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What Is a Versus Deal?
In a versus deal the artist is paid the higher of two options. Usually, it is a guarantee or a percentage of ticket sales.
For example, $500 or 50% of the door, whichever is higher.
Why Use a Versus Deal?
Versus deals help manage risk.
Artists have potential for more money if they sell lots of tickets. But the guarantee amount helps to minimize the risk of having a bad turn out. Usually if the guarantee is high, the percentage will be low and vis versa.
Venues can reduce the risk of having low ticket sales by offering a low guarantee. In exchange, they will usually offer a higher percentage and risk giving up upside if the turnout is high.
Example Calculations
Here are some examples of how versus deals work.
Deal: $500 or 50% of the door, whichever is higher.
Scenario one: Door sales are $800. 50% is $400. The artist takes the guarantee. They get $500.
Scenario two: Door sales are $2000. 50% is $1000. The artist takes the percentage. They get $1000.
Scenario three: Door sales are exactly $1000. 50% is $500. The guarantee and the percentage are equal. The artist gets $500.