How much to charge if you don't need your gear?

[rob1963]

This is something that came up recently on another thread.

Would you charge your normal fee for a gig where the sound system & lights were already at the venue, and all you needed to take were your CDs or laptop?

I personally would charge less, as I couldn't justify charging my normal fee.

Why?

Firstly, because a normal gig involves spending 20 minutes loading up the van, but if I only needed my CDs it would take less than one minute.

Secondly, a normal gig involves at least an hour to carry in & set up my gear, but if I only had to carry in my CDs & take the lids off the boxes it would also take about one minute.

Thirdly, after a normal gig I need about 30-45 minutes to pack down & carry the gear out to my van, but with only my CDs, packing away would again take about one minute.

Finally, after a normal gig I need 20 minutes to unload the van when I get home, but with only my CDs to unload, this again would take about one minute.

The bottom line is that a gig where the gear was there would take me nearly two and a half hours less time than a gig where I use my own gear.

As I'm being paid for my time, I would therefore feel obliged to charge less if I was using the venue's gear.

What do the rest of you think?

[Danno13]

Its harder for me to do this as I work from PC and don't know my cd collection very well.

However, I wouldn't discount much really.. because I know I could quite easily have another gig where I took gear and charged more. Depends on the time and day though, I'd probably be persuaded to go cheaper if it was out of season or on a weekday night.

[Shaun]

However, I wouldn't discount much really.. because I know I could quite easily have another gig where I took gear and charged more. Depends on the time and day though, I'd probably be persuaded to go cheaper if it was out of season or on a weekday night.
You took the words right out of my mouth.

[wensleydale]

approx 90%

[discomobiledj]

It's not the equipment they are paying for, it's you/me djing the event

[PropellerHeadCase]

Yes, and then again, no.

Without equipment you can't DJ the event so some of your charge for an event where equipment is not suppliued must necessarily be covering the time spent in set-up and pack-down and on wear and tear and suchlike.

[rob1963]

It's not the equipment they are paying for, it's you/me djing the event

I didn't say it WAS the equipment they are paying for.

I said it's my TIME...and if the venue supply the gear, it will take two and a half hours LESS of my time, hence charging less for these functions.


Yes, and then again, no.

Without equipment you can't DJ the event so some of your charge for an event where equipment is not supplied must necessarily be covering the time spent in set-up and pack-down and on wear and tear and suchlike.

Absolutely!

Which is why you can't charge the same for a "walk-in" as a normal gig with your own gear.

Edit: Sorry for 2 consecutive posts, but multi-quote not working again.

[Excalibur]

And I posted on the other thread, and I have to say it depends entirely on circumstances. I have one coming soon where basically I supply CD's, Players. and mixer, and this is full price. This is mainly because that's how the venue works, and the customer is very happy. I feel that as a general rule this debate can be split into two classes.

1) Paid by customer. Probably no or very little discount, as customer is getting exactly what they expect to get ( as long as whatever gear is used is fit for purpose, and it's up to you to make sure. (I have been known to take a full rig to a " records only " gig, just in case ;) )

2) Paid by venue. Discount time, cos they have laid out for umpteen pence worth of kit, and they understandably want a return on their investment.

Unless of course, you feel differently. :)

EDIT. And I'm sorry for extra post, but Rob posted while I was typing.:bang:

Sorry to tell you this mate, but as usual you're wrong.:p ;)

[rob1963]

Sorry to tell you this mate, but as usual you're wrong.:p ;)

:Laugh:

[Penfold42]

Depends on the time and day though, I'd probably be persuaded to go cheaper if it was out of season or on a weekday night.
As the man said......would need to take into account Time, Date, Venue, Travel...etc.


1) Paid by customer. Probably no or very little discount, as customer is getting exactly what they expect to get ( as long as whatever gear is used is fit fir purpose, and it's up to you to make sure. (I have been known to take a full rig to a " records only " gig, just in case ;) )


This would be sorted on my pre gig visit....(each customer gets one)...
Don't want to start and everything fails......my reputation at stake even if it is there party......

