Rates Nowadays For The Average Gig

[501damian501]

Hello you lot, whats the average rates for gigs nowadays, i like to make to keep on top and make sure my prices aint to high.

an average disco/karaoke 7 till 12
an average wedding 7 till 1ish

any help will be greatfull, damo

[DJWilson]

i would say about £150 + to maybe about £190

[PropellerHeadCase]

Honestly mate, I'd say search the old posts but it's quicker to say that every time this comes up the answer boils down to "How long is a piece of string?".

Figure out your costs, figure out what you think your hourly rate should be and then charge accordingly confident that you and your service are worth every penny.

Edit: £150-190? You are kidding, right? Sorry, but that's maybe right for your age but as we do not know Damo's age...

[discomobiledj]

i would say about £150 + to maybe about £190

I don't get out of bed for £190

[501damian501]

am 19 years old, if that matters, age dont tend to lower rates when you have a wealth of experiance like me.

[rob1963]

The average price for a gig is anywhere between about £50 and £950..... depending on a load of different things, such as where you are, your age, your experience, your market, your equipment etc etc etc.

[ppentertainments]

My advice would be to check prices in your local area as this has a BIG impact on your prices - I think I must live in about the cheapest disco place in Britain. Also check out what those dj's are REALLY charging and what they give for that price.

[axeman]

i agree with chris's post above it seems the area you are in has the biggest bearing on the fee you can charge, and here in the north east its not that much im afraid...lol

[rob1963]

i agree with chris's post above it seems the area you are in has the biggest bearing on the fee you can charge, and here in the north east its not that much im afraid...lol

Axeman...you should move then!

:D

[ppentertainments]

i agree with chris's post above it seems the area you are in has the biggest bearing on the fee you can charge, and here in the north east its not that much im afraid...lol

Glad it's not just me !

[axeman]

Ill tell the wife in the morning!! lol

[501damian501]

well am in the lincolnshire & notts area, anyone know much about us, sep theirs tons of farmers in lincolnshire:) reguards damo

[Paul James Promotions]

I don't get out of bed for £190

But (according to your site) for £200 you do a standard 4 hour show...

:rolleyes:

[dmckaraoke]

But (according to your site) for £200 you do a standard 4 hour show...

:rolleyes:

Its amazing the diffrence a tenner makes lol:)

[Penfold42]

well am in the lincolnshire & notts area, anyone know much about us, sep theirs tons of farmers in lincolnshire:) reguards damo

I'm Lincolnshire, Notts, Derby area.....not doing too bad as well....:)

Are you new to the mobile business......? :)

[ppentertainments]

But (according to your site) for £200 you do a standard 4 hour show...

:rolleyes:

Confirms what I said in post 7. Find out what DJ's are REALLY charging. There are a lot who 'bum up' their prices to fellow dj's, and really charge about the same as everyone in the area. Remember charging higher prices is not just a measure of your ability, there are a lot of other factors.

[DazzyD]

I agree with Chris and Bri (PP & Axeman) that it does seem difficult to get high fees up here but it's not impossible. We do a budget show for £120 and go up to £350 for our full wedding package which includes a lot of pre-show work. Our last minute/emergency cover bookings service also adds on an extra 25% to our list prices.

I do know a couple of long-established mobile operators that go as low as £60 for a 4 hour show. One phoned me up a few years ago asking if I was available to do a show for him on NYE. I said I was and he said "Great. I'll pay you £60 for a 5 1/2 hr show". Needless to say I turned it down and took a gig working for someone else for just over 4hrs and got paid £240. Bearing in mind that I was using his own gear then it's not bad money.

But I also do regular shows for other DJs using their kit and get between £15-£20 per hour which is a lot more than my civil servant day job on £8 per hour.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

But (according to your site) for £200 you do a standard 4 hour show...

:rolleyes:

Hehehe...:sj:

[rob1963]

I don't get out of bed for £190


But (according to your site) for £200 you do a standard 4 hour show...

And (according to your site) you DO get out of bed for LESS that £190.....as it says you do childrens discos from £150!

:rolleyes:

[TR2K Productions]

every time this comes up the answer boils down to "How long is a piece of string?".
.

