The Post-Gig Panic: What To Do When Your Payment Doesn’t Arrive

Every artist knows that sinking feeling after a show. The crowd was great. The set was solid. You pack up, thank the staff, and wait for the payout that was promised. Then nothing happens. Minutes turn into hours. Hours turn into the next morning. Still nothing.

It is one of the most frustrating and common problems in live music. Before your mind jumps to worst case scenarios, here is a clear path to follow so you can handle the situation professionally and protect yourself for future gigs.

Step 1: Confirm What Was Actually Agreed To

Start with the foundation. Look at the contract, email thread, or message where the amount and timing were discussed. Sometimes the venue meant payment after the show. Other times it is within twenty four or forty eight hours. If everything was verbal, note exactly what was said so you have something to reference.

Step 2: Check Who Handles Payment

Most venues have more than one point of contact. The person who booked you might not be the one who pays you. Look back at emails or texts to see who manages payouts. If you only spoke with a bartender or door person after the show, that may have been the wrong person to ask.

Step 3: Reach Out With a Simple, Professional Message

Keep it polite and direct. A short message avoids defensiveness and shows you handle your business. For example:

“Hope you had a good night. Just checking in on the payment for last night’s performance. The agreed amount was [amount], and I wanted to see when I should expect it. Thank you for the update.”

No emotion. No accusations. Just facts. Most venues respond quickly when you keep it clean.

Step 4: Give a Reasonable Window

Venues are busy. Managers work odd hours. Sometimes payments get delayed because someone closed out the night early or forgot to hand off an envelope. Unless the agreement stated immediate payment, give them twenty four hours to reply.

Step 5: Document Everything

Save all messages. Screenshot the original agreement. Write down names, dates, and anything you were told about payment. The more organized you are, the easier it is to follow up without confusion.

Step 6: Know When to Escalate

If forty eight hours pass with no response, send a clear second message. Stay professional but firm. Ask when payment will be completed and mention the original terms again. If they still do not respond, you may need to consider reporting it to the booking contact, the owner, or any local musician networks that track venue reputation.

Step 7: Protect Yourself for Future Shows

The best way to avoid post-gig panic is to prevent it before you step onstage. Have written confirmation. Know who pays you. Clarify the timing. Store every gig’s details in a single place so nothing gets lost.

This is where tools like EPKit help. When you keep your show info, contacts, and agreements organized, you walk into each gig prepared. You also look more professional, which reduces the chance of problems in the first place.

Final Thoughts

Not getting paid is stressful, especially when you rely on gig income. But handling the situation calmly and methodically gives you the best chance of getting what you earned. Stay organized, follow up clearly, and build systems that protect you long term.