Extremes of Disco quality and market.

[Excalibur]

This one has come out of the responses to my " dj's cancelling " thread. Comments on there have led me to question where I operate in the market. I've always considered myself firmly centre ground, but I'm now wondering if like that ground is being shot from under my feet?

We have many on here who seem to be operating in the top end of the market, with fees regularly over £500. I think there's little doubt that they're providing value for money, well done them. Even with a following wind, I can't achieve the levels of detail they offer in certain areas. At best, I'd claim to be well up in the middle section of the market.

However, I make no secret of the fact that I'm prepared to get down and dirty in the lower echelons of the market, to fill my diary. Even then, I feel to misquote Ms Safka ( Google it, if you don't know, young 'uns. Then listen to some of her stuff ), " they're only putting a nickel in, but getting a dollar song". Obviously, the great unwashed see more DJs in the bottom end of the market, and perhaps our low status in their eyes is because of what they see often.

So, the question. Yes, there is a question, the doddering old fool isn't simply rambling pointlessly. :daft: The lower end of the market is awash with DJs, and by definition, the top end is a far smaller market share. Is the middle ground disappearing? :confused: Are clients either paying top dollar for top end DJs, or going cheap and ( hopefully ) cheerful? Is my market of mid price work dwindling? Discuss.

[Jim - Scotland's Party DJ]

I don't think so - the market bears what it bears and I'd imagine the majority of clients actually fall into the "middle" bracket where the idea of paying over £500 for a DJ is ridiculous to them but they don't want stuck with some coked out banger playing through his dad's Awai stereo.

I'm actually seeing, certainly on the bridal forums, a much higher percentage of guys coming in at the £300-400 quid range than previously and I think this is largely down to them realising that theyre worth more than the driftwood but they know they're not quite at the same level as the £500+ crew.

And that rings true for most services and products if you think about it - most people will choose from the middle ground: I recently bought a safety razor - I wasn't going to buy the dirt cheap Chinese gumf that will cut me to shreds but I also didn't see the value in spending big bucks on a boutique model so I went for a decent quality at a decent price.

[Excalibur]

I'm actually seeing, certainly on the bridal forums, a much higher percentage of guys coming in at the £300-400 quid range than previously and I think this is largely down to them realising that theyre worth more than the driftwood but they know they're not quite at the same level as the £500+ crew.
.

Don't know about bridal forums, every time I've looked they've been complaining of the affrontery of DJs to break the £200 barrier! My experience seems to be at odds with yours, Jim. We need more input, two folk disagreeing isn't statistically useful. :D

[Shakermaker Promotions]

You could possibly look at it this way (and no, don't worry, I am definitely NOT getting into the whole "you wouldn't get that around here" type thing.....saying that though, I'd put money on it being mentioned at some point?).

The guys and girls that are 'top end' as you put it, and commanding the higher fees...... why is it that they are commanding those higher fees? Is it because they are turning up with the best equipment? Is it because they have years and years of experience and have made a name for themselves? Are they getting top notch money, just for providing the Disco entertainment?

Or, is it because they are providing multiple services for the booking and are out all day?

Apologies if I am not managing to get my point across clearly, it has been a common thing lately.

I've said it many times over the years on this forum, so one more time isn't going to hurt..... I have never been one to mention prices. I don't like the whole winkle waving thing etc.... But, when I first went out as a full-time self-employed DJ, I simply provided Disco entertainment...that's all. I'd been doing the job for a number of years before I went full-time, and I'd made a name for myself. I guess you could say I had a decent reputation as being a good DJ. I would never say anything like that myself, I'm no ego maniac.
So, when I went out on the road after confirming my first booking, I didn't pick a figure out of the air....I'd done my research and pitched myself towards the higher of the middle ground (if that makes sense?). As the months went by, I got tons of work. I was out every weekend and that's exactly how I wanted it to be.

A friend of mine who ran his own business told me that I was underselling myself. I disagreed because I was happy, more than happy with what I was getting. He asked me what made me different from everybody else, and if there are a number of others out there charging the same, what makes it worth booking me?
He advised me to up my price, not just by £25.00 or something, but by another £100.00 just like that, to test the water. I did so for the next enquiry and they didn't want to know, neither did the next, or the next one after that. To be honest, I knew that they weren't my customers anyway because they were looking for cheap options. Even if I had quoted the price I was going out for, they would have said it was too expensive.

However, the next customer DID book me at the higher price. I was taken aback to be honest. I thought to myself "I'm still doing what I was doing before, yet I am getting paid more money for doing it.....strange!?"
When I received some feedback after the event, one of the things the customer said was "He was a bit more expensive than other DJ's, but he was quality and so it was worth the price".... That's when I thought to myself, I am sticking to my guns and that's what I did, I didn't look back.

To those that are bothered what tier of the DJ scale they are on (I'm not), I guess I went up a few notches and was probably looked at as one of the more pricier DJ's in the area. I wasn't offering any other services at the time, just me, my equipment and my experience.

