Thread: What is your "last minute" charge?

Someone calls you up and needs a belly dancer, stat. How much extra do *you* charge? And how do *you* define "last minute"? (We've all gotten the "belly call"...)


Nani

Last minute = 24 hours or less notice. At the very least they are charged my maximum price - no downward wiggle room - and I may quote $25-$100 more than that, depending on the circumstances.

I'm unemployed, so I have the luxury of lots of free time on my hands. Usually I can pull something together in 2-3 days, and I typically do so at my normal rate. (Even though I still find those requests annoying).

However, I've received a small handful "belly calls" less than 2 hours from when they wanted me to show up and dance. Umm....even if I use a pre-burned CD, it takes at least an hour just to get into costume! So I typically quote almost twice my fee. And it scares them away nearly 100% of the time. But as much as I could use the money, I also prefer to be in a zen-like state, or as close as possible to it, when I perform.

I'm interested to hear what others have to say...

I don't take credit cards (and for some reason no one wants to ever use PayPal), so for me last minute is anything where I won't have a deposit and signed contract by the time I leave for the gig. So generally speaking anything booked less than 3 days in advance gets charged double, because I'm taking a risk that I might potentially get stiffed entirely on my pay.

Also, by 3 days out I've usually got plans of some kind that would need to be canceled/adjusted, even if it's just a cozy dinner and DVD night with my hubby and daughter. I'm rarely just sitting around wondering what to do on a Saturday night. And if I have special plans, like going out with friends, I won't cancel them for a last minute gig.

It's funny, but you don't have to go double to scare 'em off - even tacking on an extra $50 to your maximum can leave 'em running for the hills.

I've never taken a last-minute show, since I'm crazy busy and have never been available when I've been approached.

But my standing policy is to charge at least $100 extra for a show booked less than 3 days in advance, since there wouldn't be time to get a contract and deposit. The extra charge is for the extra financial risk. I'd probably waive that if they were willing to paypal it to me.

Less than 24 hours would still invoke a hassle charge. (Rearranging my schedule, etc.)

I wouldn't accept one at all with less than 4 hours' notice unless I already happened to be performing that night and could tack it on as a second show.

I'd also make an exception if I were filling in for another dancer who was sick or something, but that would be as a favor to her.

Or replace my post with "What Laura Said."

I swear, we need a graphic for that.

Like PPs have said, I normally already have my evenings planned (wether giging or the rare nights with the hubby) so if I receive a call (which happens very often) for a gig that same night I charge them atleast an additional $50 of an inconveninece fee. I dont let the client know that this fee is included. How I see it is: if they agree - I win, if they don't I still win because I can go about my evening the way I planned and stress-free.

I couldn't get away with charging double, as standard minimum in MIA is already pretty high.. I think they'd have a heart attack.

For me it depends on how last minute and the degree of hassle it creates for me. I have charged my usual rate for gigs with only 3-4 days notice.
If it's less than 2 days but I'm available, I would tack on about $25-$50 extra depending on how much of an inconvenience it will be.
I seldom get called for the same day. I did once this past summer and charged nearly double my rate (and got it, too).

Contract...now there's a word I haven't heard in a while...Here in the DC/Baltimore area, it's not unusual to have a contract/deposit for a private party, but rarely will you see that sort of thing for a restaurant gig. I know people who rarely, if ever, draw up contracts in any instance. So a related question: Do you use a contract, and how common is it in your area to do so?

Nani

Originally Posted by _Nani_

Contract...now there's a word I haven't heard in a while...Here in the DC/Baltimore area, it's not unusual to have a contract/deposit for a private party, but rarely will you see that sort of thing for a restaurant gig. I know people who rarely, if ever, draw up contracts in any instance. So a related question: Do you use a contract, and how common is it in your area to do so?

Nani

This is an interesting question, because over the years I have rarely used one, but it seems like within the past year it has become more common for me to do so. I haven't minded, because they have all agreed to pay me a deposit, something I don't get when I do the verbal agreement.

