Just put my price up

[musicology]

I have noticed the types of gigs I've been getting recently have been quite down market affairs. Plus I have had more customers commenting that my prices are cheap.
I was standing looking at the crowd on Saturday who just wanted to get leathered at the social club bar before swamping me with requests in the last half hour and thought to myself "I'm sick to death of these audiences-It's definitely time to put my prices up!"

[funkymook]

I have noticed the types of gigs I've been getting recently have been quite down market affairs. Plus I have had more customers commenting that my prices are cheap.
I was standing looking at the crowd on Saturday who just wanted to get leathered at the social club bar before swamping me with requests in the last half hour and thought to myself "I'm sick to death of these audiences-It's definitely time to put my prices up!"

I’m sure we were telling you that a couple of years ago on one of the numerous pricing threads we’ve had :)

[musicology]

It's because I don't want too many weddings. Plus I was still getting a reasonable mix of demographics but now it's too much of the bottom end. I didn't want to price myself out of the landmark birthdays and other get-togethers where they are not willing to pay as much. I much prefer that sort of work. But I think prices locally have shifted upwards in the last year and I'm now convinced I'm too cheap. Been considering it for a while and just needed to be sure myself really. It's only weekend pricing I've increased so I can still get the odd midweek teen disco which are easy enough and good fun to do. (Just make a right racket with flashing lights for 2 - 3 hours and get home at a sensible time!)

[Excalibur]

-It's definitely time to put my prices up!"

May I be the first to utter the caveat " You'll never get that* round here".




* I don't know exactly how much " that " is, but you'll never get it. :)

[yourdj]

I don't know exactly how much " that " is, but you'll never get it. :)

"Typically £160" according to google.

I think @ £220-250 is the epilmnium of clearing out the pond life bookings regardless of where you live. Assuming you have decent marketing, have good experience & work in a professional manner why not almost double the price and half the work @ £295 and see what happens. you have said you don't want weddings, why not work with a local wedding DJ and he can give you the private function bookings and you give him the weddings? Job done. ;)

Edit - just looked. I would scrap the website you have at the moment and invest in someone to design you a new one (no offence intended), why not do it properly if you intend to up your game? Its nice and personal, nice to see a photo of you (plus all your own pictures and awards), but looks a bit homemade, if that makes sense? for a weeks work and a few hundred pounds you could have a much better site that will attract much nicer people. Perhaps even the first better paid event can pay for the new site, wouldn't that be a nice position to be in? :)

[musicology]

That's an odd and interesting comment about my website. A lot of my bookers comment on how good they thought the site is. And that's not from just the low end of the market. Your's is the first criticism I've had. Will take it on board though. If anyone else has had similar thoughts I would be interested to hear them. The "Typically £160" will soon change once it's been crawled. I've only just done it. My pricing now fits broadly within your parameters.

[musicology]

why not almost double the price and half the work @ £295 and see what happens. you have said you don't want weddings, why not work with a local wedding DJ and he can give you the private function bookings and you give him the weddings? Job done. ;)


I've been doing this a long time and still love doing it. it's not so much about the money but more about enjoying what I do. I'd rather be out doing it every weekend. It's like a drug so the whole idea of doing less doesn't work for me at all! Working with another Dj? Possible I suppose but I still think the non-wedding gigs don't have such an expansive budget.
Returning to my website. I really must get some better quality photos up. That I DO know!

[yourdj]

I've been doing this a long time and still love doing it. it's not so much about the money but more about enjoying what I do. I'd rather be out doing it every weekend. It's like a drug so the whole idea of doing less doesn't work for me at all! Working with another Dj? Possible I suppose but I still think the non-wedding gigs don't have such an expansive budget.
Returning to my website. I really must get some better quality photos up. That I DO know!

Going up a bit in price and getting a better market is a good thing, if you see it as more of a hobby as you don't want to be booking events you don't like. turn down bookings at certain venues perhaps or start meeting your clients before booking?? being able to turn down well paid work is a nice position to be in. :)

Yep better photos would help as thats probably the biggest thing i was looking at. Maybe its just me but it looks pretty old (2008 sort of 'free web builder" design platforms) and homemade to me. Surprised everyone else has said it looks great, i guess is your clients like it then thats all that matters. Stick it on for review here or elsewhere as that would put me off straight away personally, so worth considering. Ask the sort of people that you want business from rather than friends or people in the market you want to move from. If they are all happy with it then great!!! Sorry to insult you as your website is not part of this thread. :)


For someone that doesn't want too many weddings, you not only have an awfully high percentage of your booked dates as weddings, but you also mention it twice on your website home page!