Hope that makes sense....:)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I didn't say it WAS the equipment they are paying for.

I said it's my TIME...and if the venue supply the gear, it will take two and a half hours LESS of my time, hence charging less for these functions.





But I don't charge a client for setting up my gear. They pay for playing time only.

[Excalibur]

But I don't charge a client for setting up my gear. They pay for playing time only.

What about travelling time then? I've got a gig up here I'd like you to cover, and on that basis, I reckon we agree on price!;) ;) :D :D

[Sam]

I would charge the same amount.
Mainly because I do not like using gear other than my own.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

What about travelling time then? I've got a gig up here I'd like you to cover, and on that basis, I reckon we agree on price!;) ;) :D :D

No, I add travelling time on. :)

[Excalibur]

No, I add travelling time on. :)

Well that's snookered that one then! :( It's always the hidden extras that bump the price up! ;) :D

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

( It's always the hidden extras that bump the price up! ;) :D

Hidden?

On my website:

FAQ No:11. Will you travel to other areas?

"We are based in Reading, Berkshire and most of our work is within 20 miles of our base, including Reading, Newbury, Bracknell, Wokingham, Slough, Maidenhead, Lower Earley, Woodley and most of Berkshire, but if you wish us to travel outside of our area, we will make a surcharge which will be included in your quotation.


:D :D :D

[Excalibur]

Hidden?

On my website:

FAQ No:11. Will you travel to other areas?

"We are based in Reading, Berkshire and most of our work is within 20 miles of our base, including Reading, Newbury, Bracknell, Wokingham, Slough, Maidenhead, Lower Earley, Woodley and most of Berkshire, but if you wish us to travel outside of our area, we will make a surcharge which will be included in your quotation.


:D :D :D

And I notice on Question 8 you only carry music back to the 1940's!:eek: Personally I think this is very laissez faire, as I thought everybody carried it back to the 1930's? :confused: :D :D

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

And I notice on Question 8 you only carry music back to the 1940's!:eek: Personally I think this is very laissez faire, as I thought everybody carried it back to the 1930's? :confused: :D :D

I need to change that actually, I have 30s now too. ;)

[Excalibur]

I need to change that actually, I have 30s now too. ;)

Smartbottom!:p

Nice one Darren! I know when I'm beaten. :)

PS ( If I'm honest, which I like to think I am, it's one Fats waller CD! :( ) I bought it after hearing a band play " My very good friend the milkman" , a classic track.;) :D :D

[CRAZY K]

This is something that came up recently on another thread.

Would you charge your normal fee for a gig where the sound system & lights were already at the venue, and all you needed to take were your CDs or laptop?

I personally would charge less, as I couldn't justify charging my normal fee.

Why?

Firstly, because a normal gig involves spending 20 minutes loading up the van, but if I only needed my CDs it would take less than one minute.

Secondly, a normal gig involves at least an hour to carry in & set up my gear, but if I only had to carry in my CDs & take the lids off the boxes it would also take about one minute.

Thirdly, after a normal gig I need about 30-45 minutes to pack down & carry the gear out to my van, but with only my CDs, packing away would again take about one minute.

Finally, after a normal gig I need 20 minutes to unload the van when I get home, but with only my CDs to unload, this again would take about one minute.

The bottom line is that a gig where the gear was there would take me nearly two and a half hours less time than a gig where I use my own gear.

As I'm being paid for my time, I would therefore feel obliged to charge less if I was using the venue's gear.

What do the rest of you think?

We never discount.

We also dont discount for short gigs.

You could get a better paid job elsewhere for more money (and a bit more work)

Depends on what your running your business for--an easy life with a lower income or trying to maximise income--this also includes travelling long distances and charging for it.

CRAZY K

[Excalibur]

We never discount.

We also dont discount for short gigs.

