Door deal

A door deal shares the risk completely. It is common for newer artists, local nights, collectives running their own parties and small clubs and bars where nobody can afford a guarantee. If the night fails, the artist costs the promoter nothing. If the place is full, the artist can earn more than a fixed fee would have paid. “Door” means all ticket income here, presale and box office.

Example

A 250-capacity bar books [Artist A] for 70% of the door after costs. Each ticket brings in €12 after VAT, and the agreed costs (sound, door staff, the support act) are €600.

At 50 paying guests or fewer the costs take the whole door, and the artist gets nothing.

What to watch for

• Who counts. Agree it before doors open. Usually that is the ticketing report plus a clicker or wristbands at the door. The artist side may send someone to sit with the cashier.
• Guest list. Free entries lower the paying count. Agree a cap on the guest list for both sides.
• Travel. With no guarantee there is usually no deposit. Agree who pays the travel. On a door deal with self-paid flights, a quiet night can leave the artist out of pocket.
• Settle on the night. The cash is counted and split before everyone leaves, on a settlement sheet both sides sign.