Do you go out for a cheaper rate to fill in diary dates?

[Cowlinn]

If you get enquires for dates coming up within a couple weeks, do you go out at a cheaper rate than you normally would to fill your diary?

After all, a lowing paying gig is better than no gig, right?

What are your thoughts?

[ppentertainments]

At present, no I don't - however if I was struggling then yes I would.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I'm not struggling but if I have a weekend coming up where I am not working and can fill it, I will. I'm not talking stupidly discounted prices but what I am comfortable with and what it's worth my while going out for.

[AndyC]

I don't, my price is my price if they don't want to pay it then i'm happy to stay at home

[NKR]

It depends on what it is. A singing job may get a slight discount if we have nothing coming, but DJ price would not move much at all.

[Excalibur]

If you get enquires for dates coming up within a couple weeks, do you go out at a cheaper rate than you normally would to fill your diary?
No. I price for the job.


After all, a lower paying gig is better than no gig, right?
Yes.


What are your thoughts?

But: If a colleague wishes me to cover a gig for them, and it's less than my normal rate, I bite the bullet and accept it. Conversely, I would expect them to reciprocate, if the roles were reversed.

( And of course, sometimes, it's more than my normal rate, so swings and roundabouts )

[DeckstarDeluxe]

I think its important you are happy with the fee your being paid or quoting. Personally for me I don't go knocking down my fee if/when asked. If it means I have a night off then so be it.

[ppentertainments]

Problem with a thread like this is we all have different needs and expectations from our business so what is right for one won't be for another.

[Excalibur]

Problem with a thread like this is we all have different needs and expectations from our business so what is right for one won't be for another.

Should we perhaps form a price fixing Cartel? :whistle:

[chrisj]

With disco and children's entertainment my only work I am willing to reduce my fee for a very late booking rather than lose it. Reduction of mo more than 10% for standard disco though. Every booking is priced individually as some want full mood lighting, several ask for part mood lighting and these may be reduced by 15%.

[Jonny Boy]

It depends on what it is. A singing job may get a slight discount if we have nothing coming, but DJ price would not move much at all.

Same here - am also happy to fill late dates (< 6-8 weeks before event) with WMC gigs for the clubs, whcih pay little but are fun and easy.
Good opportunity to throw up gear, try out new songs, keep myself on top of performances, and watch a DVD in the dressing room for half the night! Easy life. :-)
WMCs are fun for pocket money, weddings are work.

Whereas DJ work is just as difficult as when it's been in the diary for months, so will mostly only be subject to usual "discounts" if applicable.

[Jonathan Ford]

Never. If a client is unwilling to pay my fee, then I'll have a night off. If I was full time, then I may think differently.

Having said that, I suppose I am full time by default, as this is now my only source of income...but I still won't discount.

[Charlie Brown]

Never. If a client is unwilling to pay my fee, then I'll have a night off. If I was full time, then I may think differently.


:agree:

[Shakermaker Promotions]

They're the key words here then aren't they. FULL TIME.
Everyone has their own situation. If you have kids and want to spend the time with them then fine. If you don't and want to work then that's fine too.

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Never. If a client is unwilling to pay my fee, then I'll have a night off. If I was full time, then I may think differently.


I'm full time and thats how I operate. That said I'm always out there promoting myself and networking so that helps bring in the work.

[djdave01]

i will offer a cheaper price if its a date im currently free and is only 1 or 2 weeks away.

Discos are my only income, id rather be earning slightly less than normal, than earning nothing at all.

I also tell the client their getting a cheaper than normal price due to the short notice, incase they come back to me in the future and question the higher 'normal' rate

[DeckstarDeluxe]

i will offer a cheaper price if its a date im currently free and is only 1 or 2 weeks away.

Discos are my only income, id rather be earning slightly less than normal, than earning nothing at all.

I also tell the client their getting a cheaper than normal price due to the short notice, incase they come back to me in the future and question the higher 'normal' rate

Just out of interest Dave.......don't you think people will then start thinking "lets book the disco at the last minute and get a better rate?". Which isn't too far from some peoples thinking at the moment (client wise).

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Just out of interest Dave.......don't you think people will then start thinking "lets book the disco at the last minute and get a better rate?". Which isn't too far from some peoples thinking at the moment (client wise).

