contracts and deposits.

ok so I have been super busy these past couple months. getting two 2 hour gigs in one day. And this month I have had 2 parties cancell on me. ANd with ONE day notice and thats with me calling to confirm. Also if they would have gave me like a week notice I could have had another gig to replace. So my question is do you all do the contracts and deposits for all parties? I am starting to think I have to. What are your inputs on this?

SmileyBee, there has been a lot of discussion about the pros and cons of using contracts, how to go about requesting retainers/deposits effectively and recourses for breaches of contract. The archive would probably be your best bet for the answers you seek... Good Luck!

I have just had a similar thing happen- read my post "I have the guilts"

They cancelled last minute, but I still got paid.

I take deposits on all shows. In the email telling them my pricing, I explain the terms of the deposit, and it is also on the page of my website where the pay button is. Paying the deposit is agreeing to the terms.

My deposits are non refundable if they cancel the day of, or 2 hours after paying it. I do let them use it towards another date based on my availability.

I will never work without a deposit.