When I started providing things like Uplighting, Photo Projection etc.... I generally offered the services if I knew it was going to be very easy to do and I enhanced the price I was getting. I guess (again), that I was then up in the higher regions when it came to price, but I was still only doing evening gigs, not all day.

Yes, if you are providing lots of different services and all day stuff etc, you may well be getting top notch money. Sometimes the customer likes that if they can get everything from the same person / supplier. If you are commanding very good money, just providing an evening disco because of your experience and reputation (ok...and where you are based....ouch, I said it!), then fair play to you.

I've confused myself with that lot, but I hope you get what I am saying.

[Imagine]

You'll never get that round 'ere!!! :)

Actually - that's complete and utter b:Censored:s - and I've proven it.

Unlike a LOT of DJs in this neck of the woods, my prices are on my website. I've got nothing to hide - and it seems to work.
Until a couple of years ago, I thought nothing of going out for £250 for the evening, regardless of the party. I was fighting with a lot of the lower end operators who were rocking up with battered kit and a pair of QTX 15's, whilst I was going out with top end kit.

So (and our own Gavin persuaded me the first time), I upped my price by £100. Simples. Bookings still came in (I was only taking evening only gigs at the time).

Then it nudged up bit by bit to £400 for the evening....bookings dropped off a little bit and I thought I'd peaked. I started offering part day (wedding breakfast onwards) and ceremony services as well.

However....I did a part day wedding a couple of weeks ago for what I thought was a cracking £700. The people I did it for aren't the type of customer I want to attract (that one's in the members area), so completely and utterly shattered and p:Censored:d off with how the day had gone, I increased my prices by £125 for evening only (taking me to £525), and by £100 for the part day and all day jobbies (and I think there's still room for more).

I don't do uplighting, venue dressing, chair covers, photo booths, pop-corn, ice-cream, candy floss, chocolate fountains and all that malarky.....I literally provide the disco side of things. Hell....I don't even do Karaoke (because I can't stand it).

I took 5 bookings last week (3 for evening only and 2 for part day), having been witnessing a bit of a dead spell on incoming enquiries.

Is it coincidence, or is it down to the increase in price and perceived value? You tell me.

As Jim says, most customers look to the best they can afford without being silly (the mid to high ground as opposed to the budget....although there will ALWAYS be customers looking for the cheapest possible price and there are plenty of people out there to service those).

The big money is in the all-day services. They're not always the most pleasant of gigs to do because they're a very, very long day. They're also something a LOT of the competition don't offer.

I'm now somewhere in the top-league as far as pricing goes in this area (I'm not the dearest yet.....it'll come though). I just do what I do well, pay attention to what the customer's after, make sure everything is done as good as it can be from presentation and selection of kit to my performance on the night, and do my job as I always have.

One thing I WILL say (because this aspect worried me when I increased my prices)....the customers at the top end of the pay scale are a LOT nicer to deal with at times. Yes, you get those who have paid a lot of money and expect a lot in return. BUT, there's also more respect at those functions as well.

To quote a cosmetics company - I charge what I charge "because I'm worth it!"

[Excalibur]

Wayne, I'm overjoyed for you, but you haven't answered the question. :Naughty:

Middle ground disappearing?

[Imagine]

Wayne, I'm overjoyed for you, but you haven't answered the question. :Naughty:

Middle ground disappearing?

Sorry old chap - doing too many things at the same time :(

Middle ground disappearing? No I don't think so.

I think it's becoming more and more crowded and harder for customers to distinguish between those that operate in that arena (let's face it, we ALL look pretty much the same lately as far as kit goes.....even Sidney is rolling with a truss-booth these days).

Because of that, I think customers are looking to the higher end of the middle ground (well if they're charging more, they must be better and more experienced psychologically).

[Excalibur]

Sorry old chap - doing too many things at the same time :(

Middle ground disappearing? No I don't think so.

I think it's becoming more and more crowded and harder for customers to distinguish between those that operate in that arena (let's face it, we ALL look pretty much the same lately as far as kit goes.....even Sidney is rolling with a truss-booth these days).

Because of that, I think customers are looking to the higher end of the middle ground (well if they're charging more, they must be better and more experienced psychologically).

You know Wayne, you've almost convinced me to put my prices up, seriously.


I'll break that £150 ceiling if it's the last thing I do. :D

[Jim - Scotland's Party DJ]

Wayne, I'm overjoyed for you, but you haven't answered the question. :Naughty:

Middle ground disappearing?

No, I think it's just shifting.

The cheap as chips guys are still cheap as chips, the higher end guys have always been the ones pushing the envelope on pricing and the middle guys are realising that whilst they might not be able to get higher end money yet, they can certainly demand more than a score or two more than tony 2 decks.

Certainly the higher end guys up here charge based on their 'brand' I suppose and service - none of them to my knowledge throw in freebies and with the exception of a few who try to do lots of all day shots, most are booking £500+ for evening disco only.

[Imagine]

You know Wayne, you've almost convinced me to put my prices up, seriously.


