MY DJ Experiment

[Leicester Ben]

I officially retired from DJ'ing just over a year ago now and have absolutely loved having my weekends free to go for meals, drinks with friends and just generally chill out etc.

However, I do kind of miss it and so I am going to start back again but am doing it almost as a pricing experiment as well as for fun.

I love doing weddings that are more like nightclubs than a cheesy disco and so I have put together a package which should allow me to do this. Obviously I will play whatever music is required but I'm going to make the venue look like a 'night clubby' disco. Oh and I can play with some cool toys while doing it :)

I have put together a show which will comprise of the following:

4x Showtec Phantom Moving Heads
4x 1.5m Truss Podiums
2x Flame Lights
1x Haze Machine
1x Starclothed Deckstand
2x Pioneer CDJ 2000's
1x Pioneer DJM2000 mixer
1x Ben McCarthy

The cost to hire this for the night is going to be £900 (inc VAT) to start off with. This is where the experiment part of it comes in really and I will keep you all updated as to how this goes.

I know that I am no better than one of the DJ's that works for us, however I am intrigued to see if people pay for me because they perceive that they will be getting a better DJ.

The point of the post is that if this works for me then why can't it work for you?

I will keep you posted!

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I'm not quite sure what is different from any other disco and what the experiment is really?

Why would they perceive you to be better just because of a few extra moving heads and some truss?

Or am I totally missing the point here..? (Probably am)

[Dynamic Entertainment]

I officially retired from DJ'ing just over a year ago now and have absolutely loved having my weekends free to go for meals, drinks with friends and just generally chill out etc.

However, I do kind of miss it and so I am going to start back again but am doing it almost as a pricing experiment as well as for fun.

I love doing weddings that are more like nightclubs than a cheesy disco and so I have put together a package which should allow me to do this. Obviously I will play whatever music is required but I'm going to make the venue look like a 'night clubby' disco. Oh and I can play with some cool toys while doing it :)

I have put together a show which will comprise of the following:

4x Showtec Phantom Moving Heads
4x 1.5m Truss Podiums
2x Flame Lights
1x Haze Machine
1x Starclothed Deckstand
2x Pioneer CDJ 2000's
1x Pioneer DJM2000 mixer
1x Ben McCarthy

The cost to hire this for the night is going to be £900 (inc VAT) to start off with. This is where the experiment part of it comes in really and I will keep you all updated as to how this goes.

I know that I am no better than one of the DJ's that works for us, however I am intrigued to see if people pay for me because they perceive that they will be getting a better DJ.

The point of the post is that if this works for me then why can't it work for you?

I will keep you posted!

Not sure if it will work TBH.

Ive had a couple of enquiries where they have stated that they want a "club" DJ...replied as such, with some examples of clubs ive covered or held residencies....and never heard a dickybird back. Now they aint too many nightclubs in cumbria...and i know most of the DJs that work/have worked there...and thers only one or two that are in the mobile game....so either blagging it, or it really dies come down to price (im not the cheapest).


I'm not quite sure what is different from any other disco and what the experiment is really?

Why would they perceive you to be better just because of a few extra moving heads and some truss?

Or am I totally missing the point here..? (Probably am)
The way I read it Daz is; club kit=club dj mean more expensive

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

The way I read it Daz is; club kit=club dj mean more expensive

Right. Interesting. Perhaps people booking that sort of thing may have an interest in equipment, but I can't see it.

Would you pay an extra £300-£400 to someone just because they used Pioneer decks and mixer?

[Leicester Ben]

The experiment really boils down to the money and will people pay that much for just a disco (with moving heads and truss)

I've always thought that some customers just throw money at DJ's in the hope that the most expensive one must be the best. I guess my experiment is to see how much I can push it and if this really is the case.

[Dynamic Entertainment]

The experiment really boils down to the money and will people pay that much for just a disco (with moving heads and truss)

I've always thought that some customers just throw money at DJ's in the hope that the most expensive one must be the best. I guess my experiment is to see how much I can push it and if this really is the case.

