Why is this the right amount for you and your customers?

So far i havent had to take deposits as i have never been let down, fingers crossed !

Depends on the job.

If it's Joe public who I don't know from Adam, then a deposit is required to secure the booking.

If it's a regular customer, somebody I know personally, or somewhere where I invoice them afterwards then no deposit required, just a completed booking form.

£50 for all functions except Christmas Eve & New Years Eve which are £100.

I don't use the term deposit either, I use "Reservation Fee" as a deposit is refundable and a "Reservation Fee" is not

£50 deposit minimum.... more if the booking requires me to pay extra staff and costs..

the deposit covers the petrol and roadie money so im never out of pocket if somthing happens..

Mine is standard for all clients at £150 out of my £524 total fee (at today's exchange rate). I never consider a date booked until I have a signed entertainment agreement and the deposit. I've never had a single client object; in fact quite the contrary, they love the security of knowing I'm financially and legally obliged to them.

It also protects me of course!

I take 20% which is usually between 20-40 depending on the event. I don't take deposits for parties for my sixth form but they usually pay me in full the day before anyway so no problems there. Another time i didn't take a deposit was for a friend of my brothers who is in the school attached to my college... guess what, she cancelled!!!

i dont as at my residency i am included up front with all other costs i.e. buffet and room hire etc.

although i do give the option to the client as to when they prefer to pay.

and a dont have to wory about a hoax gig etc as the client will turn up as the room hire and a deposit on the buffet is required up front for booking.

i have never taken a deposit in 25 years.
but theres always a first time.
got paid half but im still waiting for £100 from last november so im thinking of starting.
the difficult bit is they work at my hospital. ive mentioned it to one of the girls whos party it was but it is her friends boyfriend who was meant to pay me and he doesnt work there.

For unknown clients, £50 deposit with signed contract to reserve me, balance of payment 21 days before event if a cheque or cash on my arrival on the day.

For my agency bookings and regular customers, no deposit.