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- Thread starter BeermanMC
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Beerman, I am going to sum up what a lot of people are going to say:
Have it in your contract that payment must be completed 14 days prior to the event.
This completely takes the need to track down payment the day of the event.
Have it in your contract that payment must be completed 14 days prior to the event.
This completely takes the need to track down payment the day of the event.
Ditto.... and I'll take it one step further... mine stipulates 30 days prior.
Unfortunately that really doesn't answer your question. I have not had to try and collect yet. Is there a reason you ask?
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Guest
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But, to answer your question, if you have to collect on someone, the best step it to not cause a scene at the event. Ask once in a private area of the venue, if there is an issue (or if they are too drunk to understand), wait until Monday after the event (I say Monday because most of us do stuff on the weekends) and start by contacting the person who you were dealing with the entire planning process. Explain you were not paid and ask if you can come by and pick payment that day. If they make excuses or kind of dodge the issue, then you tell them you will give them a week. If no payment is made in that time, take all your paperwork (contract contract contract!!) to small claims court and file suit.
In my 30 years of doing this...I've never asked for full payment up front-never been stiffed (must be the Maritime air)
Thats great advice but that is not what I was asking. Plus with what I charge, my clients aren't going to give 2-6K to anyone without having them at least show up first....
Now please stick to the questions asked. Thanks.
Yes, I am curious what others do as far as late fees etc. I am looking to make some changes to my agreement. I have never been stiffed yet either..but want to be prepared just in case..especially with the amount that is owed to me for my events.
I would have a lawer write them a letter. I also have in my contract that total payment must be made 14 days before the event.
Dude, if yer getting 2-6k for each gig -- why are you asking us...? :sqerr:
Check with yer manager, and the folks on the Forbe's billionaire list -- then get back to us...
lmao.i would satisfy with 2 gigs a month and take holidays off at that price.Dude, if yer getting 2-6k for each gig -- why are you asking us...? :sqerr:
Check with yer manager, and the folks on the Forbe's billionaire list -- then get back to us...
Attytood will getcha nowhere here.
Besides, we take pride in going of topic. It's what we do best.
I just have them give me the initial 3K up front. The other 3k I have them leave in a brown paper bag outside in unmarked bills. Works well for me.
DjDennis
RIP- My Dad (2011), Sister (2013) and Mum (2017)
On my contracts I have this Clause (Direct from a Debit Collector originally)
never had a problem in 30+ years
never had a problem in 30+ years
Wow, 30 days? I know people that would tell you to go scratch & say you'll get the 2nd half after you complete the job.
Personally, I refuse to pay someone in full before the job is completed.
But that's me.
I personally want it all 2 weeks before the event. But its in my contract if they don't like it then I say they don't have to hire me. Now if they don't like it after they have signed the contract and read it. I guess I really don't care. I know I live by my word and I expect the same from others. I'm very upfront and this is all talked about before they even hire us.
I have had only one person that didn't like it and she did not hire us. Now I'm not up to 5k but some of our event are going for 1000 dollars and most don't blink. I guess my feeling is if your making 5k there is a reason and most people I think would trust. You obviously have a fantastic rep. I work with a company they literally is given a machine for about a year to try and if they don't like it they don't buy. Reputation can bring trust.
I have had only one person that didn't like it and she did not hire us. Now I'm not up to 5k but some of our event are going for 1000 dollars and most don't blink. I guess my feeling is if your making 5k there is a reason and most people I think would trust. You obviously have a fantastic rep. I work with a company they literally is given a machine for about a year to try and if they don't like it they don't buy. Reputation can bring trust.
Yes I have...changed the way I do business.
I was to be paid from the brides father the night of the event, him being from california.
Guy told me he forgot his checkbook, took my address said he would send it in the following days.
10 days later, I call the bride to find out what she knew, she said she had some very unfortunate news. Her dad lost his house, and now her and her husband got stiffed with all the bills.
I said..give whatever you can on a week by week basis. Even if it is $20. Then to keep paying until bill was satisfied.
NEVER AGAIN!
I am full contracts all the way.
My contract stipulation is going to state, you need to cancel within 6 months, otherwise you are responsible for full payment.
I am also going to put in my contract, payment in full must be completed with at least 7 days in advance. That gives time for a check to clear.
I am not messing around anymore. My business is my bread and butter on my table, and I need to run the business more like a business.
I have been burned 5 times, and I am not willing to deal with that anymore.
That is by being burned...getting booked for an event, and then either being cancelled, or told, you weren't even hired.
A contract will change all of this.
I've been at it since 2004 in this fashion and so far no one has baulked at it.
I look at it this way... I'm one less person they have to have an envelope of money for and worry about showing. I'm paid and contracted to be there.