Don't Get Stiffed

Eric Corgey · From: Texas, Friendswood

I was approached by the manager of a Starbucks's store near my home to come play music for a promotion they were having on Aug 23. We agreed to a 2 hour show for $200. The 4 piece band I play with showed up on time and played for 2 1/2 hours and every one there said they really enjoyed it.

As we were packing up, I approached the manager and asked if she was happy with everything. She gushed and exclaimed how good we sounded and then proceeded to tell me that I needed to send an invoice to corporate headquarters for payment of the $200. I thought we were going to be payed cash on the spot, but I just payed the rest of the guys out of my pocket and was resigned to wait a couple of days or maybe a week for my money.

Here it is almost 6 weeks later--no payment. I go up there and ask about it and she just shrugs and says she hasn't heard anything. She doesn't seem very concerned about it.

It just seems amazing to me that a multi-billion dollar company would stiff musicians for 200 bucks. I will never buy anything from them again. Sorry this is so long, but I just needed to vent

Stu Schulman · From: Ulster Park New Yawk (deceased)

It sounds like your still gonna get the money.I wouldn't cut myself off from them....In Fact I'm on my second Frappuccino!A Vanilla one at that.
_________________
Steeltronics Z-pickup,Desert Rose S-10 4+5,Desert Rose Keyless S-10 3+5... Mullen G2 S-10 3+5,Telonics 206 pickups,Telonics volume pedal.,Blanton SD -10,Emmons GS_10...Zirctone bar,Bill Groner Bar...any amp that isn't broken.Steel Seat.Com seats...Licking paint chips off of Chinese Toys since 1952.

Bob Blair · From: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Send a polite reminder letter to whoever the contact at corporate HQ was who the invoice was sent to, attaching a copy of the invoice and cc'ing the manager of the Starbucks. Invite the person to call you if they have any questions or concerns.

I speak from long experience with organizations of all sizes. Sometimes invoices just get lost in the shuffle, or languish in someone's in-basket. The larger the organization the more chances there are for that to happen.

Earl Foote · From: Houston, Tx, USA

Next time they ask you to do a gig, show up six or seven weeks after the gig date. Mr. Green

Ben Jones · From: Seattle, Washington, USA

what Bob said, with the added incentive of threatening to go public with your story if you dont get a timely (already too late)response.

b0b · From: Cloverdale, CA, USA

Send them a "Past Due" invoice.
_________________
-𝕓𝕆𝕓- (admin) - Robert P. Lee - Recordings - Breathe - D6th - Video

Jim Cohen · From: Philadelphia, PA

Tell them you'll accept payment in lattes.

James Morehead · From: Prague, Oklahoma, USA - R.I.P.

When the gig is set up is when I ask when we get paid. If they say it takes a month, ect. to get our money, I politely tell them we get paid at the end of the night, and they are to call when the check is issued, and in their hand, and then we are more than happy to play. It usually ends there, but at least I don't get stiffed out of my money and time. I may stay at home that evening, but I make as much(nothing), and don't wear out myself, and equipment.

Billy Wilson · From: El Cerrito, California, USA

Go to your local TV station and have them report on this matter. The check will be in your hand lickety split.

Bo Borland · From: South Jersey -

Lots of times you may work for an agent that gets the dough then sends you yours..
But for this gig, I would have specified payment before you start the show.. in gold Smile

_________________
Bo Borland
Rittenberry SD10 , Derby D-10, Quilter TT12, Peavey Session 400 w/ JBL, NV112, Fender Blues Jr. , 1974 Dobro 60N squareneck, Rickenbacher NS lapsteel, 1973 Telecaster Thinline, 1979 blonde/black Frankenstrat
Currently picking with
Mason Dixon Band masondixonband.net

Ray Minich · From: Bradford, Pa. Frozen Tundra

Corporate America accounts payable has gone "net 60 days" for the little accounts...

John De Maille · From: On a Mountain in Upstate Halcottsville, N.Y.

Yes, you'll probably get the check, and then have to declare it on your income and pay the taxes on it. Greenbacks in your hand are a much better way to do business with that small of a payment. We get stuck every year with the county and state park jobs we do. Uncle Sam always gets a cut.

Skip Edwards · From: LA,CA

To quote Chuck Berry...
"The guitar comes out the guitar case when the money goes in the guitar case"

Russ Tkac · Posted 2 Oct 2007 12:55 pm

Send a revised invoice at $200 a man. That would be more in line. Whoa!

Donny Hinson · From: Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.

I guess you just learned the lesson most of us already have. Before you ever quote a price for a gig, the first questions you should ask them are...

"When will we get paid?", and

"How will we be paid?

The reason being that if you're paid in cash, then you should cut them a break on the price. A check (or a signed receipt) is traceable, and should be claimed as income on somebody's tax return. Around here, payment by check (especially a corporate or government check) kicks the "going rate" for a gig by around 25%.

It usually doesn't hurt to tell them that cash is king, and cash gets them the best price.

Business is business. Wink

Dave Zirbel · From: Sebastopol, CA USA

Make up a contract and request a deposit of half the payment if you dealing with corporate clients.

Dave

Jeff Garden · From: Center Sandwich, New Hampshire, USA

Order lots of Starbuck's overpriced coffee and food to go for the band, pick up the order, and when you get to the cash register, tell them to send a bill to your agent. Smile

Jon Hyde · From: Seattle, Washington, USA

Hey Eric, I sent you an e-mail... Check your in box!

Thanks, Jon

Stu Schulman · From: Ulster Park New Yawk (deceased)

Jon,I didn't want to Rat you out....Stu Whoa!

_________________
Steeltronics Z-pickup,Desert Rose S-10 4+5,Desert Rose Keyless S-10 3+5... Mullen G2 S-10 3+5,Telonics 206 pickups,Telonics volume pedal.,Blanton SD -10,Emmons GS_10...Zirctone bar,Bill Groner Bar...any amp that isn't broken.Steel Seat.Com seats...Licking paint chips off of Chinese Toys since 1952.

Henry Nagle · From: Santa Rosa, California

Vandalism is the only way to deal with these people. Smile

Jim Sliff · From: Lawndale California, USA

Eric Corgey · From: Texas, Friendswood

Thanks everybody for all the suggestions. I haven't had much experience with corporations. It's kinda like dealing with the government Shocked

Kevin Hatton · From: Buffalo, N.Y.

Charge them a $100.00 late fee compounded monthly at 23% interest.

Eric Corgey · From: Texas, Friendswood

Kevin...that would buy me maybe six of their coffees

Embarassed

Tony Prior · From: Charlotte NC

you will get paid. You are now in the hands of a Corporate Accounts Payable clerk ..you were probably placed in the NEXT cycle, they do not pay things everyday, they have a set routine .

When working for Corporate accounts or any ACCOUNT for that matter, it is wise to discuss PAYMENT at the time of negotiation.

We have done some large STAGE shows thru agencies where we got paid maybe 60 days later, so late in fact, we forgot we even did the gig !

I used to run a cleaning service part time, all corporate accounts. I never dealt with the stores at all, everything was thru home offices several states away. Payment generally ran 45 days, even when they claimed inside 30...

did you get free coffee at least ?

Next time when you book the gig, they CAN get a check ahead of time if requested early enough..that is if they WANT to..it is possible.

Forum Index > Steel Players	Goto page 1, 2 Next	Next oldest topic :: Next newest topic