Or just come across as a money grabbing git ;) :D

To be perfectly honest. Your show isnt that much different to what others are already putting out there...bar playout...which the customer doesnt see anyway.

[funkymook]

Right. Interesting. Perhaps people booking that sort of thing may have an interest in equipment, but I can't see it.

Would you pay an extra £300-£400 to someone just because they used Pioneer decks and mixer?

I think you're right about the sound equipment - but a well shot video showing the moving heads in haze to their full advantage would impress anyone.

I can see the thinking behind the idea, I'm sure many DJ's have moving heads etc and can give that club look - but get the marketing right and you'll be perceived as offering something special.

[Danno13]

I think it's a good price, although it's probably less than it would cost you to just dry hire the kit!

[Charlie Brown]

I understand you Ben. It's not all about the kit either. People will think 'Ben' is in high demand from taking a break. If you read - http://www.benmccarthy-wedding-dj.com/book_ben.php it should make it clearer.

[Mark Wild]

The quality of the marketing will decide the success or failure of this imo, good luck though, fair play to you I say. Keep us up to date the happenings !

[Leicester Ben]

I think it's a good price, although it's probably less than it would cost you to just dry hire the kit!

So are most discos :)

Cost to dry hire the kit that I would use on the night would be £635.00 + VAT so yeah your right.


The quality of the marketing will decide the success or failure of this imo

I completely agree, I threw a page on one of the websites yesterday so will have to wait and see. It ranks number 1 for 'wedding disco leicester' and 'wedding dj leicester'.

I could get another website made for it but with 3 more new ones in the pipeline I don't have time at the minute, will have to see how it goes though!

[mattydinx]

I have put together a show which will comprise of the following:

4x Showtec Phantom Moving Heads
4x 1.5m Truss Podiums
2x Flame Lights
1x Haze Machine
1x Starclothed Deckstand
2x Pioneer CDJ 2000's
1x Pioneer DJM2000 mixer
1x Ben McCarthy

But no sound system? :p

[Danno13]

So are most discos :)

Cost to dry hire the kit that I would use on the night would be £635.00 + VAT so yeah your right.



Yeah, this is true. I just thought that you'd be happier taking £115 less and having the night off - I know I would :D

That said, I don't suppose all that kit would be guaranteed to be out every week...

[Leicester Ben]

But no sound system?

Woops, there is a 2k Mackie Rig on it also - good spot :)


Yeah, this is true. I just thought that you'd be happier taking £115 less and having the night off - I know I would

That said, I don't suppose all that kit would be guaranteed to be out every week...

Thats the thing, stuff like the movers, flames, podiums etc go out say once every 4-5 weeks (obviously more in the summer and christmas) if I can get them out more and have some fun then its a bonus!

[ppentertainments]

The point of the post is that if this works for me then why can't it work for you?


Sorry but sounds a bit like a willy waving exercise to me - don't mean to offend.

It will be possible to get that price - BUT I don't think you could get it regular enough. Put a disco out for £2k and someone will book - maybe only every 10 year though :D :D

So what will be the measure of 'if it works for you ?'

[wensleydale]

I'd probably pay more for a show without the flames.
;)

Interesting idea though- I think the mobile nightclub approach can work- it just has a more limited market, but if you are getting more cash then I dont see the issue.

[Leicester Ben]

Sorry but sounds a bit like a willy waving exercise to me - don't mean to offend.

Not sure how it can be willy waving when I currently have 0 bookings for it!


So what will be the measure of 'if it works for you ?'

If it works and people book it on a regular basis then it will be evidence that people will pay more than xxx for a disco, and how much they are willing to pay.

I'm going into this with an open mind, it could flop massively and nobody books it, in which case I lose nothing really. But if it works and is popular and gives encouragement for other DJ's to increase their prices then surely that is a good thing?

[ppentertainments]

Not sure how it can be willy waving when I currently have 0 bookings for it!

Just comments like :


I threw a page on one of the websites yesterday so will have to wait and see. It ranks number 1 for 'wedding disco leicester' and 'wedding dj leicester'.

