I read that Don Mason traveled 150 miles to a job. I would never consider doing that unless the money was very very good. You are looking at 5 hours round trip, 3 hours playing and 300 miles on the car or van. Just the mileage alone should be worth 100 dollars according the the IRS.

How far do you folks travel for jobs and what do you charge to do it? I usually limit my travel to a radius of 40 miles one way.

Tom

I find that there is a difference between the types of clients I work for: the clubs are very particular about how much you are charging and all related expenses, the private and corporate clients generally aren't. If I have to travel for a gig, it's not going to be for a club so I name a price that is more than enough to justify the gig, the travel and quality accomodations.

A freind of mine once said "I charge too much and then back off a dime". So I ask for too much and then offer a "special rate" if the customer requests it. Often they don't.

Over the years, I've set certain limits on how much I charge and the distances that I'll travel without adding another charge for travel expenses. Essentially, if it's a regular job, one that I'll play more than once a month, and the distance is less than 50 miles each way, there will be no addional charge for travel expenses. This is regardless of whether it's a club job, dinner party, private party or corporate party--everyone gets charged the same.

If the job is more than 50 miles each direction, the contract I mail to the client has a specific paragraph related to travel expenses, such as: meals, gas, tolls, motel, etc.. I have traveled from Baltimore to Virginia Beach to play a wedding party, spent the night in a motel, and charged the party not only the actual travel expenses, but additionally, 50 percent more for the performance because travel time consumed an addtional day of my time. They were happy to pay the fees, including the additional entertainment fee and rebooked me for another party that fall in Delaware. The bottom line is "time is money." And, that's whether someone is fixing your car, delivering the mail or repairing your plumbing. Music is a business and it must be treated as such in order to make a living. Traveling to distant jobs is just part of the business.

Cheers,

Gary

Like Tom, most of mine are within a 40 mile range (99%). I don't solicit further than that. On occasion I have been asked to play a one-nighter as much as 150 miles away...but after adding a premium for time, travel and accomodations, no takers...which is ok with me.

RELATED SITUATION:
I have been asked to play a nice, ocean-front place about 20 miles from home that requires special set-up: They want an afternoon set up done 2 hours before playing time, and the equipment has to be dragged up a one story ramp (no elevator). Even with the Rock n'Roller cart, it is 4 trips up...2 hours of waiting time to play...3 hours of playing and then dismantling and dragging it all down again. This 3 hour job will take at least 7 hours and a bit more muscle than most any other normal job.

They don't want to pay more than my normal rate...so it comes down to how bad I need or want the job. They have not given me a definite date yet...so I am still mulling it over.

Tom,
I have a rather unique situation regarding the out-of-town jobs. Most are at Nursing Homes. They run one-hour only, and, although we don't charge the Nursing Homes anything, we are well-compensated. We try to group the jobs where we will do two, three or four in one area in one day. (I have found that 4 is too many, even if they are only an hour!)
On "regular" jobs, I certainly calculate the distance and travel expense. Around sixty miles is generally as far as I go for anything close to regular price.
It seems you are always worth more out of town that you are locally. Years ago I was asked to do a wedding reception in Dallas (150 miles). I shot the guy what I thought was a ridulous figure for the times, $1000. plus room and travel expenses. He said o.k.
When I arrived, I found an 8-piece band set up already. It turned out he only wanted me to play the band's breaks. I played three 15-minute sets, ate the shrimp and prime rib, spent the night in the motel with my wife and drove back the next morning. If only those jobs were more frequent!
DonM

.. that's like hitting the one-nighter gig lottery!!! ... Don't you just LOVE it when you quote high to perhaps avoid the job, and get hired anyway?!?
t.

Don ..... that is NOT an outrageous price, especially in a venue that hires 8 piece bands as well. As soon as you bargain your rates ..... you'll rarely get the "right" price again. I gladly loose 2 or 3 dates a year to lesser priced acts, just to maintain a standard and keep me happy. It also adds to your integrity when all clients are quoted the same rate.
Special circumstances always pop up, but NEVER, never get in the habit of underselling yourself. Even in bad times.
Remember .... the Prime rib STILL costs a "prime" rate.

As a rule, in my solo endeavours, around the city, so I'm talking 20 miles. Our show band however has travelled upwards of 300 miles to a ski resort (Whistler) but gas and travel (ferry)expenses are taken care of and of course they throw in the accomodation & meals, most often lift passes also. It's a long way, but the exposure is pricele$$.

It was in 1990, I think. The first year Troy Aikman and the Cowboys won the Super Bowl. I remember we watched it from the room the next day before heading back.
I'll drive to Dallas everyday for $1000. This ain't Philly!
DonM

After blasting nearly three feet of snow from the driveway yesterday in 16 degree temperatures, a job that took 7 hours, I'll drive to the Florida Keys and play every night for the next two months for food and lodging. Damn I hate winter.

Stay Warm,

Gary