Would you work for less if you didn't have a booking?

[Shakermaker Promotions]

If you are free that weekend and want the cash then why not just say "I'll do it" and leave it at that? Say you take off the petrol/diesel money (£25?), you'd still be getting £215 for the night when you originally were getting nothing for staying in or doing whatever you were going to do. Don't take this reply personally, it's just another example of DJ's that I have heard that try to get a little extra and some (I'm not saying you) would rather stay in and not earn anything than go out and earn whatever is on offer. I could understand if it was something like £150.00 and you still had to travel but then again...it's still money isn't it.

I had another DJ call me the other day asking if I had any work on. I didn't have any spare at the time but got chatting over the phone and he told me that he was offered a job by someone else a couple of weeks before and he thought it was a cheek that he was being offered £200.00 for an 8pm - Midnight function just down the road. He said he ended up telling the other guy where to go and that he would not go out for less than £250.00 so he didn't do it and stayed in. I asked him if he was busy and he said "Not really, that's why I am calling you!"...I laughed and said "I'm not surprised. £200.00 would've been better than nothing"...he disagreed and I doubt if I will (hope I don't) hear from him again. Some people just haven't got a clue.

So, I would have rather have done this job for the price that was on offer if I wasn't busy rather than ask if there was anymore money available. Some people work all week for less than we earn in one night...we have to remember that sometimes. Yes, loads of outgoings and things to keep up with but money is money and especially at this moment in time with the economy etc... If I am honest, asking if there was more money in it was, in my view quite cheeky.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I
So, I would have rather have done this job for the price that was on offer if I wasn't busy rather than ask if there was anymore money available.

I wouldn't.

So if you weren't working then Gary and someone offered you £100 to do a gig, then you'd do it?

Going out for a lot less than you would normally work for is devaluing your business. Why won't people learn that?

Why is the gig on offer? Has the OP doubled booked? Are they an agent? Or are they just trying to help a client out? In which case, why has the cost already been set?

That is why I asked if the cost had been set.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Darren, no I wouldn't for £100.00. That may sound hypocritical but if I was driving from the New Forest like YourDJ and it was costing me £25.00 for diesel then obviously it isn't worth it. I have my limits too but I don't think it is de-valueing my business at all if I go out for cheaper especially using this topic as an example simply because I would be working on behalf of whoever I was covering.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

My point is though, there are so many DJs who let themselves down by going out for less money than they actually charge. Why? Oh, it's better than nothing and for most is a bit extra on top of their weekly wage. I wouldn't do that out of principal and if more DJs didn't, we wouldn't be struggling as an industry to get the decent money that we should be.

What other industry works that way? Estate agents are selling hardly any houses at he moment due to the general financial situation, but do you think they have put their fees down? Mine hasn't.

If a restaurant isn't busy and someone rings up for a booking, do you think the restaurant offers the client a cheaper meal 'cos no-one else has booked?

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I know what you are saying but I look at it like this.
I haven't had a booking on a particular date.
Someone says that they have a date that needs covering.
I usually go out for £300+
They are offering £250.00 and it's 25 miles away.
I go for it because I would rather earn £50.00 less and work than nothing at all.

As I said earlier, if I am covering a gig for someone then I am working for them and not under my name so it doesn't matter to me. I don't generally do it when I get my own bookings as I have the same theory as you Darren and don't want to de-value my business BUT I am not in the position at the moment to turn down work just because it isn't my full fee.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Fair enough. I take your point and to be honest it wasn't really you that the comments were aimed at - it was just a general point.

So, anyway, I have a booking in Reading next week, 7-2am, up 2 flights of stairs and it pays £120. You up for it? :lol:

[Shakermaker Promotions]

**Nudge nudge**Wink wink** (whispers...."Between me and you Darren mate, I would have done it for £75.00!!").

[rob1963]

Blimey you two...why don't you get a room & let all that frustration out?

*Insert sarcastic smiley here*

:p

[kilmeedyman]

Well I don't unserstand it.

The OP must know that fee is very low for round here for the hours and day he's quoting. And, Gary, it's £240 not £250. So I guess he's already booked it, has got another job for himself at a proper fee, and is trying to cover this one and that is what is left after he's taken a chunk out.

Otherwise, I cannot understand how the price has been set when the job is offered on here, unless it is an agent and this is going to turn into an agent's listing site for all their cheap jobs that their usual DJs won't cover.

[Steve the DJ]

Some people just haven't got a clue.

Your right, you haven't. ;)


Going out for a lot less than you would normally work for is devaluing your business. Why won't people learn that?


You and I are beginning to sound like a stuck record... :eek:

I guess eventually we have to accept that many DJs will never "get it".


Why does this have to even be discussed?


I agree there is no point going over it again, if you want to work for less and in the long term help suppress your own earnings then fill your boots, its your choice, your loss.

I'm not going to waste my breath trying to help people understand the damage this practice causes everyone anymore, guys are making their own beds and will have to lie in them. :shrug:

[Javlingames]

I can see why some DJ's will work for cheaper at short notice, if it was a case of earning £200 instead of £300 and feeding my child I would do it, who wouldnt? Would you rather feed your family or make them go hungry by making a stand against DJ's going out for cheaper than they normally would? If people would rather make a stand, and not work then they are putting their business before their family which I personally do not agree with. This may be an extreme example but you cant disregard the fact that some DJ's are in this situation.

In the office I work in, we sell DJ's from £300 - £400 generally, sometimes more, over the years I have found that most Hotel managers would rather pay £200 for a DJ, who has a fair show, plays the right music and can do the basics rather than a full time pro who carrys that professional approach, with a great rig and entertaining skills who charges a bit extra, I think this is one of the main reasons that Mobile DJ's are still earning the same fee as 10 years ago, sometimes even less than then! I have also seen a DJ who earns £500 a night using budget equipment and possesing, in my opinion, limited DJ skills (voice not clear on mic, unusual musical choice etc). This kind of practice will stop mobile DJ's from earning their true potential.

Entertainment is subjective, to one person you will be worth £500 to someone else you will be worth £150!

I could be totally wrong here but this is how I see it. 25 years ago most DJ's were worth their salt, put out a large impressive rig, were showman and were able to command good money, now more recently with the introduction of cheap gear, anyone can be a DJ, the good DJ's seem to have been lost amongst this influx of Amatuer/weekend DJ's who think its acceptible to dress in jeans and T shirt at a wedding, put out a 3 metre rig on a massive stage and have absolutely zero personality. The showmanship side has also dissapeared with these new dj's. For the last 20 odd years our customers are used to seeing this kind of DJ and have become immune to the unprofessionalism of these DJ's and this i believe also stops the DJ's who are worth strong money from getting it. Its all about peoples perception.

