Prices for next year

[CRAZY K]

Im quoting about 8 per cent extra on this years prices--to allow for Petrol , food prices, heating, electricity etc.

Seems to be unpopular with the Wedding customers--not that im bothered.

Some guy wanted me for a Wedding but in the end I quoted it as a job to be shared with Matt ( Spin Mobile Disco ) charging £25 more than this years published rates--no response.

Another Wedding quote I gave was £25 up on this year---ooooh dear:eek:

Anyone else finding resistance to inflationary increases?

Not that ill be changing my prices:beer1:

CRAZY K

[rob1963]

Im quoting about 8 per cent extra on this years prices--to allow for Petrol , food prices, heating, electricity etc.

Seems to be unpopular with the Wedding customers--not that im bothered.

Some guy wanted me for a Wedding but in the end I quoted it as a job to be shared with Matt ( Spin Mobile Disco ) charging £25 more than this years published rates--no response.

Another Wedding quote I gave was £25 up on this year---ooooh dear:eek:

Anyone else finding resistance to inflationary increases?

Not that ill be changing my prices:beer1:

CRAZY K

Hi Crazy,

As you know, I've recently increased my prices by 10% for the standard disco and 17% for the large one, so I don't think I'll be increasing them again next year.

Funnily enough, since increasing my prices the enquiries & bookings seem to be coming in at an even faster rate than before!

Disco bookings for this year are already up by 20% on my best previous year, and it's still only May!

:D :D :D

[Vectis]

I've put my 2009 prices up by between 10% and 20% depending on the configuration and no-one's challenged me yet. But then the majority of my gigs are one-off Overner events so I don't expect them to be tracking my rates.

[theoloyla]

Only a small increase for next year by 2%. This year is was 4%.

[CRAZY K]

Hi Crazy,

As you know, I've recently increased my prices by 10% for the standard disco and 17% for the large one, so I don't think I'll be increasing them again next year.

Funnily enough, since increasing my prices the enquiries & bookings seem to be coming in at an even faster rate than before!

Disco bookings for this year are already up by 20% on my best previous year, and it's still only May!

:D :D :D

Good news Rob--we are processing a large throughput of Barn Dance work here but my own personal appearances are not as many as last year and probably even less next year.

Ah well---might be time to put my feet up and get the boat out again.

CRAZY K

[rob1963]

Ah well---might be time to put my feet up and get the boat out again.

CRAZY K

Sounds like a great idea to me!


I might also get MY boat out again.....

























.....to be honest, I've missed having it in the bath with me!

:D

[spin mobile disco]

Havent increased prices for 2 years. However with this diesel price hike im going to have to include a surcharge for next year I think.

[Danno13]

I've put my fee up, over the rate of inflation, due to demand and I have more weddings booked for next year than I did at the same time last year.

[Sam]

Our fee has also gone up.
but more due to demand than anything - more people want to book us so we can get away with higher prices (thankfully ;) )

[Sapphire Disco]

I really don't understand some of you guys are you saying if you are charging £300 this year next year is going to be £306 :confused: I don't think it's worth putting up prices unless you can get an amount worth having say an extra £20 / £30 or even £50
Surely most discos base their prices on what they can get , what they need , or what they think they are worth , some people will not have something if they think it's too cheap, some people love it when they get a discount.
All this I put my prices up by so much % I think is :BS: you are not a multinational company there are very few discos that would need to calculate in that way.

[Danno13]

All this I put my prices up by so much % I think is <annoying smiley that stops you copy/pasting in one go> you are not a multinational company there are very few discos that would need to calculate in that way.

I don't agree - it's basic business sense to put your prices up in order to account for inflation and rises in costs.

If every DJ treated it like a proper business and followed that, then there wouldn't be so many stuck charging the same as they have done for last 10-20+ years!

Although.. as well as all that, the demand for your services should increase (if you're any good) so I do agree that increases should be more like £20-50.

[Shaun]

If every DJ treated it like a proper business and followed that, then there wouldn't be so many stuck charging the same as they have done for last 10-20+ years!



Aint that the truth. :beer1:

[Sapphire Disco]

I don't agree - it's basic business sense to put your prices up in order to account for inflation and rises in costs.

If every DJ treated it like a proper business and followed that, then there wouldn't be so many stuck charging the same as they have done for last 10-20+ years!

Although.. as well as all that, the demand for your services should increase (if you're any good) so I do agree that increases should be more like £20-50.


Please do not quote a small snippet of my original post that distorts what I said overall , which was the same as your last paragraph.

Thank you

:)

[rob1963]

All this I put my prices up by so much % I think is :BS: you are not a multinational company there are very few discos that would need to calculate in that way.

To be honest, when I recently increased my prices, I didn't think about what percent I wanted to increase them by, but the actual monetary amounts.

I decided on £25 extra for my standard disco and £50 for the large one.

Having decided on these amounts, I then worked out the percentages afterwards, simply because I was interested to know - partly so I could compare them to the inflation figure...which is also given as a percentage.

The percentage increases worked out at 10% for my standard disco and about 17% for the large one.

[Sapphire Disco]

To be honest, when I recently increased my prices, I didn't think about what percent I wanted to increase them by, but the actual monetary amounts.

I decided on £25 extra for my standard disco and £50 for the large one.

Having decided on these amounts, I then worked out the percentages afterwards, simply because I was interested to know - partly so I could compare them to the inflation figure...which is also given as a percentage.

The percentage increases worked out at 10% for my standard disco and about 17% for the large one.



Thank you

What a sensible answer :)


Ah we know your charges now

[rob1963]

Thank you

What a sensible answer :)

What else would you expect from one of the most sensible people on this forum?

:D

[theoloyla]

Same for me. Last year it was a tenner, this year its only a fiver which works out to 4% and 2%.

[Sapphire Disco]

Same for me. Last year it was a tenner, this year its only a fiver which works out to 4% and 2%.


So that means you were charging £250 and now you are charging £255 what you going to do with that extra £5.

