Some organisers, particularly for public events such as festivals, markets or charity fundraisers, may ask suppliers to pay a pitch fee to secure a trading space. This is a common practice in parts of the industry but it’s important to be aware that these requests can vary in quality and reliability.
Our aim is to help you understand how to assess these opportunities and make safe, informed decisions before paying any money.
Key Points to Understand
Add to Event does not handle pitch fee payments, any payment is a private arrangement between you and the organiser and is done so at your own risk.
Suppliers are responsible for due diligence before transacting with another party. While we make efforts to ensure the legitimacy of requests we can’t be held liable for any losses.
We have processes to detect irregular activity, such as flagging certain requests and blocking suspicious accounts but no system can catch everything. It’s essential that you treat pitch fee requests with the same caution and diligence as if they came to you directly.
Due Diligence Checklist
Before agreeing to pay a pitch fee, we recommend:
Verify the organiser’s details
Ask for a business name, registered address and phone number.
Search online for confirmation (Companies House, charity registers, local council listings).
Speak directly with the organiser
A quick phone call can help you confirm who you’re dealing with and clarify any details.
Use the opportunity to ask specific questions about the event setup, expected footfall and terms.
Check event history
Look for evidence the event has run before (social media pages, photos, reviews).
If it’s new, ask how it’s being promoted and what attendance is expected.
Request supporting documents
Ask for proof of event insurance or other official paperwork (e.g. council licences, venue contracts) that show the event is genuine and going ahead.
Review event materials carefully
Check websites or ticket pages for professionalism and activity.
Confirm that domains and email addresses look established.
Get everything in writing
Ensure you have a signed contract covering:
Pitch fee amount and payment terms
Refund/cancellation policy
What you receive in return (space, facilities, promotion, etc.)
Choose secure payment methods
Be cautious with direct transfers to personal accounts.
Where possible, use payment methods that provide protection (credit card, PayPal with buyer protection).
Trust your judgement
If something feels unclear or rushed, ask more questions before proceeding.
Warning Signs to Be Aware Of
Large guest numbers with limited supporting information.
Events described in very general terms (e.g. “festival”, “charity event”) with little detail.
Organisers unwilling to provide a contract or pushing for immediate payment.
Requests coming only from personal email addresses with no supporting website or social presence.
Recently created domains or ticketing pages with little history.
What to Do if You’re Unsure
Use the “Report” button on a request you feel may not be genuine so our team can review
Contact us via Support if you want a second opinion.
If you have already paid and encounter an issue, contact your bank promptly for advice and support.
Our Position
Pitch fee requests are allowed on the platform because they reflect real practices in the events industry.
We do not mediate these payments and cannot verify every organiser, so the responsibility for due diligence rests with you.
By responding to these requests, you accept that you must check details carefully, just as you would if an organiser approached you outside the platform.
In Summary
Pitch fees can provide opportunities, but they require careful consideration. Protect yourself by verifying organiser details, checking event history, insisting on a written agreement and using secure payment methods. Taking these steps will help you focus on genuine high quality opportunities that benefit your business.