[Callers] Confirming Bookings - Best Practices?

[JD Erskine iDance via Callers]

The local series is good that way, with their confirmations. Those are 
pretty close to the date, so I tend to follow the Check Their 
Sites/Pages thing.

Others in the region are pretty good with a run of communication to set 
up and one to later confirm. Again with something closer to the date. 
Again I'll do a check on the lead up, mostly by having a look on my own 
for promo material.

One dance series had the caller I was replacing still listed on the 
site, so I wrote about a month and a half out so I knew if I was free to 
rebook, do other things, or simply enjoy the evening as a dancer.

With a series, where there's a bit of pattern to the behaviour I have 
little concerns. Also the communication tends to be pretty good and 
established.

For one off dances I may do a bit more asking, esp. if there have only 
been early enquiries.

On occasion a "definitely want you" has fizzled, on other occasions what 
appears to be a casual inquiry really was their idea of a firm booking, 
for myself and the band.

A band I do regular ONS work with (anniversary, wedding, fund-raiser 
gigs) and I are seriously considering asking for a financial deposit for 
some bigger one-off affairs. Esp. if there's travel, rental of 
equipment, accommodation (that we must book) and such.

So, mostly nothing earthshakingly different than what a number have 
commented on.

Cheers, John
-- 
J.D. Erskine
Victoria, BC
Island Dance