Manager Promises Guarantees Not In Writing - Traps & Scams Every Musician Must Avoid

You met someone at a gig who said they could get you a record deal, bookings, syncs, and a viral moment by next month. They sounded confident. They smiled. They might have also bought you a beer. You walked away pumped, until they started asking for money up front and a blank signature. Welcome to the universe where promises live in air and contracts never show up in ink.

This guide is for musicians who are tired of being sold dreams and want clear steps to protect their careers and mental health. Expect blunt advice, legal sense not legalese, real life examples, and templates you can copy and paste into your inbox. We will explain every term and acronym you will see at the negotiating table and give you a checklist you can use immediately. Read this and you will stop losing money to charming liars and start losing only to your own expensive taste in shoes.

Why Verbal Promises From Managers Are Dangerous

People love trust narratives. Managers love them even more because a trust narrative lets them avoid paperwork while keeping control of the story. Verbal promises create a war zone for facts. You remember an offhand timeline as a plan. They remember you being enthusiastic. Months later the same promise is a memory that pays no bills.

Here is why verbal promises are dangerous for musicians.

• No proof equals no power If the manager says they spoke to a label A R executive and the executive said yes, you have a claim. If you do not have the email or the message, you have a memory. Courts prefer documents over memories.
• Money flows before accountability A manager who asks for expenses or a retainer without a written agreement can disappear with your cash. Real managers rarely require upfront payments for representation except to cover agreed costs that you approve.
• Scope creep is standard Without written scope you will hand over tasks and then discover work you thought included is now extra.
• Commission fights The percentage a manager takes can be argued later if it is not in writing. Managers sometimes claim wider commissions on income streams you never discussed.
• Exclusive vs nonexclusive confusion If the manager says they will only represent you they must put it in writing for you to rely on it. If you do not nail down exclusivity terms you may find yourself with overlapping representation and double commissions.

Real Life Scams And How They Play Out

Musicians get scammed in a few repeatable ways. Most scams are not complicated. They are simple and rely on charisma. We break the most common ones down with the red flags you can spot right now.

The Pay To Play Manager

Scenario

A manager offers to book you a slot at a showcase they organize. They ask for a fee to secure the spot. They promise exposure to labels and agents. You pay and play. The showcase has no real industry presence and the promised contacts do not show up. Your set is in a bar where the sound system dies at the first song.

Red flags

• Requests payment for a showcase where the manager is the primary beneficiary.
• No verifiable past rosters of artists who advanced after playing.
• Pressure to pay quickly with claims that the slot will go to someone else.

Fix

• Ask for a written invoice with a refund policy and a list of confirmed industry attendees. If you cannot get a written confirmation, do not pay.
• Offer to pay your own travel and rider but never pay a manager for a booking unless the booking contract names you and the venue and the payment flows from the venue to you or to your agreed tour account.

The Miracle Deal Promise

Scenario

A manager tells you they have a pending deal with a major label that will sign you in two weeks. They ask you to stop sending music to other labels and to upgrade your press kit. You hold back on other opportunities. The manager produces no contract. Months later the label says they never had that conversation.

Red flags

• Vague timelines and no written proof of contact with the label.
• Requests you to stop current outreach or to rely on a promise without documentation.
• Requests for upfront investment to produce a demo for label submission without a written scope.

Fix

• Ask for the label contact information and the exact text of the message or call. Request a confirmation email. If a manager refuses, walk away.
• Keep sending materials to other opportunities and document each submission.

The Commission Creep

Scenario

You sign a verbal agreement where the manager will take a commission on live shows only. Later they claim they are entitled to commissions on publishing, sync, and even merchandise. You did not sign anything but you did text agreeing to a percent for bookings. Now you are in a fight about royalties.

Red flags

• Commission percentages discussed orally with no written schedule of income streams.
• Manager claiming entitlement to revenue streams you never discussed after you have success.

Fix

• Get every commission and every income stream that might be affected in writing. If you already have revenue and the manager tries to claim it, gather all messages and bank records showing payment history and consult an entertainment lawyer.

The Blank Signature And The Power Of Attorney Play

Scenario

A manager asks you to sign a document so they can "fill in the details later" or they ask for power of attorney to negotiate deals on your behalf. You sign. Later the manager fills in terms you never agreed to and uses your signature to sign contracts with poor splits.

Red flags

• Requests to sign blank documents.
• Requests for broad power of attorney regarding your recordings, publishing, or finances without legal counsel.

Fix

• Never sign blank documents. Never give power of attorney unless you are working with a lawyer you trust and the power is narrowly tailored in time and scope.
• If a manager needs authority to sign one specific thing give them a limited power that names the exact contract and the exact dates.