Twice the size of half its length. . . . i hope that has cleared things up!

[Penfold42]

Confirms what I said in post 7. Find out what DJ's are REALLY charging. There are a lot who 'bum up' their prices to fellow dj's, and really charge about the same as everyone in the area. Remember charging higher prices is not just a measure of your ability, there are a lot of other factors.

Not I sir.....but i do agree, it's also about putting the extra in.....why lie....:confused:

[ppentertainments]

]I do know a couple of long-established mobile operators that go as low as £60 for a 4 hour show.

This annoys me. I know a few mobile discos who charge similar. Some have better equipment than me and are very competent. Why charge so little ?? it does nothing to help us at all.

I do agree about higher prices being possible, however even at some very prestigious hotels I find it hard to get £200+ for a wedding.

A friend of mine was phoning around to book a 21st for his daughter birthday, as I am full, and said the way dj's were offering 'special discounts' etc was unbelievable. He said the most he needs to pay for a 'full show' is £120.:eek: :eek:

[leighinstoke]

I have a set rate with additions for early starts, late finishes.

Also a rate for a regular venue where I'm 'semi' resident.

Finally I have rates for kids parties with a smaller rig and a fixed rate for NYE.

Work these out and stick by them.

Leigh....

[Spirits High]

I don't get out of bed for £190

Set your base rate AND stick to it.


am 19 years old, if that matters, age dont tend to lower rates when you have a wealth of experiance like me.

And a bag of spuds on your shoulder , perhaps?




well am in the lincolnshire & notts area, anyone know much about us, sep theirs tons of farmers in lincolnshire:) reguards damo


I'm Lincolnshire, Notts, Derby area.....not doing too bad as well....:)

Are you new to the mobile business......? :)

Hey Tone , that's funny I cover those areas too, looking good from where I am ;)


It's the age old adage of you charge what you think you're worth.

To quote a famous film "If you build it they will come" :D

[summer sounds]

Check out the venue/access before giving your quote....dont get caught out like me the other weekend...3 flights of stairs..no lift....never again!

[pagan_flame]

Up 'til last month I also wouldn't leave the house for less than £200. I have built up my rig, my show, and charge what I'm worth etc etc etc.

Due to just one gig in April and one gig in May I was searching for extra work on the forums... and I lost FOUR gigs quoting at £200; all four went for DJ's at around the £150 - £175 mark.

So now I'm not leaving the house for less than £150! OK it's a step back, and you can bang on all you like about how it's the likes of me who's driving down prices for everyone else; but I've lost £600 in May that could have been in my bank account and is now in someone else's. Pride don't pay the bills...

[Creature]

Pride don't pay the bills...

Very true - around here average price is still £60 - £90. mark, altho I dont go out for less than £125.00 - but like Pagen if gig withing 5 miles am prepared to drom a tenner or so to secure the gig.

Its criticale for me as I have had The Welsh show cancel on me and as this was my big earner for teh year (covered my Public Libility, rig insurance,van insurane and Mot) Im down an aweful lot this year. I'm not even confident with current bookings of breaking even this year !!!! So any new ones a real bobus. I'm sat here with everything crossed hoping that the Old Bill or councils or courts dont cancel any other gigs on me and that my van & equipment dont breakdown either

[rob1963]

Very true - around here average price is still £60 - £90. mark,

:jawdrop:

[JAMdisco]

I'm In Yorkshire (Beverley to be precise) and I charge a minimum of £40 per hour for 'normal' discos i.e. Birthdays, Anniversaries and up to £60 per hour for weddings. So a 4 hour birthday party would be £160 and a 5 hour wedding would be £300 or a 4 hour wedding would be £240. I have done cheaper disco's in the past but never again unless it's 'in my interest' - i.e. block bookings, chance of repeat business. :D

I do have a residency on Sat nights but it only pays a measly £80 (4 hours). If I get another booking (which I frequently do) I'll take that and I have a couple of other disco's who'll gladly cover for me.

[edit] My minimum fee for ANY disco is £120 i.e. 2 or 3 hour 'teen' party.