Plus, weddings will book further in advance - blocking that date for a landmark birthday event that would have been booked nearer the event.

Sorry just got out of my delorian ;)

I was also thinking that. on the menu you have weddings but no tabs for any other functions really.

I would add - birthdays, corporate events, proms, or what ever takes your fancy.

- If you don't like weddings, make a link to the other DJ (if you go that route) or remove the tab altogether.
- Then add any extras (such as the laser party) in extras.
- Love the about section although with the split text with images it makes hard reading.

Thats me done now unless you posts a website criticism post ;)

[rth_discos]

It's because I don't want too many weddings.

For someone that doesn't want too many weddings, you not only have an awfully high percentage of your booked dates as weddings, but you also mention it twice on your website home page!

Plus, weddings will book further in advance - blocking that date for a landmark birthday event that would have been booked nearer the event.

[funkymook]

clearing out the pond life bookings

You really should step back and read your posts before letting them go live Toby.

Comments like that don’t reflect well on you, they make you sound like an arrogant, snobbish muppet to be honest, and we can usually count on one or two cringeworthy moments in your posts.

You obviously want to get ahead in the industry going by your books, reviews, network meetings etc. so why not be a better example of raising the bar in how you express yourself on the forum?

[yourdj]

You really should step back and read your posts before letting them go live Toby.

Comments like that don’t reflect well on you, they make you sound like an arrogant, snobbish muppet to be honest, and we can usually count on one or two cringeworthy moments in your posts.

You obviously want to get ahead in the industry going by your books, reviews, network meetings etc. so why not be a better example of raising the bar in how you express yourself on the forum?

What have I said now? Thanks for the other comments btw, yes I love the industry, but try not to take things too seriously out of work. Just offering friendly advice i have apologised for any website mentions, but he wants to charge more and I am thinking from a clients eye so just trying to help. Sorry if I have offended anyone, not my intension. :)

Have another read i don't think its that bad? I could have read into your post as being "haha told you so", but saw it for how it was supposed to be delivered". I am pleased musicology has decided that increasing price can increase his client quality, does that not show? Its a great step when you have lovely events, well paid with lovely people rather than just getting crap events with crap money, especially if its more of a hobby than a business. :)

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Plus, weddings will book further in advance - blocking that date for a landmark birthday event that would have been booked nearer the event.

Exactly, if a client books a disco three months prior to their Wedding it's rather last minute while if someone booked a disco three months before their birthday party that's being rather organised.

[funkymook]

What have I said now? :)

Just offering friendly advice i have apologised for any website mentions, but he wants to charge more and I am thinking from a clients eye so just trying to help. :)

Sorry if I have offended anyone, not my intension. Have another read i don't think its that bad?

In what world is referring to people as ‘pond life’ not offensive? That’s the bit of your post that I quoted in mine.

[rth_discos]

That's an odd and interesting comment about my website. A lot of my bookers comment on how good they thought the site is. And that's not from just the low end of the market.

Don't worry so much about the feedback from those who have booked (after all, they booked - of course they liked it)... worry more about those who DIDN'T book...!

[yourdj]

In what world is referring to people as ‘pond life’ not offensive? That’s the bit of your post that I quoted in mine.

Ah fair enough, yes good point. Sorry.
That was more of a flippant comment really (as people with money are worse IMO), but see where your coming from. :)

[musicology]

For someone that doesn't want too many weddings, you not only have an awfully high percentage of your booked dates as weddings, but you also mention it twice on your website home page!

Plus, weddings will book further in advance - blocking that date for a landmark birthday event that would have been booked nearer the event.

Don't understand that comment. Only 1/3rd of my bookings are weddings which suits me fine. I don't mind weddings, I just don't want too many of them. I like variety! But my preference is towards other work. Realistically you can't NOT do weddings in this business.
I can't see weddings mentioned twice on my homepage?
I also have a dedicated "Oldies" website (linked from musicology and marketed in it's own right) which targets the other parties which has helped lift the number of bookings I prefer to do.


Don't worry so much about the feedback from those who have booked (after all, they booked - of course they liked it)... worry more about those who DIDN'T book...!