Don't you think you are worth more than that :)

[Sam]

So that means you were charging £250 and now you are charging £255 what you going to do with that extra £5.

Don't you think you are worth more than that :)

Don't you think you have made your point now??

It is basic business to increase prices - especially with inflation and due to demand.
The best way to do it is in small jumps or it puts people off - it is all about price elasticity of demand. Huge increases will put people off when it is a service like a disco - as they can get it elsewhere. Small increases are more likely to just be engulfed by them and maybe not even noticed.

And to answer your post directly. That extra £5 all adds up at the end of the year. Twenty discos will give you an extra £100. Which yes maybe it is boys money to you? But is is good for others.

[Sapphire Disco]

Don't you think you have made your point now??

It is basic business to increase prices - especially with inflation and due to demand.
The best way to do it is in small jumps or it puts people off - it is all about price elasticity of demand. Huge increases will put people off when it is a service like a disco - as they can get it elsewhere. Small increases are more likely to just be engulfed by them and maybe not even noticed.

And to answer your post directly. That extra £5 all adds up at the end of the year. Twenty discos will give you an extra £100. Which yes maybe it is boys money to you? But is is good for others.


Since when was your name Theo or are you his official spokesman ?
If you looked it was done with a smile, no need to get shirty with me.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I'm on the fence with this one.

I wish more DJs did treat their discos like proper businesses, but do agree that certain people can be a bit over the top with a business that is only a small part time wage, when talking about percentages and the like.

And Paul and Sam - behave yourselves. :sj:

[CRAZY K]

I'm on the fence with this one.

I wish more DJs did treat their discos like proper businesses, but do agree that certain people can be a bit over the top with a business that is only a small part time wage, when talking about percentages and the like.

And Paul and Sam - behave yourselves. :sj:

Oh dear--sorry if I caused the temperature to rise a bit:o

I just get the feeling that we are going to be hit with a lot of large increases over the next twelve months--as was demonstrated when I went into Tescos shopping today--:eek:

I wont talk about filling the car up with fuel afterwards

I was listening to an MP on the telly talking about inflationary pay rises and saying the Government want 3 year pay deals.

How can you possibly do that with the massive increases we are all getting now and likely to get worse?

I wont quote more than 12 months ahead--never have--your shooting yourself in the foot if you do with high inflation looming now.

:eek: :eek: :eek:

CRAZY K

[Sapphire Disco]

Oh dear--sorry if I caused the temperature to rise a bit:o

I just get the feeling that we are going to be hit with a lot of large increases over the next twelve months--as was demonstrated when I went into Tescos shopping today--:eek:

I wont talk about filling the car up with fuel afterwards

I was listening to an MP on the telly talking about inflationary pay rises and saying the Government want 3 year pay deals.

How can you possibly do that with the massive increases we are all getting now and likely to get worse?

I wont quote more than 12 months ahead--never have--your shooting yourself in the foot if you do with high inflation looming now.

:eek: :eek: :eek:

CRAZY K


Yes exactly my point, things are going to get tough, there is an old saying of Make hay while the sun shines.
If you are like me and you only do it for pleasure it doesn't matter so much, but if it's your sole or part of your income you need to make money when you can, I see little point in getting an extra £5 per gig because you only have to give £50 off to get a job or lose a booking and that's an awful lot of £5s wiped out at a stroke.
I'm not having a go at anyone I'm just saying that in my opinion Robs idea of deciding how much more you need to charge is the best idea, rather than putting on a small percentage each year.

[pagan_flame]

I decided at the start of the year not to go out for less than £200, usual quote is £250 - £300.

April and May have been totally dead. I have quoted for three jobs off forums for May - all have said that I am way too expensive - even @ £200!

The 50 quid cowboys are cleaning up just now, I fear... :(

[Danno13]

Please do not quote a small snippet of my original post that distorts what I said overall , which was the same as your last paragraph.

Thank you

It didn't distort your post. My point was the very least people should increase their prices by is the rate of inflation, which is quoted as a %.

If you charged £250 and still continue to charge £250 the following year, then you're actually making less profit, whereas if you increased by the rate of inflation, you're making the same.

[Sapphire Disco]

I decided at the start of the year not to go out for less than £200, usual quote is £250 - £300.

April and May have been totally dead. I have quoted for three jobs off forums for May - all have said that I am way too expensive - even @ £200!

The 50 quid cowboys are cleaning up just now, I fear... :(


I price the same, which I think for what we do is very reasonable, is it really getting that bad ? and are there really people around that will do It for £50 ?

If people do pay £50 and have a crap night they get all they deserve :mad:

[rob1963]

Ah we know your charges now

You would have known them before if you'd looked on my website.

They have always been on there.

:)

[wensleydale]

this is a debate that has done before but i dont think you can have x price for this year and y price for next year.
if you dont judge each job on its (dis)advantages you will lose out at some point.
not necessarilly because you quote too much for a gig and lose work, but that you will quote too little for gigs where you could get more.

and before i get the "i am happy with what i get" response, i honestly dont believe that there are more than about 2% of people on this forum who solely do this because they love it.

[Sam]

Very true,
i judge each gig as it comes in.
BUT my prices are still higher - but due to demand. I don't need to worry about getting the lower end gigs (which are often not as fun anyway)

[nigelwright7557]

Very true,
i judge each gig as it comes in.
BUT my prices are still higher - but due to demand. I don't need to worry about getting the lower end gigs (which are often not as fun anyway)

At the end of the day you are competing with other local discos for work.

If you put your price up and they dont, then they will probably get any work going and you will end up sat at home instead of DJing.

I rang a couple of local discos to get an idea of pricing.
For the same gig I did I was quoted £186 and £150.

Your quotes of £250 and £300 simply wouldnt get you any work in Carlisle.

[rob1963]

and before i get the "i am happy with what i get" response, i honestly dont believe that there are more than about 2% of people on this forum who solely do this because they love it.

