What is a Door Deal?

A door deal (also called a door split) is a show deal where the artist is paid a percentage of ticket income, either of the gross takings or of what is left after agreed costs, instead of a fixed fee. Door deals are common for emerging acts, club nights and grassroots venues, where nobody knows how well a show will sell.

How a door deal works

A door deal runs in five steps:

  1. Agree the split: the promoter and agent agree a percentage, and whether it is of gross or net income.
  2. Agree the costs: for a net deal, list which costs come off first, such as sound, staff and marketing.
  3. Sell tickets: income comes from advance sales and on the door.
  4. Settle: at the settlement, deduct costs if agreed and work out the artist's share.
  5. Pay: the artist is paid their share on the night or soon after.

Ticket counts, comps and costs must all be clear for a fair split, which is why venues track show income and costs with invoices in Crescat.

Gross door vs net door

In a gross door deal, the artist takes a share of all ticket income, usually after VAT and ticket fees. In a net door deal, agreed costs are deducted first, so the artist's share is of what is left. Net deals usually give the artist a higher percentage to balance this.

Example door deal

  • Deal: 80% of net door after £400 costs
  • Tickets: 150 at £10 = £1,500
  • Less VAT at 20%: £250, leaving £1,250
  • Less costs: £400, leaving £850
  • Artist share: 80% of £850 = £680

Frequently asked questions

What is a typical door split?

It varies a lot. Net deals at small venues often give the artist the large majority, such as 70% to 100% after costs. Always agree the split and the costs in writing before the show.

Is a door deal better than a guarantee?

For a show that sells well, a door deal can pay more. For a show that sells poorly, a guarantee is safer for the artist. A versus deal combines both.

Do comps count in a door deal?

Comps bring in no income, so they reduce the takings to split. Deals often limit the number of comps, or treat extra ones as sold.

Related terms