Good point! But still, I am pretty busy.


What have I said now? Thanks for the other comments btw, yes I love the industry, but try not to take things too seriously out of work. Just offering friendly advice i have apologised for any website mentions, but he wants to charge more and I am thinking from a clients eye so just trying to help. Sorry if I have offended anyone, not my intension. :)

I'm certainly not offended and welcome critique

[yourdj]

I'm certainly not offended and welcome critique

I felt like Alan Partridge for a moment.
I was waiting for all the people in Norwich to chuck a cow on me or something. ;)

[Imagine]

I felt like Alan Partridge for a moment.
I was waiting for all the people in Norwich to chuck a cow on me or something. ;)

Keep digging Toby.....want me to hand you a shovel ;)

Good on you for raising the prices Mark (I'm not too far away from you and do stuff over in Norwich myself). I agree with everyone else from my own experience over there, you can double the prices and still be busy :)


If you don't want the weddings - you can always throw them this way :) (and I can reciprocate with non-wedding stuff if you want)

[funkymook]

I'm certainly not offended and welcome critique

I wasn’t defending your honour Mark :)

It was Toby referring to people as ‘pond life’ based on how much they pay for their disco I thought was out of order. I’m sure you’ve had plenty of really good clients and guests in your previous price range.

[musicology]

Ah. Understood. And yes I have (clientwise). It's just that things have been moving in the wrong direction and so I am taking, what I hope to be, corrective action! :)

[funkymook]

Ah. Understood. And yes I have (clientwise). It's just that things have been moving in the wrong direction and so I am taking, what I hope to be, corrective action! :)

And as you said yourself, some of your clients have been telling you you’re too cheap, the good one’s will happily pay the increase anyway.

[Corabar Steve]

Toby, when you're in a hole up to your neck, stop digging

[ukpartydj]

Call me thick but I've got no idea what all this pond life, Norwich cow stuff is all about lol...

I like a bit of variety so can understand not wanting too many weddings but bar the large events I'm occasionally blessed with they're my favourite type of event.

[musicology]

Call me thick but I've got no idea what all this pond life, Norwich cow stuff is all about lol...

I like a bit of variety so can understand not wanting too many weddings but bar the large events I'm occasionally blessed with they're my favourite type of event.

Just personal preference I suppose :)

[soundscapes]

If your not keen on weddings and want to encourage birthday parties Tec, why not remove the pricing from your site and price jobs based on how much you want to do them ? That way you can pitch your wedding prices higher, thus either keeping the date clear for a party booking or ensuring you make a decent return if you have to do a wedding.
I've never gone with rigid pricing.

[musicology]

I believe being clear and upfront on my pricing has worked very well and is appreciated by my customers. It also saves a lot of time because they know how much it is when they contact me so are usually ready to just go ahead and book. I have no intention of charging a different rate for different types of event.
Weddings are ok but not ALL the time! Just took one today funny enough at my new rate, but will be happier when I see the non-wedding parties continue to come in at my new rate. Time will tell!
To encourage the other parties, I have another site which has been successful in doing this so I hope this will continue to do so.

[musicology]

And as you said yourself, some of your clients have been telling you you’re too cheap, the good one’s will happily pay the increase anyway.

Yep that's what I'm thinking.

[musicology]

"Typically £160" according to google.


Google has now crawled and updated this. Less than 24hrs. Sooner that I thought!

[yourdj]

Google has now crawled and updated this. Less than 24hrs. Sooner that I thought!

It really astounds me the tech that they have these days. :)

[ukpartydj]

It really astounds me the tech that they have these days. :)

When you see the size of the data centres you kinda get the jist of how they pull it off!

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[yourdj]

When you see the size of the data centres you kinda get the jist of how they pull it off!

17676

I would love to see the security they use not only for the machines but also big men with lots of fire power. :daft:
Bet they have a private ex military squad on 24hour deploy. That does not look like a very sophisticated building though??

Shure thats not Altavisa or myspaces headquarters? I suppose its all airtight clean & temp controlled, which is the main thing.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Well done you for upping your prices. What do 'they' say? (whoever 'they' may be?)...."Work smarter, not harder"
Make life easier for yourself.
I did it a long time ago and it's worked for me.

