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MxJoKeR Regular user Nowhere, Oklahoma 173 Posts |
Simple question, probibly not so simple answer. Those of you who do restaurant work; Do you use any kind of contract? ; Do you think it would be advisable for the first time out in a rest.? ;
Do or Do-Not, There is no try--Yoda
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Dirko Loyal user Michigan 287 Posts |
I posted this response a while back but I will write it again. When I earned my bachelors degree my business law professor told me that a resteraunt can break a signed contract without penalty. I do not remember what the reason was (sorry). I have always found that if you give the resteraunt more than 100 percent you (usually) do not need a contract. Here is what I mean. I always arrive and start working 15 minutes early, I stay at least 25 minutes late. If it is a particularly busy night I have stayed up to an hour later, I periodically ask managemnet if there are any specials I should incorperate into my magic and last but not least I do my best to make sure each guest has a great time. This has worked for me. I hope this helps!
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Mr Amazeo Regular user 186 Posts |
I don't have a contract and never really felt like I needed one where I work. We just have a handshake agreement and both sides live up to their end of the bargain with no problem.
I tried to be real formal with one place I was trying to get into, but I think it scared them off. When they are first getting to know you and what you do, I think they want some flexibility to let you go if needed, and for whatever reason. Plus you might want some flexibility too. |
Review King Eternal Order 14446 Posts |
If you ask for a contract, you won't get the gig.
"Of all words of tongue and pen,
the saddest are, "It might have been" ..........John Greenleaf Whittier |
Magique Hands Loyal user Lincoln, NE. 247 Posts |
Using a contract for restaurant work, is quite the touchy subject. If you take away the idea of having a contract for table-hopping, then you and the manager/restaurant owner can focus on what really matters... the entertaining of, and positive dining experience of the guests.
I have never used a contract for table-hopping, however, many restaurants have booked me for special banquets and parties, etc..., where they've wanted me to perform my stand-up/platform show. It is then that we work out the details for the contract (after all, they are wanting me to perform my stand-up show.) Hope this helps with your decision... - - Troy
"If you go around sprinkling Woofle Dust on everything... people will think 'My... What an odd character." www.magicmafia.com
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abc Inner circle South African in Taiwan 1081 Posts |
I have never had a contract with any of the venues I have worked at. Only if the client wants a contract would I do it but otherwise I just don't see the need on such a small scale. Larger production type shows you must have a contract.
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Shifty New user 11 Posts |
I found that just the idea of have a "contract" will sometimes scare the client away. I do like the idea of having something on paper because both parties can feel secure with the agreement. So what I do is instead of calling it a "contract" I like to call it just an "agreement" or "written agreement". This way you can feel secure and the client dosen't feel confined or obligated. Hope this helps.
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MxJoKeR Regular user Nowhere, Oklahoma 173 Posts |
Thanks for the posts. That's basically what I thought so thanks for reinforcing my idea.
Do or Do-Not, There is no try--Yoda
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Chris Toomey New user Rhode Island 56 Posts |
I would suggest using a contract whenever possible. Although many seasoned professionals will say they worked their entire careers without contracts, and never had any problems...one has to assume that anything can happen.
Many have also posted that they think the idea of a contract may scare away a manager. This may be true in some cases, but most likely can be avoided. Just go through all of the negotiations without mentioning a contract. Then, after all the details are hammered out, offer to write up a "performance agreement" which would benefit both the performer and manager. These are just my ideas, and I am currently working without a contract at a restaurant so they are clearly just ideas. Hope this helps. Chris |
Caleb Wiles Inner circle Indianapolis, IN 1132 Posts |
I just had an interview with a restaurant manager on Tuesday and he was very happy that he did not have to sign a contract. Just give your best effort and make sure you are an asset to the restaurant and you shouldn't have a problem with them not having you continue to work there.
Another benefit to not having a contract is that I can take outside bookings if I let management know ahead of time. I clear it with all of my restaurants up front that if I have an outside booking, I would like to take it, so long as I give them some sort of notice. They all seem to understand.
Check out my Main Event project (DVD or Download).
"Magicians, stop what you're doing right now and pick this up!" - John Guastaferro "Caleb Wiles is the real deal!" - David Williamson "...my very highest recommendation." - John Carey |
q Regular user 118 Posts |
Quote:
On 2004-06-16 23:05, Chris Toomey wrote: AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAH |
John Macmillan Loyal user Vancouver, BC 226 Posts |
On the subject of contracts for entertainers in general a good reference source is Jim Kleefeld's book "The Contract Book". Provides his views / suggestions and a number of sample contracts and booking sheets. Search through Google under Jim Kleefeld magic and you find his homepage.
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Mediocre the Great Inner circle Rich Hurley 1062 Posts |
Kirk Charles's excellent book on Restaurant magic covers this subject nicely. He has some contract ideas that are very simple but may save a lot of misunderstandings.
Mediocrity is greatly under rated!
-------------------------------------------- Rich Hurley aka Mediocre The Great! www.RichHurleyMagic.com |
Mogwai II Veteran user The Alpes 314 Posts |
A lot of restaurants have like an Artist-Contract. Which is a easy contract, that has a lot of "freedom" for both sides. I like to have one, It's just kind of safer. Here In Switzerland, there's a period of a month, where they can't just fire you. Don't know how that works in other countries.
"You'll wonder when he comes, you'll wonder more when he's gone..."
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MagicbyCarlo Inner circle has squandered his time making 1062 Posts |
I guess it depends on how you present the contract/agreement idea and if you will be turning down other booking while working the restaurant. No contract means that you can be let go any time, for any reason without financial compensation. I don't do any gig without a signed term of service. Suppose a restaurant hires you to perform Friday nights. Someone calls you for another better paying gig on a Friday two weeks from now and you turn it down. The restaurant decides that they really don't want to honor your handshake and let you go to hire a "cheap hack". Not have you lost the income from this job but you turned down the nice paying job and may not be able to reverse your fortune on that one. Most business owners should understand booking commitments. If they don't why would you ever consider dealing with them? One way around this is to give a new client a one-month trial period, but explain that without the contract that you will have to take higher paying jobs, with notice, over their dates. Once a contract is signed you are committed to their dates, regardless. Contracts also cover intangibles and liability issues, make sure a local attorney reviews your contract to insure it is binding and legal.
Carlo DeBlasio
<BR>Entertainment specialist <BR>and all around fun guy! |
serge storms Veteran user Las Vegas 380 Posts |
I've done restaurant and bar entertaining for years and don't use a contract, and don't think most places would sign or honor it anyway.
I work out a set amount to be paid per night and collect at the end of the night by check or cash. I usually get them to try it out for a 3 month minimum and then at the end of that time go for a 6 month or year minimum at a slightly better rate that I'd like to be paid. |
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