I don't do it solely because I love it...but for lots of other reasons too, including the fact that I'm my own boss & can make my own decisions, can get up when I like (usually around 10.00), have my daytimes free to do what I like, and because it produces the maximum income from the minimum amount of hours...especially compared to my previous job, where I worked triple the hours I do now but only got two thirds of my current pay.

I must have been mad.

At least I finally saw the light!

[CRAZY K]

this is a debate that has done before but i dont think you can have x price for this year and y price for next year.
if you dont judge each job on its (dis)advantages you will lose out at some point.
not necessarilly because you quote too much for a gig and lose work, but that you will quote too little for gigs where you could get more.

and before i get the "i am happy with what i get" response, i honestly dont believe that there are more than about 2% of people on this forum who solely do this because they love it.

All I can say is I charge x this year and will charge y next year for 5 hour Weddings which appears to be the area where im finding people not very willing to pay an increase.

Ah well--theyll be the losers---ill just concentrate on my favourite gigs next year--Wild West Nights--yee ha!

CRAZY K

[Danno13]

Your quotes of £250 and £300 simply wouldnt get you any work in Carlisle.

:bang: :bang: :bang: :bang: :bang: :bang:

There are already people charging this, and much more, I can guarantee you.

I think any phrase along the lines "you won't get xxx in xxx" should be banned! :D

[rob1963]

I think any phrase along the lines "you won't get xxx in xxx" should be banned! :D

I'll join that club, Danno...the same phrase annoys me too!

[Tony Scott]

and before i get the "i am happy with what i get" response, i honestly dont believe that there are more than about 2% of people on this forum who solely do this because they love it.

Nice to be in a minority.........I do this for the love of it, but the extra dosh is nice! :D

I know I could get more than I currently charge but I cover my expenses and make a bit on top, I'm in the lucky position of having a day job I love that pays OK.

I'd rather be busy and have lots of work so I can do what I love doing. I love to party!

I re-invest a lot of the profit I make in new kit, improving the sound and light show etc.

If you work out your time, kit, fuel, running costs, tax etc we should all be charging more!!!

[Sam]

Nice to be in a minority.........I do this for the love of it, but the extra dosh is nice! :D

I know I could get more than I currently charge but I cover my expenses and make a bit on top, I'm in the lucky position of having a day job I love that pays OK.


It is people like you who then drive all of our prices down... who want to take the clients for as much as they've got :D :D - honestly Tony.. have some consideration for others down the road!! :rolleyes:

I'm lucky that I am not full time.. so I get away with charging more as I do it for the love of it.. BUT I very much need to make as much money as I can now.. to pay a lot of costs that will soon be coming my way... SO anyway.. I can charge more as I don't need to (or have the ability to) fill my diary every night of the week.

If any of that made sense?

I think if I was full time I would reduce my quotes to ensure I got as many gigs as possiable.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

:bang: :bang: :bang: :bang: :bang: :bang:

There are already people charging this, and much more, I can guarantee you.

I think any phrase along the lines "you won't get xxx in xxx" should be banned! :D

I agree with Dan.

He and I travel and meet a ot of people around the country who are getting great prices and this is not limited to any particular area.

Correct Dan?

[Sam]

But the prices DO vary from region to region in some form or other.
I'm sure that Tony will agree that here in good old (farmersville) Dorset and Somerset... we don't get away with charging as much in some other areas..
:S

[Danno13]

Yup, and I can't remember a single meeting from any part of the country where that immortal phrase hasn't been uttered...



If you work out your time, kit, fuel, running costs, tax etc we should all be charging more!!!

I also agree with that, although you should exclude those of us who do look at things like that and price accordingly.

All DJs would have a much easier job getting better money, if only everyone would run things as a business and not just a hobby.

And I can't understand why having a full time job would make you want to charge less, if it was me, I'd charge more because I'd value my spare time more. You may lose bookings, but the increased price will make up for that and as your "business" grows you'll start to fill all the gaps anyway and be ever better off!


But the prices DO vary from region to region in some form or other.
I'm sure that Tony will agree that here in good old (farmersville) Dorset and Somerset... we don't get away with charging as much in some other areas..
:S

Just because you don't charge as much, it doesn't mean others aren't. I think the only big variation is the difference between London and the rest of the UK, because the cost of living is so much higher there.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

But the prices DO vary from region to region in some form or other.
I'm sure that Tony will agree that here in good old (farmersville) Dorset and Somerset... we don't get away with charging as much in some other areas..
:S

They vary, but that doesn't mean you can't get top dollar if you're in the right market Sam.

Wat will you be flying, a jet or a glider? ;)

[Sam]

Fair enough :)

And hopefully a jet... although going by recent events I would say gliding experience is handy ;)

[rob1963]

If you work out your time, kit, fuel, running costs, tax etc we should all be charging more!!!

You more than most, Tony!

:rolleyes:

[wensleydale]

At the end of the day you are competing with other local discos for work.

If you put your price up and they dont, then they will probably get any work going and you will end up sat at home instead of DJing.

I rang a couple of local discos to get an idea of pricing.
For the same gig I did I was quoted £186 and £150.

Your quotes of £250 and £300 simply wouldnt get you any work in Carlisle.

people dont judge solely on price.
it depends if you are any good too.

[Tony Scott]

My standard Wedding Saturday night with an early set-up is between £210 and £240. Is this too cheap? I don't think it's that low?

I feel I give a great service with a better than average show and charge a reasonable price. I'm happy, my clients are happy and I don't think I'm driving down prices with silly 'I'll do it for £100 mate' antics. I will not give a discount, my price is my price! :)

[summer sounds]

There are loads of Dj's in this area who 'do it as a hobby'..thats why we have so many £50 a gig so called Mobile Discos to compete with! :bang:

[Vectis]

My standard Wedding Saturday night with an early set-up is between £210 and £240. Is this too cheap? I don't think it's that low?

From what I've seen of your postings on here, I think it's too cheap!

My very cheapest package without early setup & customer meeting is £225, rising to £395 for the top package with early setup. Both of these are before any 'optional extras'. Dorset is more affluent than the IoW where we have comparatively low average incomes and a higher cost of living thanks to greedy ferry companies.