As for websites and yours in particular, well I am in no position to criticise really because my own is probably as Toby says "2008 ish..."
I learnt the basics of Dreamweaver when I got it and I've just used that since. I know as much about it now as I did back then which.....isn't a lot.

Yes, I know all about the website is your shop window and all that but having a presence on the internet is the main thing.
Despite the improvements in technology and design etc, I still personally think that a lot of the websites have the same feel and look to them.

As the OP said, he gets complimented on his and no doubt gets lots of traffic. I am the same.
One day I may get round to sorting out getting it done 'properly'. One day I may HAVE to but for now, it does what it needs to.

Lastly, as for Toby and his foot in mouth comments at times.... well, that's just Toby :)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I have noticed the types of gigs I've been getting recently have been quite down market affairs. Plus I have had more customers commenting that my prices are cheap.
I was standing looking at the crowd on Saturday who just wanted to get leathered at the social club bar before swamping me with requests in the last half hour and thought to myself "I'm sick to death of these audiences-It's definitely time to put my prices up!"

Good for you...(and about time :zip:)

[musicology]

So 6 months in and I've been getting much more enjoyable gigs and getting back to being more appreciated by the audiences (as it used to be!). I'm also just as busy, even a bit busier, so all good. I was wondering whether I would end up doing more weddings but the mix is still pretty good with a variety of work which is what I want. Will see how the winter months go (they're looking ok at the moment in actual fact) and consider a further price review next Jan.

[Imagine]

So 6 months in and I've been getting much more enjoyable gigs and getting back to being more appreciated by the audiences (as it used to be!). I'm also just as busy, even a bit busier, so all good. Will see how the winter months go (they're looking ok at the moment in actual fact) and consider a further price review next Jan.

Exactly the same for me Mark. In fact like you, I display my prices on my web site and people are still calling, still booking (I've got a lot of confirmed bookings for next year already and only a couple of dates left this year), and the world hasn't stopped turning because of the price increase. In fact, I'm busier than ever (I put mine up in March after having a diabolical start to the year).

I'm going to be increasing mine in January as well. As you say, they're much better gigs in the higher price ranges and a lot less messing around :)

[Excalibur]

(I put mine up in March after having a diabolical start to the year).


I remember you saying. Mine didn't look a lot better at that point. Turns out that until October I think I've been as busy as I've ever been. Just need the last three months to fill up, and I'm doing well.

[yourdj]

So 6 months in and I've been getting much more enjoyable gigs

Good for you. I compare the private bookings with my resident venue and they are quite different. :)

My prices are also going up for all day this year coming (probably 10-15%) year as my skill level/personalisation skills has improved.
I am also spending a lot more time on the prep work so that has to be accounted for. :)

Will probably leave the all day DJ only at the same price as does not include as much work/stress on the day.

I will also add an "all in" evening price including a selection from my optional extras.
People can have 5 hours, LED uplighting and a selection of 3 choices of other extras - Gobo, TV, mirrorball etc.

[Benny Smyth]

I had to pop my prices up by 30 quid this year to cover the cost of inflation, after freezing my prices for the last three years.

I'm happy with my profit margin, so I'm just covering costs. :)

[ukpartydj]

I haven't really upped my prices for a little while, most of the DJs in the area are charging below what I do now despite having more polished setups and years more experience than me.
For me it's about getting more local bookings at the same prices. Whilst I do love travelling to new places far and wide the direction I wish to take my business in the future will be far more profitable close to home. You can bet I will still be travelling 100+ miles several times a year regardless though!

Besides there are these odd little spots not so far from me one of which is best known here as "Tobyland", it's a mystical famous (to the forum) place which I have visited. I have yet to meet the man whom the land is named after but it's only a matter of time I'd imagine!

I'm actually at Rhinefield House Hotel this weekend for my first wedding at the venue.
I might even take a few photos so you all can see what Tobyland really looks like (It's actually quite nice).

[musicology]

I've done a gig at at Rhinefield House in the early 90's I think it was (I used to live in Bournemouth). A last minute Indian wedding where they were let down. Really good, fun night and a nice place. Richard Branson used to own it but don't know if he still does.

[funkymook]

You can bet I will still be travelling 100+ miles several times a year regardless though!

What sort of rate do you charge for the travel for that distance?

[ukpartydj]

I've done a gig at at Rhinefield House in the early 90's I think it was (I used to live in Bournemouth). A last minute Indian wedding where they were let down. Really good, fun night and a nice place. Richard Branson used to own it but don't know if he still does.

