CD sales at venues

[Hardbopjazz]

The other day I saw Freddie Redd live. He came with a small stack of CDs of his new release on SteepleChase. I guess it wasn’t in the contact to sell any CDs. After a brief discussion the club manager said he could but the club would get 2 dollars for each one he sold. When going into an agreement/contact with a club or concert hall, is their always a percentage the club gets?

[Michael Weiss]

It all depends on the venue.

The Vanguard bartender sells your CDs for you at the bar for no fee, but customarily you tip for the service $1-2 per CD.  

The Kennedy Center sells your CD for a 30% commission!

Many venues charge a commission even if you are selling your CDs yourself off the bandstand, but some don't.

[BFrank]

I had no idea! I frequently buy CDs at shows because I assumed that all the money goes to the artist. I guess they still get more than through retail, but it doesn't seem right.

[Dan Gould]

The shows I attend in south Florida are organized by non-profits (South Florida Jazz) or take place at the non-profit's venue (Arts Garage) so I've always kind of assumed that the CDs for sale are a way to support both artist and organization.  (But I won't buy the $3 bag of M&Ms.)

[Hardbopjazz]

That 3 dollar bag of M&M may contain that milion dollar grey M&M.

[Dan Gould]

Yeah but so could the $1.49 bag at Publix. 

[kh1958]

I can see tipping a club employee who actually sells the CDs, but otherwise this seems like a nickel and dime abuse of artists.

[Dan Gould]

Who probably aren't getting the biggest performance fees in the first place!

[paul secor]

Seems abusive to me also. We're not going to pay you much, and then we want a cut of your own recordings that you're selling.

[Ted O'Reilly]

...and there are lots of clubs where the artists pay to play!  Then pay the sound & lighting guys on top of that.  It's all to get "exposure".