I suppose it depends on how well off the club is financially.

At the Railway we've always had a fee or 80% of the door with the bigger 'names', but a flat fee for lesser-knowns. Our door prices vary according to the guest - some big names insist on a minimum door charge, too. We also run a raffle, but the takings from that are not included in the 'pot'... first prize is usually the guest's CD, so they still make something on it indirectly.

Greg's point is valid - we are talking about people's livelihood!

Too often people will moan about having to pay, say, seven pounds (UK) - approx 12 US dollars(?) - to see someone at a folk club in far more intimate surroundings than a big concert venue where they wouldn't hesitate to pay double!! And I'm talking about the SAME guest!!

Market forces will always prevail - and there is also the 'Law of Diminishing Returns' to consider, where putting up your prices to cover a shortfall merely increases that shortfall.

The bottom line is 'You can't please all of the people all of the time'!! Come on, Mrs. Lincoln, we're going to the theatre...