The short answer
A deposit should be large enough that a client won't book you casually and that it covers your loss if they cancel, since you'll turn down other work for that date. Many acts ask for a meaningful share of the total fee at signing, with the balance due before the event. Weddings booked far ahead often use a payment plan in between.
Put the deposit and due dates in your contract and collect it at signing.
What a deposit is for
- Holding the date so you can turn down other offers.
- Covering early work like planning and learning requests.
- Showing the client is committed.
Common approaches
- Flat deposit: a fixed amount for every booking, simple for small gigs.
- Percentage: a share of the total, so big events carry a bigger deposit.
- Payment plan: deposit, one or more installments, and a final balance, common for weddings.
Collect it without the awkwardness
Ask for the deposit at the same moment the client signs, online, with the amount already on the contract. Automatic payment reminders handle the rest.
How BookLive helps
- Payment schedules. Set the deposit and the due dates for the rest.
- Pay online. Clients pay by card or bank transfer, depending on what you offer.
- Automatic reminders. Clients get a reminder before each payment is due.
Your musicians use BookLive for free. Only the bandleader pays.
Frequently asked questions
When should a musician collect a deposit?
At signing, together with the contract. Don't hold the date until both arrive.
When should the balance be due?
Before the event, often one to two weeks ahead.
Collect deposits with BookLive
Payment schedules and reminders on every gig.
Your musicians never pay.