Your knowledge and experience is obviously far greater than most to be as successful as you are - it is this that will gain you £900 for a booking, so will not be possible for everyone to achieve this - only those with the skills to do so, regardless of kit.

Will still be interesting to see the results but can't see charging £900 for a disco being a viable proposition if your only income was from £900 discos.

[par6]

In my experience, the cake, the video, the photographer, the balloons, the chair covers etc are all held in higher regard than the DJ from the brides point of view. After 25 years I think I know the business around my area and £900 for a wedding disco is about £650 too much.
I wish you all the best in raising the profile/value of us DJ's, it's way overdue :confused:

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Well if you have the kit already you have nothing to lose and everything to gain so its a win win.

[mattydinx]

In my experience, the cake, the video, the photographer, the balloons, the chair covers etc are all held in higher regard than the DJ from the brides point of view.

Too true!

I spend a bit of time browsing various wedding/brides forums and i'm surprised as to how few posts there are regarding Wedding DJs - Quite a few for Bands and Live entertainment mind you.

Of the posts that are there mind you, talking from a cost point of view, many seemed to budget for between £300 - £500 and this didn't seem to be Region specific either which I found interesting. Probably because in comparison to £10k for a venue, £500 is trivial in comparison.

As gets said over and over again, if a couple only want to spend £60 on their wedding disco...that's all they'll spend. If they're wanting to spend £900, they will!

[Pe7e]

. After 25 years I think I know the business around my area and £900 for a wedding disco is about £650 too much.


If you are suggesting £250 is the max for a wedding in Cheshire, you need to look at your marketing effort.

[par6]

I'm aware that various top end hotels charge about £275 for their resident DJ but out of that they pay the DJ approx £190. thats the case in 3 warrington Hotels that I know.

[DeckstarDeluxe]

I'm aware that various top end hotels charge about £275 for their resident DJ but out of that they pay the DJ approx £190. thats the case in 3 warrington Hotels that I know.

Which is just three hotels, not a whole district :)

[par6]

They are the TOP 3 Hotels in warrington all 4 star

[ppentertainments]

I'm aware that various top end hotels charge about £275 for their resident DJ but out of that they pay the DJ approx £190. thats the case in 3 warrington Hotels that I know.
Probably about average (or slightly above average) for a resident DJ (although there will be exceptions).

Answer to this - don't become a resident.

simples !!!!

[Danno13]

They are the TOP 3 Hotels in warrington all 4 star

Deary me, It's almost too obvious to point out...

And in any case, discerning clients 9/10 won't book a faceless "resident DJ" package that the hotel offers.

[par6]

Deary me, It's almost too obvious to point out..

:confused:

[Danno13]

No 5 star hotels in Chesire then?

[Vectis]

In my experience, the cake, the video, the photographer, the balloons, the chair covers etc are all held in higher regard than the DJ from the brides point of view.

Funny you should raise that.

It's not how my fairly extensive UK-wide research is panning out... quite the opposite in fact, and no-one is more surprised than me :)




top end hotels


warrington

Hmmm.... an oxymoron if ever I saw one :D

(I'm a Warrington lad)

[par6]

Top end..............for warrington;)
There are no 5 star.

[Fullforceeventsltd]

Good luck Ben. I think there is a definite market for this sort of thing. In fact there is someone I know in Cambridge doing the same sort of thing. Big shows and big production and he is incredibly busy.

[Pe7e]

Woops, there is a 2k Mackie Rig on it also - good spot :


What would your Mackie rig consist of Ben?

[Leicester Ben]

2x Mackie SRM 450's
2x Mackie SWA 1501's

[[email protected]]

I have to say, I'll be watching this with some interest as well!

I think it's a great idea and something i have toyed with, after all I'm sure Ben will have the kit he's buying out on hire at some point as well, so it'll make it's money back over time.

I heard a statistic at a business link training event that something like one in 10 customers will always buy the best, regardless of what else is offered / price etc etc. If the perception is that Ben is the 'must have, bees knees of all DJ's', then if that statistic is right there'll be some work at that level.

