Keeping payments on Encore is the safest, most secure option for both customers and musicians.
However, we know that customers aren't always able to pay via card or bank transfer, so in some cases, we do offer the option of arranging direct payment with your chosen musician.
Unfortunately, as Encore has no involvement in offline payments, we are unable to enforce our Terms & Conditions for these payments. This includes offering refunds in the event of a cancellation or dispute.
How to pay using an offline payment method
Once you know which musician/s you'd like to book, click the green "Book now" button.
At checkout, once you have confirmed the booking details and selected the "Basic Protection" option (we are unable to offer Encore Cover for non-Encore Pay/card bookings), select "Can't pay by card?" and then click "I agree to pay by bank transfer". If you need to pay via cash, simply message your musician to confirm this after placing the booking.
Finally, press "Confirm". The musician will then be sent a notification asking them to accept or decline your request.
Once the musician has accepted your booking request, you'll need to communicate directly with the musician/s you have booked to confirm when and how they would like to be paid (for example, in cash on the day, or a cheque after the booking), and a point of contact who will pay them.
Note: at this point, the musician may ask for a percentage of their performance fee (a deposit) to be paid up front. The payment amount, method and time should be arranged at the discretion of the musician and client.
If you have confirmed the payment arrangements with your musician/s, then you're all set. Sit back and enjoy the performance!