Key Terms Explained In Plain Language

Every music career conversation includes a handful of terms that can be used to confuse you. We explain them in the simplest possible language and give likely scams connected to each term.

Manager Commission

What it means

The percentage of money a manager takes from the income they help generate. Standard market range for an artist manager is between 10 percent and 20 percent of gross income earned from the artist during the management period. Gross income means before taxes and before expenses are deducted unless the contract states otherwise.

Common scams

• Manager claims a commission on income streams they never worked on.
• Manager inflates the base on which commission is calculated by adding reimbursements you paid.

Exclusive Representation

What it means

When a manager has exclusive representation they are the only person or company allowed to act as your manager for the agreed tasks and time. Exclusivity gives them more control and usually higher commission. Exclusivity must be written to be enforceable and reasonable in length.

Common scams

• Managers claiming you agreed to exclusivity verbally, effectively locking you out of other opportunities.
• Long exclusive terms that make it impossible to leave if the manager is not performing.

Sunset Clause

What it means

A sunset clause limits how long a manager can take commissions on deals they secured during the term of the agreement after the agreement ends. For example, a manager might be paid commissions on deals signed while they represented you, even if you fire them, for a short period of time after the relationship ends.

Common scams

• Manager insists on lifetime commissions. That is rarely reasonable.
• Manager refuses to include a sunset clause which can trap you into decades of payments.

Power Of Attorney

What it means

A legal document that allows someone to act on your behalf for specific matters. In music this could mean signing contracts, collecting payments, or dealing with publishers. Power of attorney is powerful and dangerous if misused.

Common scams

• Manager requests sweeping power to sign things without oversight.
• Manager uses authority to sign unfavorable contracts in your name.

Recoupment

What it means

When a label, publisher, or other party pays money up front for recording, promotion, or advances they often recoup that money from your future earnings first. Recoupment is not free money. It is a loan against earnings.

Common scams

• Managers promising that a recoupable advance is a gift or a guarantee of wealth.
• Managers who obscure the size of recoupment and the rate at which you start paying it back.

Legal Principles You Need To Know

We are not replacing a lawyer. We are giving you the know how to avoid looking like a walking trust fund for a smooth talker. These legal concepts come up again and again in manager and contract disputes.

Statute Of Frauds

Simple explanation

The Statute of Frauds is a legal rule that says certain agreements must be in writing to be enforceable in court. A manager agreement that lasts more than one year is often required to be in writing. This means long term promises verbally made may not be enforceable.

Fiduciary Duty

Simple explanation

A fiduciary duty is a legal duty to act in someone else s best interest. Some managers owe a fiduciary duty to their artists which means they must avoid conflicts of interest and be transparent. Not every manager will have this legal duty but many do at minimum in a practical sense.

Oral Contracts

Simple explanation

Oral contracts can be legally binding in some circumstances. However they are harder to enforce. If you rely on an oral promise you will likely need emails, messages, witnesses, bank records or texts to prove what was agreed.

Estoppel

Simple explanation

Promissory estoppel is when someone relies on another s promise to their detriment. Courts can enforce promises in rare cases where it would be unfair not to do so. But this is expensive to prove and not a shield against losing thousands of dollars. Do not count on estoppel as a plan.

How To Vet A Manager In Five Minutes

Great managers exist. They do actual work and deliver. They have receipts. Here is a quick vetting flow you can run before you hand over a signed dotted line or even one dollar.

1. Ask for references Get names of current and past artists they represent and contact at least two. Ask what the manager actually did and what the concrete results were.
2. Check credits Search credits on streaming services and on IMDB or on performing rights organization sites for the manager s name. If they claim big deals and their name does not appear anywhere that is suspicious.
3. Google receipts Search the manager s name plus words like lawsuit or complaint. If they have a pattern of bad outcomes you will find it.
4. Ask for logged outreach If they say they are contacting labels ask to see the emails or messages or at least copies of the sent messages with dates and responses.
5. Confirm payment flows Never pay a manager without an invoice on company letterhead or a written agreement. If they demand cash or gift cards do not trust them with anything.

What To Put In A Manager Contract

When you get to the point of signing you want a clear contract that protects you and keeps the manager accountable. Below is a checklist of must have items and optional items to consider. Each item includes a plain language explanation and why it matters.

