Feb 08,2026 
By Dave 
Stop chasing payments forever. Here’s the deposit structure, invoice timing, and follow-up system that ensures UK performers get paid every time.
Let’s be honest about something that doesn’t get talked about enough in this industry: chasing money feels awful.
You’ve spent hours perfecting your craft, and invested thousands in equipment, training, and building your reputation. You’ve turned up, delivered an unforgettable performance, made someone’s wedding day, corporate event, or birthday party truly special.
And now you’re sending awkward text messages asking when you might get paid.
It’s demoralising. It feels like begging. It puts you in a position where you’re the one who seems unreasonable, even though you did everything you were supposed to do.
We’ve heard this story countless times from performers across the UK. A DJ who played a beautiful wedding reception, only to spend the next six weeks chasing a couple who’d gone on honeymoon and “forgotten” to pay the balance. A function band who delivered a show-stopping set at a corporate Christmas party, then watched helplessly as the “accounts department” bounced their invoice between people for three months. A magician who performed at a child’s birthday party and felt too awkward to chase the parents because they’d become friendly during the booking process.
Here’s the thing: you deserve to be paid for your work. Promptly. Without having to chase. Without feeling like you’re being difficult.
The good news? There’s a system that makes this happen. It’s not complicated, but it does require a shift in mindset—from hoping clients will pay to ensuring they pay.
Why performers struggle with getting paid
Before we dive into the solution, it’s worth understanding why payment problems are so common in the entertainment industry.
Unlike most businesses, performers often work with private individuals rather than companies. These clients might only book an entertainer once or twice in their lifetime, for a wedding, a milestone birthday, a retirement party. They’re not used to working with contractors or dealing with invoices.
Then there’s the timing problem. Most performers have traditionally asked for payment after the event. The logic seems sound: you’ve done the work, now you get paid. But by then, the client has had their celebration, their guests have gone home, and their mind has moved on. Paying you becomes just another item on a long to-do list.
Add to this the fact that many performers feel uncomfortable talking about money at all. We got into this industry because we love performing, not because we’re natural salespeople or debt collectors. Asking for payment feels transactional, and that discomfort often leads to delays.
The system that changes everything
The single most important change you can make to your payment process is this: collect the balance before the event, not after.
This one shift eliminates 90% of payment problems overnight.
Here’s the structure that works:
At booking: 50% deposit to secure the date 7-14 days before the event: Remaining 50% balance
That’s it. Simple, professional, and remarkably effective.
When you collect the balance before you perform, several things happen. The client has committed fully to the booking—both emotionally and financially. You arrive at the event without any financial anxiety hanging over you. There’s no awkward money conversation at the end of the night when everyone’s tired and wants to go home. And crucially, you never have to chase payment for a completed gig again.
“But won’t clients push back on paying before the event?”
Surprisingly, no. In our experience, the vast majority of clients accept pre-event payment without question—especially when you frame it professionally in your terms and conditions from the outset. They expect to pay for most services in advance: hotel rooms, flights, catering deposits, venue hire. Your entertainment is no different.
The key is presenting this as your standard terms, not as something negotiable. When you quote, include a clear line about your payment schedule. Then, when you send the contract, spell it out. When you invoice, state the due date confidently.
How to structure your invoices
A professional invoice does more than request payment, it establishes you as a legitimate business and provides the client with everything they need to pay you promptly.
Every invoice should include:
- Your business details: Full trading name, address, contact information, and company registration number if applicable. If you’re VAT registered, include your VAT number.
- Client details: Their full name and address. For corporate clients, include the company name and any purchase order number they’ve provided.
- Event details: Date, venue, and a brief description of the services booked. This reminds them exactly what they’re paying for and creates a paper trail if there’s ever a dispute.
- Clear breakdown: Fee, any extras, deposit already paid, balance due, and VAT if applicable. The client should be able to see immediately what they owe and why.
- Payment terms: Due date (not “upon receipt” but an actual date), payment methods you accept, and your bank details.
- Late payment clause: More on this below, but include it on every invoice.
- Invoice number: Sequential numbering helps both you and the client track payments and keeps your records organised for tax purposes.
The late payment clause that protects you
Under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998, businesses have a statutory right to charge interest on overdue invoices from other businesses. The current rate is 8% above the Bank of England base rate—which as of January 2026 stands at 3.75%, making the total statutory interest rate 11.75%.
You’re also entitled to claim a fixed sum for debt recovery costs:
- £40 for debts up to £999.99
- £70 for debts between £1,000 and £9,999.99
- £100 for debts of £10,000 or more
For business-to-business transactions, corporate events, agency bookings, venue contracts, this legislation applies automatically. You don’t need to include it in your contract for it to apply, but mentioning it serves as a useful deterrent.
Here’s suggested wording for your invoice:
“Payment terms: Due within 14 days of invoice date. For business clients, interest will be charged on overdue invoices at 8% above the Bank of England base rate, plus statutory compensation for debt recovery costs, in accordance with the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998.”
Now, a word of realism: you’re unlikely to actually charge interest on most late payments from private clients (to whom the Act doesn’t technically apply in the same way). The value of including this clause is psychological. It signals that you’re a professional business with proper terms, and it provides leverage if you do need to escalate matters.