90% of my gigs over the past 8 years have been of the verbal agreement type, though, and I've never had anyone do anything squirrelly on me, and only rarely have had cancellations.

I use a contract for every single gig I do - I've made a couple of exceptions and I regretted both of them. I know most of the other dancers here use contracts also, but I couldn't tell you how strict they are about using them consistently.

Originally Posted by laura 2

I use a contract for every single gig I do - I've made a couple of exceptions and I regretted both of them. I know most of the other dancers here use contracts also, but I couldn't tell you how strict they are about using them consistently.

Yes. It took awhile for me to get into the groove of ALWAYS using a contract, but now, I couldn't imagine booking a gig without one.

I used to always get the pleasure of clients dropping out because they decided they didn't WANT a BDer, or their spouse got offended, or one of the local undercutters made them an offer they couldn't refuse. This has not happened since I started using a contract. My contract definitely helps me lock in clients that are ready to commit and probably scares off the wishy-washy ones.

Plus, my clients feel safe knowing that they're "covered" by a written agreement. When they book somebody else, how are they supposed to know if that person is going to show up on time (or at all)?

I started using a contract about 4 years ago and now use one about 98% of the time. Before that I never used one though and I don't really recall any problems.
Since going the contract/deposit route, I have had exactly 2 cancellations and had my non- refundable deposit. I always feel better having it although I usually don't for last minute gigs.
As for last minute requests, I may charge my regular rate or $25-$100 up, it all really depends on how much of a hassle it is for me. Friday and Saturday nights are always work nights for me unless I happen to be taking off for something special, so if I am already going to be out working and the gig fits in my schedule, why not? Most people who call last minute are more than willing to be flexible. If the request is last minute and timing of the gig requires me to change other plans, is not on a normal work night, or very last minute I will add an upcharge.

Originally Posted by tamrahennatx

Last minute = 24 hours or less notice. At the very least they are charged my maximum price - no downward wiggle room - and I may quote $25-$100 more than that, depending on the circumstances.

What she said. For gigs less than 24 hours they have to either pay in full by paypal or cash when I arrive. If the gig is some driving distance, then I'll insist on paypal beforehand. I don't want to drive an hour and find out they've changed their minds.

As others have expressed, I hate last minute gigs. I usually try to sway them into NOT booking, because as Laura said, I don't like changing my plans, even if it was to watch a movie on the sofa with my kitty. If I'm going to haul a$$, they're going to pay for it.

Originally Posted by SatinWorship19

... But as much as I could use the money, I also prefer to be in a zen-like state, or as close as possible to it, when I perform.

Not sure if this is thread-jacking, but it's related ...

I've rarely had the luxury of performing in anything near "a zen-like state" in my experience. It's just not the reality of gig life here. There is always some sort of last-minute wackiness no matter how much information I have and how far in advance things are planned. I've planned shows weeks in advance for a giant ballroom dance floor, only to show up and discover that the client's party was moved to a much smaller space and have to ditch the grand orchestral entrance with wings and select a much different show from my CD file, the challenge being to deliver a quality show anyway moving between tables.

Ironically--and maybe this is where the zen state occurs--often the shows that have gone the best have been the last-minute ones.

My "late" fee really depends on my schedule. If I find myself with nothing to do and get a call within 48 hours, I may do it. I may charge more or I may charge the regular rate. It all depends. Traditionally, I have not taken gigs that are within 12 or even 24 hours of the event. Just not worth it.

I require a contract. there have been times when the person did not have time to mail back a signed contract so I accept an email stating "i agree to the terms" or something like that. If it ever came to it, an email will stand up in court.

I just recently turned down a gig. the dude called 3 hours before he wanted me there and the event was 1.5 hours away. um - yea - not gonna happen. I am out of work and need the money but there is no way that I could have pulled that off even using my "standard set".

Hmmm.... our demands.... a limo with driver. Someone to carry the needful into and out of the venue. Double the fee. All bills in the tip basket to be $20 or more. Champagne toast at the end of the gig, and of course a ride back in the limo.