The booking agent is your primary contact when securing national acts, and how you deal with them can make or break the deal. Here’s how to build strong relationships and avoid common pitfalls:
- Be Professional and Concise
Agents are busy. Your inquiry should be direct, include your budget range, venue details, potential dates, and why your event fits their artist’s brand. You also want to mention how many shows you have held or the venue has hosted . - Routing Is Everything
Agents look for geographically and logistically sensible bookings. If you want a band that’s touring the South in July, and you’re in Ohio, you might be out of luck unless you match their routing window. Non routed dates are significantly higher and called one off shows. - Don’t Skip the Deposit
Most national acts require a 50% deposit to lock in the date. Always be ready to wire funds as soon as contracts are signed. As you gain experience and become known in the industry this can be negotiated . We have seen deposits not paid till 30 days out. - Avoid Overpromising
Don’t inflate your venue size, audience draw, or production capabilities. If the show flops, your reputation takes a hit with agents—and word spreads. - Follow Up, but Don’t Pester
If you don’t get a response after a week, follow up once. Agents may be waiting to route multiple dates. Over-emailing signals inexperience or desperation.
Respect the process, and over time you’ll earn trust—and better bookings.