Vs. Deal / Door Deal

A door deal is a payment structure where the artist's compensation comes directly from ticket sales revenue — with no guarantee. The artist gets a percentage of the door (ticket revenue) after the promoter deducts agreed-upon expenses. A versus deal (or "guarantee vs. percentage") gives the artist the higher of two amounts: their guaranteed fee or a percentage of net ticket revenue.

How door deals work

The promoter and artist agree on a revenue split — commonly 80/20 or 85/15 after expenses. If 200 people pay $20 each ($4,000 gross), and promoter expenses are $1,500, the net is $2,500. On an 80/20 split, the artist gets $2,000. There's no safety net — if ten people show up, the artist gets next to nothing.

How versus deals work

On a "guarantee vs. 85% of net" deal, the artist gets whichever is higher. If the guarantee is $5,000 and 85% of net revenue is $3,000, the artist gets $5,000. If the show overperforms and 85% of net is $8,000, the artist gets $8,000. Versus deals protect the artist with a floor while sharing upside on strong shows.

When each structure is used

Door deals are common in clubs and small venues where promoters can't absorb guarantee risk. Versus deals are standard for mid-to-large tours. Flat guarantees (no percentage component) are used when both sides want simplicity. The structure is documented in the deal memo and reconciled during settlement.