Must Have Items

• Scope of services Exactly what the manager will do. Booking, pitching, tour support, press outreach. Be specific. This prevents scope creep.
• Commission rate and definition of gross income The exact percentage and the exact types of income it applies to. If gross income includes publishing share, mechanicals, sync, or merchandising say so. If it does not say so make that explicit.
• Term and termination How long the contract lasts and how either party can end it. Include a short notice period and clear termination for cause provisions.
• Sunset clause Limit the time the manager can take commissions on deals made during the term. Typical sunset windows are 6 months to 2 years depending on the manager s role. Lifetime commissions are rare and risky.
• Accounting and transparency Manager must provide regular accounting of money received and commissions taken. Monthly or quarterly statements are common.
• Expense approval Define what expenses the manager can incur on your behalf and the approval process. You should pre approve large expenses.
• No blank signatures Statement that no party will sign blank documents and any power given is limited and described in writing.
• Dispute resolution Define whether disputes go to mediation or arbitration and in which jurisdiction. This can save time and money later.

Optional But Smart Items

• Performance milestones If the manager promises specific outcomes attach milestones such as a number of bookings, press placements, or label meetings and tie payments or continued exclusivity to hitting those milestones.
• Trial period A three month trial with lower commissions allows you to test the manager before committing to a long term deal.
• Approval rights Limited artist approval on new deals that materially affect your rights.
• Non compete limitations Limit a manager s ability to work with direct competitors during the term only to avoid conflict but do not restrict future work unnecessarily.
• Insurance and indemnity If the manager will be handling money insure they have fidelity insurance and require indemnity only for willful misconduct.

How To Force A Manager Promise Into Writing Without Losing Them

Managers are people. They want momentum and often they are friendly. Turning promises into a written agreement can feel awkward. Here is how to do it without killing the vibe or the relationship.

1. Be appreciative Start conversations by acknowledging the value they bring. This disarms defensiveness.
2. Say you need documentation Explain that you need a written agreement because your accountant or label partner requires it. This makes it a business requirement not a personal distrust issue.
3. Offer a simple template Send a one page term sheet with the key points. This reduces negotiation time and shows you are trying to be efficient.
4. Use a trial clause If the manager balks at long term make a short trial period to test the fit. Both sides get a runway.
5. Insist on receipts For any expenses ask for invoices and written approval in email before the charge is incurred.

What To Do If You Already Gave Money And There Is No Contract

If you already sent cash to a manager who promised things and nothing happened you have to act fast. Do not let embarrassment slow you down. Here are the exact steps to recover or protect what remains.

1. Document everything Save texts, emails, bank transfers, screenshots of payments, receipts, and any voice recordings you have. Even a text that says I will handle this is evidence.
2. Demand email confirmation Send a friendly but firm email asking the manager to confirm what was promised and the status. Keep a copy for records.
3. Ask for a refund If the promised services were not delivered ask in writing for a refund and set a deadline.
4. Call your bank If you paid by debit or credit card you may be able to dispute the charge. Initiate a chargeback if the vendor did not provide the service promised.
5. Contact law enforcement For large amounts or clear fraud contact your local consumer protection agency or police. Fraud is criminal and sometimes the threat of a report produces results.
6. Talk to an entertainment lawyer If the sums are meaningful a lawyer can send a demand letter that often motivates repayment and can preserve your rights.

How To Fire A Manager And Keep Your Career Moving

Leaving a manager you hired or that hired you is awkward but doable. Follow these steps to minimize damage and protect your earnings.

1. Check your contract Confirm the termination terms. Note any notice period and any obligations after termination such as commissions on previously negotiated deals.
2. Give written notice Send a clear termination email or letter stating the date of termination and your expectations for final accounting and return of any materials.
3. Request handover Ask for a list of pending deals, contacts, and outstanding invoices so you can take over or hand them to a new manager.
4. Secure your assets Change passwords and control of social accounts and remove management access to financial accounts if they had any.
5. Communicate with partners Email key partners and venues to confirm future communications should go to you directly or to a new contact person.

Templates You Can Use Right Now

Copy paste and modify these messages when you need to get things in writing. Keep tone firm but not cruel.

