Payment upfront or payment at the end

[soundmaster mobile disco]

In an ideal world we would all be paid before we start a gig,but lets be honest here how many of you guys insist on payment up front?Do you turn up at a gig and say to the organiser i need my payment now or your party does not start?Is this part of your T&Cs,how does it affect future referalls\bookings.You need to have some trust in your customers.I normally wait untill i am paid.If not i will ask at the end for my payment.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

7 day before the gig.

Nothing to do with trust, more to do with the running of my business efficiently and being more convenient for the client. Most pay by bank transfer or card these days.

[WWDJ]

Real world I get paid 4 out of 5 times upfront or at the start of the gig. More rarely nowadays, do I get paid after, as I always ask for payment at the start or before. New years eve i actually got paid when I collected my gear the next day, but I was cool with that as I know the guy.

Never failed to be paid, but have been short paid by one person twice so I just don't work for them anymore.

[Andy Collins]

I get paid 28 days before the gig. Same reasons as Darren

[djdave01]

Apart from the booking reservation fee, i normally just get paid at the gig. More often than not the client pays me before ive started but some do wait till the end.

Never had an issue in over 20 years of doing this.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Booking form and booking fee paid within 14 days of the booking form being sent and then balance due 7 days before.
Totally agree with what Darren said.

[musicologydisco]

Cash on the night at anytime for most, but I do try and get it at top of the night for an 18th or 21st unless parent is paying. Most of them tend to get it paid at the beginning and a few at the end. I've never not been paid so don't worry about it in the main. Have had near misses with the younger ones in the past so that's why I "encourage" payment asap with them!

[funkymook]

Payment at least 7 days before and receipts issued, gives a far more professional image than cash in hand.

I wouldn't expect my clients to carry £500+ in cash around with them anyway.

[surround sounds]

80% of mine pay in advance cause they are mainly wedding..
The other 20% pay cash on the night before i start.I always send them a email the day before stating all there party details and at the end of the email i state the dj must be paid before music is turned on..I have never in 20 years had a problem with this method..

[BossmanKaraokeDisco]

Apart from the booking reservation fee, i normally just get paid at the gig. More often than not the client pays me before ive started but some do wait till the end.

Never had an issue in over 20 years of doing this.

+1 and likewise never had a problem in 30 years