From what little I know of your rig, capabilities and service level, I'd suggest repositioning in the £300-£350 range and see how it goes!

[CRAZY K]

Nice to be in a minority.........I do this for the love of it, but the extra dosh is nice! :D

I know I could get more than I currently charge but I cover my expenses and make a bit on top, I'm in the lucky position of having a day job I love that pays OK.

I'd rather be busy and have lots of work so I can do what I love doing. I love to party!

I re-invest a lot of the profit I make in new kit, improving the sound and light show etc.

If you work out your time, kit, fuel, running costs, tax etc we should all be charging more!!!

Some of us are :D :D :D

CRAZY K

[soundtracker]

I agree with Dan.

He and I travel and meet a ot of people around the country who are getting great prices and this is not limited to any particular area.

Correct Dan?

Every place you go someone will tell you "you can't charge that around here!" Local to me there's a chap who's been DJing 30 years - does a reasonable job, but insists you'll never get more than £200 for a disco around here - and he's right- HE won't, because that's his mindset - he doesn't believe that he's worth more! I don't care about areas with low incomes, more sheep than people, tight farmers, pubs that won't pay more than £75, social clubs where discos do 8 hours for £150 or that there are too many discos for the area! - none of these things matter to me - its not the audience that I'm aiming for.
Every area has nice wedding venues, where people are prepared to pay top dollar for excellent service, these are the people that I want to talk to, they are prepared to pay the going rate to have the job done properly!:)

[soundtracker]

There are loads of Dj's in this area who 'do it as a hobby'..thats why we have so many £50 a gig so called Mobile Discos to compete with! :bang:

Why would you want to compete with someone that charges £50?

[Tony Scott]

From what I've seen of your postings on here, I think it's too cheap!

My very cheapest package without early setup & customer meeting is £225, rising to £395 for the top package with early setup. Both of these are before any 'optional extras'. Dorset is more affluent than the IoW where we have comparatively low average incomes and a higher cost of living thanks to greedy ferry companies.

From what little I know of your rig, capabilities and service level, I'd suggest repositioning in the £300-£350 range and see how it goes!

Yeah interesting!

The quality of show thing doesn't really bother me too much as this part is the 'do it for the love of it' bit for me. I'd charge the same for 4 lights + pair of cabs on stands as 16 effects + the full 10k sound system.

My Customer service, DJ capabilities and Industry experience are really what I should be charging more for if anything. :)

2009.....lets see what happens eh?

[rob1963]

My standard Wedding Saturday night with an early set-up is between £210 and £240. Is this too cheap? I don't think it's that low?

If a daytime set up is NOT required, you charge £160 on Fridays and £180 on Saturdays for any disco up to 1am.

In my opinion, that's WAY too cheap.

By the time you've paid for equipment, advertising, insurance, travelling costs and tax, I don't really see how you can end up with any profit.

I'm not surprised you have a day job as well!

[Vectis]

My Customer service, DJ capabilities and Industry experience are really what I should be charging more for if anything. :)

Correct-a-mundo!

And that's what differentiates the £50 Sids from the professionals.

[Vectis]

Why would you want to compete with someone that charges £50?

That's just what I was thinking :o

No matter what service you're looking to buy, there's always someone willing to do it cheaper if you shop around.

Asda are generally cheaper than M&S yet they sell the same sorts of goods. So why do M&S post £1bn profits?

[Boogie Boy]

I wouldn't be surprised if prices lower significantly in the coming year. Has no-one heard the news..times are tight and there is likely to be far less work going around pretty soon! Just as there are more repossessions on houses, I can see more 'out of work' DJs in a year from now, as the DJ market shrinks. If you can increase your prices with all of that going on, you'll be a magician.

[soundtracker]

I wouldn't be surprised if prices lower significantly in the coming year. Has no-one heard the news..times are tight and there is likely to be far less work going around pretty soon! Just as there are more repossessions on houses, I can see more 'out of work' DJs in a year from now, as the DJ market shrinks. If you can increase your prices with all of that going on, you'll be a magician.

Good, so people will be more careful with their money and make sure what they are paying for is value for money.

[Tony Scott]

If a daytime set up is NOT required, you charge £160 on Fridays and £180 on Saturdays for any disco up to 1am.

In my opinion, that's WAY too cheap.

By the time you've paid for equipment, advertising, insurance, travelling costs and tax, I don't really see how you can end up with any profit.

I'm not surprised you have a day job as well!

Profit is not what I do it for Rob, although I do make one.

That said my prices are under review for Xmas & 2009, so keep hitting my Website for updates, every hit helps.........number 1 on google for my area! :D :D

[Vectis]

I wouldn't be surprised if prices lower significantly in the coming year. Has no-one heard the news..times are tight and there is likely to be far less work going around pretty soon! Just as there are more repossessions on houses, I can see more 'out of work' DJs in a year from now, as the DJ market shrinks. If you can increase your prices with all of that going on, you'll be a magician.

Watch this space....

My take on this is that folks who are under tighter monetary pressure will be looking to spend more wisely. They'll be demanding more value for money and those of us who offer much more than just rolling up and "doing a disco" will win out.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Good, so people will be more careful with their money and make sure what they are paying for is value for money.




My take on this is that folks who are under tighter monetary pressure will be looking to spend more wisely. They'll be demanding more value for money and those of us who offer much more than just rolling up and "doing a disco" will win out.

Agreed on both counts.

[Tony Scott]

I wouldn't be surprised if prices lower significantly in the coming year. Has no-one heard the news..times are tight and there is likely to be far less work going around pretty soon! Just as there are more repossessions on houses, I can see more 'out of work' DJs in a year from now, as the DJ market shrinks. If you can increase your prices with all of that going on, you'll be a magician.

This is exactly why I'm waiting to see what happens before setting my Xmas & '09 prices.
Weddings do seem to be pretty much recession proof in my experience though. :)

[rob1963]

My Customer service, DJ capabilities and Industry experience are really what I should be charging more for if anything.


