Getting paid should be the easiest part of the night. Too often it is the hardest. The fix starts before the show with a signed agreement stating the amount and when it is paid. Night of, before you leave the venue, is the standard. Do not accept promises of a wire on Monday. Money that is not settled at the venue has a way of shrinking over the weekend.
Designate one person to handle settlement while you do merch and meet fans. They count the door with the promoter, review the settlement sheet, and collect payment. Photograph every document. If the deal was a door split, you or your person watches the door count or gets the clicker numbers. Trust but verify is the whole job. Most payment disputes come from fuzzy numbers, not evil intent.
When someone does not pay, act fast and stay professional. Send a written demand within forty eight hours referencing the signed agreement. Small claims court is cheap and promoters know it. Share your experience privately with other artists so the pattern cannot repeat. The artists who always get paid are the ones with contracts, witnesses, and a reputation for following up. Be that artist.
Consider using a simple written settlement sheet for every show, even small ones. List the deal terms, the door count, expenses, and the final payout with signatures from both sides. This habit eliminates most disputes before they start and gives you records for taxes. If a promoter resists basic documentation, that is valuable information about how the night will go. Professional promoters expect settlement sheets. Only the shady ones fear paperwork. Protect yourself every single night.
About the Author – Ruben Burgos: Ruben Burgos brings over 25 years of music expertise and more than 15 years of model guidance to the table. He is the indie major pinnacle to retaining credits for musicians and helping them navigate this wicked industry without the fuckery.