Standard fees for cancellations?

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I produce shows. I host, set up gear, promote, and book them. As I get more gigs, inevitably so things go wrong and people cancel. Now, both times it's happen on a major level, I still got paid and paid my performers/staff accordingly. However, it wasn't in my contract, I just happen to be persuasive, to say the least. My question is: should I penalize businesses that cancel last minute or just take the payment in full? How far in advance is fair notice for that? I want to say 72 hours but that seems a bit much. Is a full 24 standard?

I've had some venues pay totally in advance and that worked out well but not every place can do that.

Any Thoughts or experience?
 

Macallik86

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I say make sure to put it in the contract (and maybe verbally state it for people who seem like a risk).

With that said, if it hasn't been a huge deal before, definitely use discretion to get ahead. For example if someone cancels for a legit reason, maybe let them know what the total fee is but waive/discount the fees so that the person is more inclined to do business with ya? Up to you though
 
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I say make sure to put it in the contract (and maybe verbally state it for people who seem like a risk).

With that said, if it hasn't been a huge deal before, definitely use discretion to get ahead. For example if someone cancels for a legit reason, maybe let them know what the total fee is but waive/discount the fees so that the person is more inclined to do business with ya? Up to you though

I think that's a good policy to have. You definitely have to take it on a case by case basis. But on the flip side, they might be inclined to try it again. I'm just working on things to have in my contracts that are protect me and the artists I work with. It's very easy to get shafted in entertainment.
 
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