Karaoke Forums

At an establishment such as a bar, I know a check may be the best way, but what about private parties, and special events ?
Do you collect before or after your show?

I'm always given cash from the til at the end of the night. A receipt is signed and we both have a copy.

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I get a check every week from my current club. When I was mobile, it was either cash out of the till the end of the night or a check at the end.
Private parties i'd always get a 25% deposit fee (non-refundable) 2 weeks prior to the gig - this way if they cancelled, i'd still have something. Then i'd collect the rest after the show via cash or check - with any returned or OD check fees applicable which is written in the contract they sign.

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Either or... as long as I got a receipt and gave one!

With DJ Intelligence I have a payment gateway to Paypal. This is for deposits I get half for private parties. Most of the time it is cash at gigs.

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For me, it's cash only at the end of the night. That way, if I don't get paid for whatever reason, I'm only out the one night's pay, rather than a month's worth. Cheques in Canada are not like they are in the States and once they bounce and accrue bank fees (usually $25 - $35), you really don't have any other recourse other than to take them to court. Once you win, collecting is yet another story. Could be a long drawn out situation and you still might end up with nothing.
Private gigs I take half as a non-refundable deposit and the balance is payable in cash at the end of the night. I make it VERY clear with my private gigs that I only accept cash. No exceptions, because cheques are too easy to bounce or put a stop payment on. This policy came about because hubby has DJ'ed weddings in the past where they have decided AFTER the party that their expenses went over their budget and so they started canceling cheques. DJ's cheque was first on the list, and of course, by this time, services were already rendered.

Some bars pay cash, some pay by cheque (at the end of the night). Private parties, cash only, with half paid at least a week prior to the event (unless a corporate event, then cheque).

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Diafel, were we separated at birth? Lol.... that's my policy too. For private gigs, I will take a non-refundable 50% deposit to reserve the date (or they can give it to me all at once), but any balance remaining is paid in CASH before I start my show. I have a little contract they sign that stipulates this, that I need a dedicated outlet to plug into, a 5ft x 10 ft space to work, a canopy if the gig is outside, and that I have the right to end the show if the guests become unruly or disrespect the equipment. The behavior of the guests is the responsibility of the person hiring me.

For bars its usually cash at the end of the night.

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Thanks guys.
I like the koyote Kontract...simple, and covers all bases.

Thanks. Let me add, that there is no refund if guest behavior causes and early shut down. I also have a space on the contract that is for special music requests... either karaoke or regular music. They must submit the requests within 3 days of the show. This is for them and me.... that way there is no disappointment if they had to have that "special song" and I don't have it.

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Koyote that is most likely the best advice I have heard yet , adding special songs in writing three days prior . Last year I did a wedding and they had some song titles (THEIR FIRST DANCE NO LESS ) at the reception and suprise i didn't have them We quickly went through my playlist and found a song that "would do " but had I recieved the info a day or two prior they could have had their song .From now on I think that line will be added in my contracts
Thanks

i take a 40 gbp pounds deposit when the private gig is booked...then the balance at the beggining of the night...otherwise i dont start playing........ http://www.discodreamz.co.uk

On private gigs- 50% in advance, the balance due before the show.

As far as my weekly gigs-I like cash but a check is fine until they write me a bad one. Then we go cash nightly, no exceptions ! One bad check is their fault, two bad checks is my fault.

Mojo

Bars:

Some pay cash, some pay check weekly and I have one that pays on Business AMEX weekly.

Private Partys and Weddings.

Deposits are non-Refundable. Events Canceled less than 30 days prior to the event result in full contract ammount due. Deposits are needed at time of booking the event.

Events under $500 deposit is $100
Events $501 - $1000 deposit is $200
Events $1001 - $2400 deposit is $400

My largest package currently is $2400 and I have never had a sale larger than that.

I use djintelligance on my site. Party people pick the music that has to be played along with a list of play if possible. That way I have documentation of what they requested. If I don't have it, I get it.

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What's included in the $2400 wedding package a trip to Hawaii?

I'm new to this and would love to see some of those contracts.

I don't generally have a written contract. Most of my quotes are done through email, so it's all written down and documented that way.
Things around here are still done on your word and a handshake. Haven't had an issue yet, so when I do (I know I will eventually), I will write one up and tailor it to whatever my issue happens to be.

bars are almost always cash at the end of the night some want a reciept some do not. some choose to pay early and that's fine. one wrights me a check, then cashes it out of the till. Ive never had a non paying bar. private shows are 50% up front. I got burned giving "friends" a deal on a wedding.

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