[DJBOXY]

I live in Sheffield South Yorkshire and believe me people are the tightest there is when it comes to what they will pay. I have just quoted 100 pound for three hours on a Sunday night 7 till 10 for a teenage Disco 13 year olds I was including a few games prizes and glow braclets and I got that silent moment then that I will get back to you response

[Penfold42]

Hello and Welocome....
Please take a few minutes to read this...

http://www.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=11711

Thank you...:)

[Dragonfly]

I live in Sheffield South Yorkshire and believe me people are the tightest there is when it comes to what they will pay. I have just quoted 100 pound for three hours on a Sunday night 7 till 10 for a teenage Disco 13 year olds I was including a few games prizes and glow braclets and I got that silent moment then that I will get back to you response


strange when I know of a gig in that area paying 3 times that??? ;) ;)

you can aim your services at different clientelle but i also feel its helpful to know what the market around you is doing.

i'm more expensive than most in my area but i still seem to get enough work for my diary and to put a small smile on the faces of one or two others.

[theoloyla]

I find it so sad that there are scabs out there who will do a gig for so little. With thousands of pounds invested and years of experience and running costs to be considered it is ridiculous.

[soundtracker]

I live in Sheffield South Yorkshire and believe me people are the tightest there is when it comes to what they will pay. I have just quoted 100 pound for three hours on a Sunday night 7 till 10 for a teenage Disco 13 year olds I was including a few games prizes and glow braclets and I got that silent moment then that I will get back to you response

Just done a nice wedding for a couple from Sheffield- His family United, hers Wednesday, one lot wanting Annies Song, the other Hi-ho Silver Lining - they were a bit tight, only spent £14500 on the wedding venue, and I did very nicely as well thank you!

[Penfold42]

strange when I know of a gig in that area paying 3 times that??? ;) ;)
Now which one would that be.....:rolleyes: ;) :D

i'm more expensive than most in my area but i still seem to get enough work for my diary and to put a small smile on the faces of one or two others.

Amen brother.....or common lingo......ta very muchly....:D

[Danno13]

If you believe everything posted on forums, then EVERY area of the country is tight and will only pay £100 for a disco! Personally I've hovered between the £200 - 300 mark for just evening type gigs (i.e. not all day weddings etc.) and these are fairly average gigs, average venues etc.. not even particularly posh places (except for a few where I've kicked myself for not charging more!).. which tells me there's far more to be earnt out there! :)

[ppentertainments]

If you believe everything posted on forums, then EVERY area of the country is tight and will only pay £100 for a disco! Personally I've hovered between the £200 - 300 mark for just evening type gigs (i.e. not all day weddings etc.) and these are fairly average gigs, average venues etc.. not even particularly posh places (except for a few where I've kicked myself for not charging more!).. which tells me there's far more to be earnt out there! :)

Agree with your comment totally. there is a LOT of regional weighting when it comes to prices but mostly this depends on the clients you are aiming for. Must add that as well as dj's moaning about only getting £100 on forums, there are a lot who also - lets say - overinflate their prices etc. I do the same as you and stick to my prices, not charging as much as I think I am worth yet but not doing too bad :D :D

[adilowes]

Sometimes charging too little can stop you getting the work. Especially with high end customers. They think "That's cheap he can't be very good".
I am in yorkshire bit go all over the UK.
Locally I am £160 8-12 £40 an hour after 12. That is for a basic show. reasonable PA 4 or 5 effect lights. I charge more if travelling more and if I know it is a big venue and needs more gear. Big Venue locally I will charge between £240 - £300.
I have some regular venues who call me for all their work and I give them discount but never go below £120 and that is for a venue with their own lighting in. I have a few DJ's who either work just for me or who have their own mobiles who take some of the work off me also. This allows me a lot more flexibility with price as if I am get £20 - £60 of a few other DJ's working for me I can be a little more flexible with what I charge.

[Penfold42]

Locally I am £160 8-12 £40 an hour after 12. That is for a basic show. reasonable PA 4 or 5 effect lights. I charge more if travelling more and if I know it is a big venue and needs more gear. Big Venue locally I will charge between £240 - £300.

:eek: :eek: :eek: ....OMG.....Sorry but you really need to re-think what you are doing and what you are offering.....

Don't mean to be rude BTW...:)

Think of it as taking you car to the garage....do you really expect to pay £160 for a MOT and work that you know will be needed to be done.........cause let's face it, we all know our cars...do we not..?

