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June 4, 2006 at 10:48 PM

Some friends at college and I are starting a quartet strictly for doing gigs around the chicago area. Does anyone have any tips for getting started, how to avoid bounced checks and making sure you get paid? Thanks!

Lauren

From june rhee
Posted on June 4, 2006 at 10:58 PM

find a lawyer and write a contract.

From Tommy Atkinson
Posted on June 5, 2006 at 2:37 AM

If the gig seems kind of "fishy" like they might want to stiff you (you usually can tell from the first contact with them), I just ask that they have the checks waiting for us there, so we can get paid before we start to play. You can usually pawn this off as "Oh, I usually ask for this so it doesn't look tacky for us to have to find you and ask for payment, especially if you're with another guest or busy doing something else." That usually sends the message that you're professional and serious.

From bill _
Posted on June 5, 2006 at 4:05 AM

Insist on cash, none bigger than $10 denominations (in case of counterfeit). In brown paper bags. Or postal money orders. Or spanish doubloons. Or pieces of 8.

From june rhee
Posted on June 5, 2006 at 4:07 PM

tommy's comment also reminded me - stipulate in the contract that they must pay you in full before the event. clients actually would rather get it out of the way than bother with it at the gig.
don't be afraid to stand your ground. people may try to intimidate you because you are young, but don't let them. politely tell them you can't work with their demands if you feel they are unreasonable.

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