I dont have the solution to the problem, I think it will take more than one person to make a stand against this kind of practice, but i guess with credit crunch hitting, potentially mobile dj's fees could be set back another 5 years.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

25 years ago most DJ's were worth their salt, put out a large impressive rig, were showman and were able to command good money, now more recently with the introduction of cheap gear, anyone can be a DJ, the good DJ's seem to have been lost amongst this influx of Amatuer/weekend DJ's who think its acceptible to dress in jeans and T shirt at a wedding, put out a 3 metre rig on a massive stage and have absolutely zero personality. The showmanship side has also dissapeared with these new dj's. For the last 20 odd years our customers are used to seeing this kind of DJ and have become immune to the unprofessionalism of these DJ's and this i believe also stops the DJ's who are worth strong money from getting it. Its all about peoples perception.



Some very good points there.

Not all good DJs have been lost though, there are some that have adapted and survived.

[Dragonfly]

I can see why some DJ's will work for cheaper at short notice, if it was a case of earning £200 instead of £300 and feeding my child I would do it, who wouldnt? Would you rather feed your family or make them go hungry by making a stand against DJ's going out for cheaper than they normally would?


I'd rather take them out to the cinema or theatre and step back and watch them grow up than sell my self short and go out for less than i'm worth .... in quote form :

"This ain't everything Adrienne this house , the cars all the stuff we got ....it ain't everything, there's alot more than this"

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

[Steve the DJ]

I'd rather take them out to the cinema or theatre and step back and watch them grow up than sell my self short and go out for less than i'm worth...

Amen to that brother. :)

[Javlingames]

I'd rather take them out to the cinema or theatre and step back and watch them grow up than sell my self short and go out for less than i'm worth .... in quote form :

"This ain't everything Adrienne this house , the cars all the stuff we got ....it ain't everything, there's alot more than this"

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

So when the kids are hungry and theres £30 in your pocket, you would take them to the cinema instead of cooking a meal?

[soundtracker]

I could be totally wrong here but this is how I see it. 25 years ago most DJ's were worth their salt, put out a large impressive rig, were showman and were able to command good money, now more recently with the introduction of cheap gear, anyone can be a DJ, the good DJ's seem to have been lost amongst this influx of Amatuer/weekend DJ's who think its acceptible to dress in jeans and T shirt at a wedding, put out a 3 metre rig on a massive stage and have absolutely zero personality. The showmanship side has also dissapeared with these new dj's. For the last 20 odd years our customers are used to seeing this kind of DJ and have become immune to the unprofessionalism of these DJ's and this i believe also stops the DJ's who are worth strong money from getting it. Its all about peoples perception.



25 years ago SOME DJs were worth their salt, the rigs were large, but mainly because lightboxes took up a lot of space! Some were showmen, and able to command good money, the majority were getting about £30 a night(or less!) There have always been scruffy DJs, and in my experience I would say if anything, this has improved over the years. Personality wise, this has been mainly punter driven, they don't want to be spot-lighted, picked on, humiliated, they don't like the idea of someone using too much microphone. Through the nineties we went through the "huge rig" phase, on the back of rave, but Now most people have scaled down and go for a more subtle approach. The times are a changing, things have improved in general, its not like it used to be, but that's just nostalgia.

[Dragonfly]

So when the kids are hungry and theres £30 in your pocket, you would take them to the cinema instead of cooking a meal?

no but i'm not stupid enough to only leave myself with 30 quid to feed the family with.

the point which you seem like so many other who have pound signs tattood on their eyeballs to have missed was simply that there is a whole heap more to life than , selling your soul to the devil for a few quid.

[Steve the DJ]

So when the kids are hungry and theres £30 in your pocket, you would take them to the cinema instead of cooking a meal?

If you are getting to the point where you are down to your last £30 and that desperate then you are doing something wrong with your budgeting.

You have to charge enough to put money aside for a rainy day, don't do a Gordon and spend spend spend and live from one month to the next, especially if you are self employed.

Best advice has always been to have an easy access account with enough money saved in to cover your total monthly outgoings for 3 months, 6 if you are self employed, because you never know what is round the corner.

To achieve this you have to charge the right amount, budget sensibly and work hard.

[Javlingames]

25 years ago SOME DJs were worth their salt, the rigs were large, but mainly because lightboxes took up a lot of space! Some were showmen, and able to command good money, the majority were getting about £30 a night(or less!) There have always been scruffy DJs, and in my experience I would say if anything, this has improved over the years. Personality wise, this has been mainly punter driven, they don't want to be spot-lighted, picked on, humiliated, they don't like the idea of someone using too much microphone. Through the nineties we went through the "huge rig" phase, on the back of rave, but Now most people have scaled down and go for a more subtle approach. The times are a changing, things have improved in general, its not like it used to be, but that's just nostalgia.

Ive checked back, the 1983 diary for this office and the DJ's we supplied, and our DJ's were getting £50 - £95 per night but this was on the London hotel curcuit.

A personality DJ does not have to humiliate, spot light or pick on people, why do poeople think a personality dj is always an abusive git!! A persoanlity DJ is someone who can relate to his audience, compere or stage manage, something which i bet many dj's today can not do, i am not aiming this at anyone but, do the dj's who do not posses these skills find it easier to defend themselves by saying 'this is not what the client wants'? as I always say its best to have the personality skills card up your sleeve to use when neccesary.

[Javlingames]

If you are getting to the point where you are down to your last £30 and that desperate then you are doing something wrong with your budgeting.

You have to charge enough to put money aside for a rainy day, don't do a Gordon and spend spend spend and live from one month to the next, especially if you are self employed.

Best advice has always been to have an easy access account with enough money saved in to cover your total monthly outgoings for 3 months, 6 if you are self employed, because you never know what is round the corner.

To achieve this you have to charge the right amount, budget sensibly and work hard.

I understand this totally but not everyone lives like this.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I always say its best to have the personality skills card up your sleeve to use when neccesary.

I hate to agree with anyone too often, but I totally agree with that too!

[soundtracker]

Ive checked back, the 1983 diary for this office and the DJ's we supplied, and our DJ's were getting £50 - £95 per night but this was on the London hotel curcuit.

A personality DJ does not have to humiliate, spot light or pick on people, why do poeople think a personality dj is always an abusive git!! A persoanlity DJ is someone who can relate to his audience, compere or stage manage, something which i bet many dj's today can not do, i am not aiming this at anyone but, do the dj's who do not posses these skills find it easier to defend themselves by saying 'this is not what the client wants'? as I always say its best to have the personality skills card up your sleeve to use when neccesary.

Point one: So allowing for London "weighting" I was spot on!

Point two: I am quite aware that a personality DJ DOESN'T have to do any of these things, but unfortunately a lot did, and still do. I am quite aware of the strengths of a personality DJ especially during the period in question as I was out there doing it, quite successfully, and indeed, still do, on occasion, where the event warrants(not since Saturday actually) at this stage I was in my mid 20's, so my memory of what actually went on is FIRST hand. But, the reason for reigning in the patter, is that the clients simply do not want it. I can't speak for the DJs who don't have these skills, perhaps they may use the statement as a defence mechanism, I'm sure that many who mixed their way through the nineties lack microphone presence, but they will have to tell you.