I've just paid for a door to be taken out, bricked up and plastered / rendered.....for £250......I think that's a fair price....and he did a very good job.

Won't you do a good job...?

Raise the bar...it's out there...I promise you. :)

[flatliners]

well i eventualy am gonna have 3 prices depending on equipment used start price of 160 then 200 and 250

[Penfold42]

well i eventualy am gonna have 3 prices depending on equipment used start price of 160 then 200 and 250

Go on then....what get's me £160....?
Break down if you don't mind.....:)

[rob1963]

After recently increasing my prices by between £25 & £50, I'm now averaging around £320 a gig, and I'm happy with this...especially bearing in mind that most of my work is within 30 minutes drive & most clients don't even want to chat to me on the phone...let alone have me go & meet them.

However, my bookings for this year are already well up on my best previous year, and the enquiries & bookings are still coming in nicely...

...so I'm starting to think about increasing my prices by ANOTHER £25 to £50!

:D

[Penfold42]

After recently increasing my prices by between £25 & £50, I'm now averaging around £320 a gig, and I'm happy with this...especially bearing in mind that most of my work is within 30 minutes drive & most clients don't even want to chat to me on the phone...let alone have me go & meet them.

However, my bookings for this year are already well up on my best previous year, and the enquiries & bookings are still coming in nicely...

...so I'm starting to think about increasing my prices by ANOTHER £25 to £50!

:D

That's a good average....mine come in at £275 (not including weddings) apart from gig's at schools...as i use these for training purposes only...and there's not alot of money in schools.....:)

[Jiggles]

hmm i think i might increase prices and start a priceing structure :p

[rob1963]

hmm i think i might increase prices and start a priceing structure :p

That's a good idea, Callum.....

.....then you'll have more money to replace all the stuff you blow up!

:D :D :D

[Jiggles]

Too true :lol: I can also get some nice new equipment :p

[Jiggles]

New pricing structure:

All prices for a standard disco from 7PM to 12AM (as of Jun 2008)
Inside Eyemouth Jan – May = £100
Inside Eyemouth Jun – Nov = £120
Inside Eyemouth Dec = £150

Outside Eyemouth max 15 miles Jan – May = £110
Outside Eyemouth max 15 miles Jun – Nov = £130
Outside Eyemouth max 15 miles Dec = £160

Outside Eyemouth over 15 miles Jan – May = £130
Outside Eyemouth over 15 miles Jun – Nov = £160
Outside Eyemouth over 15 miles Dec = £190

Bubbles = £20
Smoke = £20
Glow Sticks @ £10 per 100
Extra hours past 12AM = £20 per hour extra payable before 12AM
PA = Contact us for details.

[rob1963]

New pricing structure:

Quote:
All prices for a standard disco from 7PM to 12AM (as of Jun 2008)
Inside Eyemouth Jan – May = £100
Inside Eyemouth Jun – Nov = £120
Inside Eyemouth Dec = £150

Outside Eyemouth max 15 miles Jan – May = £110
Outside Eyemouth max 15 miles Jun – Nov = £130
Outside Eyemouth max 15 miles Dec = £160

Outside Eyemouth over 15 miles Jan – May = £130
Outside Eyemouth over 15 miles Jun – Nov = £160
Outside Eyemouth over 15 miles Dec = £190

Bubbles = £20
Smoke = £20
Glow Sticks @ £10 per 100
Extra hours past 12AM = £20 per hour extra payable before 12AM
PA = Contact us for details.



Whoaaaa Callum - you can provide people with a personal assistant?

That's cool!

:D

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I turned over 3.5K this week...

Still sitting here counting my money......not!

[rob1963]

I turned over 3.5K this week...


I should think so too Darren...with all those guys out working for you!

Some of us are one man bands, and I understand from Badger that we get a very raw deal!

