There are still some good people out there.....

[wensleydale]

I know I will probably get criticised for this, but last night, for the second time in about 24 months, due to confusion over whether the bride or groom had paid, I was in a position where I was unable to be paid on the night of an event.

I had the choice of pulling the plug and going home, or taking their word that they would pay me and carrying on.

I did the latter and found the cash in my bank account this afternoon- I suspect from previous posts that some other forum members would have stuck to their terms and conditions (which are no different to mine) and gone home- I suppose I'm just saying there are some good, honest people out there still, and it doesn't do any harm for us to try and do the "right" thing where possible.

Incidently the other time this happened was about 2 years ago and resulted in a wedding booking from the couple who's engagment party it was- in Bristol, which proved to be a great day out.

[Danno13]

It's hard to know what I'd do in the same situation, because you haven't explained why it wasn't clear if they'd paid or not? I'd certainley try my best to avoid that situation!

I've recently brought my invoicing date forward by a week, to stop people sending me cheques that arrive the same week of the gig, which usually don't clear in time.

So clients now have an invoice well in time to clear payment 14 days in advance - although I'm still waiting for a transfer to show up for an uplighting job this coming Sunday.. and they had plenty of notice :Censored:

I haven't been caught out yet, but I'm desperate to get a streamline machine sorted so I can just call and get payment instantly if they're a couple of days late.

[wensleydale]

It's hard to know what I'd do in the same situation, because you haven't explained why it wasn't clear if they'd paid or not? I'd certainley try my best to avoid that situation!


Bride thought groom had paid, groom thought bride had paid- I was expecting cash on the night as was originally agreed.

[Danno13]

So did you not speak to them a week or two before to confirm how payment was being made?

[kjdiscos]

I'd just like to say i dont know what i would do myself, But fair play to you sir for doing the gig and putting faith in the customer, Imagaine the reaction walking away could have got nasty

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Fair play to you aswell mate. Not sure what I would have done in the same position but regarding payments...I always contact the customer either by phone or email a week before the function to remind them that payment is due 7 days before the function. It always works for me.

[rob1963]

I know I will probably get criticised for this, but last night, for the second time in about 24 months, due to confusion over whether the bride or groom had paid, I was in a position where I was unable to be paid on the night of an event.

I had the choice of pulling the plug and going home, or taking their word that they would pay me and carrying on.

I did the latter and found the cash in my bank account this afternoon- I suspect from previous posts that some other forum members would have stuck to their terms and conditions (which are no different to mine) and gone home- I suppose I'm just saying there are some good, honest people out there still, and it doesn't do any harm for us to try and do the "right" thing where possible.

Incidently the other time this happened was about 2 years ago and resulted in a wedding booking from the couple who's engagment party it was- in Bristol, which proved to be a great day out.

The nearest I've come to this situation was last year, when they opted to pay me on the night (my t&c state this must be in cash at the beginning of the evening), but they forgot to take my cash with them.

The bride's father went out to find a cash machine, and they asked me if I could put on some background music in the meantime. I said I would (and I did), but I told them I wouldn't be able to start properly until I'd been paid.

Luckily the bride's father returned with my cash after about 30 minutes & we had the first dance soon after that.

[Spirits High]

Tough call that one Rich,

I don't think until you're in that situation you can "Honestly" say what you'd do.

I'm finding this year the majority of wedding gigs are paying upfront , usually at the pre event meeting so the cheques are cleared before the gig.

Thinking of taking payment in full 14 days before the event when I do a T&C revamp ;)

[Shaun]

I wouldn't have started without payment.

I can only remember twice where the clients forgot the cash. First time was a wedding, the groom apologised and stated I'd be paid the next day. I politely told him that it was policy that all fees are paid prior to the performance. I apologised but let him know that I'd be unable to start without the balance in full. He told me he understood and he'd 'sort it', he left briefly so I played background music while he was away. He returned 20 minutes later with my cash. It ended up being a fantastic night.





Second time was last year. 60th Birthday, the client forgot to bring her cash. I politely explained my payment policy. Same scenario as above, I played background music till she sourced some cash.




Do you think they'd be able to walk up to the bar, buy a round of drinks and tell them they'll pay for it the next day?

My policy is strict. No pay no play.

[DeckstarDeluxe]

With weddings its hard and I'd have to go with my gut feeling but Im guessing I'd say no pay no play.

Ive had this happean a couple of times before, usually when they try paying by cheque on the night!. No music til balance has been paid. Nothing worse than working with the gut feeling your not going to be paid.

[Steve the DJ]

I think when you put yourself in the position of accepting payment on the night and have already set up then you have no choice but to continue.

The difficulties potentially caused by not doing so at that point are numerous. Of course the ideal as others have suggested is to ensure payment has been received in advance.

Getting paid on the night is so 1980's... :p :D

[Vectis]

I was burnt once many years ago - probably about 20 in fact :eek: - at a wedding in a posh village near where I lived. From memory the fee was £75 (that dates it :D) and on the night the groom only had £20 on him, but he was good for the balance and I could come round and collect it the next day or he could send me a cheque. I opted for the cash collection option as it literally was about 5 miles away.