[soundtracker]

I hate to agree with anyone too often, but I totally agree with that too!

and yes I totally agree with that bit!


Can we please now get back on topic?

[Shaun]

I'd rather stay in and enjoy the night off than go out working for less than my usual fee. It's not very often we get a night off at the weekend, so I'd make the most of it.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I'd rather stay in and enjoy the night off than go out working for less than my usual fee. It's not very often we get a night off at the weekend, so I'd make the most of it.

Hear hear!

(Says the man who has 3 weeks off now :thumbsup:)

[Shaun]

Part-timer. :p

[ppentertainments]

My simple answer is :
If I am having a busy spell then, no I would not go out any cheaper.

If having a quiet spell, yes I will, and have, go out cheaper.

At the end of the day as mentioned previously, we all have bills to pay. Also mentioned in a previous thread, word of mouth is the best form of advertising. Doing a cheaper gig may lead to more bookings.

[soundtracker]

My simple answer is :
If I am having a busy spell then, no I would not go out any cheaper.

If having a quiet spell, yes I will, and have, go out cheaper.

At the end of the day as mentioned previously, we all have bills to pay. Also mentioned in a previous thread, word of mouth is the best form of advertising. Doing a cheaper gig may lead to more bookings.

The problem being, that if you go out cheap and do a good job, any subsequent referral work will be expected at the same price.

[Shaun]

The problem being, that if you go out cheap and do a good job, any subsequent referral work will be expected at the same price.

Precisely. :beer1:

[Dragonfly]

The problem being, that if you go out cheap and do a good job, any subsequent referral work will be expected at the same price.


Precisely. :beer1:

spot on as usual :D :D :D :beer1:

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

spot on as usual :D :D :D :beer1:

What, with the beer? :D

[ppentertainments]

I see what your saying but have not had that problem before. If it was a venue I would explain the reasons for doing the discounted gig and for individuals I have never had anyone query. (cue the pricing queries now :D ).
Obviously we all have a minimum figure and I would not go out below this.

The main price difference questions I get is when people ring who I done a gig for years ago and say 'But you only charged xx last time':bang:

[Vectis]

No.

I'll drop to the smallest package (venue permitting) but the price is the price.

[CRAZY K]

No.

I'll drop to the smallest package (venue permitting) but the price is the price.

Thats my approach--in fact people expecting it at short notice should be very grateful anyone is turning up at all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A person phoned up a while ago and said--got anyone at short notice--
yeah no problem the price is xxxxx

Cant you do it cheaper---if your free anyway and have nothing to do--

Course not--just relaxing at home enjoying myself on a Saturday night, going out having a good time meeting friends etc

Look I said--if you phone up Dynorod and say can you come round this afternoon I dont expect you have much on so reduce the price ---what do you think they would say?

Bye bye;)

CRAZY K

[djsteve10]

I would take on a job a less money than what I go out for, At the end of the day it's work that you don't have and money in your pocket. I also look at it this way that there might be follow on work from that function.

[ppentertainments]

No.

I'll drop to the smallest package (venue permitting) but the price is the price.

Would it not be better to go out with the most suitable package to put on a good show and maybe get repeat bookings ?? There are occasions where I have done likes of a karaoke disco for the price of a disco.

[Vectis]

Would it not be better to go out with the most suitable package to put on a good show and maybe get repeat bookings ?? There are occasions where I have done likes of a karaoke disco for the price of a disco.

My "Junior" package beats any I've seen from the local guys.

And it only gets better from there :o

Occasionally I have been known to throw in a freebie to secure a gig when asked for a discount, but only when I feel there might be a future benefit in doing so like securing repeat business.

[ppentertainments]

But your still not showing off your true capabilities - 'everything matters':D

[Javlingames]

If you need the money do it, If you dont, dont. Simple surely? It works both ways, here in the office if a DJ is flexible and will do the odd favour for us we will ensure that in return he gets some of the better paid gigs, but the DJ's who only want the big bucks tend to get pushed to the back of the cue.

[Jay]

I would do it cheaper, but thats purely to the fact that i'm new and would be doing it more so for the advertisement it could generate.

[rob1963]

I would take on a job a less money than what I go out for, At the end of the day it's work that you don't have and money in your pocket. I also look at it this way that there might be follow on work from that function.

Spot on.

In my opinion it's well worth doing the odd reduced price gig.

These will make no difference to most of your expenses, as the only additional costs will be petrol/diesel and income tax.

Also, it could easily lead to a couple of full-priced gigs when you do a good job & give out some cards.....or maybe even a residency, as you never know who will be there.

[Vectis]

But your still not showing off your true capabilities - 'everything matters':D

True. But if I were to do this for every gig I'd be bankrupt in no time.

My capabilities far exceed the requirements of the majority of gigs.

At the end of the day the DJ, his experience, personality and music are the same irrespective of the size of rig or extras provided so in many respects true capabilities are on display anyway.

[Dragonfly]

OK i'll tie myself to the rack here for discussions sake ..... I would rather go down the offering a freebee (ie something extra) to secure a full fee gig than reduce my price ........... ridiculous i know can't justify it as technically im sure its no different but just what i would prefer to do.

[Vectis]

OK i'll tie myself to the rack here for discussions sake ..... I would rather go down the offering a freebee (ie something extra) to secure a full fee gig than reduce my price ........... ridiculous i know can't justify it as technically im sure its no different but just what i would prefer to do.

What, like a couple of extra lights? :D :p

[Dragonfly]

What, like a couple of extra lights? :D :p


let's go round again !!!! :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :beer1: :beer1:

[rob1963]

I'd NEVER throw in a couple of extra lights for free! ;)

[ppentertainments]

True. But if I were to do this for every gig I'd be bankrupt in no time.

My capabilities far exceed the requirements of the majority of gigs.

At the end of the day the DJ, his experience, personality and music are the same irrespective of the size of rig or extras provided so in many respects true capabilities are on display anyway.

Fair comment !!


What, like a couple of extra lights? :D :p

I would never go that far. Lights should always be charged accordingly :D :D

[Danno13]

When we're talking about being offered whatever amount for a gig, then this is presumably by Agents or other DJs, right? So, it's not going to affect the pricing of your own business when you work direct to customers.

I do take on cheaper gigs sometimes when I'm not booked, because to be butally honest, I can't afford not to. I worked last night for half what I often work for on a Saturday night, but it's money that I wouldn't have had if it hadn't have taken the booking.

When I work on this basis, the people I'm working for know I would normally expect more and I wouldn't accept any cheaper booking when I know I have enough time to fill the date with something better, but even that can backfire sometimes.

Unless you're at the stage when you can guarantee to get three bookings a week, all at your top rate then you sometimes have to take what you can. I had three Fridays off in August, I'd have sooner had an extra £600 if i'd been offered gigs at the last minute.

