Off the oche
Money and life
Darts pays well at the top and hardly at all at the bottom. In between, the bank balance decides how many chances you get.
The Finances section#
Money in and out, week by week: prize money, sponsors and exhibitions against entry fees, travel, wages and living costs. It also shows the month ahead, so a big bill is no surprise.
If the bank runs low, enter less and travel less until results pick up.
Where money comes from#
- Prize money from events.
- Sponsors: a retainer and bonuses for results. Sponsors.
- Bookings: exhibitions and appearances.
- A day job, while darts does not pay the bills yet.
- Your own signature darts, once you have a name to sell them on. The workshop.
Where it goes#
- Entry fees, travel and hotels.
- Your staff’s wages.
- Your home, and the cost of living.
- Kit, memberships and facilities.
- Tax: a letter comes when it is due, and a statement each year.
Your home#
Rent a place, renew the lease or buy. A home you own can be let or sold. Where you live sets your living costs and how far you travel.
Bank loans#
The bank will lend you money, and expects it back. Take a loan when it buys you a chance you would otherwise miss; pay it off when you can. Run too far into debt and the bank starts to sell what you own.
Moving country#
You can move abroad to play another country’s circuit or to be nearer the big events. Moving costs money, and it can only be done at certain times. The move screen shows the costs before you decide.
As a junior#
A junior lives at home. At school there is no wage and nothing to pay; the family has a budget for your darts, and it will not last for ever. Growing up brings a choice between a day job and going full-time on the darts, and then full living costs of your own.