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So Cal Hugh

DJ Extraordinaire
Mar 8, 2008
3,111
308
59
Cheyenne, WY
www.anewsong.com
I have a facility in my area that I used to get referred at (about 5 mangers ago). I started showing up there again because a friend of mine works there a lot.

Today at the end of the gig the manager wanted to meet me. I went in there and she told me that their policy is that they charge the DJs $100 to work there as a "Referral Fee". No options. Pay or don't play.

I think it stinks. Extortion. Nothing less. But it is the way to work there.

Your take?
 
My thoughts: You have the right idea but the wrong DJ company. Good luck. :)
 
So Cal Hugh said:
I have a facility in my area that I used to get referred at (about 5 mangers ago). I started showing up there again because a friend of mine works there a lot.

Today at the end of the gig the manager wanted to meet me. I went in there and she told me that their policy is that they charge the DJs $100 to work there as a "Referral Fee". No options. Pay or don't play.

I think it stinks. Extortion. Nothing less. But it is the way to work there.

Your take?
Click to expand...

How bad do you need the work?

Personally I wouldn't do it and I would go to thier boss and ask questions sounds like someone is making a little graft
 
I would add the $100.00 to the total of the event price. I would get their policy in writing and staple it to each contract.
 
One recommendation to what you should say to the lady is:
Mam, sit down and rotate :D:D:D:D:D I know I'm incorrigible :D:D:D:D:D
 
So Cal Hugh said:
I have a facility in my area that I used to get referred at (about 5 mangers ago). I started showing up there again because a friend of mine works there a lot.

Today at the end of the gig the manager wanted to meet me. I went in there and she told me that their policy is that they charge the DJs $100 to work there as a "Referral Fee". No options. Pay or don't play.

I think it stinks. Extortion. Nothing less. But it is the way to work there.

Your take?
Click to expand...

Hugh - I'm just a little confused... Are you showing up there because you have booked events there? If so, did the venue actually "refer" the event your way?

Ruben Mora said:
I would add the $100.00 to the total of the event price. I would get their policy in writing and staple it to each contract.
Click to expand...

Ruben - A big DITTO from me! I would also insist on getting a copy of the venue's W9 so you can cut them a 1099 at the end of the year, and I would pay them from a company check. I'm thinking somehow that ISN'T how they want this handled!!

SoftJock Rick said:
I'm from NY -- SOP (Standard Operating Procedure).

We consider it a form of advertising... ;)
Click to expand...

Rick - I live in NY as well (albeit a little further north,) and this is absolutely NOT SOP in the Upstate region! :sqwink:

To be frank, I can't think of any one venue in my area with enough weight to even try a BS move like this one (unless, of course, the fee actually IS a referral fee, and the venue sets you up with the event...) :sqmad:
 
If the venue referred me, yeah but no more than 10% of the gig. If the client selected me with no input from the venue, nope not going to get a dime from me.
 
So Cal Hugh said:
I have a facility in my area that I used to get referred at (about 5 mangers ago). I started showing up there again because a friend of mine works there a lot.

Today at the end of the gig the manager wanted to meet me. I went in there and she told me that their policy is that they charge the DJs $100 to work there as a "Referral Fee". No options. Pay or don't play.

I think it stinks. Extortion. Nothing less. But it is the way to work there.

Your take?
Click to expand...

My response would have to be: Okay no problem, now you're going to pay me $200 not to bust up the place.

Seriously though I know you guys do a things a little differently on the west coast but that's your run of the mill shake down. Unless their connected tell 'em to sod off then If you don't need the money that bad don't take gigs their and advise your clients as to why. If their connected pay up and just refuse gigs for that venue but don't elaborate as to why.
 
The boss is in on it all. They actually issue receipts for the payola. The 1099 idea is great.

They also charge the client for clean up time, so they are that way.

It's lame, too because they told me that they wanted to talk to me after the event today because they like me. Slimeballs.
 
I think you need to make a call to an attorney, to me it sounds too much like graft. Personally I would tell them to take a hike and show up load in to do my gig, if they stopped you then the client will deal with them.

Or tack the fee (and in plain language explain why) to your contract with the client.

It won't take long for the client to figure out this venue is all about screwing them over!
 
Ruben Mora said:
I would add the $100.00 to the total of the event price. I would get their policy in writing and staple it to each contract.
Click to expand...

That is exactly what I do. I tell the B&G up front and it's in my contract that "the client shall be responsable for any and all performance or referral fees charged by the venue".

I event had a bride change venues because she wanted me by they wanted to charge a $150 performance fee.
 
The tax form idea is a good one, but in my opinion too much of a headache. I'd just flip them the bird and leave. Of course never taking any more gigs at that venue and making sure people know why.

On a side note, do you know if they do this to any other vendors/DJs in your area?
 
that's the most ridiculous thing I ever heard!
I agree it sounds like someone isn't happy with their regular pay.
their boss is probably in on it cause THEY get a piece as well.

I dont think refusing to play there would help...
there are too many DJ's who would fill the void.
but I would not hesitate to tell all of my fellow DJ's about it
and all of the banquet managers from the other halls...
so they can tell potential brides.

I would definitely tack it on to the client's bill and explain why.
backe before I had insurance, I had a hall request it...
and charged $150 for "one-day" insurance.

the bride gladly offered to pay it...
probably because the hall failed to tell anyone about it
until 2 weeks before the gig.
 
I like the 1099 idea myself. It at least shows that if you're gonna play the game it's gonna be above board.
 
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