For next year I've combatted this by keeping my Friday rate pretty much the same, and upping the Saturday by a significant amount to make up for the odd lost Friday booking.

[rob1963]

When we're talking about being offered whatever amount for a gig, then this is presumably by Agents or other DJs, right? So, it's not going to affect the pricing of your own business when you work direct to customers.

In my case, that's spot on.

The only time I reduce my own prices is for people I know, but I've done lower priced gigs for other DJs or agencies plenty of times.

[CRAZY K]

For next year I've combatted this by keeping my Friday rate pretty much the same, and upping the Saturday by a significant amount to make up for the odd lost Friday booking.


None of my business what you charge but might that be counter productive by reducing the amount of Saturday gigs you can get?

If I did that ( which I should because I have Robs disease---not many Friday gigs :eek: ) I know I would not get as many gigs personally on Saturdays.

CRAZY K

[soundtracker]

None of my business what you charge but might that be counter productive by reducing the amount of Saturday gigs you can get?

If I did that ( which I should because I have Robs disease---not many Friday gigs :eek: ) I know I would not get as many gigs personally on Saturdays.

CRAZY K

Leave him alone! It'll save him under-cutting me!:D

[Danno13]

None of my business what you charge but might that be counter productive by reducing the amount of Saturday gigs you can get?

If I did that ( which I should because I have Robs disease---not many Friday gigs ) I know I would not get as many gigs personally on Saturdays.

CRAZY K

I had one Saturday off this "season" and that was due to a cancellation, for which I was still paid. During June - September, I also had at least one other DJ out on all but two Saturdays and still ended up turning away work, so its a calulated risk.

I can always fill any spares with cheapies anyway :D

[Steve the DJ]

For next year I've combatted this by keeping my Friday rate pretty much the same, and upping the Saturday by a significant amount to make up for the odd lost Friday booking.

Not quite connected to this thread but along the lines of your post I know of a DJ who has done a great deal of work for an agent that would pay him £280 - £300ish for a regular Wedding.

If you go direct to the DJ he charges upwards of £425 - £450. The agent has been trying to suppress the DJs fee this year and get him to do the same work for less money so the DJ has now made himself unavailable on any Saturday in 2009/2010 to that agent, purely so he can concentrate on what he considers are "decent money" gigs that come direct.

The agent is gutted because this guy is a star and knows he will fill his Saturdays easy peasy, in fact he is almost fully booked now for 2009, but he is quite right, why block your key dates out for lower paying work?

[Danno13]

Part of the signifcant increase is actually an increase I was charging last year on 2nd,3rd etc. bookings, to allow for a comission. Testing the water so to speak.. I now know there are plenty of fish, so the rate when I work personally will be higher as well.

I don't beleive in hunting out the cheapest DJ just to maximise my own cut, you just end up with problems. You get what you pay for.

[CRAZY K]

I had one Saturday off this "season" and that was due to a cancellation, for which I was still paid. During June - September, I also had at least one other DJ out on all but two Saturdays and still ended up turning away work, so its a calulated risk.

I can always fill any spares with cheapies anyway :D

Just because theres loads of work doesnt mean people will pay higher prices.

If that was true--Id be a very rich person --based on quotes I put out last summer and the amount I got booked--or rather didnt get booked--:eek:

Anyway ill shut up for Soundtracker:D :D :D

CRAZY K

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Right...
FDDJ - It's YOU'RE and NOT Your. I thought you would have known that mate.
As for "YOU'RE right, you haven't"... how bloody rude is that!!?

Danno said something which is along the same lines as what I am getting at. I am in the position at the moment where I am still building my business up. I am always investing and I am always busy with DJ work but that doesn't mean I am rolling in it or can afford to take the night off and stay in. If the offer is there then (and this is the most important thing) AT THIS MOMENT IN TIME, I WILL work for less than I would normally get but within reason. In other words, I can't afford to stay in and earn nothing.

You guys that work during the week too and also run a DJ business are obviously in the position where you can do it and probably do, do it but I can't. If someone calls me up (as I said) and need a date covering and I am free but they are paying less than I charge then I stick by what I said and I would do it, again...within reason. I do know (FDDJ take note) when it is worth my while to actually bother and although I may be still learning the business side of things, I am not stupid or naive...despite what some people may think.

[Danno13]

Just because theres loads of work doesnt mean people will pay higher prices.

If that was true--Id be a very rich person --based on quotes I put out last summer and the amount I got booked--or rather didnt get booked--

Anyway ill shut up for Soundtracker

I can say fairly confidently that I know the market is there. Soundtracker will confirm that! :D

It's a general rule of business that if you're turning work away (or have more than you handle personally for that matter) then you should raise your prices.

[CRAZY K]

I can say fairly confidently that I know the market is there. Soundtracker will confirm that! :D

It's a general rule of business that if you're turning work away (or have more than you handle personally for that matter) then you should raise your prices.

The rule I know is--if every time you give a quote it gets accepted very easily your too cheap.

You then keep upping it until only a few quotes are accepted--then you have the right rate providing your diary is reasonably full.

Turning work away means nothing---just that people think your price is good for what you offer---or you have an effective advertising campaign.

If however you have been charging LESS than the going rate for the area and are bringing your rates in line with the competition---fair enough.

Next summer you will be able to put these theories into practice:D

CRAZY K

[Danno13]

Turning work away means nothing---just that people think your price is good for what you offer---or you have an effective advertising campaign.


Well that'll do for me! As long as I'm keeping busy, then it makes no difference.


If however you have been charging LESS than the going rate for the area and are bringing your rates in line with the competition---fair enough.

I don't really know what the "going rate" for the area is.. I cover a large area anyway, so it probably varies. It depends entirley on what market you pitch yourself at anyway. There are cheap jobs in WMCs and nice hotels where you'll get the big money bookings in every area.

As long as I've been full time, I've always charged what I need to, to make a profit that I can live on and leave a bit for further investment... and I aim to increase that profit every year.. until I'm a millionaire :D

[Excalibur]

My thoughts on this should be well enough known by now. ;) I've covered gigs for others on here at rates which are lower than even I charge!:eek: Three reasons, one is to help a mate, two is I expect the same in return, three is that within limits, some money is better than no money. You may be offered a gig from say a Social Club, which is used to a set rate for their discos. I would probably take the one at a low raste, and point out that any further ones would be at my normal rate.

[Steve the DJ]

FDDJ - It's YOU'RE and NOT Your. I thought you would have known that mate.

Unfortunately I spend far too much time on DJ forums and being subjected to such poor spelling and grammar on a regular basis seems to have affected even my usual high standards...

:sofa:



As for "YOU'RE right, you haven't"... how bloody rude is that!!?

Any ruder than you saying that the DJ in your original post was one of those people who "...haven't got a clue"?

No, I don't think so, or are you just upset that others actually agree with his stance?


I can't afford to stay in and earn nothing.