I'll break that £150 ceiling if it's the last thing I do. :D

More than a doubling of fees.....I'm impressed :) ;) :sofa:
To be fair, I've been working on convincing you since 4am in the Tap and Spile on October 23rd last year!!! ;)

Try what I'm going to be doing this year at GiG (and the same as Justin did last year)....have a look in on the education zone. It's surprised me what I've picked up from different "courses" over the past 1-2 years.

[rth_discos]

Let's not kid ourselves that £500+ for an evening disco is high end.

It's mid market.

All the time we keep putting this ceiling above us, we'll never move fees on as an industry.

£500 should be a basic price for a competent disco. Sadly, the industry is in such a state that competent discos are going out for the paltry sum of £200.

However, there are many events taking place who wouldn't even consider such a 'budget' option as a £500+ disco.

High end events want named DJs and big sound and light systems.

So those charging £500-£1000 for an evening are the mid range option.

Anything under £400 is budget, and the sub £200 brigade is sad. Not necessarily the fault of the operators themselves - it's an industry issue that has accumulated over a few decades.

Anyone who is earning less than the twinkly dancefloor or the photobooth has undercharged.

[yourdj]

The big money is in the all-day services.

Certainly a way to make more money, but (speaking from someone that has learnt his stripes as an all day DJ) I am unconvinced by that now you know as a lot of the MC's and even all day DJ only are putting in a considerable amount of preparation and then doing 10-12 hours on the day. One of the major DJ/MC's quotes about 50 hours in total for an average wedding when all the stories, quizzes and such like are all premed up, but I would say about 30 on average. I know they are struggling to make £2000 a day for that, so I guess that an average DJ & MC goes out at just over £1000.

Although I feel I am not myself when on stage and very good at what I do, I personally find the all days very stressful (but also very fun) as so much is riding on you pulling it off. Its a lot of responsibility and if you take off all the other parts of the day (ceremony, evening, extras, set up etc), then my guess is the £3000 MC's are only charging £300-500 for that bit, which is not enough given the above reasons (I have lost sleep pondering over upcoming weddings and sometimes been very removed from my family). Suddenly sitting in the dark watching a toastmaster do it (albeit very badly) makes things a lot easier. :)

I did a 4 hour event last night and provided a DJ set, phootbooth & 43 inch screen with a pre-made slideshow. The slideshow took about 45 mins and the music/prep took about 30 mins. I went above and beyond the call of duty on this and have already had a very nice thank you email from the client so they are more than happy and I would think would perhaps had paid more money, but I am happy with my prices. :)

Having a family, a new business has made me try and maximise the evenings as i am completely knackered having to get up at 6am and can't do them on a regular basis now (although it depends on what else I have that weekend), so I have encouraged more upsells on uplighting, fog, dance floors etc. etc.

I charged £1,143 for last night, but as you say a good proportion is in the Photo Booth, which you don't do. Thats £66 an hour (all day at 30 hrs) vs £190 an hour (6 hours). :)


Let's not kid ourselves that £500+ for an evening disco is high end.

It's mid market.

Agreed totally (especially down the south) - most the HDA are £500-600 minimum now and we are nothing amazing (I charge £590 just DJ if your interested)! I rarely go under that unless its a private function with no meeting required (especially house parties as they are easy). ;)

As mentioned the triangle goes narrower the higher you go, i think if I offered a more bespoke service (i.e. ditch the multi op just little old me) then i am confident that (without any extras) I could easily charge £8-900 for the evening. Perhaps more. Add in a number of extras as standard then maybe even one package that runs at £1,500-2000 for the evening. If you combined that with limited availability (i.e. one wedding per weekend, first come first serve) then you could potentially have a waiting list or people checking your availability before they book the venue (had that twice this year, amazing feeling). Double chat cost for all day and it starts too look like a much better deal. Man £3-4000 would be nice 2-3 weddings a month!!! Agreed it would be a lot more work per wedding, but not where near as much as 10 weddings at £700 average!! :)

As it happens as Gary has said, I am more than happy with the amount of work I have and the price i am charging. I had a very dramatic loss of work Jan-Apr, which shows I am attracting the summer, premium payers, which leaves me a few months each year to focus on my photography business. The only thing I want to do next Jan is add uplighting as standard and up the cost by £100 as all my DJ's have it now. Might add some all inclusive options, like a Photo Booth and 2 extras etc.). :)


To quote a cosmetics company - I charge what I charge "because I'm worth it!"


This one has come out of the responses to my " dj's cancelling " thread. Comments on there have led me to question where I operate in the market. I've always considered myself firmly centre ground, but I'm now wondering if like that ground is being shot from under my feet?

We have many on here who seem to be operating in the top end of the market, with fees regularly over £500. I think there's little doubt that they're providing value for money, well done them. Even with a following wind, I can't achieve the levels of detail they offer in certain areas. At best, I'd claim to be well up in the middle section of the market.

However, I make no secret of the fact that I'm prepared to get down and dirty in the lower echelons of the market, to fill my diary. Even then, I feel to misquote Ms Safka ( Google it, if you don't know, young 'uns. Then listen to some of her stuff ), " they're only putting a nickel in, but getting a dollar song". Obviously, the great unwashed see more DJs in the bottom end of the market, and perhaps our low status in their eyes is because of what they see often.

