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For the record we wouldnt be playing for the same price if the bride booked us direct, we would be playing for 15% +VAT less!
I don't begrudge them their cut when they have done something for it, but this particular booking arose because of a weding show WE paid out for and came through our own website...nothing to do with the agent.
We got the enquiry from the bride last week and quoted. We give out discount codes at wedding fairs that are specific to the bride so we can track what return we get from investing in a wedding show.
The agent simply asked them what they were doing about music when talking to them about other things. Once he knew they had approached us direct the professional thing to do would be to say "Oh, i know that band they are great...anyway, about the venue setting", not tell the bride he could get us cheaper and then ask us to drop our price, so he could have his cut.
Had the booking come through him then fine we would expect him to have his cut, but he didn't do anything to facilitate the booking in any way, simply wanted a share of our hard work.
When i recommend him to brides at the show and sing his praises regarding venue dressing, i don't then ask him for a cut of his profits!
We have an agreement with another agent that we both always quote the same price..that means when we get the booking we are ahead, when they do we know we have to take a fee out of it...but it also means there is no confusion about pricing.
This agent has basically swanned in with the attitude "thanks for paying out of your pocket to promote your band and having a website etc, but I overheard someone say they are booking you, so i told them could get you cheaper...you need to drop your price though, so i can make some money out of it!!!"