Quite a big relocation! Yes nice nice place, altough my fiancée had a spa day there a couple of weeks ago and informs me it suffers the classic wedding party vs spa goers clash where there is a good chance they'll meet.

[rth_discos]

I remember you saying. Mine didn't look a lot better at that point. Turns out that until October I think I've been as busy as I've ever been. Just need the last three months to fill up, and I'm doing well.

Oddly, mine is similar...

I've got a stonking September and October... and then just 2 gigs booked in for November and December!

But I vaguely remember this being the case last year, and it soon filled up once summer was out of the way.

June 2017 is looking busy already though!

[Benny Smyth]

What sort of rate do you charge for the travel for that distance?

Don't worry Martin - I saw your post that David blatantly ignored. :p

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I've already started charging more because I have taken into account my relocation (15th August!).

I am happy with the prices I charge down here already and I get plenty of work too (14 weddings for next year already, all down here and just 2 of those are at my hotel residency at the moment).

All I have done is add on what I know will cover me for diesel to travel down which is around £60.00. It will cover me for if I come down here for just a Saturday booking but works better if I come down for 2 or 3 bookings in the same week as the diesel money will still be the same.

I hope that makes sense!?

[funkymook]

Don't worry Martin - I saw your post that David blatantly ignored. :p

It wasn’t a trick question :D

I was just going to lead into telling of an epiphany I had a while ago when I quoted my normal fee plus a 120 mile travel surcharge. The client didn’t care less where I lived, if it was too much they wouldn’t have accepted, but they were happy to pay my price and would have if I lived 5 minutes away, so that became my new base price.

[Imagine]

It wasn’t a trick question :D

I was just going to lead into telling of an epiphany I had a while ago when I quoted my normal fee plus a 120 mile travel surcharge. The client didn’t care less where I lived, if it was too much they wouldn’t have accepted, but they were happy to pay my price and would have if I lived 5 minutes away, so that became my new base price.

Which is exactly how I work these days.
Customers rarely care where we have to travel from...all they want is loud music and flashing lights. My price now has the travel costs built in...I don't break it down as such.
But to be honest, it's rare that I travel away from my home county these days. I much prefer to be home by 1-2am and drinking a cold beer rather than spending hours on the road :beer1:

[funkymook]

Which is exactly how I work these days.
Customers rarely care where we have to travel from...all they want is loud music and flashing lights. My price now has the travel costs built in...I don't break it down as such.
But to be honest, it's rare that I travel away from my home county these days. I much prefer to be home by 1-2am and drinking a cold beer rather than spending hours on the road :beer1:

I agree apart from 'all they want is loud music and flashing lights’ - they can get that on their doorstep for a fraction of our prices. Makes you wonder how bad some of their local DJ’s must be to have to search so far away to find one they like.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I hope this doesn't come across as (a) rude and / or (b) about regional pricing (apologies in advance if it does).

I guess it is with reference to a venue near to me that now promotes me as its recommended Disco supplier. I did my first booking there around 2 years ago. It's funny (to me anyway) as I know of the 2 previous 'recommended' suppliers, both of whom are obviously no longer recommended and one of them (and I say this with 100% confidence as I KNOW, therefore it is not an assumption)....is a con man.

Anyway, putting that aside for the moment..... it is typical that in the year I decide to move house nearly 200 miles away, this particular venue has sent many enquiries my way and all of them....yes, ALL of them have turned into confirmed bookings for next year. The majority of my bookings next year are at this venue. Every single one of them is priced at more than I would normally charge and a few of them have the addition of (for example) Uplighting which increases my price too.

Now, weeks and weeks ago I contacted a number of suppliers in the new area I am relocating to. I wasn't acting as a fake enquirer, I got in touch with them all with reference to networking, working with or for them as I need to find my feet in the new area. All but one of them were very helpful.
The one that wasn't very helpful or interested in divulging information and more than likely saw me as a threat (not sure why?) said during our conversation the classic sentence "You'll have to drop your prices up here as you won't get that round here".
I told one of the other guys I spoke to what had been said and he said what I would say and what others have said on here many times "People will always pay for quality and there is no 'going rate' as such"

The others interestingly were charging the same as me and getting plenty of work too.
For me personally, I have never been one to travel over 50 miles each way for the same price as I'd get just 5 miles down the road. That has never interested me at all. The difference with my current situation is I am moving to a new area where I don't have any work as yet, no contacts or anything and will have to work on that. Whilst I do that I need to keep the bookings coming in even if they are down here and it will mean travelling a lot. I know things don't happen instantly.