Profit is not what I do it for Rob, although I do make one.

That said my prices are under review for Xmas & 2009, so keep hitting my Website for updates, every hit helps.........number 1 on google for my area! :D :D

If you accept that you should charge for your customer service, DJ capabilities and industry experience, then there are two possibilities, either you're rubbish or you're under-charging.

I'm assuming it's the second option, in which case put those prices up my man!

:D

[mikeee]

Um, sorry, have to disagree. Times are getting tighter, but I don't see food, petrol or anything else coming down - everything is going UP.

I have just lost a two hour, Sunday afternoon kids party for being to cheap, I went in at £160.00.

A couple of weeks ago I was whinged at because I'm too cheap at £450.00.

What you have to remember is for every "DJ" on a forum complaining they can't get more than XXX, there are at least two out there getting twice as much as you.

What I find even more amazing is, most of you have been through these threads time after time after time, and your still doing it and not learning anything from it.

Lets do some simple maths.
You spend £10,000 a year on kit, music and basic running expenses, by the governments own admission we currently pay 41% in tax. So, all your allowances etc are on your day time job, so this income is straight taxable income. So £15,000 a year turnover, less expenses leaves a taxable income of £5,000 less 41% (£2050.00) leaves you with £2950.00 or £56.73 a week "wages". So one booking at £300 gives you £56.73. Ok you don't have a full time job you run the disco as a business, multiply the above by 10, that gives you £567.30 less personal tax and NI, so thats about £350.00.

So to earn £350 per week, you need to "turnover" £150,000 per year. As I said at the start these figures are the simplest format as I know some of you have to take your shoes and socks off to do maths.

Have fun

[rob1963]

So to earn £350 per week, you need to "turnover" £150,000 per year.

Really?

My turnover must be a lot more than I thought then!

[Vectis]

Lets do some simple maths.
You spend £10,000 a year on kit, music and basic running expenses, by the governments own admission we currently pay 41% in tax. So, all your allowances etc are on your day time job, so this income is straight taxable income. So £15,000 a year turnover, less expenses leaves a taxable income of £5,000 less 41% (£2050.00) leaves you with £2950.00 or £56.73 a week "wages". So one booking at £300 gives you £56.73. Ok you don't have a full time job you run the disco as a business, multiply the above by 10, that gives you £567.30 less personal tax and NI, so thats about £350.00.

So to earn £350 per week, you need to "turnover" £150,000 per year. As I said at the start these figures are the simplest format as I know some of you have to take your shoes and socks off to do maths.

Have fun

In my case this is compounded by the fact that my day job already puts me into the upper tax bracket, so any "part time" earnings are already halved. On the flip side, this will make it easier for me to transition to 100% self-employed when the time comes. Now work that conundrum out :)

[mikeee]

Really?

My turnover must be a lot more than I thought then!


:D :D :D I did say I was keeping it simple for those that have to take their shoes and socks off :devil:

[rob1963]

:D :D :D I did say I was keeping it simple for those that have to take their shoes and socks off :devil:

Ahhhh, that's good...I like simple!

:D

[Sam]

What is your turnover then, Mike?

[rob1963]

What is your turnover then, Mike?

I wouldn't hold your breath for an answer on THAT one!

:rolleyes:

[Sam]

hehe.. I know ;)

[CRAZY K]

What is your turnover then, Mike?

SAM, THIS IS A PUBLIC FORUM READ BY MY CUSTOMERS (as I found out recently :eek: ) AND MAYBE YOURS.

CRAZY K

[Danno13]

Lets do some simple maths.
You spend £10,000 a year on kit, music and basic running expenses, by the governments own admission we currently pay 41% in tax. So, all your allowances etc are on your day time job, so this income is straight taxable income. So £15,000 a year turnover, less expenses leaves a taxable income of £5,000 less 41% (£2050.00) leaves you with £2950.00 or £56.73 a week "wages". So one booking at £300 gives you £56.73. Ok you don't have a full time job you run the disco as a business, multiply the above by 10, that gives you £567.30 less personal tax and NI, so thats about £350.00.

Mike, you've taken tax off twice.. no wonder you've come out with such a stupid high figure for turnover! :D And 10k expenses for a business turning over 150k, you'd be lucky!

[Sam]

SAM, THIS IS A PUBLIC FORUM READ BY MY CUSTOMERS (as I found out recently :eek: ) AND MAYBE YOURS.

CRAZY K

No need for crazy shouty post like that then..:)

The reason I ask is because 150k turnover for a DJ, in my eyes, is just not realistic i'm afraid - hence why i ask.
If it is real... then I'm going into the wrong industry!

[rob1963]

The reason I ask is because 150k turnover for a DJ, in my eyes, is just not realistic

Of course it's realistic...

...you just need to do a disco every Friday, Saturday & Sunday, and charge £1,000 for each one.

Job done!

:rolleyes:

[CRAZY K]

Of course it's realistic...

...you just need to do a disco every Friday, Saturday & Sunday, and charge £1,000 for each one.

Job done!

:rolleyes:

And the problem is??????????????

:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

CRAZY K

[KaraokeDJ]

Wow what a thread. I've been so busy recently haven't had chance to pop into the forum for a while and what about timing! Glad I caught this one...

All I can say is that I have worried about pricing over the years - am I too high, too low, arguments can run and run. More recently I charge what I feel is a fair price for the gig and am often surpised that I get some gigs because the price is pushed up slightly for various reasons, distance, stairs, venue, etc.,

I've got a fairly substantial amount of bookings this year and some weddings next year (Sept and Nov) and those ones are more expensive than this year and no problem booking them. Price matters at the low-end of the marked and if someone wants to do a 5 hour gig for £100 then they're welcome to it. There are oodles of discos out there but only one of me and I'm sure if each of us looks at what we do and start to think that what the custoemr is hiring is YOU not just any old disco then perhaps price will not be the be all and end all.

