alright so for the ones that actually do restaurant work do any of you have contracts and if so how did you learn to create the contracts. second how do you get paid if the manager ask how they should pay you what do you tell them is it different somehow then getting paid like a normal employee.
your advice will be greatly appreciated.

You need to have a contract. If you don't, you have a very likely chance of being taken advantage of. In other words, you will be ripped off. As for the contract, I'm lucky enough to have a couple of lawyers in my family, and they helped me draw up a short contract.

As for getting paid, I usually get paid either nightly, or weekly, depending on the restaurant. For the most part, I'll just have a check waiting for me at the end of the night in which it was set for me to get paid.

I've been doing restaurants for 7 years and never use a contract. I ALWAYS use a contract for corporate events but that is different. I don't think a restaurant would dare try to skim out by paying a magician because they have A LOT more to lose than you do.

All the restaurants, with the exception of one, have paid me cash at the end of the night. The exception was Rock Bottom because they decided I should invoice them and they pay me for the entire month.

All in all, I never used a contract for a restaurant...only private events and company events.

Like Benji...I too only use contracts for larger Gigs and venues.

For a restraunt you'll probably only need one if you want to do some sort of package deal that states you will be working with them for a set length of time.

alright so how do you guys recommend i do up a contract. can i do one up myself or do I find a lawyer.

You could always head on over to Barnes & Noble and look at Contract books -or- Search the web for Contract Templates.

They also make inexpensive software to prepare Contract, Wills and Bills of Sale.


“Ars Celare Verum”
The Magic & Illusion of Georges-Robert
http://www.mysteryandillusion.com

perfect thats all I need to know thanks guys.

Do you guys request being payed cash under the table though? If so how? It is illigal so I would think a restaurant would be reluctant to do it.

It's not illegal to be payed cash. I've only had to invoice one restaurant in the 7 years of performing at all kinds of places.

I'm paid in cash about half of the time. It's easier for the both of us. For tax purposes, you claim it like any other income. I've had no problem.

I have no written contract with my restaurants. I invoice them every week (except 1 place that wants it on a monthly invoice) and get paid after each performance (again except the 1 restaurant that sends me a check every month.) Every other restaurant pays me in cash and at the end of the year a couple of them send me a form 1099 for what they paid.

Form 1099 is a statement that tells you (and the IRS) how much you have been paid and the fact that no taxes were with held so that YOU are liable to pay all taxes. This form does not have to be issued if the gross amount you made from that restaurant was less than $600. I always charge more than that but some places just don't bother with 1099s.

I've worked for several places. Mostly I get paid cash. When I worked for On The Border Cafe they required an invoice and I got paid once a month. That actually makes things easier for the accountant.

Ted

paddy has this covered. It's not illegal if you pay the appropriate taxes yourself. Remember, you're not their employee. You're running your own business.