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Permalink Reply by BHoops* WhirlyGigz on February 21, 2010 at 7:16pm

Harass the heck out of them till they do, it has worked for me in the past, finally got paid the full amount months later. And always remember to take deposits for 50% of the amount prior to the event so you don't get stiffed the entire amount. Write a contract up, even if it's handmade at least it feels official and may be able to be used in the future to gurantee they pay you.

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Permalink Reply by Hannah Solace* Wiens on February 22, 2010 at 5:07pm

The harassing method does work, but it sure is a huge, stressful headache, isn't it?

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Permalink Reply by Scunshine on February 22, 2010 at 5:58am

I'm not a professional hooper but I've done some freelance graphics work as a part-time job during school and let me tell you, a contract has not only saved my ass a couple times, but lack of one has been my most major headache at others. People seem to think they can take advantage of you if your agreement isn't written down and signed upon. Unfortunate that everything has to be so structured but it's better to sit down and write out a couple paragraphs than to get stiffed with no way to back up your claims. Of course, getting a lawyer's consultation on the wording is ideal, though it can be expensive.

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Permalink Reply by Hannah Solace* Wiens on February 22, 2010 at 5:06pm

hm, I like the idea of a contract! Surprised I hadn't thought of that. Thanks!

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Permalink Reply by Amanda of Hip Flick Hoops* on February 22, 2010 at 9:08am

That would piss me right off! Hope that didn't happen to you Solace.

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Permalink Reply by Hannah Solace* Wiens on February 22, 2010 at 5:08pm

Luckily, it hasn't happened to me, but I've come close a couple of times. It's just sooo stressful.

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Permalink Reply by Jane "Electric Blue" on February 23, 2010 at 3:17am

This is my booking process and so far I have been lucky enough not to have any problems but i think that this does help weed out some of the trouble makers

Client calls/emails enquiring about a booking.
Though discussions I work out what they want and tell them how much.
I send them a contract detailing the exact specifications including Tech Details, Arrival Times, Breaks,Weather and non weather cancellations and Fee.
If they have any issues we discuss and come to some agreement if not they sign and return the contract.
I confirm that I have received the signed contract.
I do performance.
Then I send an invoice with details about how they pay.
Then they pay.

Those steps seem to weed out the scammers but some times you also just get slack bookers and event managers. With those you basically have to keep calling them about it. Out side of that there are a few avenues that you can take.
Here is a good thread on another board about this exact problem some of the suggestions are just mucking around but there are also some gems.
http://www.performers.net/forums/showthread.php?p=56402#post56402

As far as people taking my work shops i generally require that each student pays before they start.

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