[Vectis]

I heard a statistic at a business link training event that something like one in 10 customers will always buy the best, regardless of what else is offered / price etc etc.


Indeed.

Back in the day when I offered a range of packages, with this in mind my 'middle' package was the one I wanted to sell most of, whilst my 'top' package was designed for these "1 in 10s".

The handful of times I sold the 'top' package always seemed to be for, shall we say, slightly less desirable clients? ;) But hey, they paid the piper so I played their tunes!

[Adam_F]

I'm currently in Las Vegas, ready for Mobile Beat next week, which is all about the higher end of DJ'n etc......

Talking to one guy who's here already too from Australia last night, his minimal charge for what your offering Ben is $2500 (£1655). Americans seem to be at around $2000 (£1325). This is just core DJ'n then extra for up lighting, logo projection etc......

So think it is very possible with the right marketing.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I'm currently in Las Vegas, ready for Mobile Beat next week, which is all about the higher end of DJ'n etc......

Talking to one guy who's here already too from Australia last night, his minimal charge for what your offering Ben is $2500 (£1655). Americans seem to be at around $2000 (£1325). This is just core DJ'n then extra for up lighting, logo projection etc......

So think it is very possible with the right marketing.

Indeed, and it's also possible without going to Las Vegas to have people tell you that...;)

[CRAZY K]

I have to say, I'll be watching this with some interest as well!

I think it's a great idea and something i have toyed with, after all I'm sure Ben will have the kit he's buying out on hire at some point as well, so it'll make it's money back over time.

I heard a statistic at a business link training event that something like one in 10 customers will always buy the best, regardless of what else is offered / price etc etc. If the perception is that Ben is the 'must have, bees knees of all DJ's', then if that statistic is right there'll be some work at that level.

Im sure thats right--finding the 10 per cent is the clever bit;)

Its also not always easy.


I'm currently in Las Vegas, ready for Mobile Beat next week, which is all about the higher end of DJ'n etc......

Talking to one guy who's here already too from Australia last night, his minimal charge for what your offering Ben is $2500 (£1655). Americans seem to be at around $2000 (£1325). This is just core DJ'n then extra for up lighting, logo projection etc......

So think it is very possible with the right marketing.

I wouldnt take much notice of comparisons with America or OZ==I would concentrate on the UK delegates. ;)

[funkymook]

I wouldnt take much notice of comparisons with America or OZ==I would concentrate on the UK delegates. ;)

Why's that? Do you think there's nothing to learn from them?

The basics of selling a product/service are pretty much the same anywhere. If someone is getting top rates then it's worth seeing what they're doing, wherever they're based - otherwise you're just saying 'You won't get that around here' but on a global scale!

[Adam_F]

Indeed, and it's also possible without going to Las Vegas to have people tell you that...;)

I know that, there's 3/4 guys that won't go out under £1,000 that live 5 mins from me in the Somerset area.

I think it's just a coincidence Mobile Beat is on while I'm here :D

[simonp]

i think people have also missed a point here, has Ben actually got the DJ skills to pull it off, there's no back up evidence as to his 'club' work on the link Charlie provided, so I would be quite sceptical. Has he got a soundcloud or mixcloud page to showcase his mixes and work etc?

It's ok having a pair of CDJ2000s and a Pioneer mixer, but it means nowt if you can't actually pull off a club night off for a damn sight longer than you would if you did your 2 hour DJ slot at a club. A 6 hour DJ Club set with the same DJ, trying to ride the peaks and troughs Good luck Ben but I can't see it happening, Guetta would have problems doing that for gawds sake :lol:

[Stu]

I'm doing it every Friday night at the moment and it's bloody hard work!

I'm in a bar in Maidstone doing 9pm till 4am. Sometimes there isn't enough redbull in the world!

[DeckstarDeluxe]

I'm doing it every Friday night at the moment and it's bloody hard work!

I'm in a bar in Maidstone doing 9pm till 4am. Sometimes there isn't enough redbull in the world!