So, the question. Yes, there is a question, the doddering old fool isn't simply rambling pointlessly. :daft: The lower end of the market is awash with DJs, and by definition, the top end is a far smaller market share. Is the middle ground disappearing? :confused: Are clients either paying top dollar for top end DJs, or going cheap and ( hopefully ) cheerful? Is my market of mid price work dwindling? Discuss.

To actually answer the question (I ran out of editing time), I actually think (and it was proficised by Mark Walsh some years back) that there is the start of a drift in the markets and the DJ's charging less and providing an equally crap service to boot will be left to that market and the other guys will slowly go the other way? This is not in the money they charge but in the level and types of services they are offering although the two run in tandem. Will the DJ morph into a separate type of industry who knows? Thats my thoughts on it.

I remember not that long ago in my local area that £500 was almost unheard of, but as a lot more of us locally have been networking then the average price has started to rise too. Let say the average bride or whatever, looks at 5-6 key sites and perhaps a couple of venue recommended suppliers and keeps seeing £500, then that will be the benchmark. In comes a different DJ (lets call him Peter) that provides exactly the same DJ service (on the night), but perhaps with some quirky extras, face to face meeting, detailed planning and to put it bluntly, he is a nice normal person that they would want to invite to their wedding. He could then easily charge more. How much more, who knows. Depends on what your comfortable with as your bookings will very quickly start dropping off. If you loose 50% bookings then you need to charge 50% more and match that with a 50% increase in service somehow??

Having looked at a number of builders recently, thats my opinion based on that. Forgetting what they do and how they do it, most important was that

- they are nice normal people that I feel comfortable with in my home.
- modern builders that don't work in inches, can use a computer and be punctual (I have had it with old schoolers).
- and give me detailed invoicing (especially with materials) & reasonable time frames.
- just be organised and get back to me in good time and not bull-s me after a month!!!
them - "i have been snowed under" me - "well if your that busy to reply to an email then employ a secretary".

Thats worth paying extra for.

Not found anyone I like (as they have all been equally useless) so am doing the work myself this week coming.

[Excalibur]

Not found anyone I like (as they have all been equally useless) so am doing the work myself this week coming.

Bloody Hell, Toby, you should have said you were looking, I'd have nipped down and priced it for you. Could soon have knocked you off a nice itemised quote, in SI units and Euros. :D Please do bear in mind though, that if there aren't tea and hob nobs on the hour, every hour, we down tools.

Don't you know DIY is soooo, last year? It's GSI, now. :Naughty:

To reply to Gavin: :zip:

Saves too much bloodshed.

[theoloyla]

Basic economics says that if you have a full diary then you can/should charge more. If your diary is empty then either you are too expensive or just crap at any price. Of course better marketing may also help you to fill your diary but .....

[ukpartydj]

I think the question is what is the middle ground? From the sounds of it we all have different ideas meaning that it's not gone anywhere!

To me £250-400 is middle ground.

[Benny Smyth]

High end events want named DJs and big sound and light systems.

So those charging £500-£1000 for an evening are the mid range option.

I'd argue what you are describing there is a different service to the mobile disco. How many named DJs have you seen DJing at your family's wedding? What you're describing there is live event work and whilst there is common ground between that and the mobile disco, there's also common ground between the mobile disco and nightclubs, or the mobile disco and theatres - yeah, there's aspects that are the same, but it's a different ball game. And those that have the big sound system with the huge lightshow and a named DJ on the books aren't just doing the evening entertainment. It would be an audio and visual event with screens, LED boards, and so many other things. There'll be rehearsals and potential coaching. Probably has photography and videography thrown in too. This is not something you'd get for up to five hours on a Saturday night with a midnight finish.

What is the middle ground? Ask 10 different people, you'll get 10 different answers. Ask NeedADisco and you get:

http://i64.tinypic.com/30uy3v7.jpg

Now while it is great for the Smyth Ego to learn that I am apparently above a Premium DJ, this is the info out there that potential clients see. Is it a dwindling market? No. The middle ground is safe and, if anything, that will be the area of the industry that will always thrive.

What's the middle ground? :Censored: knows.

[rth_discos]

I'd argue what you are describing there is a different service to the mobile disco. How many named DJs have you seen DJing at your family's wedding? What you're describing there is live event work

A wedding is a wedding. Some will have a very different type of 'mobile disco'. A DJ at a wedding is a DJ.

High net work individuals will have a very different wedding to those on middle income.

I suggest that most of the so called 'premium DJs' are performing at middle income weddings.

Certainly the majority of my work (in excess of £500+ for an evening wedding disco) is middle income. Typical client is 2 x earners, likely on £40k each.

A good income, but by no means exceptional.

Of course everyone is going to have their own idea of what the 'middle ground' is, but in reality, that's determined by the actual marketplace.

I'd suggest that very few of us here have seen a genuine high end wedding. I've seen one £70k wedding, but in the eyes of the client, it was a 'low key' affair that he wasn't spending a huge amount on (ceremony was at 4pm, so far from being a full day affair!). I only got that work due to who I knew (as will often be the case in those circles). That wedding alone puts it in perspective!