When someone calls me about a disco, very often they ask about price and I no longer answer it. I talk about the event, them, where, what they are looking for etc., tell them about us, how long we've worked, where we've worked, etc - what we do that stands out... I sell ME/US not a disco.

Ultimately, 2008 and 2009 prices will be different, I'll add 25 here, 50 there depending on where and when etc., but that is due to what many have said in this forum - increased costs, demand, etc., but the actual end cost is irrelevant. The people I quote for 2009 haven't a clue what the price would have been in 2008 unless it's a recommend and even then I've not had a problem.

I would estimate my 2009 prices will be 25 - 50 higher than 2008 - and I'm not going to bother with percentages.

I think there is too much emphasis on £££ and threads like this reinforce the £££ issues in our minds when we next talk to a customer. I honestly don't mind how much each of us charge and how much more we'll be charging next year. Get off the subject of £150 or £250 or £500 or whatever and decide (as has been said so often on here) what YOU are worth, not what a disco should cost in the opinion of a customer.

[mikeee]

Thank you Dan for actually reading the post :) I was interested to see how many "read it" or "read it" and jumped up and down :) :) :)

[theoloyla]

Well. Here I am back again. I had to leave this subject last night at 6pm to do my regular Monday class.
Thankyou Sam for answering on my behalf and you were right. I am only making a small increase this year but a small increase every year gives the lie to a recent thread by Have A Disco that prices are the same now as they were 20 years ago. I also am a little worried about the state of the economic future and as I am one of the most expensive in my locality I felt it prudent to not go too mad this year. As I have said on many occasions your diary tells you if your pricing is right. At time of writing I have 6 gigs for next year. If I had 26 I may have been a little more bold.

[pagan_flame]

April and May have been totally dead. I have quoted for three jobs off forums for May - all have said that I am way too expensive - even @ £200!

OK, make that four.

I had a call today - can I do a birthday on 14th June in Cambridge?

'Sorry but no I can't, I'm already booked - but I know someone who may be able to cover it for you... what's your budget?' sez I.

'300 quid' says the bloke on the phone.

'OK, I'll call you back later' sez I...

My friend can do it, was briefed to go in @ £250 but maybe drop a little. Called the bloke back and put them in touch.

THEN comes the message from my friend - he had called them, got the £250 quote and then said he had a quote for £150, could they match that? No, they said, £200 is the lowest we'll go.

So that's the end of that one. :mad: :bang:

Here's to sitting at home with my gear gathering dust for the rest of the month. :beer1:

[yourdj]

This post is a little confusing. Probably just me.

Im full time and the business is very important. There is a recession type thing coming which may affect the more expensive bookings so i will be looking very closely at my competition before altering prices too much.

After doing some research next week and revamping the site i will probably increase from and to:

- short / easy gigs from £145 to £155

- Keep mates rates at £195 (i dont have many mates so not a problem :D )

- standard disco from £245 to £255

- wedding disco / corporate from £285 to £295

- Keep optional extras and the band price the same.

[CRAZY K]

Im glad I started this thread, theres some good points coming through and as every day passes with even bigger fuel rises (and everything else) it certainly has made me revise my business plans for this year and next.

Bear in mind im not a DJ but effectively the job is similar--i.e equipment, overheads etc.

I have in recent times been pleased to travel fairly long distances and make up for it by fuel surcharging.

That is now becoming difficult because it makes the price for my "basic" package sometimes high for the standard market (which for me is Saturday nights)

If you have a load of local work ( like VV ) then great but otherwise I have decided to only quote myself on my Medium Plus and Ultimate (most expensive) packages where I can absorb fuel costs.

Otherwise I am passing basic work on to other people because I cant compete on price.

CRAZY K

[pagan_flame]

OK, make that four.

Here's to sitting at home with my gear gathering dust for the rest of the month. :beer1:

A little more research today... yes my '£300 budget' caller from yesterday did phone my friend back and say they were going with their £150 quotation.

Calls to agencies I get work from - and haven't had anything from for ages - reveal the same story - reduced enquiries, losing work to cheaper discos.

So I have to temporarily admit defeat on this one; my resolution at the start of 2008 to not go out for less than £200 will have to be modified to 'not less that £150' for the foreseeable future. :(

This figure is based on the aforementioned 4 gigs that I have lost this month for quoting @ £200, with them going for £150 quotes = £600 I have potentially lost out on.

As my disco is part of my living, I can't afford to have my gear sitting in the house for 3-4 weekends a month - £150 is better than £0 when the bills need to be paid, plus expenses such as PLI, PAT testing & van running costs which will still need to be paid even if I only have one gig a year.

Cries of 'For Shame' and 'It's people like you that are spoiling it for the rest of us' over here, please... anyone got any red Soundlabs for sale? :rolleyes:

[CRAZY K]

A little more research today... yes my '£300 budget' caller from yesterday did phone my friend back and say they were going with their £150 quotation.

Calls to agencies I get work from - and haven't had anything from for ages - reveal the same story - reduced enquiries, losing work to cheaper discos.

So I have to temporarily admit defeat on this one; my resolution at the start of 2008 to not go out for less than £200 will have to be modified to 'not less that £150' for the foreseeable future. :(

This figure is based on the aforementioned 4 gigs that I have lost this month for quoting @ £200, with them going for £150 quotes = £600 I have potentially lost out on.

As my disco is part of my living, I can't afford to have my gear sitting in the house for 3-4 weekends a month - £150 is better than £0 when the bills need to be paid, plus expenses such as PLI, PAT testing & van running costs which will still need to be paid even if I only have one gig a year.

Cries of 'For Shame' and 'It's people like you that are spoiling it for the rest of us' over here, please... anyone got any red Soundlabs for sale? :rolleyes:

They have in Wellingborough--I was admiring them yesterday at the Electronic Superstore:eek: :eek: :eek:

I understand your strategy Malcolm and I think we are entering a difficult period on pricing now and next year which was the reason for the original thread. The worry is it enters into a downward spiral where the future calls say--oh we were quoted £125 can you match that--:eek:

I had another strange one today--my prices and services are deliberately and clearly spelled out on my site for Weddings--so working on the Rob principle what you read is what you get and sign here--I was asked to send a quote etc--but the price and what you get is clearly shown already:confused:

I get the impression people would like to book---but the current climate is getting to people so saving £50 here and there is worthwhile to them.