Are you? I wouldn't class DJing in a bar the same to what Ben is offering....

[Kernow]

i think people have also missed a point here, has Ben actually got the DJ skills to pull it off, there's no back up evidence as to his 'club' work on the link Charlie provided, so I would be quite sceptical. Has he got a soundcloud or mixcloud page to showcase his mixes and work etc?

It's ok having a pair of CDJ2000s and a Pioneer mixer, but it means nowt if you can't actually pull off a club night off for a damn sight longer than you would if you did your 2 hour DJ slot at a club. A 6 hour DJ Club set with the same DJ, trying to ride the peaks and troughs Good luck Ben but I can't see it happening, Guetta would have problems doing that for gawds sake :lol:

The point is that Ben doesn't claim to be the greatest DJ. The experiment is to test the perception that if you ask a tidy sum and showcase good equipment, then you must be good (even if you're not) ? Basically does all show suggest substance?.
I wish him every success with it :beer1:

[Leicester Ben]

i think people have also missed a point here, has Ben actually got the DJ skills to pull it off, there's no back up evidence as to his 'club' work on the link Charlie provided, so I would be quite sceptical. Has he got a soundcloud or mixcloud page to showcase his mixes and work etc?

It's ok having a pair of CDJ2000s and a Pioneer mixer, but it means nowt if you can't actually pull off a club night off for a damn sight longer than you would if you did your 2 hour DJ slot at a club. A 6 hour DJ Club set with the same DJ, trying to ride the peaks and troughs Good luck Ben but I can't see it happening, Guetta would have problems doing that for gawds sake

A few years ago I used to do a few different club nights, my favourite / best achievement was coming in and turning around a club from having 200 people a night in (a Tuesday night) to there being a cue of 400 to get in at 10:00 and it being at capacity 1050 people by 11:30! I did this club for 3 years and loved every minute of it.

I have also DJ'd at all of the main nightclubs in the city, Liquid, Zanzibar, the SU etc as well as a whole host of bars.


The point is that Ben doesn't claim to be the greatest DJ. The experiment is to test the perception that if you ask a tidy sum and showcase good equipment, then you must be good (even if you're not) ? Basically does all show suggest substance?.
I wish him every success with it

This is exactly the point.

A quick update, this week has seen 1 quote come in for 'me' through DJI, not heard anything back from them yet.

I am however doing my first wedding tomorrow, this is one thats been booked in for ages, one of my DJ's fancied the day / night off so tomorrow I'm going to Welwyn Garden City for a wedding with uplighting and a starlit dance floor. Fingers crossed I've not forgotten what to play :)

[Stu]

Sorry Neil, I was responding to and agreeing with Simons post about doing a full 5,6 or 7 hour set in full on club DJ mode being no walk in the park.

[Corabar Entertainment]

I'm going to Welwyn Garden City... OI! Get orf my land! :D :D :D ;)

Which venue?

[Leicester Ben]

Which venue?

Its a nice posh one ................ Tewin Village Hall :)

I've not seen a photo of it yet but if its awful once its had uplighting, starlit floor and a disco put in it should look great. I'l take some photos.

[Corabar Entertainment]

Its a nice posh one ................ Tewin Village Hall :) :lol:

Have a good 'un, anyhow (and I'll stop taking this thread off topic now :D)

[ppentertainments]

Out of interest, how is this experiment going Ben ??

[Leicester Ben]

Badly :)

Well it was up for about 6 weeks but there were no bookings. Since then we no longer have the online quote system, but we have still had no enquiries for it.

I'm actually going to take it off the website as I think it may be downplaying how good our normal DJ's are.

I did 2 weddings last weekend but these were at the normal prices.

[Charlie Brown]

If you had a amazing website, awesome photos and didn't associate it with Premier, I think you'd have a different outcome.

[Leicester Ben]

Probably true, already making 2 new websites and stacked out with event bookings, if I get time it's certainly something that I will do!

[Charlie Brown]

That reminds me - Email sent. :)