Door Split, Flat Fee or Minimum Guarantee: Medellín Concert Deals Explained

Editorial draft · prepared October 23, 2026 · Medellín event planning

Promoters often compare deals by headline percentage. That misses who is paying for production, ticketing, taxes, security and a disappointing turnout. A 70/30 split can be worse than a flat fee if the promoter pays all the costs, while a modest guaranteed payment can be fair if the venue carries real risk. Model the settlement before anyone announces the show.

Define the revenue base

Is the split on gross tickets, net tickets after platform fees, revenue after approved expenses, or the cash counted at the door? State the deductions in writing, including complimentary tickets and refunds. If drinks are sold, establish whether the artist or promoter participates at all; never assume bar sales are part of ticket revenue.

Run two sample settlements

Illustration only: 100 tickets at COP 60,000 yield COP 6,000,000 in gross face-value sales. If ticket and production deductions are COP 1,000,000 and the agreed split is 70% of the remainder to the promoter, the promoter receives COP 3,500,000 before its other costs. A COP 2,500,000 fixed hire fee against the same gross is a different risk arrangement: compare net outcomes for low and high attendance.

Negotiate the floor and the audit trail

For a minimum guarantee, specify who pays it, when it becomes due and whether the performer also participates in upside. For door splits, require transparent door counts, ticket reports, refund accounting, cash handling and an agreed settlement time. Put every change in a signed addendum, not a late-night WhatsApp exchange.

Before you book: a six-point checklist

What amount is being split: gross, net or after specified costs?
Who owns the ticketing account and guest list?
How are complimentary tickets and refunds handled?
Who covers sound, security and cleaning?
When is the statement delivered and paid?
What happens if the show is postponed?

The message to send the venue

Use a short inquiry that gives the operator enough information to confirm fit: “We are planning door split, flat fee or minimum guarantee. Our preferred date is [date, with alternatives], estimated simultaneous attendance is [number], and the budget for the room is [range and currency]. Please confirm the usable layout, included equipment/staff, access hours, any event-specific permissions, invoicing, deposit and cancellation policy. Could you send an itemized quote and current photographs?”

Find a venue that fits this plan

Need venue options matched to your event, not a generic directory? Share the date, approximate crowd, format and deal-breakers. Medellin Venues is an independent introduction service; the venue verifies availability, pricing, permits and contracts directly with you.

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Official references and verification

These sources explain relevant public rules or resources; they do not verify the price, availability, capacity or compliance status of any particular venue. Confirm those details directly with the operator before committing money. This article is general planning information, not legal or insurance advice.