Every booking on Gig Heaven involves two payments: a small deposit paid to Gig Heaven through the site, and the remaining balance paid directly to the supplier. This split is what makes bookings safe for both sides - the deposit commits the customer and unlocks direct contact, while the supplier is paid their full earnings without Gig Heaven in the middle. Here's how the two payments work.
The 10% deposit - paid to Gig Heaven
When the customer agrees the booking contract, they pay a deposit of 10% of the total fee by card through our secure checkout. The deposit is Gig Heaven's service fee, and paying it is what confirms the booking:
- The event is locked in, so the supplier can safely turn down other enquiries for that date.
- Direct contact details (email and phone) are automatically shared between customer and supplier so they can coordinate the day.
See how to pay the deposit for the step-by-step walkthrough, and how your card details are kept safe for the security side. If you can't pay by card, we can arrange alternative payment methods such as bank transfer.
The 90% balance - paid directly to the supplier
The remaining 90% is the supplier's earnings, and the customer pays it directly to the supplier - Gig Heaven never handles it. How and when comes from the supplier's own payment instructions, written into the contract's Fee and Payment section: typically a bank transfer before the event or cash on the day, with the balance due no later than the start of the event. See how to pay a supplier.
The order things happen in
- The supplier sends a booking contract showing the total fee, the deposit and the balance as separate amounts (see creating a booking contract).
- The customer agrees the contract, then pays the 10% deposit by card.
- The booking becomes fully confirmed and both sides get each other's direct contact details.
- The customer pays the balance directly to the supplier, as the contract sets out.
Receipts, refunds and currencies
- Receipts - a receipt for the deposit is available from the booking as soon as it's paid: see how to view your payment receipt. Businesses can also request a VAT invoice: see VAT, invoices, and paying as a business.
- Refunds - deposit refund requests are reviewed individually; the balance is between customer and supplier, though we'll help mediate: see refunds: how they work.
- Currencies - deposits can be paid by card in any of the currencies we support: see supported currencies.
For a deeper look at the deposit and balance from the customer's side, see the deposit, and how the rest is paid.
If you have any trouble, please contact us.
