{"id":8362,"date":"2026-05-08T22:02:24","date_gmt":"2026-05-09T02:02:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thecomedybook.com\/?p=8362"},"modified":"2026-05-08T22:02:24","modified_gmt":"2026-05-09T02:02:24","slug":"when-a-club-booker-asks-how-much-do-you-want","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thecomedybook.com\/index.php\/2026\/05\/08\/when-a-club-booker-asks-how-much-do-you-want\/","title":{"rendered":"When a club booker asks, \u201cHow much do you want?\u201d"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hi Dave \u2013 The talent booker for a comedy club sent me the following: \u201cHow long is your routine and how much would you want to come to (city) to do a show?\u201d I do 45 minutes to an hour, but on the money question I have no idea how to answer them. Obviously, I\u2019d want enough to cover airfare. Between you and me, I\u2019d stay with my grandmother who lives near the city. Any ideas? Thanks! \u2013 B.K.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"

How much’ya want?<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

Hey B.K. \u2013 I know the club you\u2019re talking about. They\u2019ve been around for years and have a solid reputation. Since you didn\u2019t mention this being a one-night private event or corporate booking, I\u2019m assuming they\u2019re asking about a weekend at the club.<\/p>\n

And right away, you\u2019ve run into one of the oldest games in show business.<\/p>\n

The talent booker asked you a very open-ended question:<\/p>\n

\u201cHow much would you want?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

That puts the pressure entirely on you.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, the person asking already knows the going rate for openers, features, and headliners because he\u2019s been booking and paying comedians for years. Clubs that operate every weekend know exactly what comics are worth in their market.<\/p>\n

So why ask you<\/em>?<\/p>\n

Because there\u2019s always the chance you\u2019ll come in low just to get the booking.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s especially common with newer comedians. Most comics who are still building credits don\u2019t want to scare off a club by quoting too high a number. They\u2019re thinking:<\/p>\n

\u201cI just want to get in the door. I\u2019ll negotiate more money later.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

And honestly, that\u2019s understandable.<\/p>\n

This is part of the ongoing push-and-pull between bookers and developing talent. Comics with major credits, television exposure, and audience-drawing power can often name their price. Newer comics usually can\u2019t.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s simply the reality of the business.<\/p>\n

Years ago, when I was booking talent for The Great Lakes Comedy Festival, I contacted representatives for two major television stars for theater appearances. These were household names with hit sitcoms and enormous popularity.<\/p>\n

The fees I was quoted were enormous \u2014 far beyond the budget of a startup comedy festival. One package even included a private jet to fly the comedian in and out the same night.<\/p>\n

And none of it was negotiable.<\/p>\n

\"\"

As long as I’m on TV I set my own price, man!<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

That\u2019s what leverage looks like at the top level.<\/p>\n

But for newer comedians and speakers, the key is learning how to ask better business questions instead of immediately throwing out a number.<\/p>\n

Start with this:<\/p>\n

\u201cHow many shows are you looking for me to do?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

That matters.<\/p>\n

Five shows over a weekend is very different from one showcase appearance.<\/p>\n

Then ask:<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you usually pay your first-time headliners, features, or openers?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

That\u2019s a fair and professional question.<\/p>\n

You should also do some research. If you know comedians who have worked the club \u2014 and you\u2019re on good enough terms to ask \u2014 find out what the club typically pays.<\/p>\n

Comedians don\u2019t have a union. Information is often the only leverage performers have.<\/p>\n