You could get a better paid job elsewhere for more money (and a bit more work)

Depends on what your running your business for--an easy life with a lower income or trying to maximise income--this also includes travelling long distances and charging for it.

CRAZY K

Alan, do you by any chance derive all your income from self-employment? ;)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Smartbottom!:p

Nice one Darren! I know when I'm beaten. :)

PS ( If I'm honest, which I like to think I am, it's one Fats waller CD! :( ) I bought it after hearing a band play " My very good friend the milkman" , a classic track.;) :D :D

I only have one CD which is called Smash Hits of the 1930s and it does contain a Fats Waller track (Honeysuckle Rose) Anyway, we appear to be way off topic here and I'm always telling others off for doing it. :o

[Excalibur]

I only have one CD which is called Smash Hits of the 1930s and it does contain a Fats Waller track (Honeysuckle Rose) Anyway, we appear to be way off topic here and I'm always telling others off for doing it. :o

:offtopic: :sorry: :( :(

[CRAZY K]

Alan, do you by any chance derive all your income from self-employment? ;)

No--im retired

But I take the Entertainment business seriously--as does my wife:D

CRAZY K

[Excalibur]

No--im retired

But I take the Entertainment business seriously--as does my wife:D

CRAZY K

Now I understand totally.;) Just try getting a discount from my wife either for my services! :eek: :D :D

[Corabar Steve]

I need to change that actually, I have 30s now too. ;)

Mine goes back to the 20s :sj:

We don't usually take gigs with other peoples kit, but I think we would charge more, as we would have to work with unfamilliar kit. :sj:

[CRAZY K]

Mine goes back to the 20s :sj:

We don't usually take gigs with other peoples kit, but I think we would charge more, as we would have to work with unfamilliar kit. :sj:

Thats a good point Steve.

Should we charge people more when working with you on your kit:D :D :D

Some of our music goes back hundreds of years--

But we dont boast about it :rolleyes:

CRAZY K

[PropellerHeadCase]

Indeed, Rock Me, Amadeus :D

[Corabar Steve]

Should we charge people more when working with you on your kit:D :D :D You owe us £50 then Alan :sj:

[Dragonfly]

And I notice on Question 8 you only carry music back to the 1940's!:eek: Personally I think this is very laissez faire, as I thought everybody carried it back to the 1930's? :confused: :D :D


I need to change that actually, I have 30s now too. ;)


Mine goes back to the 20s :sj:

We don't usually take gigs with other peoples kit, but I think we would charge more, as we would have to work with unfamilliar kit. :sj:

1700s :p :p :p :p :p I have Mozart on my hard drive I have to say I have in recent times been allowed to use a venues own kit once ......... I took and in the end used my own ..... the speakers were big and red need i say more ... the amp was unnamed but 500w no not a side and lighting was 1 tango on the wall. the capacity was 120 allegedy ???? although where you would put that many I have no idea?

[rob1963]

We don't usually take gigs with other peoples kit

Same here.

I had my first request for one of these functions a few days ago, but turned it down.

As I've said before, I don't like using other people's gear, as I don't know it, and it might not be very good.

[Corabar Steve]

1700s :p :p :p :p :p I have Mozart on my hard drive I have to say I have in recent times been allowed to use a venues own kit once ......... I took and in the end used my own ..... the speakers were big and red need i say more ... the amp was unnamed but 500w no not a side and lighting was 1 tango on the wall. the capacity was 120 allegedy ???? although where you would put that many I have no idea?

I forgot about the Classical stuff, so we're about the same (although you can't really count them as they are contempory recordings, not from when the music came out)

[Shaun]

I have to say I have in recent times been allowed to use a venues own kit once ......... I took and in the end used my own ..... the speakers were big and red need i say more ... the amp was unnamed but 500w no not a side and lighting was 1 tango on the wall.


Your post brings up a point.....

those that do discount, if you've already offered a substantial discount, what would you do under the above circumstances if you had to end up using your own gear because of poor equipment?.

