Posted on 
Nov 17, 2003 07:32 pm Sounds like a very cool project Db! Wish I could help more, but I can only relate to how the BB does booking. Here's what I think is pertenant:
We only have one booking agent, our "kitten on the keys" Dolly. She accepts all inquiries. She has demo CD's and tapes ready for mailing for those who want a listen. She also has the atomomy to invite a prospective client to a portion of a rehersal. If the prospective client indicates that hesheitthem wishes to hire us, Dolly will bring the information to the next rehersal, Time, date, number of sets, amenities offered (dinner, drinks, etc.) and put it to a vote. If the band accepts the gig, Dolly will send out a contract to the client deliniating everything discussed. She is good at that. Every detail is mentioned in the contract. Our fees are standard per distance from home and that fee is also listed. It also states that the gig is tentative until we receive the signed contract back from the client. We also mandate that the contract be back to us a minimum of two weeks before the gig or the gig is off. We also state that if another signed contract comes in prior to theirs, that the signed contract will be honored. We try to let tentative folks know if there is a conflict but we do not promise. Clients who wish to "negotiate" are considered and again it is up to the band as a group i.e. all present at next rehersal. We have yet to go past one round of negotiation e.g. we offer standard fee, they counter, we counter or accept. End of negotiation. We have never really goton stung in 30 years. Of course this is not our primary "job" so we don't starve if something falls through. The big concept I have learned is write the contract very detailed and DO NOT move without signature! This is any business. A friend of mine in the landscaping business did work for a guy for two years and let the guy talk him into working without a contract in the third year of the relationship. He took a 5K hit on that little stunt.