:rolleyes:

[Jiggles]

New pricing structure:

Quote:
All prices for a standard disco from 7PM to 12AM (as of Jun 2008)
Inside Eyemouth Jan – May = £100
Inside Eyemouth Jun – Nov = £120
Inside Eyemouth Dec = £150

Outside Eyemouth max 15 miles Jan – May = £110
Outside Eyemouth max 15 miles Jun – Nov = £130
Outside Eyemouth max 15 miles Dec = £160

Outside Eyemouth over 15 miles Jan – May = £130
Outside Eyemouth over 15 miles Jun – Nov = £160
Outside Eyemouth over 15 miles Dec = £190

Bubbles = £20
Smoke = £20
Glow Sticks @ £10 per 100
Extra hours past 12AM = £20 per hour extra payable before 12AM
PA = Contact us for details.



Whoaaaa Callum - you can provide people with a personal assistant?

That's cool!

:D

Har Har Har very funny :D

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I should think so too Darren...with all those guys out working for you!



No, just me.:eek: :D

[djdarch]

I have a couple of regular hotels that i do and charge them £200 its really regular work , at least 2 a week from each. And i've managed to install most of the kit at each venue so all i have to do is turn up wheel out the speakers plug em in and go.
I'd like more money especially considering the kit both places have 6 vrx scans 2 galactic STARS and a really good 4k hornloaded dare pro audio soundsystem but as i said its regular and keeps me ticking over nicely.
I must admit though the next time the phone rings about a private wedding i'm not going to hold back on the quote and see if i can get about the £350 mark.

[JAMdisco]

I'm currently upping my prices as well (what with the high fuel charge and generaly cost-of-living increase).

My new prices from 1st August will be £45/hour for general parties (i.e. birthdays, anniversaries) and £70/hour for wedding receptions.

If I get an all-dayer (which I have yet to get) I will do a bespoke price to the client depending on play-times/set-up times etc.

I used to have a very bad habit of under-pricing myself but having had some well paying disco's fairly recently it's given me the confidence to charge more. If they don't want to pay my prices they can go elsewhere at their own risk.

[Vectis]

well i eventualy am gonna have 3 prices depending on equipment used start price of 160 then 200 and 250

Might I suggest that in order to avoid endless debates with potential clients over aspects of which they have no grasp, that you consider instead banding your charges based on service provided (as well as kit, but don't resort to kit lists).

What do I mean?

Well for example I have three bandings currently - soon to become 2 or 4, not yet decided. I have VV Junior - "A high quality no-frills disco for smaller parties" - in other words a smallish basic rig with a few large venue exclusions. Then VV Premier - "Our stunning regular show for the ultimate WOW factor!" - bit more kit (ie subs and more/better lighting, video system) and a few goodies like a customer meeting, online requests etc. Finally VV Platinum - "The perfect compliment to your perfect day" - pick of the kit (basically a bespoke rig based on venue & customer requirements), project management, multiple meetings if needed, early setup, blah blah.

What I've found is that people will differentiate between service levels and pay accordingly, but if you start bleating about kilowatts and extolling the virtues of Martin over Acme or Acme over Soundlab then you lose them. Services are MUCH easier to sell (& upsell).

[JAMdisco]

but if you start bleating about kilowatts and extolling the virtues of Martin over Acme or Acme over Soundlab then you lose them. Services are MUCH easier to sell (& upsell).

:agree:

[Arnold_disco]

I think you guys take yourselves way to seriously.

[Penfold42]

I think you guys take yourselves way to seriously.

Is there any other way?

[JAMdisco]

I think you guys take yourselves way to seriously.

Regarding what? Money?

I take my money VERY seriously :D

[soundtracker]

I think you guys take yourselves way to seriously.

Yeah you're right, because its only what puts the bread on the table, who gives a toss eh?

[jimboylan]

I think people who take things seriously manage their business in a professional manner and command higher fees.
People who don't take it seriously end up going out for £60 because they are perceived as beer money DJs.

Jim

[theoloyla]

I think you guys take yourselves way to seriously.
When you are a grown up you will probably take things seriously too.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I think you guys take yourselves way to seriously.

Says the 13 year old who lives at home without responsibility..:rolleyes:

[Penfold42]

Says the 13 year old who lives at home without responsibility..:rolleyes:

He has....


...he need's to brush his teeth (bet he don't)
Tidy his rooom (bet he don't)
..and needs to put clean under crackers on....(bet....)

no we won't go there.....:D

[Charlie Brown]

This is not meant to cause offense or start any boosting competition lol

But if I wanted to do this full time, is it good money....

