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MichaelDouglas Special user Portland, Oregon 766 Posts |
I've a gig coming up for a university. It's actually 4 separate shows spread over 2 weeks. My terms were for payment after each show for that show. They are countering for one payment at the conclusion of the final show. I don't like that, nor do I want to be unreasonable. I did a similar thing once before for a different client for 5 shows. For this one my contract called for 1 payment after the first 2 and then the final payment at the end. I know it's cheaper and easier for this client to just cut one check. My question is what is the industry standard for a series of shows? Multiple payments, or a single one?
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RJE2 Veteran user 383 Posts |
Hi Michael,
I don't believe there is an industry standard, just preference on the part of both parties. We have had 10 week runs where we received just one payment at the end of the run and we've had 1 week runs where we've gotten paid at the end of each day. As you mention, trying to get things your way, may be seen as unreasonable and this can jeopardize your future with this client in repeat bookings and reputation. Often, it is easier to go with the flow as long as you receive the money as promised. |
BrianMillerMagic Inner circle CT 2050 Posts |
I do most of my work on the college circuit. If a college can avoid it, they will not cut more than one check. That is the standard for colleges/universities.
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Rimbaud Loyal user Saint Louis 291 Posts |
Also, universities can be a bit inflexible. I just did a university gig and the finance department balked over paying a deposit upfront and insisted on paying everything at the end. (They--or their legal department--also insisted on some changes to my very, very simple standard contract.) I did it their way and hope to work for them again in the future.
Universities are very big and unweildy and are used to getting their way. I think RJE2 offers good advice here. They are unlikely to not pay you, and so just going with the flow and doing it their way is probably both easiest, and better in the long run.
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Mindpro Eternal Order 10586 Posts |
I agree this is typical for the college market. I would see no problem with this as long as you have a signed contract with them. They often have their procedures and need to work within them. I wouldn't have a concern of not being paid as long as it is an actual college approved and arranged contract (rather than just some students from a frat, sorority or social group, non-sanctioned by the school) you should have no problem. I think it's more of a procedural formality than anything personal against you.
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Blair Marshall Inner circle Montreal, Canada 3660 Posts |
Working with businesses I ask (try) for payment on the day of the event, however, if I am solo, I will allow for the general business "net 30 days". If I have other staff, acts, trucking involved, or other costs associated with the event, I ask for a deposit (which usually covers my out of pocket expenses for the event). Getting this deposit enables me to cut cheques and pay others at the event. This saves me the hassle of getting cheques out in the mail, with follow-ups etc.
Blair
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Ken Northridge Inner circle Atlantic City, NJ 2392 Posts |
The chance of a respected university not paying you are so remote its not worth worrying about. So, with that in mind why not be as easy to work with as possible. In the big picture does it really make a difference when you get paid? I know we all like our paycheck asap, but repeat work from a good client like this is more important, and your best chance of getting repeat business is being easy to do business with.
By the way, I tell ALL of my customers that they don’t pay a dime until AFTER the show and ONLY if they are 100% satisfied. But, that’s just me.
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Bill Hegbli Eternal Order Fort Wayne, Indiana 22797 Posts |
If you are going to deal with the big guys, you have to have some financial operating capital. I know some corporations take up to a year to pay an invoice. Just make sure they do get an invoice from your in addition to a contract.
Never worked for colleges, but all the above comments sound in line with normal business practices. |
David Thiel Inner circle Western Canada...where all that oil is 4005 Posts |
I don't think it's unreasonable to ask for a deposit...particularly on shows where you need to bring in a sound or lighting crew. Your show is your product and if the performer doesn't place a value on what they do, chances are the client won't either.
There are rare times when a corporation simply cannot pay a deposit due to policies made a head office -- but even then they can issue a purchase order. You have to handle them on a case by case basis. The bottom line is: you want to get paid and that they want to pay you for the work you've done. If those two conditions exist, you're golden. Occasionally I've run up against a client where I just get a bad vibe. (Some agents or party planners -- third party types.) You have to ask yourself how much integrity they've shown...because chasing down a payment when they have decided to make things difficult is just downright nasty all the way around. But a company that takes longer to pay than a 30 day net? No thanks. David
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curtgunz Special user Only 99% of users have more than 784 Posts |
Just a thought. I've been booked by a hospital that is one of the biggest employers in my area. Twice they have canceled at the last minute.
I did not require a deposit because they balked at having to cut two checks. First time they sent a brief email the day before my gig saying they changed their mind. I called, they were sorry, didn't get the budget they thought...blah, blah, blah. I wrote it off as some mis-communication on their part internally. They called me again and booked me. Again, they didn't want to pay a deposit. They cancelled me and I found out that they called another clown (who is a personal friend) and asked him to do it for free. He didn't know it was a paid gig for me and thought it was an all volunteer thing (since it was a hospital and the gig was working with cancer patients). We found out that it was a for profit event that the hospital was charging big bucks for. It was for cancer patients and their families but they were charging for the event. Anyway, I will not work for them without a deposit. Because if I don't get a deposit I don't end up working for them (apparently).
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amakar Loyal user 235 Posts |
In this market, you're working with institutional dollars vs the smaller business that can simply write a check after the 1st of 4 shows.
These organizations have an invoicing, accounting and payment processing that smaller organizations do not. However, you should be able to request a small deposit up front per your terms and invoice for the deposit. They will process it and provide the balance after the remainder of the shows. In this market, you'll not dealing with $99 birthday party shows, so your price would also reflect the market. I've worked with several cities and counties this way and never had an issue with payment. Andy |
curtgunz Special user Only 99% of users have more than 784 Posts |
Quote:
You do birthday's for $99. You're hired!
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MichaelDouglas Special user Portland, Oregon 766 Posts |
Thanks everyone. I've accepted their modification to my agreement. All is well.
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