[Corabar Steve]

Good point Shaun.

We were offered use of a venue's kit last year & declined. When we got there it was low end KAM stuff. Tried a CD in it out of curiosity & it sounded :pants:

[infinity disco uk]

Do you think the venue is charging the client less money because the dj is using their equipment, I think not
So why should you drop your price just because its not your equipment :cool:

[rob1963]

why should you drop your price just because its not your equipment :cool:

Because you are charging for your time, and a "walk in" probably takes about two and a half hours less than one with your own gear, as I explained in the first post.

[flatliners]

on the other side of the coin how much do you people with more than 1 show charge and how much do you pay a dj for walk in
and what equipment do you put out for walk ins

[Shaun]

Because you are charging for your time, and a "walk in" probably takes about two and a half hours less than one with your own gear, as I explained in the first post.

That still doesn't answer my question :)


Your post brings up a point.....

those that do discount, if you've already offered a substantial discount, what would you do under the above circumstances if you had to end up using your own gear because of poor equipment?.

What would you do?

[TonyB]

Because you are charging for your time, and a "walk in" probably takes about two and a half hours less than one with your own gear, as I explained in the first post.

But does using someone else's gear reduce my outgoings? Will I get a discount on the fuel I use? Will my utility bills be reduced? Will my mortgage get reduced? I still need to earn the same whether I am using my own gear or not. If they won't pay a sensible amount to cover the cost of living then I wouldn't do it.

[rob1963]

But does using someone else's gear reduce my outgoings? Will I get a discount on the fuel I use? Will my utility bills be reduced? Will my mortgage get reduced? I still need to earn the same whether I am using my own gear or not. If they won't pay a sensible amount to cover the cost of living then I wouldn't do it.

In a small way, yes...because it reduces the wear & tear on your OWN gear.....as you're not using it!

Although it might not massively reduce your outgoings, isn't a large part of your charge for a gig reflected by the time that gig takes you?

In other words, would you charge the same for a wedding from 8pm until 11.30pm as one where you had to play background music from 4pm and which finished at 1am (even though neither gig makes any difference to your outgoings)?

That's my point...you are largely charging for your TIME.

[rob1963]

Because you are charging for your time, and a "walk in" probably takes about two and a half hours less than one with your own gear, as I explained in the first post.


That still doesn't answer my question :)

Which question Shaun?

[Excalibur]

Because you are charging for your time, and a "walk in" probably takes about two and a half hours less than one with your own gear, as I explained in the first post.

So now we have to discount our prices if the gig is half an hour shorter than normal? ( less time)
A really rapid load in/out? (less time)
An even more rapid assisted load in/out? ( even less time, big discount)
Features a band/singer/buffet/sit down meal/speeches (less time)

Somehow I feel your logic is severely flawed, but that comes as no surprise to you, does it?:p :D

[rob1963]

So now we have to discount our prices if the gig is half an hour shorter than normal? (less time)

I didn't say anything about charging less for a gig that was 30 minutes shorter than normal.....I was talking about a walk in which takes TWO AND A HALF HOURS less time than normal!

Of course my logic is not flawed.

We are charging for our time, walk ins take less time, therefore less charge.

Would you charge the same for an all day wedding where you had to be there from late morning until 1am as a wedding from 8pm until 11.30pm?

Yes or no?

[infinity disco uk]

Because you are charging for your time, and a "walk in" probably takes about two and a half hours less than one with your own gear, as I explained in the first post.

I think you missed the point I was trying to make its not about paying for your time its the fact that the venue will charge the client the same price for entertainment wether you walk in set up in 5mins and start playing, or if it takes you an hour to set up then start playing

I think the point Iam trying to make is why should we drop are prices when the venue probably won't pass this on to the client :o

[rob1963]

I think you missed the point I was trying to make its not about paying for your time its the fact that the venue will charge the client the same price for entertainment wether you walk in set up in 5mins and start playing, or if it takes you an hour to set up then start playing

I think the point Iam trying to make is why should we drop are prices when the venue probably won't pass this on to the client :o

Because we don't set out to rip people off.

