DJ and Entertainer Services Agreement

What a good one includes

• Specific performance timeframes, set structures, and agreed-upon overtime rates if the party goes late.
• A non-refundable booking retainer and a clear schedule for when the final balance must be cleared prior to the performance.
• Detailed technical requirements, including dedicated electrical circuits, stage dimensions, and shelter from outdoor elements.
• Clear rules on what happens to deposits and payments if the event is rescheduled, cancelled by the client, or disrupted by unforeseen emergencies.
• A safety clause protecting the entertainer and their gear, granting them the right to stop performing if the environment becomes unsafe.
• Agreed-upon meals, non-alcoholic beverages, and parking arrangements provided by the host for the duration of the gig.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Forgetting to specify overtime rates, leaving you obligated to play past midnight for free just to keep the client happy.
• Failing to demand a non-refundable booking retainer, which leaves you financially unprotected when clients cancel at the last minute.
• Neglecting the outdoor protection clause, exposing thousands of dollars in sensitive sound and lighting equipment to sudden rain or extreme heat.
• Assuming the venue will provide adequate power sources without explicitly stating your voltage and circuit requirements in writing.

Frequently asked questions