The Sweet 16....

[Charlie Brown]

Alright guys :) how are we all doing? I haven't posted on here for quite a while, but everyday I have managed to have a nosy reading through the threads etc.

Anyway....
I had a call last night from a girl who had seen me DJ at a New Years Eve party. I could tell she was from a good background, well spoken etc. I asked a few questions about her event. How many people, venue etc. Turns out the farther will be paying for the whole party. She is having a huge marquee in their garden with a bar etc. She seems really eager for me to DJ at her party but I'm not quite sure why... She asked her Dad what the budget was...and he replied "come back to me and I will say yes or no." I told her that maybe my 2 class d's and 2 15inch pro sounds wont be able to handle the type of music, for about 200 people in a marquee. They cope fine inside but we all know you loose a lot of bass etc when speakers are in the open air. I told her that I could put together a "club package" with a bigger sound system and some lasers etc. Here is what I have seen and the price I have been quoted.

http://www.kam.co.uk/index.php?action=product&product_id=189
That will cost £50 to hire.

http://www.kam.co.uk/index.php?action=product&product_id=188
That will cost £30 to hire.

http://www.dbtechnologies.com/mod_produkte.cfm?pid=118&pgid=1&pugid=33&psugid=0
That will cost £175 to hire.

Is this a fair price? I have to pick them up myself as they don't offer delivery. I have told the girl that to have me and my equipment it will be £200. I will then add on what it costs to hire out the equipment. I want to keep the costs down to a bare minimum so am I doing the right thing here? Could I find something cheaper? Would that be a good set up with a powerful smoke machine, 800w strobe, led boogie, 2 par 64's, for a 16th? Maybe I could get him to chuck in the £30 laser?

Many thanks in advance guys :) (the event is in under a month...16th May so I need to get my act together) :)

[super-hero]

If they have heard your system before then I would think they will be happy with what you have. Once you start hiring extra equipment it makes your price look expensive.

I have done lots of marquees and as long as the music is loud enough on the dancefloor, everyone is happy.

[Danno13]

But presumably they've heard his system in a different environment?

Those hire charges don't seem too bad to be honest, although could you not just beef up what you have already by just hiring in some extra subs and a couple more amps?

[Bouncy Dancefloor]

seems alot if im honest, check out a fellow forum user http://www.disco4hire.com

hes based in Derby and may be able to help you

[Charlie Brown]

Once you start hiring extra equipment it makes your price look expensive.


Well yes and no. They know I want/charge £200 and I have just suggested to them that they should fork out the extra money. It's their choice at the end of the day :)


But presumably they've heard his system in a different environment?

Those hire charges don't seem too bad to be honest, although could you not just beef up what you have already by just hiring in some extra subs and a couple more amps?

Yeah I think people will be surprised how different it sounds in a Marquee. I could possibly do that. I just wasnt sure how I would wire that one up. I have two leads out the mixer into my Numark amp. I then have to connector leads going out of the Numark into the American Audio. In the American Audio there arnt any sockets to daisy chain another amp...if that makes sense:confused:

seems alot if im honest, check out a fellow forum user http://www.disco4hire.com

hes based in Derby and may be able to help you

Yeah yeah sure I will give him a go. It's someone from this forum isn't it? Clouds disco or something?:) Thanks mate

[DeckstarDeluxe]

In all fairness Charlie given your age and the fact Im sure you'll have lots of discos similar to this in the near future prehaps look at improving the sound system if your not happy with it?