If the venues want to though, that's their decision.

[Shaun]

Which question Shaun?



Post #33 in this thread.

[rob1963]

Your post brings up a point.....

those that do discount, if you've already offered a substantial discount, what would you do under the above circumstances if you had to end up using your own gear because of poor equipment?.


Post #33 in this thread.

It wouldn't make any difference to me, as I don't do gigs with other people's gear in the first place!

:D

[Shaun]

It wouldn't make any difference to me, as I don't do gigs with other people's gear in the first place!

:D

Well we know that, but you still posed the original question in this topic :rolleyes:

Hypothetically, what would you do?. It's not a test, I'm just curious what people that do (or would) discount would do. I stated that I'd probably discount a little, but in that situation I'd seriously regret having discounted....which makes me rethink my original answer

[infinity disco uk]

I think its time for me to sit on the fence http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/ad/doh.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org)

[rob1963]

Well we know that, but you still posed the original question in this topic :rolleyes:

Hypothetically, what would you do?. It's not a test, I'm just curious what people that do (or would) discount would do. I stated that I'd probably discount a little, but in that situation I'd seriously regret having discounted....which makes me rethink my original answer

I would charge less in the first place, for the reasons given.

However, if I then had to use my own gear due to poor equipment at the venue, that would be a tricky one...as the cheaper quote would be for using their equipment.

To be honest, I'd probably still charge the discounted rate, even if I chose to use my own equipment.....as the client could argue that I COULD have still used the gear at the venue, even though I chose not to.

If you told them you were going to use your own gear & would have to charge them more as the venue's gear wasn't very good, they could demand that you used the venue gear and still charge the discounted amount which you originally quoted.

[Dragonfly]

Well we know that, but you still posed the original question in this topic :rolleyes:

Hypothetically, what would you do?. It's not a test, I'm just curious what people that do (or would) discount would do. I stated that I'd probably discount a little, but in that situation I'd seriously regret having discounted....which makes me rethink my original answer

with me it was choice ....I could have just said stuff it and used the gear , but for me thats not the point , my reputation and service are to important to me to compramise and i didnt feel i could do the customer full justice using what was there .... particulary the lighting. I try and do meetings at the venue with the client so if this crops up i can ask the question...

"well that is the equipment on offer If you would like me to use that I can otherwise lets discuss bringing my own in"

[Excalibur]

I didn't say anything about charging less for a gig that was 30 minutes shorter than normal.....I was talking about a walk in which takes TWO AND A HALF HOURS less time than normal!

Of course my logic is not flawed.

We are charging for our time, walk ins take less time, therefore less charge.

Would you charge the same for an all day wedding where you had to be there from late morning until 1am as a wedding from 8pm until 11.30pm?

Yes or no?

There is no hard and fast rule. Every gig is different. The one I have referred to twice previously is full price USING VENUE GEAR. You may be interested to find that in this case myself using venue gear is cheaper to the customer than the in-house version! :eek: Therefore, happy customer, happy DJ. If I cover some gigs for pals, using venue gear, because I am paid by the venue, then the price is way low. In my opinion it still depends on whether you are paid by the venue owning the gear, who will rightly expect a discount, or the customer who has still had exactly the same disco as normal ( or should have ) therefore no discount.

By your logic we will all have to take stopwatches and calculators with us to price gigs!;) :D :D

[rob1963]

By your logic we will all have to take stopwatches and calculators with us to price gigs!;) :D :D

Well I don't do gigs with other peoples gear, so whether I would charge less or not doesnt even come into it.

I actually have fixed prices, although many here do not...and have to ask the client a load of questions before being able to give a quote.

I'm sure that the more time those gigs take, the higher those quotes will be.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I actually have fixed prices, although many here do not...and have to ask the client a load of questions before being able to give a quote.

