remember you didnt rent the venue.look at it this way.are they going to charge the florist a deposit too?? will they charge any other vendors the client has who are in the wedding?? did you sign a contract with the venue?? have a talk with the client and see what is really up,and you need to do it fast since time is running out.
I have to pay to play! Have you all done this?
- Thread starter RaskyKat
- Start date
This Is Serious.
This is the first I've heard of this and that means its in the early stages. We can't tell others what to do collectively because thats conspiracy which is illegal. We can sure express our displeasure, voice our own opionion as to how we would each handle it and hope that it continues to spread in our favor that we each do the right thing.
Everyone of us should start blogging and posting like crazy so that enough people can be informed about this issue. Maybe it can be stopped before its too late. I'd love to revisit this again in about 5 years time.
This is the first I've heard of this and that means its in the early stages. We can't tell others what to do collectively because thats conspiracy which is illegal. We can sure express our displeasure, voice our own opionion as to how we would each handle it and hope that it continues to spread in our favor that we each do the right thing.
Everyone of us should start blogging and posting like crazy so that enough people can be informed about this issue. Maybe it can be stopped before its too late. I'd love to revisit this again in about 5 years time.
This has happened to me. I simply called the venue and was very direct that I will not be sending them a fee/deposit and they need to deal directly with the client.
Then they emailed me saying I cannot play there unless I complied. I ignored the email and went to the gig (some months later) and it never came up. I have been back to the place 2 times after with no mention of this again.
I wouldn't even acknowledge that piece of paper let alone, sign it. I also wouldn't pay the "deposit", as the rules and regulations have absolutely nothing to do with the services that you provide as a vendor.
Here is what I'd do if I was in that situation right now. I would consult with an attorney and show the Attorney my contract with the client. I would let the client be aware of the situation and tell them I am not going to give up my Credit Card as any deposit. I'd let the Client handle it.
I appreciate the fact that you brought this to our attention but this is not the place to get legal advise!
And that is exactly right.
The person asking now will be long gone by the time you do the gig.
Draw up a similar document stating that the venue needs to pay you a $500 deposit in case there is damage to your equipment, performance or integrity to perform. Anything can happen to you from them as well. they will tell you they have insurance. (that is what you will tell them too) In fact, instead of paying them a fee or deposit, make sure your policy is up to date. If you do not have insurance, use the money toward getting it.
I think that having insurance is the answer to any of these requests for deposits. They are so used amateur Dj's, Bartenders, caterers, etc. that when a pro comes along with a good business sense and stability, and looks like a pro business, you are seen in a different light.
Up until that point we/you are seen as just a kid with an iPod and speakers.
I think that having insurance is the answer to any of these requests for deposits. They are so used amateur Dj's, Bartenders, caterers, etc. that when a pro comes along with a good business sense and stability, and looks like a pro business, you are seen in a different light.
Up until that point we/you are seen as just a kid with an iPod and speakers.
Hey! Don't hijack my thread!
Sorry! I was responding to a comment within your thread.
So that I won't be accused of hijacking this thread, I'll start a new thread entitled Preferred & Exclusive vendors.
The venue is asking for the sun, the moon and the stars. None of which is Will's responsibility.
Agreed, this credit card/deposit racket is completely out of line. I'd suggest taking this up with the client and see what they have to say about it. I understand it's short notice and probably too late to find another venue.
That said, the venue isn't likely to change their policy just because Will (or we) think they should. And the house could very well deny Will access if he isn't playing along.
If it comes to that, play along and watch your credit account closely afterwards. If the venue assesses a charge, dispute it with your CC company or bank. I am quite confident that, given the unclear circumstances the venue uses to threaten charges you will prevail.
Isn't that caving in to them? Shouldn't the client have brought that up at the time of the contract signing? Arrangements should have been made between the client and venue. It was not the DJ who picked the venue, it was the client. Oh well!
To RaskyKat
Have you done a Google Search on this issue "Venues charging DJs security deposits"?
Have you done a Google Search on this issue "Venues charging DJs security deposits"?
I would tell the venue manager to sit down and rotate. This policy actually opens the door to screwing you over. They can blame some stupid thing on you and charge whatever they want to your card for a fault that may even not be yours. Electrical problem. Blame the DJ and charge him $10,000.00 to rewire the venue. Rattle something and they'll charge whatever broke because you were playing too loud. See my point?
There are some businesses such as hotels that do this, but you've seen what some people do to the rooms. But thrashing and destroying your equipment is not in your agenda, so the CC information they are asking for is a complete no no in my book.
There are some businesses such as hotels that do this, but you've seen what some people do to the rooms. But thrashing and destroying your equipment is not in your agenda, so the CC information they are asking for is a complete no no in my book.
Yes, this is imposed on all the vendors. She copied all the other vendors on the email.
1.) If I did give them a deposit it would not be my credit card.
2.) I would give them a copy of my liability insurance and tell them to deposit this.
2.) I would give them a copy of my liability insurance and tell them to deposit this.
as Johnny Cruz said counter with a damages contract from them or simply email them your policy number which covers such matters and mention they have liability insurance as well if they are a credible vendor like you. I would hand deliver this as time is short.
No, haven't looked into that. It has only been a couple hours since I got their email. But it's a good thing to look into. Also it might be a good idea to inform NACE, ADJA, etc, about this and see if it is becoming a trend and what our options are.
This is what I did.... I wrote to the venue (will call them too) and said I can agree to their rules and regs, but that I will not be signing over my CC info. Further, that I have insurance (I attached a copy of my cert) and that I can name them on my policy. Also, that my contract transfers any venue-imposed fees onto the client, and the client signed my contract. So if they insist that I won't be playing, my next step is to convince them to get the CC number or a $300 check from the client. I'll keep you all posted.
Good, good stuff here, guys! Thanks for your expertise, as usual!
--Will
This is perfect! I bet they will welcome this better than a Credit Card (especially with the numbers fudged a bit
)The insurance you have is probably $900,700.00 better than anything they can collect on your card!
that even opens up room for more BS.do they do an inspection before and after with the vendors? as i said before they can accuse you of leaving a paper cup in the garbage and want to charge say $20 for this.is it right in my opinion NO.someone has to do something about it,i know they want to cover themselves but thats why there is insurance.can imagine if every DJ told their clients that they need to collect an additional $$$ as deposit in case their guests/friends/family does any damage,then do you give your client an inspection of all your equipment.do you see where i'm going here?
not to stray too much but i only see this done when you rent a tool/car (things of that nature)
Question!
When you "name" the venue on your policy and lets say while you are playing one of the other vendor's electric appliance shorts out and causes a fire, whats there from stopping the Venue from charging YOUR insurance for the damage? Your insurance should be by you and for you and any damages incurred by you against said premises only.
When you "name" the venue on your policy and lets say while you are playing one of the other vendor's electric appliance shorts out and causes a fire, whats there from stopping the Venue from charging YOUR insurance for the damage? Your insurance should be by you and for you and any damages incurred by you against said premises only.