Email Template To Request Written Confirmation

Subject line: Quick confirmation of our agreement

Hey [Manager Name],

I appreciate the work we discussed about getting label introductions and booking three regional shows in the next two months. My accountant needs our agreement in writing. Can you confirm the commission rate of 15 percent on gross live income and that you will handle outreach to the following labels and agents with the targets we discussed? Please reply to this email with the details and any timeline you have. If that is easier I can send a one page term sheet for us to confirm. Thanks, [Your Name]

Email Template To Demand Refund For Undelivered Services

Subject line: Request for refund for undelivered services

Hi [Manager Name],

I paid [amount] on [date] for the services we discussed including booking a showcase on [date] and outreach to labels. Those services were not delivered. Please confirm refund of [amount] by [deadline, usually seven days]. If I do not receive a reply I will pursue a chargeback and other remedies. I would prefer to resolve this directly. Thank you, [Your Name]

Email Template To Terminate Management

Subject line: Termination of management agreement

Dear [Manager Name],

This email confirms termination of our management relationship effective [date]. Please provide final accounting of all monies received on my behalf and a list of pending deals and contacts by [date]. Please return any physical materials and remove access to all accounts. I will expect a settlement for outstanding items if any. Regards, [Your Name]

How To Work With A Manager Without Giving Up Control

You do not have to choose between independence and growth. Good managers increase your opportunities while you maintain control. Here are practical structures artists use to keep authority.

• Part time management A manager who works on commission for specific tasks such as booking and pitching but does not control your creative decisions.
• Project based agreements Hire a manager for a single tour, a single album rollout, or a single campaign. When the project ends so does the manager s authority unless you sign a new agreement.
• Co management with clear roles If you have more than one manager or business partner define who owns what in writing to avoid splits on the same income.
• Monthly reporting and review meetings Require a monthly report and a quarterly performance review to decide whether to continue or renegotiate.

Red Flag Checklist You Can Print

Before giving money or signing anything run this list. If you check any two of these items walk away and consult a lawyer.

• Manager asks for cash or gift cards as payment.
• Manager refuses to put major promises in writing.
• Manager asks you to sign blank documents or gives broad power of attorney.
• Manager cannot provide verifiable references or credits.
• Manager pressures you to stop other outreach or to delay signing with others.
• Manager demands a large upfront retainer for vague services.
• Manager has a pattern of complaints or lawsuits on public record.

When To Call A Lawyer

You do not need a lawyer to start a career. You do need one when things get expensive or messy. Here are times to hire an entertainment lawyer and how to pick one.

• Large sums If the manager asks for or receives significant amounts of money on your behalf it is time to get a lawyer to review agreements.
• Complex deals Label deals, publishing deals, sync deals, or deals with many subparts need legal eyes.
• Dispute or claim If a manager claims entitlement to commissions you dispute or if they refuse to give accounting you may need immediate legal help.

How to pick one

• Choose a lawyer with entertainment experience not a general practitioner.
• Ask for references from other musicians and for examples of contracts they have negotiated.
• Prefer fee structures that fit your budget. A short fixed price review can be cheaper than an hourly deep dive.

FAQ

Can a verbal agreement with a manager be legally binding

Yes oral agreements can be binding in many cases. However proving what was agreed is hard. Written contracts are easy to enforce. Talk written is better than talk spoken. If a deal is for more than one year it may need to be in writing because of the statute of frauds. Do not rely on a handshake unless you are okay with risk.

Is it normal for a manager to ask for money up front

Some managers ask for a retainer to cover initial costs and an agreed project budget. It is normal only if the retainer and the scope of work are documented and you receive receipts and a plan for how the money will be spent. If a manager asks for cash or refuses to provide invoices do not pay.

What is a fair commission rate for a manager

Standard commission rates for managers range from 10 percent to 20 percent on gross income. Higher rates might apply for managers who are also investors or who provide substantial upfront capital. Always define exactly which income streams are included in the commission calculation.

Should I ever give power of attorney to my manager

Only in very narrow, time limited circumstances and only after speaking with a lawyer. Give a manager the exact authority you want them to have in writing and revoke it once the specific task is complete. Broad power of attorney given casually is a major risk.

What is a sunset clause and why do I need one

A sunset clause limits how long a manager can take commissions on deals signed during the term. You need one so you do not pay commissions forever on deals from your early career. Typical sunset protection lasts from six months to two years depending on the value of the manager and the nature of the deals.

I have already paid a manager for services that were not delivered. What now

Document everything. Ask for a refund in writing. If you paid by card initiate a chargeback. If the amount is large consult an entertainment lawyer or file a complaint with your local consumer protection agency. If the manager committed fraud report it to law enforcement.

Can I fire a manager even if I said yes verbally

Yes you can end a working relationship. If you have a written contract follow the termination process in it. If you are working on a verbal agreement document your termination in writing and request final accounting. Change passwords and tell partners about the change so communications move to you directly.

How do I verify a manager s contacts at a label or publisher

Ask for the exact name of the contact, the date of the outreach, and a copy of the message sent or received. If they claim a phone call ask for the contact s email so you can verify with them directly. If a manager refuses to produce this basic proof they are probably fabricating the contact.

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