Local musician and act booking agent

Venues, couples, event planners and businesses pay the booking fee. You keep an agreed commission and pass the rest on to the act.

A commission on each gig or event booking, often a percentage of the fee. Weekend and event-season work can bring in the most bookings.

• Knowing the local music and event scene
• Clear communication and follow-up
• Pricing and negotiating fees
• Keeping track of dates and contracts

• Check with your state or territory whether any licence or registration applies to booking agents
• Use written agreements so fees, cancellations and who pays the act are clear
• Check music licensing, since venues usually need their own, and confirm who is responsible for it
• Consider public liability insurance and check what the venue or the act already holds
• Cancellations and late payments from clients can leave you out of pocket, so consider deposits

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $300 to $1,500, depending on your website or listings, agreement templates, insurance and how you promote your acts. It is an online, side-hustle style business, so costs can stay low.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $400 to $2,000, depending on how many acts you represent, how often they are booked and the commission you agree. Cancellations and late payments can affect income, so consider deposits.

Check with your state or territory whether any licence or registration applies to booking agents. Use written agreements covering fees, cancellations and payment of the act, and confirm who is responsible for music licensing. Also consider public liability insurance.