[Imagine]

What is the middle ground? Ask 10 different people, you'll get 10 different answers. Ask NeedADisco and you get:

http://i64.tinypic.com/30uy3v7.jpg


Personally, I wouldn't trust those so called "averages"....it's one of the reasons I'm no longer with that particular web site. The "average" figures were going down and down and despite what the owner says, the more people that win gigs below the client budget (as happens a LOT), the lower the average is going to fall no matter what fancy fudge-factor is used to supposedly counteract the low ballers.

But then, I'm not your average DJ :)

Unfortunately, these figures as you say are displayed to the general public - bit of a killer for this industry in my opinion.

[Jim - Scotland's Party DJ]

A wedding is a wedding. Some will have a very different type of 'mobile disco'. A DJ at a wedding is a DJ.

High net work individuals will have a very different wedding to those on middle income.

I suggest that most of the so called 'premium DJs' are performing at middle income weddings.

Certainly the majority of my work (in excess of £500+ for an evening wedding disco) is middle income. Typical client is 2 x earners, likely on £40k each.

A good income, but by no means exceptional.

Of course everyone is going to have their own idea of what the 'middle ground' is, but in reality, that's determined by the actual marketplace.

I'd suggest that very few of us here have seen a genuine high end wedding. I've seen one £70k wedding, but in the eyes of the client, it was a 'low key' affair that he wasn't spending a huge amount on (ceremony was at 4pm, so far from being a full day affair!). I only got that work due to who I knew (as will often be the case in those circles). That wedding alone puts it in perspective!

You're arguing semantics against what the OP refers to.

Are me and my colleagues charging £10k+ and playing at celeb weddings? (the dude from Harry and Megan's wedding springs to mind), no but as a cost against the average wedding spend £500+ for an evening mobile disco in the UK is high end pricing if you imagine a bell curve of weddings on any given year / weekend.

Going back to Harry and Mehan's DJ, the fact that dude is synonymous with celeb gigs suggests there are few and far between operating in his sphere...

Having similar experiences to yours at times, I'd also argue that a £70k+ wedding is very much a high end affair even if the client doesn't regard it at such - someone who can spend more on flowers than a bunch of nurses' salaries is a high end client by proxy imo.

[DJWilson]

Let's not kid ourselves that £500+ for an evening disco is high end.

It's mid market.


Mid market? Wow - that's not a bad playing field to be in!

[Imagine]

Mid market? Wow - that's not a bad playing field to be in!

I've just downgraded myself to mid-market :(

That said, I'll see how things go.....bookings are still coming in at that price (and not just weddings either....I'm now doing birthdays and retirement parties at £525!).

Maybe there's room for another price rise soon (I doubt it until I've got a couple of Wedding Awards behind me....but it's worth a punt ;) ).

[ukpartydj]

Certainly the majority of my work (in excess of £500+ for an evening wedding disco) is middle income. Typical client is 2 x earners, likely on £40k each.

A good income, but by no means exceptional.

I think your idea of middle ground may not be inline with the majority based on the above comment.

Considering £27k is average, 40k for each person would be pretty good going if you ask me!

[Imagine]

I think your idea of middle ground may not be inline with the majority based on the above comment.

Considering £27k is average, 40k for each person would be pretty good going if you ask me!

I concur absolutely on that one David. My missus earns nothing like 40k working for the Environment Agency (I wish.......it's actually about half that working 50+ hours a week and doing three people's jobs with the current cuts), although I'm close in my real life job as a programer (haven't had a pay-rise since 2008 but won't go there! :mad::mad:)

My "average" wedding costs around 20k (I know...because I ask!). I've done the £30k+ weddings in plush venues, I've done the low budget weddings in village halls and local WMC and Con Clubs (they're still happy to pay me for what I offer and to be honest...they're the best because the family have helped to create the reception and have brought into the day rather than the B&G just writing a big cheque to the "one size fits all" venue).

My personal feeling, especially based in rural Cambridgeshire where the majority of my clients are either from a farming background, or work as things like paramedics (I couldn't do THAT particular job for all the money in the world despite having saved two lives in the past with my first aid skills!) is that the "middle ground" is somewhere between £300-£400.

There IS a regional difference unfortunately. Yes, there are pockets of wealth in every community - I get that. BUT, the closer to the capital you get, the higher the wages and the bigger the budget - it's a fact of life (and I'm not one to say "you won't get that round here....because I've proven otherwise on occasion).

And now, I'm going to be controversial....

I've invested a lot of time and money into doing weddings....I do them well and it's something I'm proud of.

But....what I'm finding at the moment is that weddings (unless you're doing all day which can be long, tedious and stressful) AREN'T the big payers.

Let's face it, the B&G (or B&B or G&G) are splashing out an absolute fortune on everything (the registrar here charges £450 to travel half a mile to one of my venues!).....these people are paying out a lot of money at a time when they're fairly young (they've got mortgages, car loans....you name it).