In regards to the customer if shes that happy to have you then she wants what you provided on NYE. Naturally if your budget doesnt allow to buy a better system now then offer your current services at 200 but offer them the chance to upgrade sound system at their cost (which you already have mentioned)

[Danno13]

Yeah I think people will be surprised how different it sounds in a Marquee. I could possibly do that. I just wasnt sure how I would wire that one up. I have two leads out the mixer into my Numark amp. I then have to connector leads going out of the Numark into the American Audio. In the American Audio there arnt any sockets to daisy chain another amp...if that makes sense

Any amp you hire in should have inputs and outputs on the back, so just make sure the American Audio one is last in the chain :)

[Charlie Brown]

Thank you very much sir. I think I will have to agree with that one. I mean don't get me wrong the sound system I have now does just fine and has coped with up to 300 people in a medium sized room...but the trouble is everybody on the dance floor absorbs it and there was hardly any bass. I wanted something that extra special...with a bit of kick. I really want them to agree because it would be great to play around with some kit like that:) We shall see what happens. I was just curious....is that a fair price? Any comments on the light show? Thanks in advance guys. :)


Any amp you hire in should have inputs and outputs on the back, so just make sure the American Audio one is last in the chain :)

:approve: I never thought of that one :) Thanks

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Charlie try and hire a laser uk or prolight laser. This week I experienced them side by side and the 120 even though it had the higgest mw out of the three was by far the dimmest. The prolight one was nice vivid green and smooth and the laser uk burst one was nice and bright but abit "jerky".

The 120 does do some animations so if you have a nice big wall to project it against then that can be effective.

[CRAZY K]

Alright guys :) how are we all doing? I haven't posted on here for quite a while, but everyday I have managed to have a nosy reading through the threads etc.

Anyway....
I had a call last night from a girl who had seen me DJ at a New Years Eve party. I could tell she was from a good background, well spoken etc. I asked a few questions about her event. How many people, venue etc. Turns out the farther will be paying for the whole party. She is having a huge marquee in their garden with a bar etc. She seems really eager for me to DJ at her party but I'm not quite sure why... She asked her Dad what the budget was...and he replied "come back to me and I will say yes or no." I told her that maybe my 2 class d's and 2 15inch pro sounds wont be able to handle the type of music, for about 200 people in a marquee. They cope fine inside but we all know you loose a lot of bass etc when speakers are in the open air. I told her that I could put together a "club package" with a bigger sound system and some lasers etc. Here is what I have seen and the price I have been quoted.

http://www.kam.co.uk/index.php?action=product&product_id=189
That will cost £50 to hire.

http://www.kam.co.uk/index.php?action=product&product_id=188
That will cost £30 to hire.

http://www.dbtechnologies.com/mod_produkte.cfm?pid=118&pgid=1&pugid=33&psugid=0
That will cost £175 to hire.

Is this a fair price? I have to pick them up myself as they don't offer delivery. I have told the girl that to have me and my equipment it will be £200. I will then add on what it costs to hire out the equipment. I want to keep the costs down to a bare minimum so am I doing the right thing here? Could I find something cheaper? Would that be a good set up with a powerful smoke machine, 800w strobe, led boogie, 2 par 64's, for a 16th? Maybe I could get him to chuck in the £30 laser?

Many thanks in advance guys :) (the event is in under a month...16th May so I need to get my act together) :)

I would be surprised if the father would expect to pay the total of around
£450 for a Disco around Nottingham based on my experience of dealing with people in that area:eek:

We have only covered one event in that area and thats because it was shifted there to an expensive Hotel.:D

Why not charge the local going rate for a Disco with Sound System and Lights capable of covering what must be a socking big Marquee, if theres 300 it must be pretty big so you need subs as a minimum as already recommended and use it as a learning experience and take a cut in your fee.

BTW I hope you have PLI for such a large event.

Remember with big Marquees you only need loud music on the Dancefloor however you may need to reach the back of the MQ which could be a massive distance to the bar in my experience --which will sound very Micky Mouse if your not loud enough--especially if your making announcements relating to food etc and very importantly when doing a Happy Birthday spot, three cheers and all that stuff--

Do not take this on without adequate equipment--older people are pleased if the Disco is not so loud--youngsters the opposite;)

I am currently quoting for a gig for 300 in the Hilton Gatwick.

I may need to charge extra for sound reinforcement--if they dont accept that tough:Censored: im not turning up for a high profile gig with inadequate power.

