How does it work?

greensocks13

Just a quick question : When booking venues to play in, do you "rent" the venue and then charge on the door if you wish? and if so what is an acceptable "rent" for a small venue?

Any advice on this whole theme much appreciated!?

drumdrum

greensocks13 wrote: »

Just a quick question : When booking venues to play in, do you "rent" the venue and then charge on the door if you wish? and if so what is an acceptable "rent" for a small venue?

Any advice on this whole theme much appreciated!?

Price depends on the venue, and usually the day of the week, with Thursday Friday and Saturday being the dearest. There is no such "status quo" fee persay, but an attempt at haggling couldn't go amis!

As for the setup, usually you book the venue and its up to you if you charge in or not. As far as the venue is concerned they have been paid, but just make sure that there isn't a minimum attendance "fine" or something in case no one turns up.
Also make sure that the PA is included in the rental cost (if you need it) and see if that includes the cost of the engineer if you aren't using your own. Basically cover anything and don't assume anything.

Amount to charge in, well thats up to you. My only advice here is to not screw your friends/fans on money but try to at least break even on the night.
Say, if the venue costs you €500 and you expect 100 people, thats €5 per head right? So maybe charge €6 or €7 in to make up for the 20 or so people who probably won't make it for whatever reason.
In reality usually about 40% tend to "drop off" closer to the gig, but then you always tend to get randomers such as walk-ins and friends-of-friends who you don't account for, so it tends to break even*.

*IF you do enough promotion on your end that is!

greensocks13

really good advice thanks

off.the.walls

You pay the venue...hire the engineer bar staff and the system. Make sure that theres no hidden costs like a lack of people fine...charge in on the door earn your money back and more