I pay a fixed fee agreed with the performer. That gaurantees that the performer gets an agreed rate irrespective of how few might attend. Sometimes I lose money and sometimes I make a profit.

I do not ever pay % of the door, neither do I charge a fee at the door that the performer has dictated. Basically, as much as I might like somebody to appear at the club, I don't book them.

There are lots of good performers out there who are willing to agree flat fees and support grass roots.