Band Tour Bus Leasing: Is It Time for You to Take the Next Step?

Rolling down the road in an Entertainer Coach - it's what every up and coming musician dreams of. It's a status symbol that tells the world you have reached your next level. It's also a big responsibility that sets a whole new world of demands on an artist or group. So, is it time for your band to move up to tour bus rentals? In this article, we explore a few considerations which might just help you make that determination for yourself. First, there's the obvious financial obligation. Your or your group should be gigging steadily enough to justify the expense. Are you playing four to seven nights a week in a medium to large venue? Are your products selling well in retail outlets or online? Have you reached a point where you've expanded your merchandising to cover the extra cash outflow? If you answered "No" to any of these, you may want to hold off a little longer. While riding in stylish Entertainer Coaches may scream "Success", there is often a very different reality for up and coming artists. Making the move too soon could mean that your income would suffer to cover the tour bus budget. This new budget would include such things as: The daily rate - anywhere from $250 - $2,500 per day depending on the bus itself The driver's salary - currently around $250 per day Fuel - currently around $4 per gallon and most coaches get around 5 miles per gallon Mileage fees - between .04 and .10 per mile to help cover repairs and upkeep Cleanup fee - around $250 paid to the driver for cleaning up your mess at the end of the last gig Miscellaneous fees such as WiFi connections, lodging for the driver, meals for the driver, etc. Are you prepared for that sort of financial commitment? If not, then pulling a trailer behind a van might need to work for just a little longer. Next, do you lease a newer bus or purchase an older one? The pride of owning your own Band Tour Bus would most likely be diminished by the expensive upkeep and repairs. The older a bus is, the more repairs it's going to need. Leasing an Entertainer Coach is what even the most established artists are doing these days. When it's all said and done, it really seems to make the most sense. The Coach Leasing Company handles all the maintenance and files all the paperwork with whatever states you'll be traveling through. Touring by bus is an attractive option for the luxury and the status it bestows on an artist or group. However, it is a serious commitment which can have significant consequences if not weighed properly. Seek out the advice of those who have made the transition before you. Ask questions and get answers. Understand that in the end, it's really a matter of timing. For more information about Entertainer Coaches, please visit the Star Master Coaches website.