Then you are not charging enough for your current work because as a self employed person you will be unable to work at certain points in your life whether you want to or not (sickness perhaps?), and you will not be able to earn anything and yet those bills will still need to be paid.

You will not be in a position to do a cheap job to tide you over and get you out of a hole, it happens, it's called life.

If you do not want to raise your rates to compensate then maybe a small rise to cover some form of insurance policy that would cover you in the event that you were unable to work would be a good idea?


I do know (FDDJ take note) when it is worth my while to actually bother and although I may be still learning the business side of things, I am not stupid or naive...despite what some people may think.

I do not think you are stupid or naive, you are trying to do what you feel is best, but you shouldn't be surprised and so defensive when others suggest alternative solutions.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Firstly mate, I have a seperate insurance policy to cover me if I am off work and I also put a little bit away each week just in case the worst happens (not a lot though).
Secondly, I try not to be defensive but it's just in my nature I guess. I don't claim to know everything like some may do and that's the reason I am here... to learn more. I may have been DJing for over 20 years but as a business I have only been going since 2005 so I know I have a few bits to learn.
Thirdly, I my 'rude' comment towards you FDDJ was because you were aiming that at me personally. The DJ in question on the phone if you really want to know the truth is someone that I know of and I am sure I have mentioned him here before...No PLI, No PAT, No Tax and all cash in the hand so I think I'm right in saying that he doesn't have clue in one way but in another, well..he works during the day too so he can probably afford to stick to what he wants. A kind of double edged sword really because WHY did he call me in the first place?...because he didn't have any work on so you would have thought that he and others in the same position would be happy with (example) £50.00 less than what they would normally get?
Fourthly, the grammar thing gets to me aswell as does the text speak and other rubbish that is spouted about. I read it and I cringe sometimes. I was just being sarcastic.

Lastly, I am happy with the way things are going for me as I am always working. I don't feel the need to increase my prices as yet because I recently did them and also, with the inclusion of some new ideas and services (which I mentioned on another topic last week), I WILL get even more work and also a higher price.

Cheers

[Penfold42]

Play nicely chaps! :D

[Shakermaker Promotions]

We are!

[Steve the DJ]

Fair enough, I apologise for coming across as rude.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

That's appreciated mate and thanks but no need.
Cheers

[nigelwright7557]

Surely a lot depends on what other local discos are charging ?
No point asking £300 if the local going rate is £150, your not going to get any work. Most people ring up a few discos to get prices.
A few clients have commented on me being a little cheaper than others.
One even said if I hadnt been the price I quoted they wouldnt have bothered at all with a disco.

It seems to me some discos just want to cream the best jobs.
Nothing wrong with that but there a lot of extra gigs going begging for someone willing to take a little less.

[Danno13]

:bang:


It seems to me some discos just want to cream the best jobs.
Nothing wrong with that but there a lot of extra gigs going begging for someone willing to take a little less.

If anything its the other way round, everyone cutting each others throats to be the cheapest.. or "average" instead of aiming at better markets and getting the better money.

[soundtracker]

:flog: :flog: :flog: :flog: :flog:

[Vectis]

No point asking £300 if the local going rate is £150

No point asking £150 if your operating costs exceed £150 :o

Ring every DJ in my area for a summer Saturday wedding and you'll end up with a range of quotes from £80 to £400+

Mine will be in the top 10% somewhere. But in order to get some time with my family this year I had to deliberately block out one Saturday each month in the diary.

I've only been here since 2006 after moving from up north, and it wasn't until towards the end of the year that the rig was up and running.

This is one of the poorer regions of the country if the statistics are to be believed.

Better paying work IS available and with the right service offering you can secure plenty of it.

[DJ INDIE]

if you want to do a job for less than you normally charge then thats great - go for it. i certainly would and at the moment regularily do. - nothing on, not too bothered and out comes a call out of the blue, 2 minutes to consider...'yeh ok' - thats the beauty of being in control of your own work. its upto you and no one else.

everyones circumstances are different - do what you have to or want to do, its money in your pocket not someone elses, and could lead to follow up gigs, advertises you as well, and hence more money and chances to recoup back upto your normal rate in the future if you want - in which case you deserve them as you put yourself out.

in my eyes, if youve got a skill, use it. if it pays you - no matter how much - great. dont sit on the couch wishing you had said yes to doing a gig youd turned down for the sake of a few quid...... its not like its the worst job in the world! :)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

dont sit on the couch wishing you had said yes to doing a gig youd turned down for the sake of a few quid...... its not like its the worst job in the world! :)

I'm sorry, right or wrong, that is a typical part time, I can earn a few quid which is better than nothing attitude.

I live this business, but after working at it full time for a long time, I would rather be on the couch.

And worse job in the world?

Try doing any job for a living for a long time and you'll change your attitude towards it, no matter the circumstances. There are times when any job is a pain in the bum.

[DJ INDIE]

I'm sorry, right or wrong, that is a typical part time, I can earn a few quid which is better than nothing attitude.

I live this business, but after working at it full time for a long time, I would rather be on the couch.

And worse job in the world?

Try doing any job for a living for a long time and you'll change your attitude towards it, no matter the circumstances. There are times when any job is a pain in the bum.

i dont entirely agree im afraid.

if youre available to work, and want to do it, then take the booking.

if you can afford not to and could do with spending time differently then thats fine.


i dont see how if you are trying to develop your business, like many on here are, turning down profitable work is beneficial when you are able and willing to do it.

the benefits are there - potential future clients, perhaps a venue may re-book you or have some vacancies, advertising of your brand / DJ name just by being there? AND you get paid for it too.

this money can be used to pay for advertising say, or new or improved equipment etc, which we all have to do and pay for.

if you turn down that gig and take nothing that week, but do a full priced gig the week after then the advertising and equipment money etc must then come out of that money, making it not the full price gig at all, regardless of whether you are full or part time.

i tend to look on lower paid gigs as opportunities to pay for business essentials like advertising, equipment, music etc etc rather than not being the big amount i wanted for doing it.

its hard to guage on this forum peoples genuine individual circumstances (and rightly so), but some people can afford to turn down £400 gigs without hesitation and some genuinely need and want what is available. This is an honest answer that (i may be wrong) i think applies to a lot on here.

if youre offered lower priced work and dont actually want to do it, (as we all don't want to from time to time i suspect) thats a different matter completely. i wouldnt do anything i didnt want to.

i know what you mean about jobs / careers / everything sometimes being laborious Darren, and i agree, but i was just trying to say for a few hours lugging gear around (for the money we DJs get there are worse things to be doing), the benefits to a small growing business could be great.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

You are part time and earning this money on top of your weekly wage I assume?

I spend between 60-80 hours a week running a business before I go out and DJ and comments like "for a few hours lugging gear around (for the money we DJs get there are worse things to be doing), " wind me up as there is a lot more involved. There are worse jobs you could do? Yes, DJing is very easy and very sociable with no minus points. FFS.