Do you live comfortably or would you recommend to do DJ'n and another job?

Thanks

[rob1963]

This is not meant to cause offense or start any boosting competition lol

But if I wanted to do this full time, is it good money....

Do you live comfortably or would you recommend to do DJ'n and another job?

Thanks

Hi Charlie,

I don't think you'll find many people who make a living on their own out of running mobile discos.

The problem is that you can normally only work 2 nights a week, Fridays & Saturdays...so you'd need to be out every Friday & Saturday & charge a fair bit to make a decent living out of it.

That's why most people seem to either run multi-ops/agencies or have another job, whether it's a "proper" daytime job where they work for someone else or another job where they are self-employed...such as Theo teaching line dancing several nights a week or me running pub quiz nights.

My advice would be don't put all your eggs in one basket, as it can be very risky!

:)

[Creature]

as Rob says

[ppentertainments]

Hi Charlie,

I don't think you'll find many people who make a living on their own out of running mobile discos.

The problem is that you can normally only work 2 nights a week, Fridays & Saturdays...so you'd need to be out every Friday & Saturday & charge a fair bit to make a decent living out of it.

That's why most people seem to either run multi-ops/agencies or have another job, whether it's a "proper" daytime job where they work for someone else or another job where they are self-employed...such as Theo teaching line dancing several nights a week or me running pub quiz nights.

My advice would be don't put all your eggs in one basket, as it can be very risky!

:)

Very sensible and sound advise Rob :D

I am at a stage where I could DJ full time but still have a job until I am confident will have enough bookings all year round. After this weekend only 1 gig, 1 kids party (and 1 wedding photography so good money) for the next 2 weeks so the risk is still there.

BTW have you anything sorted for fridays yet Rob (just being nosey):D

[nigelwright7557]

Hello you lot, whats the average rates for gigs nowadays, i like to make to keep on top and make sure my prices aint to high.

an average disco/karaoke 7 till 12
an average wedding 7 till 1ish

any help will be greatfull, damo

A good tip is to ring other local discos to find what they are charging.
Just come up with a local venue and times to make it sound real.

There is no point charging £190 if everyone else is doing it for £120 !

[Danno13]

What about the ones that don't advertise though? How will you know what they charge anyway.

I've said this a hundred times but if everyone worked their prices out properly, by taking into account expenses and a hourly rate that is worthwhile for the job we do, then we'd all be better off.

But as it stands, it seems far too many DJs are happy to work to make minimum wage, break even (give up your weekends for free, great!), or even make a loss!

[Creature]

What about the ones that don't advertise though? How will you know what they charge anyway

have contacted all the djs i know about in my local area i they all undercut me by some 25.00 - probally why i dont get much local work - but i cant afford to go out for less

[Danno13]

There must be some DJs who charge more, else who would cater for the posher venues and more affluent clients?

You won't know about them because they probably don't need to advertise!

(General comment, not aimed at anyone.. you could be at the top of your market already for all I know!)

[rob1963]

Very sensible and sound advise Rob :D


:D :D :D


BTW have you anything sorted for fridays yet Rob

Nope...not a sausage!

:cry:

[Shaun]

I've said this a hundred times but if everyone worked their prices out properly, by taking into account expenses and a hourly rate that is worthwhile for the job we do, then we'd all be better off.



Completely agree. :approve:

[DJ INDIE]

All too true.

I have found that even when offering my lowest price to fill nearby dates where i have no jobs on, that when people ring round for some other quotes other DJs are under cutting me!

Ive recently set a lowest charge and now wont go below that - If anyone wants to do it for less then let them!

[theoloyla]

A good tip is to ring other local discos to find what they are charging.
Just come up with a local venue and times to make it sound real.

There is no point charging £190 if everyone else is doing it for £120 !
I charge more than most of the local opposition and get it because I am worth it. If you are an average disco/dj then you may have to accept an average fee. I am not - and that is not being big headed. If I wasnt better than the others and still charging more I would have an empty diary. I have always said your diary tells the story. If it is full you are charging too little; if it is empty you are charging too much and if you cant get enough gigs to at a sensible price to make a profit after a decent period of time then face the facts dj'ing is probably not the career for you; so give it up or resign yourself to it being a hobby.