Anyway, I took the address and the next day went to pick up the cash. I wasn't familiar with the street but it turned out to be one of the most dodgy pikey estates I'd ever seen and when I got to the house the groom answered the door. He then pretended that he didn't have a clue who I was or what I wanted, quickly got angry and threatened the police etc. :eek: :eek:

I tried calling round again with my dad and a couple of 'mates' - same story. I wrote letters - ignored. I never got paid.

Lesson #1. Get everything in writing. This was pre-paperwork.

Lesson #2. Get paid in advance. Spoke to photographers, cake makers, venue managers etc. - I found that the majority want payment a minimum of a month prior.

Lesson #3. If payment doesn't arrive by 14 days prior (as per my T's & C's) then give them a nudge. They're probably busy making arrangements and just haven't got round to it yet (yeah, right).

Lesson #4. For short-notice bookings get full payment before accepting the booking.

Luckily since then I've never had a problem apart from one or two rubber cheques but these have always been picked up inside the 14 days and dealt with prior to the event.

[wensleydale]

So did you not speak to them a week or two before to confirm how payment was being made?

I met them two weeks in advance and it was agreed that they would pay on the night.

I know more people pay in advance these days, and I'm all for it wherever possible, but at the same time some people prefer not to and understandably- when I got married given the cost of it I was keen to keep hold of my cash as long as possible so I got interest on it rather than the suppliers.

My original point was not about processes or what people would do, or even to say "arent i a good bloke"- just that all you ever hear on this forum is about making people pay in advance because we dont think they will pay- i was just saying that on 2 occasions I've been in a position where I made a call to take a chance and on both occasions it paid off and saved a guest/member of the wedding party having to order a taxi, go to a cashpoint, and delay things by 45 minutes or more.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

This has happened loads of times in the dim and distant past and everyone without fail has paid after the booking.

I'm not really sure what is so special about people being honest enough to pay after the booking. If they had account facilities anywhere else, I'm sure they'd pay their bill.

[CRAZY K]

Bride thought groom had paid, groom thought bride had paid- I was expecting cash on the night as was originally agreed.

Dont wish to try and be clever here--but how could they have paid you in advance if you made it crystal clear in your paperwork, phone calls and emails that you ( like me) require cash on night?

I reconfirm verbally ( phone call) or email a few days before that payment is xxxxxxxxxx pounds in cash on the night--if only;)

We are very in your face( if required) asking for money.

We covered a party at short notice last Saturday for the Birthday of an International Film Star ( no names ) no kidding.

Film Producers and Film Stars flying in from America---yee ha!

Because it was short notice there was one message--cash before the Band plays a note:cool: :cool: :cool:

We are not talking 50 quid here:D

Apparently that wasnt a problem I hear.

Glad to hear yours worked out--
you might have to wait a lot longer next time:(

CRAZY K


I think when you put yourself in the position of accepting payment on the night and have already set up then you have no choice but to continue.

The difficulties potentially caused by not doing so at that point are numerous. Of course the ideal as others have suggested is to ensure payment has been received in advance.

Getting paid on the night is so 1980's... :p :D

Eh?--in the Entertainment business frequented by many part timers charging relatively low fees of which this is but one area its very commonplace--when you look at the wider picture of Pop and Rock Bands, Barn Dance Callers etc

Perhaps being paid in advance has some advantages but I havent had anyone
say they dont like paying on the night---

Maybe The Rolling Stones dont get paid cash;)

CRAZY K

[wensleydale]

I'm not really sure what is so special about people being honest enough to pay after the booking. If they had account facilities anywhere else, I'm sure they'd pay their bill.

Thats my point Darren- I dont think it is special but reading many of the threads on here others obviously do.


Dont wish to try and be clever here--but how could they have paid you in advance if you made it crystal clear in your paperwork, phone calls and emails that you ( like me) require cash on night?

CRAZY K

You've confused me crazy- I dont specify cash on the night- all confirmations have bank details on but in this case we had agreed cash on the night.

[Steve the DJ]

Eh?--in the Entertainment business frequented by many part timers charging relatively low fees of which this is but one area its very commonplace...

I'm not a part timer charging a relatively low fee, I am a full time professional charging a higher than average fee and (I think) a sensible business person.

Every one else at the event from the venue to the photographer will be paid in full before arrival, therefore it is perfectly reasonable for me to expect the same.

Needless to say on the night I am a busy man and chasing people for money is the last thing I want to do.

If getting cash at the end of the night suits you then fill your boots, I'm very happy for you, but for me it is just another one of those little things that make DJs appear more casual and less professional compared to other service providers.

[CRAZY K]

I'm not a part timer charging a relatively low fee, I am a full time professional charging a higher than average fee and (I think) a sensible business person.

Every one else at the event from the venue to the photographer will be paid in full before arrival, therefore it is perfectly reasonable for me to expect the same.

Needless to say on the night I am a busy man and chasing people for money is the last thing I want to do.

If getting cash at the end of the night suits you then fill your boots, I'm very happy for you, but for me it is just another one of those little things that make DJs appear more casual and less professional compared to other service providers.

Its funny how we covered an event be it late notice for a World Film Stars Birthday Saturday and cash wasnt a problem--;)

Anyway--back to basics--I respect your approach of course and everyone has their own business model --my point was only that I think a lot of people still get paid in cash--

CRAZY K