Never mind the venue im quoting on sounds a nightmare--I posted on it earlier:rolleyes:

CRAZY K

[pagan_flame]

The worry is it enters into a downward spiral where the future calls say--oh we were quoted £125 can you match that--:eek:

Hell No! I'm not that desperate for work. ;)


Yet. :eek:


Master plan is - 'quote at £200 and no lower than £150', as opposed to 'quote at £250 and no lower than £200'.

[Have a disco]

Sorry to say my prices always say 'from' and they will be going up this year regardless of how busy I maybe. I am looking for quality clients not riff raff.

On the other hand DJ work is getting to the point of oblivion I was paid £50 when I started and thats what most are willing to pay if I can get DJ work it seems the norm?? but I am now getting very picky and blow most of this stuff away I will expect at least 50% of the booking fee as I am the one doing the work ???

[pagan_flame]

50 quid... hmmm.

Now take a typical gig - it takes me half an hour to load the van - say an hour to drive to the venue - an hour in and set up - play 7pm to 1am - an hour to break down and load out, an hour home and half an hour to unload.

Now that's 10 hours. 50 divided by 10 = £5.

However National Minimum Wage = £5.52 - so a fifty quid disco is Illegal! :D :beer1: Anyone offering to pay 50 quid for such a gig is breaking the law, and should be prosecuted accordingly.

Also I will be needing my statutory breaks during my working day - so at around 10pm I will switch everything off for 20 minutes while I have a meal break. Of course it will ruin the party, but it's what I'm legally entitled to!



I'll get me coat. :rolleyes:

[wensleydale]

I understand your strategy Malcolm and I think we are entering a difficult period on pricing now and next year which was the reason for the original thread. The worry is it enters into a downward spiral where the future calls say--oh we were quoted £125 can you match that--:eek:

I get the impression people would like to book---but the current climate is getting to people so saving £50 here and there is worthwhile to them.

CRAZY K

Can I just ask what people say when you get the "can you match that question".
As the streets arent actually paved with Gold down here, I get it too on a frequent basis, however I have no qualms in refusing the customers kind offer, but instead choose to give them a handful of reasons that might justify why the price is different.

i'm not just talking about the "you can pay £100 for a disco not to turn up" smart ar$e reply, but a list of genuine reasons why you might be better than the next man.

Times may get tougher, although I have yet to witness it, but I do think the majority of discos can still do more to convince the client that the price quoted represents good value.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Times may get tougher, although I have yet to witness it

Maybe because you don't reply on the money?

[wensleydale]

Maybe because you don't reply on the money?

eh??

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Sorry, rely, not reply.....silly keyboard! (and even sillier person using it)

[wensleydale]

Sorry, rely, not reply.....silly keyboard! (and even sillier person using it)

possibly, but still not had a problem with recent bookings- the theory is the same.

[pagan_flame]

Can I just ask what people say when you get the "can you match that question".

If it's at or above my threshold - 'Yes'. If it's below - then 'No'.

However my point was, that by saying 'No' at anything below £200, I have lost four gigs FOR this month, all of which have booked DJ's at or above £150 - I could have had an extra £600 in my bank account - instead I have nothing.

I may have to revive my 'Free Disco' challenge... send them to my Equipment list page, tell them to print it out and take it to a disco hire shop - if they can hire all the gear they need for a night from that list for one night for £100, I'll do it for free! (Never had anyone achieve it yet). :D

[ppentertainments]

I don't know why but have found the past couple of months people have been ok with prices - and I have recently increased mine. Last year everyone was wanting cheap but lately this has changed. I know we are in a 'credit crunch' but I think people are more careful with their money. ie will book a dj that will do a good job yet costs a little extra as opposed to throwing away their money away on a dj they know nothing about.

[yourdj]

As my disco is part of my living, I can't afford to have my gear sitting in the house for 3-4 weekends a month - £150 is better than £0 when the bills need to be paid, plus expenses such as PLI, PAT testing & van running costs which will still need to be paid even if I only have one gig a year.

Cries of 'For Shame' and 'It's people like you that are spoiling it for the rest of us' over here, please... anyone got any red Soundlabs for sale? :rolleyes:

Optional extras / regular events are always a good way to make money :)

[wensleydale]

If it's at or above my threshold - 'Yes'. If it's below - then 'No'.



I may have to revive my 'Free Disco' challenge... send them to my Equipment list page, tell them to print it out and take it to a disco hire shop - if they can hire all the gear they need for a night from that list for one night for £100, I'll do it for free! (Never had anyone achieve it yet). :D

Thats my point though- just having the gear is not enough and they are paying for much more than the equipment.

In fact I would say the hire of gear is only about 50% of the charge if that.

Its the expertise and customer service that makes the difference.

You could buy the flowers for a wedding for a fraction of what people pay florists, however its the end result that you pay for. Same with cakes, photogrpahers etc etc.

Suggesting that a dry hire and a full disco are comparable will simply enhance this image that clients have.

[Danno13]

I agree.. the more focus you put on the gear, the easier for the client to just see discos as all the same, and just book the cheapest one.

[pagan_flame]

In fact I would say the hire of gear is only about 50% of the charge if that.

Suggesting that a dry hire and a full disco are comparable will simply enhance this image that clients have.

I am suggesting exactly the opposite. The point is to illustrate that 100 quid won't hire you just the gear on its own.

And all the clients I have quoted for this month ARE booking the cheapest they can get, regardless of what they are getting.

But I'll take your challenge, Sir!

Please show me where I can hire CD decks, mixer, 2 x SRM 450's, an active sub, lighting bar and 4 high end lights (Martin etc) for 50 quid, please? My local hire shop wants 50 quid for a pair of Acrobats for the night... :D :beer1:

[CRAZY K]

I am suggesting exactly the opposite. The point is to illustrate that 100 quid won't hire you just the gear on its own.