.

So if you had to work from 12 midday to 1am, then your prices are still fixed?

[rob1963]

So if you had to work from 12 midday to 1am, then your prices are still fixed?

No, as my fixed prices are subject to a couple of basic criteria, as detailed on my website.

One of these is that discos must be no more than 5 hours duration.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

So they aren't fixed then....

[CRAZY K]

So they aren't fixed then....

Fixed until they change:D

Interestingly we have just received an enquiry for a large event in a Village with 800 people attending.

I have a load of BS from the organiser how they are supplying all the sound equipment etc.

Im not completely sure of their requirements as the bloke sending the email cant speak in a way that makes sense:eek:

Of course if they want live music thats really going to go down well with the Band--NOT!

And I suppose they will want a huge discount because they are supplying the
equipment ---ah well disaapointment coming up:) :) :)

Course the most telling point of this story is they are not hiring the people that did it last year---I never like these because you never know if the entertainment was rubbish or the audience were:D :D :D :D

[rob1963]

So they aren't fixed then....

Yes they are.

I have fixed prices for all discos of up to 5 hours in the Surrey area with an evening set up...which accounts for about 95% of all my bookings!

:D :D :D

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Yes they are.

I have fixed prices for all discos of up to 5 hours in the Surrey area with an evening set up...which accounts for about 95% of all my bookings!

:D :D :D

Yeah....but if they were for 6 hours in Berkshire, then they wouldn't be fixed. :confused:

[rob1963]

Yeah....but if they were for 6 hours in Berkshire, then they wouldn't be fixed. :confused:

True...but even fixed prices have to be subject to at least some basic criteria.

Ask anyone with fixed prices if they'd travel 500 miles to do a gig without charging more, and the answer would probably be no!

In the whole of last year, I only did one booking which was outside this criteria...a wedding in Basildon...and I only took that on because I knew the guy from one of my quiz nights.

To clarify...I have fixed prices...subject to some very basic & simple criteria concerning duration & location.

:)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

To clarify...I have fixed prices...subject to some very basic & simple criteria concerning duration & location.

:)

I'll let you off then...:p

[rob1963]

I'll let you off then...:p

Pleased to hear that...I was starting to think you were taking over where Ricesnaps left off!

:rolleyes:

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Pleased to hear that...I was starting to think you were taking over where Ricesnaps left off!

:rolleyes:

I only said I'll let you off. I still don't agree with your term 'fixed price'.:D

[rob1963]

I only said I'll let you off. I still don't agree with your term 'fixed price'.:D

:eek: :boxer2: :moon: :p

[Excalibur]

I only said I'll let you off. I still don't agree with your term 'fixed price'.:D

Neither do I, so no surprise there then!;) :D

I actually tend to have a fixed price, which can sometimes cost me when the customer slips in a bit more work.:(

[rob1963]

I actually tend to have a fixed price, which can sometimes cost me when the customer slips in a bit more work.:(

Presumably the opposite is also true...and you gain when less time or work is required.

[Shaun]

As I'm being paid for my time, I would therefore feel obliged to charge less.



Rob,

As you're an advocate of not charging the customer when less work is involved. Do you offer a cash rebate if the client only needs a disco for half of the allocated 'up to 5 hours' you offer in your package?, or if the disco ends early for whatever reason?.

Both of these situations fall into your logic that if there's less work involved the customer shouldn't be charged.

[Excalibur]

Rob,

As you're an advocate of not charging the customer when less work is involved. Do you offer a cash rebate if the client only needs a disco for half of the allocated 'up to 5 hours' you offer in your package?, or if the disco ends early for whatever reason?.

Both of these situations fall into your logic that if there's less work involved the customer shouldn't be charged.

That's what I said!:D Rob appeared to disagree!;) :D :D

[rob1963]

As I'm being paid for my time, I would therefore feel obliged to charge less if I was using the venue's gear.


