Paid Before You Play: The Power of the 50% Deposit
In the music business, a handshake is a liability. One of the primary obligations of a talent agency is to secure a non-refundable deposit (typically 50% of the guarantee) before you ever leave your house.
Why? Because venues go out of business, promoters overextend themselves, and weather happens. If an agency doesn’t collect that deposit 30 days out, you are essentially providing an interest-free loan to the venue.
The Bottom Line: Your agent ensures that even if the promoter disappears on show day, your travel costs and band fees are already covered.
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