And all the clients I have quoted for this month ARE booking the cheapest they can get, regardless of what they are getting.

But I'll take your challenge, Sir!

Please show me where I can hire CD decks, mixer, 2 x SRM 450's, an active sub, lighting bar and 4 high end lights (Martin etc) for 50 quid, please? My local hire shop wants 50 quid for a pair of Acrobats for the night... :D :beer1:

To add to the fun---we seem to be getting a load of people who want Charity events at silly prices:rolleyes:

Ah well hope they have better luck with the next Entertainer they call :D

CRAZY K

[wensleydale]

I am suggesting exactly the opposite. The point is to illustrate that 100 quid won't hire you just the gear on its own.

And all the clients I have quoted for this month ARE booking the cheapest they can get, regardless of what they are getting.

But I'll take your challenge, Sir!

Please show me where I can hire CD decks, mixer, 2 x SRM 450's, an active sub, lighting bar and 4 high end lights (Martin etc) for 50 quid, please? My local hire shop wants 50 quid for a pair of Acrobats for the night... :D :beer1:

I think you misunderstood what I was saying- I meant that of my fee, 50% is the amount for equipment- 50% is for my expertise..

I still believe if all clients are booking the cheapest they find you are not selling yourself well enough.

In everything you buy there are options of differing prices- I dont believe that everyone buys the cheapest and dont see why discos should be any different?

Do you honestly think they buy the cheapest food for their event, hire the cheapest venue, get the cheapest photographer?

I dont.

[theoloyla]

This is basically the same argument that we have had on here loads of times. If you are a bog standard disco with little or no talent playing cheap pubs and clubs and gigs where people have little to budget with then price will be king and as I always say - if the diary is empty then you dont have a lot of choice. As you say better to have some gigs at lower rates than one at all. When times have been tight I have taken cheap bookings on short notice but if someone is asking me to quote for several months hence....

[Excalibur]

I have read with interest the responses to this thread, and must say I have been impressed with most of them. After a lot of serious thought, and taking into account many things, particularly the decreased workload and payload if I ever achieve full digital status, I feel it is morally indefensible to carry on charging at my present high rate, so I intend to put a cunning plan into practice, cut down my speaker stack by three or four pairs, and go out for £49.50 per gig, and cleverly undercut the oppositiion, thus securing most of the work in my area!:D Foolprof, eh? :confused: :D :D

[rob1963]

I intend to put a cunning plan into practice, cut down my speaker stack by three or four pairs, and go out for £49.50 per gig

How can you take less speakers but still charge more than you do now?

[CRAZY K]

How can you take less speakers but still charge more than you do now?

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

My situation continues in very predictable style--

Even before I got rid of last nights hangover a lady phones this morning who claims I worked at her friends amazing Wedding with brilliant results ( I think she got the wrong person here as I dont recognise the names mentioned---see later )

So I quote my terms for next year---followed by that deafening silence for a second---which my antenna tells me she cant afford it --and yes she knows and I know she rung the wrong person ( the other lot are bound to be in a lower price bracket)

Ah well--so I said you go away and talk to your partner and have a think about it--have a look at my web site etc

Because I can read most phone calls like DJs read dancefloors I move on to the next enquiry knowing this is another one for the dustbin.

Yes the rest of this year and 2009 are going to be interesting---

BUT theres money out there still:D :D :D

CRAZY K

[nigelwright7557]

I have read with interest the responses to this thread, and must say I have been impressed with most of them. After a lot of serious thought, and taking into account many things, particularly the decreased workload and payload if I ever achieve full digital status, I feel it is morally indefensible to carry on charging at my present high rate, so I intend to put a cunning plan into practice, cut down my speaker stack by three or four pairs, and go out for £49.50 per gig, and cleverly undercut the oppositiion, thus securing most of the work in my area!:D Foolprof, eh? :confused: :D :D

The trick is to cut your price below everyone elses until the other discos go out of business then up your price to whatever you want as then there will be no competition.

[rob1963]

The trick is to cut your price below everyone elses until the other discos go out of business then up your price to whatever you want as then there will be no competition.

Why didn't I think of that?

:D

[CRAZY K]

The trick is to cut your price below everyone elses until the other discos go out of business then up your price to whatever you want as then there will be no competition.

Yes im sure that will work

CRAZY K

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

More great advice....

[Excalibur]

More great advice....

Thank You Darren, I'm sure people appreciate these gems from people like Nigel and Myself. Alan Sugar? Pah, a mere amateur.:D

Rob, very funny mate, I misread it twice before I twigged.

[rob1963]

Rob, very funny mate, I misread it twice before I twigged.

:Laugh:

[theoloyla]

I really don't understand some of you guys are you saying if you are charging £300 this year next year is going to be £306 :confused: I don't think it's worth putting up prices unless you can get an amount worth having say an extra £20 / £30 or even £50
Surely most discos base their prices on what they can get , what they need , or what they think they are worth , some people will not have something if they think it's too cheep, some people love it when they get a discount.

On that basis at £20 over 42 years I'd be on over £840 per night! I dont think so. Little and often is the best way. Punters dont notice it so much then.

[Sapphire Disco]

On that basis at £20 over 42 years I'd be on over £840 per night! I dont think so. Little and often is the best way. Punters dont notice it so much then.

Sorry that reply just doesn't hold water as an argument 42 years ago you would have been lucky to get £20 a night do you really think I was suggesting that you doubled & trebled your price back then? no of course I wasn't.

What I was saying was such a small increase is hardly worth taking and will certainly not cover your extra costs for the year coming, I still don't believe you can put up your prices by % it has to be by £s but if your happy with an extra £5 good luck to you :)

[theoloyla]

I agree. I dont actually use % increases it is round £ figures and like I said it is a fiver for next year, this year it was a tenner and last year it was a tenner, the year before it was fifteen and the year before that it was a tenner.