Rob,

As you're an advocate of not charging the customer when less work is involved. Do you offer a cash rebate if the client only needs a disco for half of the allocated 'up to 5 hours' you offer in your package?, or if the disco ends early for whatever reason?.

Both of these situations fall into your logic that if there's less work involved the customer shouldn't be charged.

Shaun,

Let me try & clarify the situation.

I said I would feel obliged to charge less for a gig if I was using the venue's gear as I'm being paid for my time.

The reason I would feel obliged to charge less is partly because the gig would take much less of my time (about two and a half hours less) and partly because it would involve virtually no manual work on my part (lugging in & setting up a load of gear).

In the real world I don't charge less for a mobile disco which is half the length of my 5 hour maximum, because although it WOULD involve less TIME, it would NOT involve any less hard manual work (unlike a venue where the gear was there).

In other words, I would still get knackered carrying in, setting up, packing down & carrying out my gear whether my gig was 3 hours or 5 hours. That is the part of the job I don't like, and that is what a large part of my fee covers.

In the real world, having fixed fees keeps things simple, as it enables me to put prices on the website for all prospective clients to see, and means I don't have to ask them a load of questions before being able to give them a quote.

If someone books a 4 hour disco up the road from me, it obviously takes less of my time. If they book a 5 hour disco 30 miles away it takes more of my time. However, both gigs will involve the same amount of hard manual work with my gear.

Although both clients will pay the same, it all evens out in the end, as the easy gigs make up for the harder ones & vice versa.

[CRAZY K]

Shaun,

Let me try & clarify the situation.

I said I would feel obliged to charge less for a gig if I was using the venue's gear as I'm being paid for my time.

The reason I would feel obliged to charge less is partly because the gig would take much less of my time (about two and a half hours less) and partly because it would involve virtually no manual work on my part (lugging in & setting up a load of gear).

In the real world I don't charge less for a mobile disco which is half the length of my 5 hour maximum, because although it WOULD involve less TIME, it would NOT involve any less hard manual work (unlike a venue where the gear was there).

In other words, I would still get knackered carrying in, setting up, packing down & carrying out my gear whether my gig was 3 hours or 5 hours. That is the part of the job I don't like, and that is what a large part of my fee covers.

In the real world, having fixed fees keeps things simple, as it enables me to put prices on the website for all prospective clients to see, and means I don't have to ask them a load of questions before being able to give them a quote.

If someone books a 4 hour disco up the road from me, it obviously takes less of my time. If they book a 5 hour disco 30 miles away it takes more of my time. However, both gigs will involve the same amount of hard manual work with my gear.

Although both clients will pay the same, it all evens out in the end, as the easy gigs make up for the harder ones & vice versa.

We just make effectively an "appearance charge" which has a maximum of 4 or 5 hours depending on the service required.

To turn up it costs this---equipment--no equipment doesnt matter--

If its less too bad--when your out on a gig your out--- and you want to earn
a worthwhile fee ---theres always another telephone call or email coming for a replacement gig:D

As it happens I quoted full price for a gig today where they supply all equipment--no one seemed fazed by that --just as well theres no discount:D

CRAZY K

[Excalibur]

We just make effectively an "appearance charge" which has a maximum of 4 or 5 hours depending on the service required.

To turn up it costs this---equipment--no equipment doesnt matter--

If its less too bad--when your out on a gig your out--- and you want to earn
a worthwhile fee ---theres always another telephone call or email coming for a replacement gig:D

As it happens I quoted full price for a gig today where they supply all equipment--no one seemed fazed by that --just as well theres no discount:D

CRAZY K

See Rob, you're in a group of one again!:p :D :D

[rob1963]

See Rob, you're in a group of one again!:p :D :D

Luckily I like my own company, so that's fine with me!

:D :D :D

On a serious note, I don't think I've EVER been in a group of one!

[PropellerHeadCase]

Ever been new AND improved?