Here are some pointers:
– You pay all their expenses (incl hotel, taxis, food, drinks, breakfast, plane etc.)
– You arrange all transport etc.
– Ask the agent what the fee is, work out what you think you can afford, explain venue size x number of tickets (be conservative) to agent, get negotiating. I always used to start at 1/3 to 1/ 2the feel. Big yourself up, try and double up with other venues in nearby cities
– Forget booking request forms, try and get the agent on the phone. Be urgent – “Got this great opening”. Sound professional. Sound busy. Namedrop. Remember, agents need to get bookings, so it’s a win/win. Front it a bit – truth is agents rarely know which promoters are hot and which are not in the next city never mind another country
– Generally, you’ll pay a deposit immediately or 1 month or two before, maybe the whole amount a week or two before, although this can sometimes happen on the night
– You may get sent a contract. Read, agree, sign, forget
– To look after your acts, don’t skimp on the hotel etc, remember acts usually want peace before a gig, listen to their requests and try to fulfil them, and leave them alone when they’re playing other than to get them drinks/check they’re OK. Above all, remember they do this all the time – so listen to them. Some like to party, some not, the only way you’ll work that out is by being empathetic to their needs
– Try and book acts that are rising – hopefully after you’ve agreed a low fee, they’ll get lucky and you’ll have a superstar on your hands at a giveaway price!
Hope that helps!
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