Payment Policy
Welcome! This page explains how I handle fees, deposits, installments, extra costs, and late payments. It’s designed to give you clarity on your project.
Clear & Fair Payment Policies
Money shouldn’t be a source of stress in your project. This page lays out how I handle fees, deposits, installments, and refunds so everything is transparent upfront. My goal is to keep things straightforward, ensuring that you can focus on making great music without unexpected surprises.
Before we move forward, I recommend reviewing:
- A Quick Primer About Our Production Agreement – A breakdown of key terms, deliverables, payment schedules, and rights ownership. This will give you a clear understanding of how our agreement works before signing.
- Terms of Service for Music Production – These terms apply to all my production services, outlining scope, payment policies, intellectual property rights, and more.
Here’s everything you need to know about payments, scheduling, and policies before we start working together.
Payment Basics
Pricing & Scope
- Tailored Quotes
Every project is unique so I’ll quote a flat fee that includes the primary production tasks. - What’s Included
Your quote covers the major deliverables (like preproduction sessions, a set number of revisions, basic editing). If you request something beyond that scope, we’ll revise the fee or invoice extra. - Different Services
My three production services go from simple to complex (simplest: Creative Kickstart; medium: 12-Week Program; complex: Bespoke Projects). The more complex the service and scope, the less standard the pricing is.
See your project proposal for the exact cost breakdown, as well as any optional upgrades or customization. If you’re uncertain, just ask!
Accepted Payment Methods
- E-Invoices
I invoice via an online system, so you can pay with credit/debit card or ACH/bank transfer. - Fees & Surcharges
I don’t typically pass along credit card processing fees, but if something unusual arises, I’ll let you know beforehand.
(I don’t handle cash or checks unless we have a special arrangement. If you prefer a different payment platform, let’s discuss.)
Deposits & Booking Fees
Smaller Projects
- 50/50 Split
Typically, you pay 50% as a Booking Fee (non-refundable) within 3 days of receiving the invoice to secure your spot, and 50% upon the time of service or final deliverables. - No Work Without Deposit
I only begin production once the deposit clears.
Larger / Extended Projects
- Upfront %
Often smaller non-refundable deposit to lock in the schedule. - Remaining Balance
Paid in installments—either on a calendar-based or at key milestones (preproduction completion, final recording, mastering, etc.). - Retainer Option
If we do calendar-based installments, they’re due on specified dates. If it’s a milestone-based plan, the contract will list each due date.
Non-Refundable
All booking fees or deposits are non-refundable, reflecting the time I reserve for your project. Your contract will discuss this in detail.
Payment Timelines & Late Fees
Installments & Due Dates
- You’ll see exact amounts and deadlines in the proposal or contract.
- I’ll send an invoice each time an installment is due or set up a recurring invoice once.
Late Payment
- If a payment is late, I will official pause all work until you’re up to date. Generally, I try give a 2 to 3 days grace period, but I cannot guarantee that.
- You’ll be charged a late fee for each day you’re late up to 10 days.
- If you’re 10 days behind on a payment, then the late fee will convert into a postponement fee. This keeps late fees from stacking up absurdly.
- To restart the work and receive any deliverables, you’re payment must be up to date including the postponement fee. Your contract will spell this out in detail.
- Communication is key—if you hit financial trouble, let me know. I’m open to rescheduling but can’t proceed if we’re stuck financially.
Extra Fees & Surcharges
- Rush Requests: If you need final masters quicker than scheduled, or want me working outside my 10 AM–6 PM (M-F) hours, I charge a rush surcharge if I can accommodate it.
- Session Musicians / Rentals: If your project requires outside players, equipment rentals, or specialized studios, I’ll provide a separate invoice or add it to your next payment.
- Scope Changes: Big changes in the number of songs or production approach will require a revised quote or add-on. We’ll always discuss first. Your contract will clarify that I am not required to agree to any scope change you request.
Refunds, Cancellation, & Postponement
All Sales Are Final
- Non-Refundable Deposits: The Booking Fee or deposit is always non-refundable, as that time is blocked off for you.
- After We Start: If you cancel mid-project, you typically won’t receive any refund for what’s already paid. If you owe a balance, you must pay it up to the portion of work completed. The specifics appear in your final contract.
Cancellation or Postponement
- If you choose to postpone, you will incur a postponement fee. Extended postponements or multiple reschedules may require an entirely new contract with updated rates.
- If you chose to cancel the project, then all completed payments are forfeit. You may not receive any deliverables without further payment depending on the stage of the project at the time of cancellation.
- If I have to cancel for unexpected reasons, any payment beyond the work completed will be refunded.
- Your contract will explain all the details on cancellation and postponement.
Additional Questions on Payment
Yes. We can do time-based or milestone-based payments as agreed. Just be sure to pay on or before each due date. The extent of my flexibility depends on the service you have. The Creative Kickstart and 12-Week Program are the least flexible while the Bespoke Projects are the most flexible.
Typically no. My e-invoice system works best with cards or bank transfers. If you have a special request, let’s talk.
Email me. If it’s urgent, call me during office hours. The earlier we talk, the easier to find a solution.
Next Steps
If you’re comfortable with how I handle fees, deposits, potential royalties, and refunds, then you’re ready to finalize the project details. If you need any clarifications:
- Email me directly.
- Book a short call to confirm anything that’s unclear.
Once you’re good to go:
- I’ll send you the official Agreement (contract) referencing these policies and the Terms of Service.
- You pay the deposit or retainer within the specified window.
- I countersign the agreement, and we kick off production!
Thank you for reading! Let’s keep the focus on making incredible music—now that the practical side of payments is clear. In the meantime, feel free to review the contract primer so you know what to expect in your contract!