The other funny thing is though, we are actually getting a very nice property and in a nice area and are saving lots of money each month as we will have hardly any mortgage (due to my equity) and so the bills will be less too so I can actually afford to go out for less if I want to get the work in quickly and more or less start again from the bottom. The difference is, this time I have plenty of stuff, nothing to invest in apart from promotion and getting my name out there. If these suppliers that said they want to meet up are decent then it should all be cool.

Of course, it could all go boobies up but you never know until you try. The ideal scenario would be for me to get up and running very quickly, earn the same as I am earning down here and end up doing pretty well out of it.

[musicology]

I hope this doesn't come across as (a) rude and / or (b) about regional pricing (apologies in advance if it does).

I guess it is with reference to a venue near to me that now promotes me as its recommended Disco supplier. I did my first booking there around 2 years ago. It's funny (to me anyway) as I know of the 2 previous 'recommended' suppliers, both of whom are obviously no longer recommended and one of them (and I say this with 100% confidence as I KNOW, therefore it is not an assumption)....is a con man.

Anyway, putting that aside for the moment..... it is typical that in the year I decide to move house nearly 200 miles away, this particular venue has sent many enquiries my way and all of them....yes, ALL of them have turned into confirmed bookings for next year. The majority of my bookings next year are at this venue. Every single one of them is priced at more than I would normally charge and a few of them have the addition of (for example) Uplighting which increases my price too.

Now, weeks and weeks ago I contacted a number of suppliers in the new area I am relocating to. I wasn't acting as a fake enquirer, I got in touch with them all with reference to networking, working with or for them as I need to find my feet in the new area. All but one of them were very helpful.
The one that wasn't very helpful or interested in divulging information and more than likely saw me as a threat (not sure why?) said during our conversation the classic sentence "You'll have to drop your prices up here as you won't get that round here".
I told one of the other guys I spoke to what had been said and he said what I would say and what others have said on here many times "People will always pay for quality and there is no 'going rate' as such"

The others interestingly were charging the same as me and getting plenty of work too.
For me personally, I have never been one to travel over 50 miles each way for the same price as I'd get just 5 miles down the road. That has never interested me at all. The difference with my current situation is I am moving to a new area where I don't have any work as yet, no contacts or anything and will have to work on that. Whilst I do that I need to keep the bookings coming in even if they are down here and it will mean travelling a lot. I know things don't happen instantly.

The other funny thing is though, we are actually getting a very nice property and in a nice area and are saving lots of money each month as we will have hardly any mortgage (due to my equity) and so the bills will be less too so I can actually afford to go out for less if I want to get the work in quickly and more or less start again from the bottom. The difference is, this time I have plenty of stuff, nothing to invest in apart from promotion and getting my name out there. If these suppliers that said they want to meet up are decent then it should all be cool.

Of course, it could all go boobies up but you never know until you try. The ideal scenario would be for me to get up and running very quickly, earn the same as I am earning down here and end up doing pretty well out of it.

I can see no reason at all for you to reduce your price simply because you are moving area. You clearly already have a good reputation in your existing area which can easily be used for references. If, however, you are mainly reliant on one particular venue who supply you with most of your quality work then finding something similar in a new area may well be more of a challenge.

[rth_discos]

Anyway, putting that aside for the moment..... it is typical that in the year I decide to move house nearly 200 miles away, this particular venue has sent many enquiries my way and all of them....yes, ALL of them have turned into confirmed bookings for next year. The majority of my bookings next year are at this venue. Every single one of them is priced at more than I would normally charge and a few of them have the addition of (for example) Uplighting which increases my price too.

Be careful not to fill your diary too much - you want to get as much work in your new area so that you can start building a reputation. No good to be turning down work in your new area because you're booked in an area that you don't need the referrals from.

I know it takes a bit of a leap of faith, but you may be regretting it a few months after moving location.

[Imagine]

Where are you moving to?