What I'm finding pays the best at the moment are the milestone birthdays such as 50+ where the kids are grown up, the mortgage is paid, and there's less to pay on the day itself other than the evening entertainment and the buffet - these particular clients have a bigger budget and a LOT less stress.....go figure!

Although probably 90% of my business is currently wedding based, I'm personally wondering if I need to focus more on the big milestone parties where there's less stress, less hassle and a lot less expectation. I can wheel the Retro Roadshow out for the same price as a wedding (heavier but quicker and easier to set up)..and to be honest, a lot more fun from my side of the booth.

Just my own observations......

[rth_discos]

I think your idea of middle ground may not be inline with the majority based on the above comment.

Considering £27k is average, 40k for each person would be pretty good going if you ask me!

Average salary in Berkshire is about £36k, so average for my area.

I'd say I'm aiming at the high end of the mid market. As with everything it's not black and white. But those charging in excess of £500 are selling against the £200-£300 djs, not against the £2k options. I'm not being picked as the 'budget' option, I'm being picked as the more expensive option.

[Excalibur]

I'm not being picked as the 'budget' option, I'm being picked as the more expensive option.

Lucky you. I'm " too expensive/over budget" at £150 for an evening only party, £325 for a part day wedding, and £475 for an all day wedding.

[Imagine]

Lucky you. I'm " too expensive/over budget" at £150 for an evening only party, £325 for a part day wedding, and £475 for an all day wedding.

One question....where are these customers coming from?
Are they from the lead generation sites or are they contacting you directly?

[Excalibur]

One question....where are these customers coming from?
Are they from the lead generation sites or are they contacting you directly?

The former. Now, if only I knew someone who could set me up a website offering the reassuringly expensive services of a seasoned professional, with wit, charm and an unflappable character. :whistle:

[rth_discos]

Lucky you. I'm " too expensive/over budget" at £150 for an evening only party, £325 for a part day wedding, and £475 for an all day wedding.

For 90% of people, I too am too expensive for them, however, I don't want to waste my time, so prefer to filter them out before they enquire.

Therefore I:

1: Don't advertise in places where budget couples will be looking.
2: Actively try and turn away the budget couples to stop them from contacting me

Perversely, this style also attracts the discerning customer, who is looking for something 'above average'.

Here's maybe the controversial bit... there are plenty of people going out for £200 who are probably doing a very similar thing to me. They are just under-charging. But, from the couple's point of view, there's much greater risk spending £200 - you might get a good un, or you could end up with a dud.

I don't think there's many dud DJs who'll let you down at the last minute charging £500+ so there's less risk at that price point.

I even try and stay away from budget venues, even if the customer is willing to pay. You reap what you sow, so my aim right back at the beginning when I rejoined the mobile disco circuit (early 2015) was to get in to the right venues from the start, which appears to have paid off.

The right marketing is the best way to get the right clients. Quite simply I out-marketed my competition, despite being relatively 'new' back in to the scene - but of course, you then have to deliver what you've promised, otherwise you'll end up with disappointed customers, bad reviews, and long term a big issue!

[Jim - Scotland's Party DJ]

I've just had a brainwave :daft:

[ppentertainments]

Middle ground disappearing? I think the opposite; I think it is huge at the moment.

I may be off the mark here as haven’t really bothered with pricing for a few years now apart from what my competitors charge – who I am good friends with and ironically we charge very very similar prices.

What I have found though is most people seem to be charging similar prices. Yeah you still get a few budget ones operating sub £200 and others commanding £500+ (which I class as high earnings) but on the whole £200 - £500 (which I class as middle ground) seems to encompass most DJs.

It is quite a difficult question to answer as we will all have different views on what is budget, middle and upper pricing levels. One big factor where I differ to most is that I never look at money/booking too much, I am more interested in my overall income which is what matters to me. I see a lot of high earners making little income yearly, yet also see many budget operators earning a good salary.

[Jim - Scotland's Party DJ]

It is quite a difficult question to answer as we will all have different views on what is budget, middle and upper pricing levels. One big factor where I differ to most is that I never look at money/booking too much, I am more interested in my overall income which is what matters to me. I see a lot of high earners making little income yearly, yet also see many budget operators earning a good salary.

If you're full time then your bottom line is literally your bottom line but the thing is, the higher earners need to do a lot less work - as someone with a busy weekday job, I'd rather be out 3 times a month at £600 quid a pop than 6 times at £300.... or 9 times at £200 etc...

[ppentertainments]

If you're full time then your bottom line is literally your bottom line but the thing is, the higher earners need to do a lot less work - as someone with a busy weekday job, I'd rather be out 3 times a month at £600 quid a pop than 6 times at £300.... or 9 times at £200 etc...
But, for full timers especially, high earnings per gig do not necessarily equate to a high income. Charging £1000+ per booking sounds great, but if you are only getting 2/3 a month it isn't enough.
In fact, locally the opposite seems to apply generally.

[mattydj50]

Lucky you. I'm " too expensive/over budget" at £150 for an evening only party, £325 for a part day wedding, and £475 for an all day wedding.