Following up without feeling awkward
Even with the best systems, some payments will be late. Here’s a structured approach that escalates appropriately while maintaining professionalism.
Gentle reminder (1-3 days overdue)
Subject: Payment reminder – [Event name] booking
Hi [Name],
I hope you’re well and that [event/wedding/party] was everything you hoped it would be.
Just a quick note to say that invoice [number] for £[amount] was due on 2026. I’m sure it’s just slipped through the cracks with everything you’ve had going on.
You can make payment by bank transfer to [details] or let me know if you’d prefer another method.
Thanks so much, [Your name]
Firmer follow-up (7-10 days overdue)
Subject: Outstanding payment – Invoice [number]
Hi [Name],
I’m following up on my previous email regarding invoice [number] for £[amount], which is now [X] days overdue.
Please arrange payment within the next 7 days. If there’s an issue preventing payment, do let me know so we can find a solution.
Bank details: [details]
Best regards, [Your name]
Final notice (14+ days overdue)
Subject: Final notice before further action – Invoice [number]
Dear [Name],
Invoice [number] for £[amount] is now [X] days overdue despite previous reminders on [dates].
If payment is not received within 7 days of this notice, I will be left with no option but to pursue the matter through the small claims court. This would incur additional costs which would be added to the amount owed.
To avoid this, please transfer £[amount] to: [Bank details]
Alternatively, if you wish to discuss payment arrangements, contact me immediately.
Regards, [Your name]
The key with all of these is to remain factual and professional. You’re not being aggressive—you’re simply following a standard business process. Most clients will pay long before you reach the final notice stage.
What to do if they still don’t pay
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, clients refuse to pay. The UK has a straightforward system for dealing with this: the small claims court.
For claims up to £10,000 in England and Wales (which covers the vast majority of performer fee disputes), you can use the small claims track. This is designed to be accessible without needing a solicitor, and the process is relatively simple.
The costs
Court fees are based on the amount you’re claiming:
- Up to £300: £35
- £300.01 to £500: £50
- £500.01 to £1,000: £70
- £1,000.01 to £1,500: £80
- £1,500.01 to £3,000: £115
- £3,000.01 to £5,000: £205
- £5,000.01 to £10,000: £455
You can claim these fees back from the defendant if you win.
How it works
The easiest way to make a claim is through the Civil Money Claims online service. You’ll need to provide details of the debt, evidence of the work you did (contract, correspondence, invoice), and proof that you’ve tried to resolve the matter directly.
Once you file, the defendant has a limited time to respond. If they don’t respond at all, you can apply for a “judgment by default”—essentially winning automatically because they failed to engage.
If they do respond and dispute the claim, you’ll both be required to attend a free one-hour mediation appointment. This telephone-based service, introduced in 2024, has proven remarkably effective at resolving disputes before they reach a hearing.
The reality
Here’s something experienced performers know: the vast majority of non-paying clients settle the moment they receive court papers. The threat of legal action is often enough. Actually going through with it is rare, but knowing you’re willing to follow through gives you credibility.
Before starting a claim, send a “letter before action” stating your intention to proceed if payment isn’t received within 14 days. Many clients who’ve ignored multiple invoices suddenly find the money when faced with formal legal proceedings.
Preventing problems before they start
The best payment dispute is the one that never happens. Here are practices that dramatically reduce your risk:
Always use a written contract. Every booking, no matter how small or how well you know the client, should have a signed agreement specifying the fee, payment terms, and what happens if they cancel or you can’t perform. This isn’t about being untrusting, it’s about being professional.
Be clear about your payment terms from the first conversation. Don’t hide them in small print. State them confidently in your quote, on your website, and in all communications.
Take deposits immediately. The booking isn’t confirmed until the deposit is paid. If someone balks at paying a deposit, that’s a warning sign about their reliability as a client.
Invoice the balance with plenty of notice. Send the balance invoice 3-4 weeks before the event, with payment due 7-14 days before. This gives clients time to arrange payment and gives you time to follow up if needed.
Document everything. Keep copies of all correspondence, contracts, and invoices. If you ever need to pursue a claim, you’ll need this evidence.
Know your limits. If a client has proven difficult about payment at the deposit stage, consider whether you want to work with them at all. Sometimes the best decision is to refund a deposit and walk away from a booking that feels problematic.
Setting yourself up for success
Getting paid reliably isn’t just about having the right systems—it’s about projecting the right mindset.
When you treat your entertainment business as a legitimate business, clients respond accordingly. Proper invoices, clear terms, professional communication, and consistent processes all signal that you take your work seriously and expect to be treated accordingly.
The performers who rarely have payment problems aren’t necessarily tougher negotiators or more aggressive chasers. They’re the ones who established professional expectations from the start and never wavered from them.
You provide a valuable service. You’ve invested time, money, and effort into being able to deliver that service at a high level. Collecting fair payment for that service promptly isn’t something to feel awkward about—it’s a basic requirement for running a sustainable business.
Put these systems in place, follow them consistently, and payment problems will become a rare exception rather than a regular source of stress.
Free invoice templates
To help you get started, we’ve created invoice templates you can download and customise:
These include all the essential elements covered in this guide, including the late payment clause.
About Raviga
Raviga is business management software built specifically for UK performers. Create professional invoices, track payments, and automate reminders—so you can focus on your craft instead of chasing money.
