional or the Coca-Cola Santa Suit. with a realistic belt and real boots.  Please click her to see examples.

Can I wear my Old World Santa Robe?  No.  This is for a standard Santa style suit as described above.

How do I get Insurance?  Details on insurance can be found by clicking here for a list of companies that offer insurance for Santas.

What type of insurance do I need?  You need some form of contractor or entertainer's liability insurance,  with a minimum of $1 million/$2 million coverage. 

Can I just sign and send you a waiver of my insurance rights?  NO, you must have personal liability insurance to the limits specified and naming our company and the host companies.

Who does the extra Certificate of Insurance (COI) need to be sent to?   You need to have your insurance agent email TKG a Certificate of Insurance, (COI)  to Santa@RealSantas.com  , with the following wording:

“The Kringle Group, LLC, its employees and agents, and CPI Corp., its subsidiaries, employees and agents, and: Sears, Roebuck, and Co; Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.; Toys “R” Us – Delaware, Inc; as applicable, plus any subsidiaries, employees, and agents are included as Additional Insureds with respects to the General Liability policy where required by written contract.”

 CIO's may also be mailed to: The Kringle Group, LLC, 5205 Old Mill Road, Riverside, CA 92504.

How much Insurance do I need?  How much does insurance cost?  Less than $200 to cover all of your work for the year. All Santas contracted by our company are required to show proof of  a minimum $1-million/$2 million in liability insurance, prior to working at any booking or event.   

How do I get a background check.  How much does it cost?  Prices range from $25 to around $60.  There are various ways of getting a background check.  Just click on the link above for information on locations to obtain a background check.

Will a local Police background be OK?  NO.  A local background check is not acceptable.  Any background check must be verifiable from a third party agency and include both a national criminal and national sexual offender search.

I have a gun permit and they checked me out to get it.  Will that substitute for the Background Check?  NO.  We are sorry but the application for a gun permit is not proof of a criminal and sexual offender search.

Why won't you accept a local background check from the police or local law enforcement?   Unfortunately, local, regional and state agencies, do not confirm or verify background checks.  You personally can get a copy, but they do not share that information with companies such as ours and do not offer a service for us to confirm anything that you tell us or send to us.

If I have a problem, Who do I call?  You will have two persons you can call.  The first will be your supervisor from RealSantas.com. (they are listed below)   The second will be the Regional Director for the Photo Studio/s who will contact you after your contract is signed.

REGIONAL DIRECTORS