Disco and Band: Reduced Rate

[Shaun]

When playing alongside a band do you offer a discount as you aren't playing for the duration?

This is something I've never done. I'm there with the gear all night so I charge accordingly. Occasionally I'm asked to play for the last hour of the evening, but my prices are based on a minimum of 4 hours, so I charge for the evening (4 hours) regardless to whether I play for 4 hours or 4 minutes.

Do you discount when playing alongside additional entertainment? Just curious.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

When playing alongside a band do you offer a discount as you aren't playing for the duration?



No. I still have to be there the same amount of time and my expenses are still the same.

[Dynamic Entertainment]

As him above :D

[Vectis]

No. I still have to be there the same amount of time and my expenses are still the same.

:agree:

I've been asked for a discount on a number of occasions but when the hirer is informed that our pricing is basically (equipment hire)+(hours*hourly rate) then they understand. No need to break it down any further as this does the trick.

[Charlie Brown]

Yeah I agree. Maybe if the client asked for a small discount, I think I could work around that. :)

[rob1963]

When playing alongside a band do you offer a discount as you aren't playing for the duration?

No, because like Darren said I'm still there.

From my point of view, the main thing I'm charging for is my hard work in luggin in, setting up, packing down & carrying out the gear, and that is still the same whether I'm playing for all the evening or only part of it.

That's why I also charge exactly the same for a 3 hour disco as a 5 hour one.

[Adam_F]

No. I still have to be there the same amount of time and my expenses are still the same.

Same here & generally the band will be earning twice as much you, and they're packed up & gone as soon as they're set is finished.

If we followed the same rules, instead of being set up and ready at 7 and waiting around, we'd arrive at the venue at 9:30, push past everyone, and set up about 10ish, ready for the last hour for the disco.

[Paul The Party Dj]

I agree - and the band usually want my lights on the dancefloor during their set. If I'm working with a band I always ask to go through their PA - it stops them leaving before I do, makes my life easier but in return means I can take more lighting if they wish.
Cheers
Paul the Party DJ

[Excalibur]

Basically, no discount, BUT on occasion, when I've had close relationships with local bands, we've "Tailored" prices between us to get a gig. ;)
If I was asked to price a gig with a band I didn't know, then no discount, cos it costs you excatly as much , and you're away from home just as long.

[blitz]

Nope if I'm there I can't do anything else for the rest of the night so its full pay, can't see the band giving a reduced rate if the roles were reversed either

[andyw]

definately no,if the band don't turn up or finish early then they would expect you to fill in, you can't cart your gear off to somehere else and earn some more money while the band is playing,you have to be there.

[PropellerHeadCase]

If I'm just plugging my mixer into their PA and can turn up, therefore, just prior to playing, and am only playing for an hour, at most, two, then I'd knock 10% off, but it pretty much never turns out that way.

[Excalibur]

If I'm just plugging my mixer into their PA and can turn up, therefore, just prior to playing, and am only playing for an hour, at most, two, then I'd knock 10% off, but it pretty much never turns out that way.

Steady on there mate, I know you don't, but that's getting perilously close to that bete noire of mine, customer books a band, and they say" Oh don't spend hundreds of pounds on a Disco. We can play recorded music when we're not performing live, and we'll do it for only an extra £50. ;) "

This usually means either a roadie playing the latest NOW CD, or a wannabe DJ with a lappy full of hooky mp3's. :( :( :( :( I know that's a sweeping generalisation, but I've fallen foul of it more than once. ;) :( :(

[Spirits High]

When playing alongside a band do you offer a discount as you aren't playing for the duration?


Do you discount when playing alongside additional entertainment? Just curious.

No discount from me :D

Like it's already been said I'm there with my kit so you'll have to pay me the going rate ;)

Had an enquiry the other day on a similar line saying that the band would play early on and that I'd only be needed for a maximum of 2 hours :eek:

Quoted the going rate, asked would the band be doing the first dance song......and heard nothing back. Wasn't a cheap venue either.

[DJ Jules]

That's why I also charge exactly the same for a 3 hour disco as a 5 hour one.

That's interesting, because I'd definitely charge more for 5hrs than 3, on the basis that I'd need to spend more time adding another 2hrs to the playlist, plus 2hrs of my time on the night (and all of the costs associated with obtaining 2 more hrs of music).

Generally though I wouldn't drop my prices (based on the number of hrs I'm actually there from start to finish - including the bands time) if I'm alongside a band - as everyone has said, same amount of effort involved from my point of view - especially if they expect me to play before and after the band.

Julian

[Excalibur]

That's interesting, because I'd definitely charge more for 5hrs than 3, on the basis that I'd need to spend more time adding another 2hrs to the playlist, plus 2hrs of my time on the night (and all of the costs associated with obtaining 2 more hrs of music).



Julian

Careful mate. ;) On that basis a 1hr kids party comes in very cheap. :( :(
"How much? :eek: But you're only playing for an hour, not five! :eek: "

[DJ Jules]

Careful mate. ;) On that basis a 1hr kids party comes in very cheap. :( :(

...subject to minimum charge based on a 3hr gig... In practice I'll let people off for a bit longer, but for 5hrs I'd definitely add on and the same goes for playing out after midnight (like starting at midnight and going through to 4am for instance!)

Julian

[Shaun]

Just had a call for a Primary School prom for this Thursday. I quoted my price even though I knew I'd be too expensive, the lady sounded really shocked when I quoted her my fee, and she let me know that I was way over her budget. I wished her well and forwarded her the contact details of a few forum members that I network with, and she seemed happy enough. :)

This is the sole reason I no longer do kids parties (with the exception of a local School). People reckon that the fee should be low as it's "only a kids disco for a couple of hours" they want.

Give me weddings any day!

[DJ Jules]

Just had a call for a Primary School prom for this Thursday. I quoted my price even though I knew I'd be too expensive, the lady sounded really shocked when I quoted her my fee, and she let me know that I was way over her budget.

Just out of interest - what did you quote her?

For the record I let my sons infant school and the attached junior school have a real one off price, but I get three school discos, and a PA hire for the summer fayre out of each school every year. Not to mention the referrals for parties right on my doorstep!

Julian

[Creature]

I work with bands on 95% of my bookings and have never been asked to reduce my price because a band is playing as well.and if they did ask my answer would be NO

[CRAZY K]

Careful mate. ;) On that basis a 1hr kids party comes in very cheap. :( :(
"How much? :eek: But you're only playing for an hour, not five! :eek: "

Exactly---we use the Linorod argument--or maybe Dynorod:D

Your paying for the turnout charge, the skill, expertise,equipment and know how to fix your problem.

Number of hours doesnt matter during peak hours say 7 to 12pm--long as its not excessive.

Some times if its a quick kids party off peak in the afternoon then a discount can be negotiated providing we can ALSO work in the evening.

Must admit those kind of people rarely book anything as they never have the budget--for any kind of entertainment:eek:

DEFINITELY NO DISCOUNTS DURING PEAK HOURS.

We could do an alternative job down the road for full money, so why should we bother:D

CRAZY K