It seems that I am too, now.

[Jim - Scotland's Party DJ]

But, for full timers especially, high earnings per gig do not necessarily equate to a high income. Charging £1000+ per booking sounds great, but if you are only getting 2/3 a month it isn't enough.
In fact, locally the opposite seems to apply generally.


If I took on another 4 bookings this year I'd gross the average UK salary, bearing in mind I'm a part timer and have closed my books for the year - I could easily have booked more than those 4 gigs and made an 'average' income whilst doing this part time - if you're full time and pitch yourself correctly, there's no reason why you need to be out Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoon to make a decent living out of it.

[ppentertainments]

If I took on another 4 bookings this year I'd gross the average UK salary, bearing in mind I'm a part timer and have closed my books for the year - I could easily have booked more than those 4 gigs and made an 'average' income whilst doing this part time - if you're full time and pitch yourself correctly, there's no reason why you need to be out Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoon to make a decent living out of it.
Again, depends what you class as decent ;-) although admittedly working 4 days is a bit much and something I like to avoid.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Maybe the people that are earning the big money, are the ones that have invested in things like dance floors or photo booths (for example), and own them outright because they've paid their way?
I use dance floors as an example, because the initial outlay for them is quite expensive, but if they are out regularly, what you've paid out is recouped and then it's profit isn't it?

When I had a bit of money come my way a few years back, dance floors were something I thought about. Then I realised it may be too pricey for me, and storage would have been a problem with where I was living at the time. I had lots of enquiries for them back then, so I contacted a few suppliers, played them off against each other and got the best price I could, plus the best deal I could for any jobs that I confirmed. Everything went through my accounts and that's when I could easily have been mistaken for being one of the top end suppliers.

An evening reception for Disco and Uplighting for 4.5 hours went from being a decent booking, to a very good looking booking when a dance floor was added.
Yes, I could say "I'm doing a booking tonight for £1400.00" (for example), but was I? In reality, in my opinion....not really.
The dance floor may have been £850.00 for starters. I might have got 10% off that from the supplier. Add that on to my fee and it looks pretty good.

It didn't happen week in, week out though.

Again, in my opinion...... the big earners are the ones that have invested and now own the services they supply outright. I am most probably way off the mark, it's just what I think. I can count the number of 4 figure evening bookings I have had where I have just supplied my services, on one hand.

Of course, then there are the multi-ops too.

EDIT: Just to add, when I was living in Hampshire (which I did do for many years), it was classed as an affluent area (even Basingstoke was, believe it or not). There are some very nice venues and wealthy people around. Some people wouldn't even blink about what I thought was a decent payer, others would question why it was so "expensive" (in their opinion). Don't 'they' say, that's why the wealthy are wealthy, because they look after their money!!?!

To me, the whole thing is strange at times.... I did some high class stuff over the years. I couldn't tell you how much some of them cost, I just don't know, but some of the figures that have been mentioned throughout this thread, look familiar. I did a wedding at a lovely venue that must have easily been £40k + and the father of the bride quibbled about the price I gave him. He still booked me though! I did another wedding at a church hall for a couple who (apologies for being blunt), were absolutely minted.... (a friend of mine knew the groom and he told me). The whole thing was a DIY affair, but they didn't skip on anything and it was one of the biggest paid bookings I have done over the years. It was Disco only and it was for 3 hours. They wanted quality (old skool Indie/Alternative if I remember correctly), and they wanted me personally.

Not sure what I am trying to get at really..... At the end of the day, I don't care if I am classed as budget, middle ground or whatever. I am happy to provide a service as and when I want and I know the price I want for doing it.

[rth_discos]

Maybe the people that are earning the big money, are the ones that have invested in things like dance floors or photo booths (for example), and own them outright because they've paid their way?

No, a 'big fee' is not from adding on extras.

We need to look at the fee they are getting as a DJ after the 'extras' like photobooths and dancefloors. In many cases, those who include sweet carts and dancefloors are actually DJ'ing for free! So far from a 'high fee'.

[ppentertainments]

No, a 'big fee' is not from adding on extras.

We need to look at the fee they are getting as a DJ after the 'extras' like photobooths and dancefloors. In many cases, those who include sweet carts and dancefloors are actually DJ'ing for free! So far from a 'high fee'.
Depends if you are running a 'entertainment business' or a 'DJ Business'.

Horses for courses really, I know a lot of people make a good living from purely DJing whereas others find more success having packages which include other services ie photobooths, dancefloors etc. Some will make a little (or no profit) from the DJ side, whereas others concentrate on the DJ service then make little off everything else.

I still believe it is very difficult for a one man DJ to make a good living. Yes there are examples of people who do well out of it but few and far between. In fact I have noticed a lot of the claimed high earners have invested in photobooths / magic mirrors which I find questionable as these aren't as profitable as DJing.

I have looked at add-ons but decided to run as a multi-op instead purely to save the outlay needed for other services. Good move or not ? I'm not sure, however if it was purely me, alone, DJing I couldn't meet my targets and don't know of many lone DJs who could.

