Do You Need to Bother with a Contract?
Contracts
and Paperwork
Is this a paperless industry? Do you correspond by telephone alone? Do we really need pieces of paper floating around? Here we investigate the virtues of paperwork.
Contract
Whether
you call it a contract, a booking form, a confirmation to supply
services or something else, having a written agreement is essential to
the smooth running of your band’s engagements.
Why Should You
Have One?
It ensures you have the correct details of the booking,
along with the contact information for your client. When the client
signs this document, they are not only agreeing to your terms and
conditions, but are also confirming that you have the correct details
about the event or party. This could be a life saver (metaphorically
speaking!) if the client starts a dispute with you about date, agreed
times, venue or costs. From the client's point of view, it gives peace
of mind. It also portrays you as an organised business person and a
professional.
What Should It Contain?
All contact details
for both yourself and the client need to be included, such as name,
email, address and phone number. Event details should be outlined such
as the name of the venue, address, type of event, date (including the
day, month and year), times, number of guests, timings of sets and
breaks etc.
Fees and pricing structure need setting out. This
should include a time limit for when the contract needs to be returned
with the deposit/booking fee and when the balance needs to be paid,
whether it is before the event or on the night. Also include payment
details such as the name that cheques should be made payable to, on-line
account information or credit card methods.
Ideally, your terms and
conditions should be printed on your contract.
What Should You Do
With It?
You need to have two copies, signed by both parties.
Return one copy to your client for them to keep for their records and
retain the other for yourself. It is also essential that you take your
copy to the event for reference should the need arise. After the
function....keep it!
Can You Live Without It?
For many
functions you probably could, then there comes along a client who has
confused the name of the venue with another. You turn up to the one they
told you on the phone. Unfortunately, the client would never admit they
had made a mistake, but if it is written on the contract there's no
dispute. Or the client who decides they aren't going to pay what you
agreed on the phone. Without a signed contract, there is little you can
do about it and you could have provided free entertainment! There are
also many discerning clients who need that extra sense of trust and
commitment that a contract provides and are more likely to choose a band
that offers this.
What Else Do I Need?
Having Public Liability Insurance cover
whilst performing will also help with your 'Peace of Mind' ... Click Here for an Instant
Quote. Sample Booking Forms and Planners are also available from the
members area.
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