At my stage I dont care---AT YOUR STAGE YOU WANT TO DEVELOP A GOOD REPUTATION:D :D :D

CRAZY K

[ppentertainments]

I would be surprised if the father would expect to pay the total of around
£450 for a Disco around Nottingham based on my experience of dealing with people in that area:eek:



:whistle:
(I thought regional variations for pricing did not exist ;) :D :D )

[Jonathan Ford]

Yeah yeah sure I will give him a go. It's someone from this forum isn't it? Clouds disco or something?:) Thanks mate

He posts here as Pe7e. I've spoken to him a couple of times, seems like one of the good guys.

[alanrees151]

Are there any local forum members that could lend or hire you a pair of active subs / or a pair of subs and extra amp and some extra lighting?

If it is a large gig that requires additional equipment and time then I don't see why you shouldn't charge a fair price. Including hire costs if neccessary.

You could give them a few options when you quote them, so £200 for a standard package and £350 for a "club" package or whatever the costs work out to be. Perhaps you could send them the quote in writing and list what is included in each price so they can see what they are getting for their cash?

Alternatively, why not arrange to meet the birthday girl and her dad and discuss everything in person?

I am sure there are plenty of people in the Nottingham area who are prepared to spend £450 on a disco, if you offer them the right service for the right event.

Good luck!

[kjdiscos]

go for it charlie, if you need to hire the stuff in then charge the customer, Or as above give them 2 choices, They know what gear you have etc as theyve sene you before,

And the comment about people wont pay £450.00 in nottinghamshire, Cobblers :confused:

[Charlie Brown]

Right the girl has got back in touch and she only has max 200 guests. Does this change things? I really appreciate all your help btw guys :D

[djsteve10]

Have you got the Dimensions of the marquee, Maybe Tony (A1DL) could do you a good deal on some sound hire?

[DeckstarDeluxe]

just out of interest charlie what PLI do you use? No offence but does it cover you because of being 16?

[Bouncy Dancefloor]

if i have to hire kit in, i want to make a drink on it too, take into account your time of sourcing hire gear, picking up hire gear, transporting and then returning the next day, why do this at cost?

[Cj_The_Dj]

if i was you, i would look in buying a pair of 15" class D bass bins because you might be able to find a good bargain second hand and there yours for ever.

or why don't you See if excalibur has any class D he can hire you lol.

and for lights i would think par -led boggie - par two strobe above the pars and lazer above the boogie would look nice.

[Excalibur]

if i was you, i would look in buying a pair of 15" class D bass bins because you might be able to find a good bargain second hand and there yours for ever.

or why don't you See if excalibur has any class D he can hire you lol.

and for lights i would think par -led boggie - par two strobe above the pars and lazer above the boogie would look nice.

I'm ahead of you CJ. ;) :p :D :D

[Cj_The_Dj]

I'm ahead of you CJ. ;) :p :D :D

let us know what happens.

charlie if you collect anything from Excalibur make sure you have sat nav, or you'll never find his house. and at one point the sat nav said we were driving though a field. lol

[Charlie Brown]

Yeah yeah. Excalibur unfortunately has another event on, but it was very nice for him to even consider, so thanks mate :)

PLI is under dad's name as he attends my bookings now.:)

[Cj_The_Dj]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/PAIR-OF-CLASS-D-BASS-BINS-750-WATTS-IMMACULATE_W0QQitemZ290312387977QQcmdZViewItemQQpt ZUK_ConElec_SpeakersPASystems_RL?hash=item29031238 7977&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1688%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C 240%3A1318 he might take 180 pounds

edit just seen location (pros to far)

[Bouncy Dancefloor]

if PLI is under your dads name, does he also setup all of the equipment?

I was under the impression that Roadies would need their own PLI cover, which means you cant set any equipment up

[djsteve10]

if PLI is under your dads name, does he also setup all of the equipment?

I was under the impression that Roadies would need their own PLI cover, which means you cant set any equipment up

Not if it is in the business name, Covers both the director and staff.

Can we get back on topic, I don't see what this has to do with Charlie using a bigger system at the party.

[Charlie Brown]

Not if it is in the business name, Covers both the director and staff.

