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How to Save Money While Touring: Tips for New Artists
Touring is a blast, but it can drain your wallet fast if you’re not careful. As a tour manager, I’ve seen it all—big buses, fancy hotels, and empty bank accounts. Here are some simple tips to help new artists tour on a budget.
Plan Your Budget
Before hitting the road, figure out how much money you have and what you’ll need to spend. Key expenses include:
Transportation: Fuel, vehicle rental, maintenance, and tolls.
Accommodation: Hotels or rentals.
Food: Meals for everyone.
Promotion: Ads, social media boosts, and posters.
Merchandise: Costs for producing and shipping merch.
Track your expenses in Ternwheel to keep an eye on your spending.
Choose the Right Vehicle
Your ride is a big expense. Instead of splurging on a luxury bus, consider these options:
Rent a Van: Smaller and cheaper to run than a big bus.
Carpool: If you have a small crew, taking multiple cars might be cheaper.
Regular Maintenance: Keep your vehicle in good shape to avoid costly breakdowns.
Optimize Your Route
A well-planned route saves time and money.
Minimize Backtracking: Plan your tour to avoid unnecessary driving.
Group Shows by Region: Reduce travel distances by clustering shows in the same area.
Use Mapping Tools: Google Maps or tour routing software can help plan the best route. Better yet, keep your whole team coordinated inside the Ternwheel app with real time notifications on any changes to routing or flights.
Save on Accommodation
Hotels can be pricey, but there are cheaper alternatives:
Budget Hotels: Look for deals and discounts.
Airbnb: Sometimes renting a house is cheaper for larger groups.
Stay with Friends or Fans: Reach out to your network for free places to stay.
Campgrounds: Consider camping in warmer months to save money.
Manage Food Costs
Eating out all the time is expensive. Here’s how to save:
Cook Your Own Meals: Use the kitchen if you’re staying in a place with one.
Meal Prep: Make meals and snacks in advance to avoid fast food.
Look for Deals: Use apps to find restaurant and grocery store discounts.
Set a Daily Budget: Give each band member a daily food allowance.
Merchandise Smartly
Merch is a great way to make money, but it also costs money to produce.
Order Wisely: Don’t over-order. Start small and reorder based on demand.
Balance Quality and Cost: Find a good balance between quality and price.
Offer Variety: Have a range of items at different price points.
Sell Online: Use your online store to sell leftover merch after the tour.
Monitor Your Spending
Keep an eye on your expenses to stay within budget.
Daily Check-ins: Review your spending every day.
Use Expense Apps: Track your expenses in real-time with Ternwheel.
Adjust as Needed: Cut back in one area if you overspend in another.
Negotiate and Collaborate
Reduce costs and increase revenue through negotiation and collaboration.
Venue Deals: Negotiate better deals with venues.
Collaborate with Other Bands: Share bills to split costs and draw bigger crowds.
Seek Sponsorships: Find local businesses to sponsor your tour.
Make Every Stop Count
Ensure each tour stop is worth it.
Research Venues: Choose venues that draw good crowds.
Promote Your Shows: Use social media and local press to get the word out.
Engage with Fans: Connect with your audience to build a loyal fan base.
Be Prepared for the Unexpected
Stuff happens, so be ready.
Emergency Fund: Set aside money for emergencies.
Stay Flexible: Be ready to change plans if needed.
Insurance: Consider insuring your equipment and vehicle.
Pre-Booking Cost Checklist
Before you confirm a date, check the deal terms, projected income, travel distance, fuel or airfare, lodging, party size, local production costs, merchandise plan, payment timing, and a contingency for changes. Mark each figure as confirmed, quoted, or estimated so the team knows what still needs a decision.