Unpaid gig fee: step-by-step guide to getting paid

Before chasing payment, review what was agreed: - What fee was agreed and when was it due? - Was payment due on the night, within a certain period, or after invoice? - Do you have written evidence (email, text, contract, booking confirmation)? - Did anything happen that the other party might claim changed the agreement? If the agreement was verbal, write down everything you remember as soon as possible: who you spoke to, when, what was said, and any witnesses. Even without a written contract, you can still pursue payment. The evidence of your performance (photos, videos, the venue confirming you played) combined with any communication about fees will support your claim.

The first step is a friendly reminder. Many late payments are due to admin delays or oversight, not bad intent. Send an email (so you have a record) along these lines: "Hi [Name], I hope you're well. I'm following up on payment for my performance at [venue/event] on [date]. The agreed fee was £[amount] and I haven't yet received payment. Could you let me know when I can expect this to be processed? I've attached my original invoice for reference. Thanks, [Your name]" Give them a reasonable time to respond - 7 days is standard. If you hear nothing, follow up once more with a slightly firmer tone.

If polite reminders are ignored, escalate to a formal written demand. This should: - State clearly what is owed and for what - Reference any original agreement or correspondence - Set a specific deadline (usually 14 days) - State that you will consider legal action if payment is not received Example: "Dear [Name], I am writing regarding the outstanding payment of £[amount] for my performance at [venue/event] on [date]. Despite previous correspondence on [dates], this payment remains outstanding. I am now formally requesting payment within 14 days of the date of this letter. If I do not receive payment by [specific date], I will consider my options for recovering this debt, which may include legal action. Please arrange payment to the following account: [details] Yours sincerely, [Your name]" Send this by email and consider also sending a physical letter (keep proof of postage).

If the formal demand is ignored, the next step is a Letter Before Action (LBA). This is a formal legal letter that warns the debtor you are about to take court action. An LBA should: - State "Letter Before Action" clearly at the top - Summarise the debt and all previous attempts to recover it - Give a final deadline (usually 14 days) - State that you will issue court proceedings without further notice if payment is not received - Mention that if you go to court, you will also claim interest and court fees An LBA shows you are serious and often prompts payment. It also fulfils the court's expectation that you tried to resolve the matter before issuing a claim. You can write an LBA yourself - you do not need a solicitor. However, having a template checked or using a professionally worded version can add weight.

If all else fails, you can issue a claim through the Small Claims Court. This is part of the County Court and handles claims up to £10,000. To make a claim: 1. Use the Money Claims Online service (gov.uk) or fill in form N1 2. Pay the court fee (sliding scale based on claim value - e.g., £35 for claims up to £300) 3. The court sends your claim to the defendant, who has 14 days to respond Possible outcomes: - The defendant pays in full (you withdraw the claim) - The defendant does not respond (you can ask for a default judgment) - The defendant disputes the claim (a hearing is scheduled) Small Claims hearings are designed to be informal. You can represent yourself. The judge will consider the evidence and make a decision. If you win, you receive a County Court Judgment (CCJ) against the defendant. They have time to pay. If they do not, you can use enforcement options like bailiffs. Note: Even if you win, collecting the money can sometimes be difficult if the defendant has no assets or has disappeared. Consider this before deciding to pursue.

Under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998, if a business pays you late, you can charge: - Interest at 8% plus the Bank of England base rate (on the debt from when it became overdue) - A fixed compensation fee: £40 for debts up to £999.99, £70 for debts £1,000-£9,999.99, £100 for debts £10,000+ You can include these amounts in your formal demands and court claims. The interest continues to accrue until the debt is paid. Note: This applies to business-to-business transactions. If you are dealing with a private individual (not a business), different rules may apply.

Prevention is better than chasing. For future bookings: Get it in writing: Even a quick email confirming the date, time, and fee creates a record. "Just confirming I'll be playing at [venue] on [date] for a fee of £[amount], payable on the night." Consider deposits: For larger fees or less established venues, request a deposit upfront. 50% deposit with the balance on the night is reasonable. Take payment on the night: Where possible, collect your fee immediately after the performance. Cash or bank transfer before you pack up. Know who you're dealing with: Research the venue or promoter. Ask other musicians about their payment history. Be cautious with new contacts or unusually vague arrangements. Invoice promptly: If payment is not immediate, invoice the day after the gig with clear payment terms. Keep records: Save all correspondence, contracts, invoices, and evidence of performance.