Can we get back on topic, I don't see what this has to do with Charlie using a bigger system at the party.

Yes that is correct....and thank you :)

[Charlie Brown]

I can have the two lasers and full sound system for £225. I think I might accept. Does anybody know where I can get laser uk?

[Paul The Party Dj]

Hi

My first proper post so please be gentle!
Intersting thread.
I went looking at the speakers on ebay mentioned earlier and found that the manufacturers are in Nottingham and they're not much more new (if I've got it right)

http://www.classd.ltd.uk/product.php?productid=16146&cat=3&page=1

Cheers

Paul

[Excalibur]

Hi

My first proper post so please be gentle!
Intersting thread.
I went looking at the speakers on ebay mentioned earlier and found that the manufacturers are in Nottingham and they're not much more new (if I've got it right)

http://www.classd.ltd.uk/product.php?productid=16146&cat=3&page=1

Cheers

Paul

Errrrrrrrrrrrrrr Mansfield actually. ;) ;) ;) As to prices and availability, they're a little volatile at the moment. ;) :D :D

[Charlie Brown]

Yeah and then I would have to purchase another amp so that dosn't seem too feasible. I have just been on the phone to Clouds Disco and we have conjured up a great plan. So thank you very much Pete and I will let the rest of you know how I get on :)

[Excalibur]

Yeah and then I would have to purchase another amp so that dosn't seem too feasible. I have just been on the phone to Clouds Disco and we have conjured up a great plan. So thank you very much Pete and I will let the rest of you know how I get on :)

Pleased to hear it Charlie. All the best. Keep us posted. :D

[Bouncy Dancefloor]

[QUOTE=djsteve10;335182]Not if it is in the business name, Covers both the director and staff.

[QUOTE]

Business Name? Director???? This is a 16yr old doing Disco's!!

I highly doubt staff are covered if under 18

Chances are its more likely to be in just one persons name

[beaumont118]

I highly doubt staff are covered if under 18

Chances are its more likely to be in just one persons name

PLI can cover staff under 18, as obviously take large employers who employ young people, eg Tesco. People can work full time from 16, so of course there will be PLI that covers people this age as staff.

Unfortunately it's a matter as to whether this policy covers people other than the person who's name its in. Worse comes to worse they wouldn't know it was Charlie setting it up surely. You'd just say the policy holder did, seen as he was present.

More unfortunate is that I don't have someone who will have the policy in my name, so am restricted to venues who will accept liability or who's cover stretches over me as well. :bang: :o

[CRAZY K]

:whistle:
(I thought regional variations for pricing did not exist ;) :D :D )

Did no one tell you--the streets of London and Reading are paved with gold.

:D :D :D

Every where else its just third rate cast off second hand slabs from Wickes:) :) :)

CRAZY K

[CRAZY K]

:D :D
PLI can cover staff under 18, as obviously take large employers who employ young people, eg Tesco. People can work full time from 16, so of course there will be PLI that covers people this age as staff.

Unfortunately it's a matter as to whether this policy covers people other than the person who's name its in. Worse comes to worse they wouldn't know it was Charlie setting it up surely. You'd just say the policy holder did, seen as he was present.

More unfortunate is that I don't have someone who will have the policy in my name, so am restricted to venues who will accept liability or who's cover stretches over me as well. :bang: :o

You cant have a policy taken out on your behalf if your the "DJ"--- should you be trying to get round the under 18 problem.

Well you can--but it will never pay out:eek:

You dont find people working in Tescos are DJing there.:eek:

Stacking shelves maybe:D

Generally the Insurance Market doesnt offer cover for those under 18.

They have their reasons no doubt.

I dont know of any situations where cover extends to cover a freelance self employed DJ --unless its paid for at extra cost which is not going to happen in the current economic climate.

All needs checking carefully in case of a "nasty" ---the only circumstances where you might be covered is if you work for a Disco company as employed under Schedule E--or work for Tescos and part of your job description includes acting as DJ for the Xmas Party:D

CRAZY K