There may be some people out there with that mentality but then they maybe gambling. I can't see nothing wrong with going out a tad cheaper whatsoever personally. The majority of my work is at the weekends and I am full time. Ideally, EVERY Friday and EVERY Saturday should be filled because it's my job. I have my limits because it's got to be worth it but I will do my best to be out every weekend.

[djdave01]

Just out of interest Dave.......don't you think people will then start thinking "lets book the disco at the last minute and get a better rate?". Which isn't too far from some peoples thinking at the moment (client wise).

I agree, i suspect there are many people who do that, but many will end up without a disco or with a fifty quid sid.

Its not somthing that happens very often, in my experience once every couple of months. Most of the clients who phone within 2 weeks of a date are told 'sorry, we're booked'

[DazzyD]

Problem with a thread like this is we all have different needs and expectations from our business so what is right for one won't be for another.


They're the key words here then aren't they. FULL TIME.
Everyone has their own situation. If you have kids and want to spend the time with them then fine. If you don't and want to work then that's fine too.

Being only part-time then I have a bit of negotiating space although I'd rarely reduce my prices (they are low enough already!!).

However, I did get an enquiry the other day for a local theatre group who've lost their theatre due to councils having to save money and they wanted to arrange a mid-week fund raising event whereby they wanted a karaoke. It was a cause which I'd happily support and offered to provide a show for only £80 (it was local and midweek, free local press publicity - oh, and a very easy gig for me!). However, she came back, thanked me for reducing my prices by such a large amount but then went on to say sorry but they've found a DJ for £55! :eek: So, I'm happy to negotiate when the circumstances are right but, sometimes, people still want more!

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I had an enquiry around 30 minutes ago for (once again) someone that has been let down for their 40th birthday. I'll chuck it in another thread as it's pretty unbelievable.

[Javlingames]

Just out of interest Dave.......don't you think people will then start thinking "lets book the disco at the last minute and get a better rate?". Which isn't too far from some peoples thinking at the moment (client wise).

I can't see that happening too often because if people want you to do their function they risk losing you if they don't book you quick enough!

[yourdj]

Yep. especially for weeknights or sundays.

I did a club gig for £60 last night :eek:
Only cos I enjoy it and he called me same day.
£15 an hour is the going rate I understand in a crap bar as so many students have a laptop and vdj now. :D

Generally I would discount within two weeks if asked, but most often that never happens.

Work is work and my job beats sitting in an office. I am normally a £450 DJ
so am not too bothered if I get a lower (or higher) paying job last min as thats extra pocket money.

[Creature]

Dont see the point of this thread as many similar have been done repeatedly - the concensous id that some will n some wont !

[WWDJ]

Yep. especially for weeknights or sundays.

I did a club gig for £60 last night :eek:
Only cos I enjoy it and he called me same day.
£15 an hour is the going rate I understand in a crap bar as so many students have a laptop and vdj now. :D

Generally I would discount within two weeks if asked, but most often that never happens.

Work is work and my job beats sitting in an office. I am normally a £450 DJ
so am not too bothered if I get a lower (or higher) paying job last min as thats extra pocket money.

I find the going rate is nearer £20 per hour but I guess that depends on area and the bar.

For me I would go out cheaper if I wanted the job, either cash flow wise or because it was an attractive job.

[dj_danny3]

If I need the money, yes (within reason).... if I don't... no!

[yourdj]

I find the going rate is nearer £20 per hour but I guess that depends on area and the bar.

For me I would go out cheaper if I wanted the job, either cash flow wise or because it was an attractive job.

Its not a well run bar tbh so the wage reflects that.

They have probably not even raised it in 10 years to match inflation.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I have a really good working relationship with a regular pub that I do. The money is near double what Toby has said he gets for his club / bar gig and I do 4 hours. The best bit though is that I can do it as and when I like. If I get a booking come in, I do that. If nothing comes in and I am booked for the pub, I do that.

I guess this comes under the "going out cheaper" banner but then again, everyone knows that pubs / clubs / bars etc pay a lot less. Thing is, it's good to do them aswell because it gets the name out there and what could initially be a pain in the bum working for less...can in the end benefit because extra bookings at full price come from them.