Karaoke Forums

[font=verdana]  How many of you have a contract with the your venues?  I don’t think just starting out, I am going to get anyone to sign a contract, but I am wondering how common it is, and just what is in the contract.  
 [/font]

_________________
[align=center]
Dusty Rose
Blue Rose Classic Karaoke
More Sound! More Selections! More Fun!
[/align]

BlueRose,

Well, this is the way I do it, but I'm sure there will be many variations. First, I don't have a "paper" contract. Not in the usual context. I sit with the "powers to be" and we discuss what we both want, what we both DON'T want, and what we both hope the end results will be. I know that sounds very vague, but open discussion when getting an owner or a bar manager to hire you is, IMO, a very important tool. During these discussions, you can readily identify their "persona" if you will. This is the time to find out exactly what he's willing to pay (never low ball...start high), how many nights, what time you're expected to start and end. ( some will "let" you go over..especially if the crowd is into the action....make sure you're compensated for those instances also) What is included ( drinks, food, etc. ) and what is not. Are you able to take a 10 or 15 minute break at "the half". ( make sure that's allowed....when you gotta..you gotta.) All the variables that could possibly come into play include, patrons damaging your equipment, who pays, ( them, always them) who runs the show....you or the person who hired you (always you...as far as the actual show goes..including decisions about "who" ( meaning their friends ) sings next. ) As this discussion is happening, I write down everything we have discussed and agreed to. Here's where what I do is probably a little different. I go home, type out the agreed upon "document", one with my business name and a place for signatures, one without. The person who hires me gets the no name no signature copy, I get the other. Oh...I only deal with cash...no checks or charge cards...just cash..payable when my system is set up...not at the end of the night..like most. My reasons for doing it this way are my own, but it works for me. Just remember, a "blanket contract" seems kind of "cold". The person hiring you should be able to walk away "thinking" he actually decided what was in the contract. That's why I STRONGLY recommend that discussion. Also, it's very important that you make sure you and the person you're meeting with has the time to fully discuss all the issues that may be brought to the table without distractions. There's probably other issues that won't affect the way I run my show, so, I'll leave that to the other more professional individuals who I'm sure will assist you. Good luck and just remember..always discuss.

                                Donny "B"    8)

BTW: I almost forget....NEVER promise any owner or manager a following week to week. The first or second time it DOESN'T happen, chance are you won't be happening either. Be honest, look him/her straight in the eye during any discussion. Conclude the meeting with a firm handshake and again, always look them in the eye. ( something you may want to watch for when they're talking to you...if they're not looking at you when they're talking, old school says they're probably not being totally upfront...again IMO)

_________________
It's a wonderful life!!

Contracts in clubs almost never work.  The club can almost always come back & claim you didn't fulfill your part in bringing people in.  Then do you really want to spend the money to sue & try and enforce a contract & have the club that MAY be goig under anyway claim your claim in their chapter 11 or 7, while you still pay for all of your legal fees.  Hand shake deals are all i've ever worked with n club situations.  Private parties are different in which you want to get a percentage 'non-refundable' deposit up front.

_________________
LIKE Lonman on Facebook - Lonman Productions Karaoke & my main site via my profile!

I have to agree with this mentality.  Bars or clubs, most likely not.  Private parties, not such a bad idea, I've started doing this.  I haven't ran into any issues yet, but I don't really want to either.  There is no point really with a bar or club, it's not worth the time or $ to fight over $100 or $200..seriously and the owner know this.  I have been burned a few times, but what I've learned is to be more firm up front with the owner, discuss more of what's expected, what's wanted, what's needed.  If you are too bendable, they will bend you into a pretzel.  Some very good points in Donny's post...read them carefully.  Good Luck!  MrD

_________________
[highlight=midnightblue]MrD - KJ/DJ Specialist
Visit MrD on facebook - mrdsentertainment
& on myspace - larrynance[/highlight]

Just verbal agreements here too, except for a few large private events where they wanted me to sign a contract to lock me in. But that's the way business is done around here (not a large metropolitan area).

I have never used a contract. My business has always been by handshake and mutual agreement. This has only backfired once in 9 years and a contract would not have helped that situation.

I have used them for Weddings and Private events when I do not know the parties involved. I mainly use them as a guideline for how the event will flow and what type of arrangements I will need for setup, and also for price and payment terms.

I never ask for a deposit on private gigs, but do require payment when I'm set up. I accept only Cash....NO Checks!!!

For some markets Contracts may be necessary but I have not found the need in our area.

_________________
FlipSide Karaoke
Scott

I don't use contracts.  :D

_________________
[shadow=pink][glow=deepskyblue]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
[updown]~*~ MONKEY BUSINESS KARAOKE~*~ [/shadow][/updown][/glow]

I have to say I do use contracts.  Not so much as to be able to sue a bar owner, but to avoid the problems with the "he said/she said" syndrome.

For instance, the "contract I have with my regular thrs/fri nite gig state we don't do shows on Holidays (x-mas/NYE/4th July/ thanksgiving)  and of course the first New Years Eve he forgets, and gets pissed when I wasn't there at 9pm ready to go.  He calls me up, and starts complaing that I ma not there to preform, and I said I will be there in 15 mins with the "contract" that state we do not preform NYE.  So brought it up to him, and that cleared it up REAL fast.  Of course I said since he is in a bit of a mess, i can be setup in 1/2 hour, for triple the normal price.  He said no, and I went home.

I also use it on private gig too, becasue I alwsys get the "I though you were playing for an extra hour for free"

It amazes me when a bar owner thinks that they are going to get the same deal on Major Holidays not to mention New Years Eve. They try to act as if it is just another night when discussing price, but as soon as they think they are not going to have entertainment then all of a sudden it's going to be a major catastrophe and they get pissed off at you

Hey it's just another night right?

_________________
FlipSide Karaoke
Scott

If a major holiday falls on a night I am scheduled to play anyway, there is no extra charge.  If it falls on a night I am not & they want to add then it's an extra $100-150 the regular night price.

_________________
LIKE Lonman on Facebook - Lonman Productions Karaoke & my main site via my profile!

I always use a written contract. It protects both sides.

It also outlines liability issues.

I've never had a problem getting them signed. On long term, if the venue prefers we renew every month. It has a clause that they can fire me. Never have had a problem.

I run 6 month contracts. I used to go every year but with everything costing more I get to raise prices twice a year now instead of once.

I think working without a contract is crazy.

I am due full amount of the contract if the bar decides they do not want me anymore. It could take weeks months to find a replacement for that night. I know if they ever get rid of me. It will be at the end of a contract.

If my payment is late there is a $25 late fee.

Holidays are differnt rates Generally $50 to $100 more.

There are clasues in my insurance policy that require a contract.

Not every venue is willing to sign a contract. In my area (New York City), all of the Bars that I know of that run a Karaoke night, deal with verbal agreements only. There are so many of us around, that they know they'll find someone someone else ready, willing, and able to work without a contract.

You can always do what I call an agreement. You just tell them you've written down what you think you've both agreed on and would like them to look it over, so you are both on the same page. Tell them you need something in your files so you don't confuse different jobs. Then simply ask them to intial it. It's not a contract legal and binding, but something to back yourself up if there is any confusion.  :D

_________________
[shadow=pink][glow=deepskyblue]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
[updown]~*~ MONKEY BUSINESS KARAOKE~*~ [/shadow][/updown][/glow]