Background music- apparently it doesn't count!

[dj foureyes]

Today I got an enquiry for a Birthday party and was told that the hours were from 7 to 12. She said that they would be eating from that time until about 9-30 ( with me providing background music) and then the party music could start. I gave her a price and she thought it a bit steep as I would only be playing for two and a half hours. When I pointed out that actually I was playing for 5 hours she said, " Yeah, but its only background music for the meal"
It was only when I said she didn't have to pay for the five hours and I will set up for 9-30 did she quickly agreed the fee! I've had a few recently who don't see background music as part of the show.
Anyone else had this?

[DazzyD]

Careful! They'll be asking to plug in their iPod for background music next! :eek:

[Jim - Scotland's Party DJ]

It sounds like she was trying her luck. Background music is essentially the same thing you're doing when the party has started just at a lower volume and you've still got to be there for the duration.

Not had that myself but I've never been asked to play background like that.

Any background gigs I do are earlier in the day for wedding dinners and the like so clients know they're paying for my usual 5 hours plus whatever I'm charging for the extra time before 7.

If you've not got it in your contract and website already you should have it stated that the price is for whatever you standard time is (mine is 5 hours - 7pm to Midnight) not the actual time you're performing for.

I have a clause that specifically states that this is inclusive of any speeches, meals, early bar closures or anything else that cuts into that 5 hour window. People can't really argue with that.

I did one fundraising gig that the organiser was such a tool and he got so drunk that I didn't go on until about quarter past 11 for a quarter to 12 finish despite being there and set up from half 6. If I didn't have that in my contract about the set timings he could potentially have tried to have me play later without any extra money or claw back money.

[Shaun]

I've never had that situation with background music, but I've had one or two question why I'm charging for a full evening when they just want me to play for the last hour after a band.

[Jim - Scotland's Party DJ]

I've never had that situation with background music, but I've had one or two question why I'm charging for a full evening when they just want me to play for the last hour after a band.

I can see their point.

It's not like we pay police men who are driving or walking around when there's no crimes to tackle.
Or firemen when there's no fires.
Or sales assistants when they've no customers to serve.
Or wedding cake makers when they're sitting around waiting for the cake to bake.
Or wedding car drivers who are waiting outside the brides house.
Or a master of ceremonies when they aren't speaking.
Or venue bar staff when they're not serving.

:D

[dj foureyes]

I've never had that situation with background music, but I've had one or two question why I'm charging for a full evening when they just want me to play for the last hour after a band.

I've had that too Shaun. :thumbs_down:

[Shaun]

I can see their point.

It's not like we pay police men who are driving or walking around when there's no crimes to tackle.
Or firemen when there's no fires.
Or sales assistants when they've no customers to serve.
Or wedding cake makers when they're sitting around waiting for the cake to bake.
Or wedding car drivers who are waiting outside the brides house.
Or a master of ceremonies when they aren't speaking.
Or venue bar staff when they're not serving.

:D

:lol:

[Creature]

Had the same query a few times last year and each time I reply would you goto work, put in extra hours for no pay!

they all say no :)

[deltic]

I've never had that situation with background music, but I've had one or two question why I'm charging for a full evening when they just want me to play for the last hour after a band.

Well if you don't mind me marching through all you guests while the band are playing and the party is in full swing...................then i will just set up and do the last hour!!:):)

Seems people assume that when playing alongside a band that you are only going to charge half the fee,as i explain i don't give discount as i am on site for the same duration and should something untoward happen with the band,i am there to continue the party at a moments notice...belt and braces.

[BossmanKaraokeDisco]

Well if you don't mind me marching through all you guests while the band are playing and the party is in full swing...................then i will just set up and do the last hour!!:):)

Seems people assume that when playing alongside a band that you are only going to charge half the fee,as i explain i don't give discount as i am on site for the same duration and should something untoward happen with the band,i am there to continue the party at a moments notice...belt and braces.

Now you know you can not do that, your a DJ, its the bands job to lift equipment through a crowded dance floor when the party is in full swing because they want to go home after a hard nights work (2 x 45 min sets)

:lol::lol:

[Shaun]

Well if you don't mind me marching through all you guests while the band are playing and the party is in full swing...................then i will just set up and do the last hour!!:):)
.

It'll still cost the same though. :d

[Vectis]

All excellent reasons why you should be charging for YOU for the EVENING rather than YOUR GEAR for X number of HOURS :beer1: