Glossary › Door deal
Door deal
The artist is paid a share of ticket money taken at the door instead of a fixed fee.
A door deal pays the artist a share of the ticket revenue, often after the venue takes out costs like sound, staff or a set amount for the room, instead of paying a fixed fee. Some door deals give the artist 100% of the door after costs; others split it.
Door deals are common in clubs and for local or developing acts, where the venue doesn't want to risk a guarantee. They reward a band that brings people, and they leave a band that doesn't with very little.
Example
The venue keeps the first $200 for sound and staff, then pays the band 80% of the rest. Paid door is $1,100, so the band gets 80% of $900, which is $720. (EXAMPLE numbers.)
Before you agree
Ask exactly which costs come off the top, whether online ticket fees count, how comps and guest list spots are handled, and who counts the door. Then check the count at settlement.