What do you do when times are slow.

[Cowlinn]

This is a question mainly to the full-timers, as i'm leaving college and weighing up my options.

Naturally there's going to be good times and bad times with any business.

My question is, when the gigs aren't coming in do any of you do anything to bring in extra income?

From part time jobs to online surveys?

I'm just wondering what i'd do around the slow times.

Thanks :) :)

[yourdj]

Take booking fees. :D

[Cowlinn]

Take booking fees. :D

:lol:

I guess you never have "Slow periods" Do you ;)

[Leicester Ben]

We normally find that it works like this:

Jan - march = take booking fees for the summer weddings
March - September = weddings so lots of money coming in
October - November - quiet but the summer money tides you over
December = Christmas parties so all good again

I also run a PAT Testing company which is busy all year round.

[axeman]

I have 2 pub residencies, and dj's who cover for me so i take mobile bookings but always have them as a back up plan for when it's quiet.

[Wayno]

Generally I use the time for "Housekeeping" and giving proper time and thought to the admin side of things.

Its also quite a nice feeling to know that I don't actually have to be somewhere on a Saturday Evening!

[Cowlinn]

Generally I use the time for "Housekeeping" and giving proper time and thought to the admin side of things.

Its also quite a nice feeling to know that I don't actually have to be somewhere on a Saturday Evening!

Do you ever have times where the bank account is looking a bit scary?

Housework doesn't fix that :D

So no one has any other sources of income?

[Wayno]

By Housekeeping I mean things business related such as paperwork and kit maintainance.

Aside from the Discos, all the bits and pieces on my website and various look-after-themselve schemes such as vending machines (also dabbled in AWPs/Games Machines too a few years back) I now also do a lot of PAT work for Ben as its a nice contrast and certainly helps beat the boredom and cashflow issues normally associated with this time of year.

[Cowlinn]

Well aside from the Discos, all the bits and pieces on my website and various look-after-themselve schemes such as vending machines (also dabbled in AWPs/Games Machines too a few years back) I now do a lot of PAT work for Ben as its nice contrast and certainly helps beat the boredom and cashflow issues normally associated with this time of year.

Vending machines..Interesting.

Do you make a healthy amount from that?

(If you don't mind me asking, obviously, I understand if you tell me to :Censored: off :D):beer1:

[Wayno]

Vending Machines are certainly not get rich schemes, but depending on location, how busy it is and number of machines etc the profit margin can be around 25-30%. So not a big money spinner but not really that bad for something that takes zilch time other than topping up stock once a month.

To see any real money though you will need at least half a dozen machines as you can then buy more stock and get the associated bulk buy discounts and deals from the wholesalers etc.

[yourdj]

:lol:

I guess you never have "Slow periods" Do you ;)

I used to worry about Jan and feb but everyone books you in these periods generally so I up the booking fee a little and make a gig up each week.
That way I can sit in bed all week and watch Iron Maiden documentaries. :p


On a serious note - It is the time of year I plan and prepare things before it gets busy.
Also doing every friday in a club.

[Cowlinn]

Vending Machines are certainly not get rich schemes, but depending on location, how busy it is and number of machines etc the profit margin can be around 25-30%. So not a big money spinner but not really that bad for something that takes zilch time other than topping up stock once a month.

To see any real money though you will need at least half a dozen machines as you can then buy more stock and get the associated bulk buy discounts and deals from the wholesalers etc.

How many machines do you own?

[TONYTIGER]

January to March very quiet ,so head off to were the work is, The Alps.

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Been busy this month sorting out the new "plan of attack" for the year and dealing with the huge amount of enquiries for the coming wedding season.