I seem to recall you saying you were coming over to the far East at one point (might be recalling wrongly though...happens when you become olden :daft:)
You certainly didn't contact me so can't be too close to my patch ;)

[Imagine]

I must say - you are a nosy lot aren't you! :police::police::police:

You're doing my link through stats the world of good as far as SEO's concerned :) (all multiple page views so no bounces there then :) )

17990

[musicology]

The Norwich one was me! Because you quote price on your website, as do I, It just had to be looked at! Same thing happens to me when I mention that I show clear pricing. Loads of click throughs from here! Nice site by the way.

[rth_discos]

I must say - you are a nosy lot aren't you! :police::police::police:

You're doing my link through stats the world of good as far as SEO's concerned :) (all multiple page views so no bounces there then :) )

17990

No cookies policy considering the tracking you are doing?? :eek:

[Imagine]

Hmmmm

The document's on the site but the link and the popup consent look like they've disappeared. Will look at that one this evening.

[Excalibur]

What sort of rate do you charge for the travel for that distance?


Don't worry Martin - I saw your post that David blatantly ignored. :p
So did I, and couldn't decide whether to:
a) Maintain a dignified silence. Yeah, right.;)
b) Dive in with a humorous, facetious, and factually incorrect post about prices. Always a safe bet. :thumbs_up:
c) Take the bait and try to put forward a reasoned answer, backed up with charts, spreadsheets, and venn diagrams. :daft:

Or we could just go with the tried and tested:
d) None of the above. :D:D

To be absolutely honest, I don't know. :confused: I'm sort of in line with Martin in one way, I often simply quote the figure I'm prepared to do the trip and gig for. That figure may be set in stone. It may also vary depending on how busy I am, what the gig is, and the type of building it's in. There are certain roads and areas which I'm happy with. Thus, I might quote the same price for one further away and longer hours as one closer and shorter, but in an area I don't like so much.

Other variables are available. :D Martin, if I haven't answered the question, sorry. A bright future obviously awaits me in Politics.


...all they want is loud music and flashing lights.
To a very great extent, I agree.

.My price now has the travel costs built in...I don't break it down as such.
The one line version of my answer. :agree:


.But to be honest, it's rare that I travel away from my home county these days. I much prefer to be home by 1-2am and drinking a cold beer rather than spending hours on the road :beer1:
How surprising. Given the choice, I'm sure we'd all like to be able to walk to the gig in minutes, plug into the house PA, switch the house lighting effects on, and finish at 10.30pm
Sadly, mthose gigs tend to coincide with :fp::fp:


I agree apart from 'all they want is loud music and flashing lights’ - they can get that on their doorstep for a fraction of our prices. Makes you wonder how bad some of their local DJ’s must be to have to search so far away to find one they like.
More often I think they don't want to expend time and energy searching, cos " All discos are the same anyway "*.They'll go with recommendation, directory listings, or preferred/resident discos.

* They're not. I know that, you know that, the man on the Clapham omnibus doesn't necessarily.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I'm moving to a little village in between Norwich and Great Yarmouth called Ormesby St Margaret.
My work doesn't revolve around just one venue down here. I have a hotel residency and I am recommended as the main supplier by 2 venues. One of those venues mainly deals with live acts but I get quite a few each year off them.
The good thing is (and I hope he doesn't mind me saying this), I have Daryll who can cover stuff for me if need be and also another female DJ too so I can still get the work down here and take bookings on even if I am not here but they are available. If they aren't then it's not a problem.

Of course I am not going to turn work away in the new area if I can help it because I want to be up and running as soon as possible but it is also the logistical thing too. I could never do a Friday night up there and then travel down here for a booking on a Saturday.

[ukpartydj]

What sort of rate do you charge for the travel for that distance?


Don't worry Martin - I saw your post that David blatantly ignored. :p

Sorry I completely missed it somehow!


It wasn’t a trick question :D

I was just going to lead into telling of an epiphany I had a while ago when I quoted my normal fee plus a 120 mile travel surcharge. The client didn’t care less where I lived, if it was too much they wouldn’t have accepted, but they were happy to pay my price and would have if I lived 5 minutes away, so that became my new base price.

To be honest that's a similar story for me, I actually don't charge more on most occasions. I charge around £350-£450 for a wedding and if it's more than 25 miles I'll suggest phonecalls instead of meetings, this way I save a bit of money and time which evens out in my opinion.

If it's more mileage and they don't want extras I add about 70p per mile over 100 miles.

I was charging around £250 before I started realising people were booking me at £300+ miles away so I must be worth it :)