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Print this page Print Version Getting paid for a gig

Getting paid for a gig sounds quite impressive - until you look at the amounts you are likely to get. When you are starting out most paid gigs barely pay for the travel expenses. Often it is going to cost you money to do a gig. Especially when you add up the travel food and time you have to put in to promoting your gig.
Many venues will expect you to provide a crowd before you get a percentage of the door. Maybe 15 or 20 people and then you get a percentage of the door. They will either tick off the people who come to see you or collect the flyers. So it's good to encourage people to bring a flyer so that you make sure you get a record of the numbers.
If you are getting paid for a gig and it isn't just you performing, work out who is going to get the money on the night. That way you don't have a situation that everyone is thinking someone else is going to do it. Before you agree to do a gig, make sure you know how you are going to get paid. This can be a straightforward fee, the whole door take, or a percentage of the door take plus a small amount. Another option is a small guaranteed payment plus 'pass the hat round'.
If you are being paid a straight fee, make sure you can get it on the night.

Make sure you know how you are going to get the money. If you are taking the whole door take, you could get a friend to collect it. If you are being paid a straight fee, then make sure you get it on the night, you know who is going to pay it to you and that they will be there on the night.

You also need to make sure there are no other expenses you are expected to pay, for example the PA or publicity costs. Make sure there are no other costs included - if there is a MC will you have to pay towards their fee??

Ask how the gig will be publicised. Will there be listings in the local press? Posters? Flyers? Find out, because if they are not doing enough to publicise your gig you may need to shell out for posters or flyers yourself. You can also do some work contacting press listings. These are free but it will take some of your time. If local radio runs listings guides, try to get an interview with them or a mention on air. Back to top 

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