Unless of course you just want to make a few more quid on top of your day job?

There are very few people who seem to understand that this is a business on this forum. Yeah, DJing is easy, just turn up and play afew tunes and make yourself an extra couple of hundred or whatever.

There are principles involved sometimes.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

if you turn down that gig and take nothing that week, but do a full priced gig the week after then the advertising and equipment money etc must then come out of that money, making it not the full price gig at all, regardless of whether you are full or part time.



That is not a statement of someone in business. That is a statement of someone doing the odd disco. You work out your profit and loss over the year, not over 2 weeks for gods sake. I give up....:bang:

[DJ INDIE]

You are part time and earning this money on top of your weekly wage I assume?

I spend between 60-80 hours a week running a business before I go out and DJ and comments like "for a few hours lugging gear around (for the money we DJs get there are worse things to be doing), " wind me up as there is a lot more involved. There are worse jobs you could do? Yes, DJing is very easy and very sociable with no minus points. FFS.

Unless of course you just want to make a few more quid on top of your day job?

There are very few people who seem to understand that this is a business on this forum. Yeah, DJing is easy, just turn up and play afew tunes and make yourself an extra couple of hundred or whatever.

There are principles involved sometimes.

I am in employment, yes. I play in a band once or twice a week (plus practice nights). I DJ approx twice a week working in a 150 mile radius,yes. I do all the work advertising, getting gigs, doing the books / taxes, dealing with clients etc. I dont even want to add up how many hours that comes to. I just get on with it. I do a very professional job when doing all 3. I never mention money or income at all when contributing to threads on here.

Nor do I put people down for trying to make a success of things and taking what they can get with their abilities and hard work. Whether they be just starting off or successful company owners - good luck to everybody.

im not a wannabe chancer etc, and compared to most jobs out there - DJing as a whole is a lot easier and better paid, regardless of how full time or part time you are. its doing a professional job that counts. im not saying its 'easy' but 'easier', which is where my 'its not the worst job in the world' comes from - we should count our lucky stars we can make money off doing something we like - never mind comparing it to a real difficult job as people a lot less fortunate than us have and get paid a lot less for doing. - going out DJing for a night for £250 or work 9-5 for a week in a factory for the same money? hmmm thats a tough one...maybe working in the factory for 5 days is easier...and no, I dont DJ to make a quick few quid on the side. I imagine countless comments of people scoffing at £300+ gigs because its not enough money for them and calling DJs for taking them insult a lot of hard working DJs who read this forum.

i was being flippant with the 'few hours lugging gear around' comment, but peoples attitude that this is ridiculously hard work and they deserve massive recompense for it is ridiculous. (and that is me with my DJing head on saying that). Time for a reality check - £200+ is good for what we DJs do, i dont care what anyone says - yes we'd like more, but £200 is good money - and shouldnt be mocked - unless this is the millionairesmobiledisco forum.

you are right to turn down work if you dont want to do it.

just as right as others are to take it if they do.

its not principles, its circumstance. you can turn work down, others cant. others dont have to work at all, and do it because they enjoy it. circumstance. the previous threads with people having a go at each other over making a decent living over the money they earned were ridiculous.

you cant when starting off or trying to build a decent client base just say im going to charge £500 a gig and no less, and i'll turn down everything under that amount and I expect to be booked up for the year and if I dont then I have a part time attitude - thats the impression a lot of these threads turn into.

And I know you work your earnings out over a full year - I was a self employed engineer for 7 years. Does that £200 you turned down and didnt work at all that night turn up at the end of the year? No. Not and less you go out and earn it some other way later on.


I dont normally ramble on, or get grouchy, but recently you cant seem to say anything on here without people provoking arguments.

[Corabar Steve]

i was being flippant with the 'few hours lugging gear around' comment, but peoples attitude that this is ridiculously hard work and they deserve massive recompense for it is ridiculous. (and that is me with my DJing head on saying that). Time for a reality check - £200+ is good for what we DJs do, i dont care what anyone says - yes we'd like more, but £200 is good money - and shouldnt be mocked - unless this is the millionairesmobiledisco forum.

Yes it is good if that's what ends up in your pocket (something that a lot of part timers seem to think) Once you've taken all your outgoings into consideration that £200 gig could only be worth £60 - £90 in your pocket.

Not so appealing now is it?

[Impactdisco]

Yes it is good if that's what ends up in your pocket (something that a lot of part timers seem to think) Once you've taken all your outgoings into consideration that £200 gig could only be worth £60 - £90 in your pocket.

Not so appealing now is it?

Absolutely right Steve. I worked my expenses out after reading the other thread, and my expenses are around £89 a disco, if you spread it over the year, so a lot of us should be charging more.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I am in employment, yes. I play in a band once or twice a week (plus practice nights). I DJ approx twice a week working in a 150 mile radius,yes. I do all the work advertising, getting gigs, doing the books / taxes, dealing with clients etc. I dont even want to add up how many hours that comes to. I just get on with it. I do a very professional job when doing all 3. I never mention money or income at all when contributing to threads on here.

Nor do I put people down for trying to make a success of things and taking what they can get with their abilities and hard work. Whether they be just starting off or successful company owners - good luck to everybody.

im not a wannabe chancer etc, and compared to most jobs out there - DJing as a whole is a lot easier and better paid, regardless of how full time or part time you are. its doing a professional job that counts. im not saying its 'easy' but 'easier', which is where my 'its not the worst job in the world' comes from - we should count our lucky stars we can make money off doing something we like - never mind comparing it to a real difficult job as people a lot less fortunate than us have and get paid a lot less for doing. - going out DJing for a night for £250 or work 9-5 for a week in a factory for the same money? hmmm thats a tough one...maybe working in the factory for 5 days is easier...and no, I dont DJ to make a quick few quid on the side. I imagine countless comments of people scoffing at £300+ gigs because its not enough money for them and calling DJs for taking them insult a lot of hard working DJs who read this forum.

i was being flippant with the 'few hours lugging gear around' comment, but peoples attitude that this is ridiculously hard work and they deserve massive recompense for it is ridiculous. (and that is me with my DJing head on saying that). Time for a reality check - £200+ is good for what we DJs do, i dont care what anyone says - yes we'd like more, but £200 is good money - and shouldnt be mocked - unless this is the millionairesmobiledisco forum.

you are right to turn down work if you dont want to do it.

just as right as others are to take it if they do.

its not principles, its circumstance. you can turn work down, others cant. others dont have to work at all, and do it because they enjoy it. circumstance. the previous threads with people having a go at each other over making a decent living over the money they earned were ridiculous.

you cant when starting off or trying to build a decent client base just say im going to charge £500 a gig and no less, and i'll turn down everything under that amount and I expect to be booked up for the year and if I dont then I have a part time attitude - thats the impression a lot of these threads turn into.

