This might be a bit of a personal question, which some of you will not be willing to answer on this thread, so please do PM me if you don't want to disclose on an open forum.

I was wondering what fees and expenses would be considered reasonable for a performer to request/expect. It seems like a number of venues/promoters operate on a basis whereby they provide photos, make-overs etc in return for a performance. Others offer travel expenses, but do not stipulate what exactly the travelling expenses are (eg: mileage costs).

I really would appreciate other people's experience and guidance.

Many thanks!
Love Kitten Kapers x

Ah Kitten, this is an old and contentious issue that comes up quite a lot so I recomend you do a thread search and try and see what folks have said in the past.

xxxx

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. I had a read through some of the threads.

I do still think it is a bit vague when promoters don't give you an idea of what to expect re: expenses. It's a bit like stabbing around in the dark and hoping you get it right! A bit of guidance would be helpful in that respect.

It can be really difficult to know what to expect or ask for when an issue like this is rarely spoken about in public. On a public forum you're unlikely to get answers, especially when there's such a culture in Britain of not talking about money full stop (apparently a high percentage of people don't know what their partner earns). I think it's probably something best discussed in private, so here's hoping you get some advice from experienced people! ^_^

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Well put Fleur.....I don't know what my partner earns and we have been together for nearly four years!

Kitten, travell expenses can be problematic and I have heard some horror stories! I know Beatrix Von Bourbon and other pros use the proper government tax rate per mile when calculating travel, and when I have been approached by promoters they usually ask for a travel estimate in advance. Remember to include things like parking if relevant.

xxxx

That is exactly the sort of advice I was after! It is good to work to some sort of guidelines.

Hey Kitten, let me know if you find out a reasonable price to ask, kay? Thank you!

Hi kitten,
in my experience when a promoter offers travel expenses they are generally offering a figure of around £20-£30 (if youre travelling to and from within the same city as the event is taking place). However, if they're offering general expenses - perhaps around £50.

Really, its up to you to stipulate exactly what you need and make everything very clear for both them and you so there cant be any confusion - hence no akward situations !

If youre driving and are happy to be reimbursed for just petrol and parking costs, then send them an email beforehand asking if they're comfortable reimbursing your costs if you present them with your travel receipts. That way its in writing and there's no confusion.

Similarly, when i travelled out of London for shows, i would keep all my travel receipts and have an agreement with the promoter beforehand, then when i arrived i would give them the receipts and they would reimburse me for whatever the cost had been.

Hope thats been of help to you !

X

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Hi Kitten,

I'll send you a PM about my own expenses calculations. It's a little more nuanced than Vendetta's post implies, but I don't really want my accounts going public unless I become a plc! Ha, imagine that!

xox

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Inland Revenue / Musician's Union travel rate is 40p per mile.