[nick-tntdisco]

The pricing debate is always interesting.

I usually ring around the other DJs in the area posing as a customer to see what they are charging. At the moment i am not the cheapest but also not the most expensive which i think is a good position. People tend to avoid the cheapest ones usually and go mid road.

I also have a good friend who is manager of a local hotel and so he not only passes work my way but he tells me how much each disco is charging that plays at his hotel. I must admit some are in the £300+ range and I wonder why people pay that when its double what i charge - specially when my mate says in the end there was no real difference between them playing and myself. Yeah some had brand new kit - but they also tended to be the ones that had shops as part of their business portfolio and thus access to demo stock and trade prices - and could afford to bring new kit every month.

Also a big factor on charging is what do you want out of it as a business. I used to run it purely as a hobby (I have a well paid full time job). So where some people spend all friday & saturday drinking down the pub - i prefered to gig instead. I would make no money as such - they prices were set so that little profit was made - hence no concerns with taxes etc.

As time as moved on I am less interested in doing the gigs and more interested in running the business - so prices went up so I could afford to employ a second DJ or more who actually do the work.

Now i am looking for another DJ so i can expand even more.

So the moral I think is that there is no 'correct' price to charge - you charge what you want to in order to achieve your aims.

Nick

[theoloyla]

The pricing debate is always interesting.

I usually ring around the other DJs in the area posing as a customer to see what they are charging. At the moment i am not the cheapest but also not the most expensive which i think is a good position. People tend to avoid the cheapest ones usually and go mid road.

I also have a good friend who is manager of a local hotel and so he not only passes work my way but he tells me how much each disco is charging that plays at his hotel. I must admit some are in the £300+ range and I wonder why people pay that when its double what i charge - specially when my mate says in the end there was no real difference between them playing and myself. Yeah some had brand new kit - but they also tended to be the ones that had shops as part of their business portfolio and thus access to demo stock and trade prices - and could afford to bring new kit every month.

Also a big factor on charging is what do you want out of it as a business. I used to run it purely as a hobby (I have a well paid full time job). So where some people spend all friday & saturday drinking down the pub - i prefered to gig instead. I would make no money as such - they prices were set so that little profit was made - hence no concerns with taxes etc.

As time as moved on I am less interested in doing the gigs and more interested in running the business - so prices went up so I could afford to employ a second DJ or more who actually do the work.

Now i am looking for another DJ so i can expand even more.

So the moral I think is that there is no 'correct' price to charge - you charge what you want to in order to achieve your aims.

Nick
Very good post.

[rob1963]

Very good post.

I fully agree.

[CRAZY K]

I fully agree.

I dont think someone running a disco as a hobby charging peanuts and taking away business from people who rely on it as a full time business is good.

It obviously happens--some Muppet phoned me today claiming someone could do a job for £60 when we charge £350--I told them I hoped they were lucky --they might need some luck booking people at that price--

Its a free country--you can charge what you like of course--equally I dont have to agree its good for the long term interests of dedicated professionals who are trying to raise Industry standards and general public perception.

You cant tell me people charging stupidly low rates have all necessary insurance, PAT and now pro Dub and use only genuine original music.

Doesnt add up.

CRAZY K

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I dont think someone running a disco as a hobby charging peanuts and taking away business from people who rely on it as a full time business is good.



But then would a person charging peanuts be in the same marketplace as those charging more and doing it for a living?

[CRAZY K]

But then would a person charging peanuts be in the same marketplace as those charging more and doing it for a living?

Yes according to post 77--

£350 sounds near the right sort of figure I would think.

CRAZY K

[nigelwright7557]

But then would a person charging peanuts be in the same marketplace as those charging more and doing it for a living?

Marketplaces vary with different areas.

Most my gigs seem to be clubs of one sort or another.

I havent had anyone ring up about corporate do's.

Carlisle is in a totally different league to the big cities.

[501damian501]

Pay peanuts and you will get monkeys

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Marketplaces vary with different areas.

Most my gigs seem to be clubs of one sort or another.

I havent had anyone ring up about corporate do's.