And I know you work your earnings out over a full year - I was a self employed engineer for 7 years. Does that £200 you turned down and didnt work at all that night turn up at the end of the year? No. Not and less you go out and earn it some other way later on.


I dont normally ramble on, or get grouchy, but recently you cant seem to say anything on here without people provoking arguments.

Unless you haven't noticed, this is a forum where we discuss these issues. I suggest that if y0u think £200 is 'easy money' and good for a nights work, that you look into what is involved and how much you actually earn out of the £200.

[ppentertainments]

Yes it is good if that's what ends up in your pocket (something that a lot of part timers seem to think) Once you've taken all your outgoings into consideration that £200 gig could only be worth £60 - £90 in your pocket.

Not so appealing now is it?
Don't forget though that a majority of expenses are fixed ie equipment, insurances, licenses etc.

ie say you spend £1000 a year (just a figure) and do 10 discos a year this works out at a cost of £100 / disco. Doing an extra disco, cheaper, does not mean it will cost you an additional £100 in costs.

To do an extra gig the costs involved would be the likes of tax, fuel etc.

(not sure if this makes sense :confused: )

[soundtracker]

Don't forget though that a majority of expenses are fixed ie equipment, insurances, licenses etc.

ie say you spend £1000 a year (just a figure) and do 10 discos a year this works out at a cost of £100 / disco. Doing an extra disco, cheaper, does not mean it will cost you an additional £100 in costs.

To do an extra gig the costs involved would be the likes of tax, fuel etc.

(not sure if this makes sense :confused: )

No it doesn't, doing an extra gig would simply reduce the fixed cost to £90.90 per gig!

[Vectis]

Don't forget though that a majority of expenses are fixed ie equipment, insurances, licenses etc.

ie say you spend £1000 a year (just a figure) and do 10 discos a year this works out at a cost of £100 / disco. Doing an extra disco, cheaper, does not mean it will cost you an additional £100 in costs.

To do an extra gig the costs involved would be the likes of tax, fuel etc.

(not sure if this makes sense :confused: )

If viewed on a one-off basis then yes, it makes sense.

However, you should always take the long term view.

If your costs are £1000/year then doing 11 gigs instead of 10 means your costs are £91 instead of £100 per disco.

Not such a difference now is it? So knocking £50 off your normal price is going to cost you £41 in the pocket.

(not including the tax calcs 'cos that'll just confuse matters)

[soundtracker]

If viewed on a one-off basis then yes, it makes sense.

However, you should always take the long term view.

If your costs are £1000/year then doing 11 gigs instead of 10 means your costs are £91 instead of £100 per disco.

Not such a difference now is it? So knocking £50 off your normal price is going to cost you £41 in the pocket.

(not including the tax calcs 'cos that'll just confuse matters)

ha-ha too slow!!!

[ppentertainments]

If viewed on a one-off basis then yes, it makes sense.

However, you should always take the long term view.

If your costs are £1000/year then doing 11 gigs instead of 10 means your costs are £91 instead of £100 per disco.

Not such a difference now is it? So knocking £50 off your normal price is going to cost you £41 in the pocket.

(not including the tax calcs 'cos that'll just confuse matters)

Yes I do agree, but taking into account the previous views on maybe getting futher bookings etc, I do tend to look at the one-off basis when coming across this situation. As said before I think it depends on how much you need or want the work / money. An extra £80 - £90 may be appealing at times !

[ppentertainments]

If viewed on a one-off basis then yes, it makes sense.

However, you should always take the long term view.

If your costs are £1000/year then doing 11 gigs instead of 10 means your costs are £91 instead of £100 per disco.

Not such a difference now is it? So knocking £50 off your normal price is going to cost you £41 in the pocket.

(not including the tax calcs 'cos that'll just confuse matters)

But it also means in essence you are 'taking home' an extra £9 from each of your other gigs meaning over the year an extra £90 plus your profit from the cheaper gig !!

[Dragonfly]

when I have done this in the past , I have had people from referrals asking why i'm charging them x amount and their mates only paid x amount (less) when i did their party ......... I wouldnt like the justification to be "well I really needed the work that weekend" just doesn't sit right.

[BeerFunk]

when I have done this in the past , I have had people from referrals asking why i'm charging them x amount and their mates only paid x amount (less) when i did their party ......... I wouldnt like the justification to be "well I really needed the work that weekend" just doesn't sit right.A very good point, and it's bound to happen at some point if you're not consistent with your pricing.

[ppentertainments]

A very good point, and it's bound to happen at some point if you're not consistent with your pricing.

i agree this is a big problem. Suppose its the same with 'last minute cheap holidays' though. :D

[Corabar Steve]

How?

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I'm not actually sure that 'cheap last minute holidays' even exist anymore.

[Dragonfly]

what next ? ..... cheaper weddings in term time :D :D :D :D :D :D

[Corabar Steve]

Discounts for out of season weddings?

[ppentertainments]

Midweek discounts ??? - is that not the same ?

[Vectis]

Discounts for out of season weddings?

Well I kind of do that already; all my pricing is seasonally adjusted but has been carefully considered based on full-year costs.

[Corabar Steve]

Midweek discounts ??? - is that not the same ?

But why should you? It costs you the same after all.

[Javlingames]

when I have done this in the past , I have had people from referrals asking why i'm charging them x amount and their mates only paid x amount (less) when i did their party ......... I wouldnt like the justification to be "well I really needed the work that weekend" just doesn't sit right.

And what did you say to them out of interest?

Well what you could say is that your career as a DJ has turned the corner, your business has expanded and you are now able to command higher fee's?

[ppentertainments]

But why should you? It costs you the same after all.

I don't but A LOT of dj's do. The point I am making is most of us have to occasionally discount for whatever reason. To tie this in with this thread - this discount may be doing last minute bookings cheaper if needed. If needing the work, MOST businesses need to 'discount' in some way - whether this is special promotions, last minutes deals etc.

Have you EVER had to offer a discount or promotion or can you ALWAYS go out for your top rate, regardless of day, just starting up etc ?

[theoloyla]

Blimey what a thread.

Never say never. I rarely take gigs for less than my usual rate. I take my holidays in the off season and during the busy times of the year I will be out pretty much every Saturday. If I find I have a night off coming up we will generally invite friends over for a meal or go out ourselves. But I wouldnt rule accepting a cheaper booking at short notice out of hand. I would decide whether or not I felt it would be beneficial and enjoyable. I am long enough in the tooth to have been suckered a few times by venues telling me that if I do them a favour they will make it right for me and I will get lots of good gigs from them. But if someone rings up at short notice for a local gig which is short hours, easy access and appears to be a pleasant or rewarding opportunity I will consider it. In my younger days I trained as a cost accountant and so I do know about reducing fixed costs. Expensive machinery standing idle costs you money. Several people have a very professional aaproach to business costs on here. If you really want to do it properly you need to make a business model with a forecast of how many gigs you will do in a year and a cashflow prediction and analysis. If you are not meeting target it may be advantageous to accept a profitable gig with a lower margin to help keep the costs and budget on track and also boost the cashflow. After all this is why airlines offer standby seats. They would rather fly with the aircraft full than half empty. The people travelling on standby know why they are getting their seats cheap and the airline makes more profit by reducing marginal costs. If I do occasionally take a cheap gig I make a point of telling the customer that it is less than I would normally work for but...
It all depends on how busy and successful you are. If you are doing well and have a full bank account and a full diary then you can talk from a position of strength but if you are new and not busy then it may well be to your advantage to accept last minute cheapies just dont fill up your forward dates with cheap gigs.

