Booking through GigSalad creates a smooth, secure process for both you and your client. Based on frequently asked questions from members, this guide walks you through everything you need to know — from sending quotes and getting paid to handling fees, policies, and the occasional curveball.
In this article:
- What are the benefits of booking my gigs through GigSalad?
- How can a client book me through GigSalad?
- How do I send a quote?
- What service details and additional terms should I include in my quote?
- Is there a contract?
- Does GigSalad provide insurance for members?
- Does GigSalad charge service fees?
- Can I see the service fees before I send a quote?
- What does the quote look like to potential clients?
- How do clients pay through GigSalad?
- What if a client can’t pay online or needs to make a partial payment?
- How do I get paid?
- When will I receive payment?
- Can I adjust the price after the client books me?
- How do I cancel a gig?
What are the benefits of booking my gigs through GigSalad?
Beyond a secure and worry-free booking experience for you and your client, there are many additional perks to booking your gigs through GigSalad.
📈 More leads. Booking activity heavily influences how many leads you receive, and these platform-generated leads make up about 85% of all opportunities — so every booking boost counts.
🌟 Verified reviews. If a client books you through GigSalad, we’ll request a review on your behalf. Verified reviews carry more weight, strengthen your rating, and help you stand out to potential clients.
🛡️ Credibility. Your total verified bookings appear in search results, helping increase profile views and build trust with planners who value proven experience.
🏆 Top Performer status. Verified bookings help unlock Top Performer status, which can improve search result placement and make your profile more appealing to event planners.
How can a client book me through GigSalad?
Clients can book and pay through GigSalad after receiving a quote from you. After they submit a quote request, you will receive their event details and can respond with an official quote if you’re available. From there, the client can review, pay, and book you for their event.
Every quote you send is immediately bookable. Before hitting send, make sure you’re available for the date, confident in your pricing, and clear on what the client is requesting. If the lead includes everything you need, you’re good to go. If not, send a quick message to confirm the details first.
How do I send a quote?
Head to your GigSalad inbox and select the message threads with the client. Click Send [name] a quote, then enter your total fee, deposit amount, service details, cancellation policy, additional terms, and an expiration date so you’re not holding the date indefinitely.
⌛ Save time by pre-writing quotes to re-use: Creating and managing saved quotes
What service details and additional terms should I include in my quote?
Be clear and specific about what you’re providing. For example, a band should note the group size and general music style or song expectations on the service details. Additional terms might cover weather plans, electricity needs, setup space, permits, or any city/state requirements.
Is there a contract?
When you send a quote, your price, terms, and service details become the official booking agreement. Clear, thorough information helps protect you if issues arise. All quotes include a default cancellation policy: a non-refundable deposit and a refundable balance. You can customize the policy as needed.
Does GigSalad provide insurance for members?
We do not directly provide insurance for our members, but we are partnered with Insurancy Canopy, an insurance provider for performers and service providers. You can easily purchase coverage for a single event or an entire year, with options tailored for entertainers, musicians, bartenders, photographers, speakers, and more.
Does GigSalad charge service fees?
Yes. A small service fee is applied to each booking to cover payment processing, payout distribution, and maintaining a safe, reliable platform. The fee for free members is 5%, and for Pro and Featured members it is 2.5%. The fee is deducted from the amount you request from the client. Additionally, clients pay a service fee of 10-12% of the total booking price.
Can I see the service fees before I send a quote?
Absolutely. After entering your total fee, click See service fees to view a breakdown of both your fee and the client’s fee. This lets you see how much you will receive and adjust your quote before sending.
What does the quote look like to potential clients?
After you send the quote, we notify the client and direct them to their inbox. The quote looks very similar to what you see in your message thread, except it includes appropriate language and service fees, and buttons to either Book now or Decline the quote.
💡 Read this for more insights: Everything You Need to Know about Booking on GigSalad
How do clients pay through GigSalad?
Clients pay by clicking Book now and submitting the full amount at the time of booking. All clients can pay by credit or debit card. U.S. clients may also use PayPal, and for bookings over $99, PayPal Credit offers interest-free payments over six months (if approved).
What if a client can’t pay online or needs to make a partial payment?
If a client can’t pay online or must pay in cash or by check, you may collect payment directly and then pay a service fee to mark the lead as booked. Leads marked as booked still receive many of the benefits of booking through GigSalad, such as verified reviews and Top Performer status.
❗Important: All members are required to mark leads as booked when gigs are finalized off-site. Failure to do so may result in your account being disabled.
How do I get paid?
U.S. members can receive payouts via Direct Deposit or PayPal. Canadian members can choose Direct Deposit or a mailed check.
When will I receive payment?
Payout timeframes depend on the payout method you’ve selected and your cancellation policy. In general, you can expect the following timeframes.
Deposit payments*: If you require a non-refundable deposit, we will release the funds once the payment has been fully processed. For most payment methods, funds will be available in your account within 2 business days of booking. Check payments will arrive 7-14 business days after the client makes a payment. If you offer a refundable deposit, we will hold this payment until the end of your cancellation window.
Balance payments: Balance payments will be sent 1-2 business days after the event, assuming we receive no disputes, chargebacks, or fraud alerts.
*NOTE: If you’re new on GigSalad, deposit payments will be held and paid with your balance payment until you’ve completed your first successful gig. After that first gig, they’ll be paid in advance within the specified timeframes.
Can I adjust the price after the client books me?
Once the client pays and books you, additional charges can’t be made through GigSalad. If the client needs to make an additional payment, such as to extend the performance time, handle it directly with the client. However, any refund to the client should be processed by GigSalad. If a partial refund is needed due to a price reduction or a newly negotiated price, our Customer Happiness team can help. Contact us, and we’ll walk you through the steps.
How do I cancel a gig?
If you need to cancel, first notify the client through GigSalad. Then contact us so we can cancel the booking and process any refunds to the client’s original payment method. If funds have already been paid to you, they must be returned. You will also be responsible for any associated event planner service fees.
Now you’re ready to navigate bookings like a pro, from polished quotes and clear terms to smooth payments and confident cancellations. With the right details in place, you can protect your time, strengthen client trust, and keep your calendar filled with great events. Here’s to simpler bookings, happier clients, and many successful gigs ahead. 🎉
Have more questions? We’d love to help!
Matt Holland is a Customer Happiness Agent at GigSalad. With 10+ years of experience performing as a jazz drummer, he has gained insights into the life of a gigging musician as well as what makes an event go off without a hitch. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, hiking, reading, cooking, and watching the newest TV shows with his wife.