Carlisle is in a totally different league to the big cities.

So Reading is a big city is it? Reading isn't a city at all - it's a town.

If you want to work in a different marketplace and earn more money, then travel a little.

Not being rude Nigel, but do you really think that prospective corporate client would look at your site, complete with flushing toilet and think that you'd be the company for them?

FYI: Population of Carlisle - just over 100,000 Population of Reading 143,000

100,000 people and no-one has company bashes? :eek:

[nigelwright7557]

So Reading is a big city is it? Reading isn't a city at all - it's a town.

If you want to work in a different marketplace and earn more money, then travel a little.

Not being rude Nigel, but do you really think that prospective corporate client would look at your site, complete with flushing toilet and think that you'd be the company for them?

FYI: Population of Carlisle - just over 100,000 Population of Reading 143,000

100,000 people and no-one has company bashes? :eek:

But Carlisle is remote.......
Its not a center of corporate business.

My website reflects my sense of humour.
If I was chasing corporate business (which I am not) then I would have got a website professionally done instead of something I knocked up in 10 minutes.

I have more than enough work at the mo and constantly refusing work so the website cant be doing much harm.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

But Carlisle is remote.......
Its not a center of corporate business.

My website reflects my sense of humour.
If I was chasing corporate business (which I am not) then I would have got a website professionally done instead of something I knocked up in 10 minutes.

I have more than enough work at the mo and constantly refusing work so the website cant be doing much harm.

In your market which is social clubs etc.

Are you telling me there are no businesses in Carlisle?

[nigelwright7557]

In your market which is social clubs etc.

Are you telling me there are no businesses in Carlisle?

Of course there are businesses, but they arent big corporate businesses.

I am happy with the social club scene.
I dont want the hassle or pressure of anything high flying.
I will leave that to the experts......

[rob1963]

Not being rude Nigel, but do you really think that prospective corporate client would look at your site, complete with flushing toilet and think that you'd be the company for them?


Nigel,

I'd also check the list of online directories which you cut & pasted onto your website from my post here:

http://www.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/forums/showpost.php?p=248423&postcount=3

...as it's been pointed out to me that a few of those sites are no longer active!

:rolleyes:

[Corabar Steve]

............and constantly refusing work

I thought it was because you didn't like certain types of gig

[nick-tntdisco]

For those talking about peanuts and monkeys.

If you add together the normal costs associated with running a small disco setup. Insurance, PLI, ProDub?, Fuel, CDs and divide the cost by say 104 (Fri/Sats in a year) then you would probably be work out with a figure much less than £300.

So if your charging £300 then your not running a not for profit hobby, your making a nice taxable profit.


Therefore it's not fair to say that those charging less, and wishing to make no profit are wrong or bad for the industry. It's there choice - as long as they are as legal as those who choose to do it as a business. However from a customer point of view it does mean those running for a profit will look more expensive and so have to justify there costs more. But I have had many a customer ask me if this is a full time business for me, my sole job etc. - I assume they use that information to decide whether to book me.


An analogy would be with all those who play armature sports as a hobby when they could be earning thousands if they turned pro. They are plenty of armature sports men who have the ability to go pro but choose not to take that path.


I have plenty of DJs/Roadies that work for me for free - they do it cause they love it and gain great experience.

I think probably the only way to prevent such 'not for profit/hobby dj' is to introduce some qualification or registered body which a DJ has to pass / join before being reputable and then make the buying public aware of this.

After all you wouldn't employ a non Corgi registered gas fitter, not that I imagine many people just gas fitting as a hobby anyway - but its the principle that counts.

[soundtracker]

Of course there are businesses, but they arent big corporate businesses.

I am happy with the social club scene.
I dont want the hassle or pressure of anything high flying.
I will leave that to the experts......

So when you say:

"For all your disco needs ring Nigel on 01228-527447"

You actually mean SOME of your disco needs perhaps?

[rob1963]

I have plenty of DJs/Roadies that work for me for free - they do it cause they love it and gain great experience.

:eek: :eek: :eek:



I'm just wondering...do any of them happen to live near Worcester Park?

:D :D :D

[groovy-nights]

Price anything from £195 to £450 in the north East with most bookings being for £250