[ppentertainments]

Agree wholeheartedly Theo, well explained.

[theoloyla]

What really annoys me is people who should charge more but dont.

[Javlingames]

Well said theo

[Corabar Steve]

I would just like to point out that the following.......

Why does this have to even be discussed?
Was quoted out of context as it was in the thread before the split & refered to the fact that people started whinging about going out for less money than they would usually if they took on the job that was on offer in the original thread.

It originally read
Why does this have to even be discussed?

Contact Paul if you're prepared to do the gig, don't if you're not. & was not meant to be taken in the way that the subsequent (mis)quote made it look.

[CRAZY K]

Blimey what a thread.

Never say never. I rarely take gigs for less than my usual rate. I take my holidays in the off season and during the busy times of the year I will be out pretty much every Saturday. If I find I have a night off coming up we will generally invite friends over for a meal or go out ourselves. But I wouldnt rule accepting a cheaper booking at short notice out of hand. I would decide whether or not I felt it would be beneficial and enjoyable. I am long enough in the tooth to have been suckered a few times by venues telling me that if I do them a favour they will make it right for me and I will get lots of good gigs from them. But if someone rings up at short notice for a local gig which is short hours, easy access and appears to be a pleasant or rewarding opportunity I will consider it. In my younger days I trained as a cost accountant and so I do know about reducing fixed costs. Expensive machinery standing idle costs you money. Several people have a very professional aaproach to business costs on here. If you really want to do it properly you need to make a business model with a forecast of how many gigs you will do in a year and a cashflow prediction and analysis. If you are not meeting target it may be advantageous to accept a profitable gig with a lower margin to help keep the costs and budget on track and also boost the cashflow. After all this is why airlines offer standby seats. They would rather fly with the aircraft full than half empty. The people travelling on standby know why they are getting their seats cheap and the airline makes more profit by reducing marginal costs. If I do occasionally take a cheap gig I make a point of telling the customer that it is less than I would normally work for but...
It all depends on how busy and successful you are. If you are doing well and have a full bank account and a full diary then you can talk from a position of strength but if you are new and not busy then it may well be to your advantage to accept last minute cheapies just dont fill up your forward dates with cheap gigs.

Wise words there--we have all heard the "theres loads more work in it for you" excuse--I have not had that recently but certainly would ignore it totally.

I do discount for midweek minimal equipment gigs with no lights for kids Barn Dance/Line Dance parties --not that I do many although have had 2 enquiries today:confused:

Certainly wouldnt discount for a Wedding as Steve rightly points out or for anything last minute--I have pride in my ability so no free lunches.

That of course is the crux of the situation--part timers can work evenings at the weekend i.e Friday and Saturday and create a lot of competition for everyone with cut pricing.

I understand Darrens point about being in competition with part timers who can cover weekend jobs as a top up to their main income --the fact is we dont usually work Monday morning or Wednesday afternoon much --unlike most other full time trades or professions who have to get their work done during the working week mainly--

The entertainment business has always been a mixture of part and full time and I cant see that changing--especially now as the recession bites.:eek:

My concern is that there will be a pressure on prices next year due to the economic problems so part timers will further cut prices including last minute jobs ( because its only top up money) and the full timers will suffer--thats me included even though I dont work as often as my DJ colleagues.

Just to agree with Daves point about lower rates--I quoted a lady today for a kids party in a Church Hall on a Thursday--she said they might put my name forwards for an event at the Church which I know will be Saturday--problem is I quoted her a midweek rate--at least I will have a proper reason for saying--sorry you dont qualify for the midweek rate---unless you want to hold it on a Thursday night---no chance:D

Rather than "you dont qualify for the desperate for a booking discount" which I gave to your friend.

No offence to anyone on here--just my personal view:)

CRAZY K

[spuldoon]

What an outstanding thread with a wide range of views, all valid in their own way, but Theo's pretty much summed it all up.
I can see where the full time DJ's are coming from because they are running a business and they must be fairly rigid with their pricing but with referral to a previous thread then there are ways of making yourself sound cheap or give the impression that you are giving the client a good deal by quoting a price around £50 more than your normal fee but saying that you can do it for £50 less thus hopefully getting what you wanted in the first place. Everyone wants a bargain nowadays and with the public tightening their belts due to the looming recession everyone will be affected.
I work for a major car manufacturer and soon the prices of their cars will be coming down but the manufacturing costs are still the same, it may be a different animal as they are providing a product and not a service but the reality is the same....people have less money to spend.
I think some of the regular posters on here are testing the water to see what sort of reaction they get to doing cheaper gigs but each individual is entitled to charge what they like when they like regardless of the age old issue of undercutting anyone or not charging what people assume the industry is worth.
There is a total lack of DJ's in my area and after doing one gig for my football club I have had about 10-12 phone calls to do more but have so far declined these as I only want to do charity gigs or maybe the odd one or two for family but the cost of a 8-12 gig around here is about £120 which after reading this forum for a while is not worth doing.

[rob1963]

I see nothing wrong with DJs charging less if they want to for gigs which are either off-season or midweek, in order to have more chance of securing the booking.

After all, plenty of other businesses do similar things.

What about restaurants...they often have special offers at lunchtimes & on Monday to Thursday evenings. Why? to get customers (and income) they might not otherwise get...even though their own costs are the same.

:)

[Danno13]

There is a total lack of DJ's in my area and after doing one gig for my football club I have had about 10-12 phone calls to do more but have so far declined these as I only want to do charity gigs or maybe the odd one or two for family but the cost of a 8-12 gig around here is about £120 which after reading this forum for a while is not worth doing.

Really? I meet & network with around 30-40 DJs in your area each month at the NADJ meetings, you should pop along one month :)

[summer sounds]

In a small town like ours if I went out cheaper than usual because I wasnt working word would get around and eventually backfire on me when I make my next quote...my view is charge what you feel you are worth...if they dont like it let them book someone else who will more than likely let them down?

[discomobiledj]

I would go out for £25 maybe £50 less if I had nothing else to do, purely because of the recession. It's hard for everyone and I'm having alot of people shudder at prices that I have quoted for the last year - 18 months as too expensive. Bearing in mind my 4 hour fee is £200.00 there is someone who is charging £100.00 - £125.00 which I am not going to compete with. It doesn't make financial sense.