[yourdj]

a lot of the claimed high earners have invested in photobooths / magic mirrors which I find questionable as these aren't as profitable as DJing.

The only fee is the booth attendant which is £50, so I can make £425 from that vs £590 gross on the DJ side of things. Lets say i invest 5 hours Doing and 2 hours meeting and prep for DJ (probably more including travel to venues). Lets add on an hour for the Photo Booth for travel & admin. Thats £106 per hour on the Photo Booth vs £84 on the DJ side of things. If i just did the booth no it would not be as profitable, which is why so many booth people have 3-4 out on one night. It may also have a shelf life, which is always a worry for them as it can go out of fashion.

Having said that booths are easy to run compared to DJ and managing formalities and the responsibilities that come with that. No meetings or preparations are required, set up is quicker and easier. The run time is 3 hours vs 5 hours (ignoring meetings & set up). I would rather DJ mind you than do the phootbooth. :)

[yourdj]

Bloody Hell, Toby, you should have said you were looking, I'd have nipped down and priced it for you.

Thats a shame. I don't particularly like hobnobs, but for you Peter there would be at least one pack a day. :)

To be fair its just stud walling and insulation going to knock up a toilet too (as it gets cold in the winter and we use it all the time). A stop gap as I have decided to do a proper extension at some point. The LVT flooring and plumbing will be done properly. I was going to crack on yesterday but i dropped a speaker on my foot and have fractured one of my toes!!




Maybe there's room for another price rise soon (I doubt it until I've got a couple of Wedding Awards behind me....but it's worth a punt ;) ). Mine is going up £100 in Jan (although i am including uplighting). My diary is pretty busy and I feel that it deserves that increase, based on my progression too.



But....what I'm finding at the moment is that weddings (unless you're doing all day which can be long, tedious and stressful) AREN'T the big payers.

They are a lot of work and responsibly. Thats why I love December you don't even have to think!!! BUT I would get bored doing that every week. The anniversary I did this weekend (for very nice fee) also made me think about attracting a few more like that. I have done weddings for 10 years and doing a few more fun functions would be a bit of a change.

I got an enquiry for a new venue I have that attracts a lot of corporate parties. I have knocked up a package that includes DJ, photography, Photo Booth & red carpet arrival pics, uplighting (its a marquee) & a TV with live streams of the drinks pics and Photo Booth. Thats about £1,2/300 for 5-6 hours although I have decided to sub contract the DJ and focus on the pictures as this weekend I found that I can't do both! Thats still £750 + taking off the booth attendant too. the best part, they are usually midweek & other than the TV and lighting I don't have to set anything up! I am hoping that i can combine that with all day conferencing services (mics, screens) and perhaps even evening speaking or awards etc. Looking forward to a bit of a change. ;)



A lot of people are quoting salaries in thieir immediate areas, but I find that I get people from all over the country. i once put their postcodes (from enquiries) on a goole map thing and it was very interesting. Mainly it was Southampton and Portsmouth, but it was also prolific up the M3 and London. But to be fair client from all over the country we making enquiries. I guess the New Forest is a destination wedding area though??

Like any business it all comes down to marketing and reputation. If you have a crap website or are getting leads from AMP DJ then yes you will be going out at £250. If you can show you know what your doing and you are passionate about what you do then chances are a client will book you even if you are the most expensive. I personally think that I could add £300-400 to my fee and make more money, but I don't have balls that big and I have a family to support. Plus my services at the moment are not worth a £1000 a night fee. I would need to make some serious improvements (i.e. choices of set up) to warrant that. :D

[ppentertainments]

The only fee is the booth attendant which is £50,

How much !!! Blimey, my son gets over double that.

You have given me some food for thought with your comments (and others). I have solely concentrated on weddings for a number of years, but now think maybe there is more outside of weddings up for grabs.

[yourdj]

How much !!! Blimey, my son gets over double that.

You have given me some food for thought with your comments (and others). I have solely concentrated on weddings for a number of years, but now think maybe there is more outside of weddings up for grabs.

my attendant loves it. All my venues are within 10 mins of where she lives (Middle of the forest). She is my age (I think) well presented and very polite, so I guess I am lucky to have found her She does all my sales stuff at fairs too.. I tend to do the setting up mind you. She rocks up, presses a button for 3 hours, packs up and thats that. I would not want to run a Photo Booth week in week out as i like the challenge of Djing.

This is a poignant post for me as i have reduced the all day work (especially with MC) this year and have been seriously promoting the extras and people have been booking them. I Support my wife and 2 kids so its make or break time. I think my earnings will have increased by at least a 1/4 if not more just from that. uplighting, fog, TV's, dance floors etc all start to add up so its well worth considering. :)

[Nakatomi]

...Plus my services at the moment are not worth a £1000 a night fee. I would need to make some serious improvements (i.e. choices of set up) to warrant that. :D

Why does equipment have anything to do with what you can charge for a service? "Look wifey, let's book this skilled tradesman because look - all his tools are full of da bling innit! That makes him worth the extra £££ I'm sure!". Hmmm. Time & again industry 'gurus' have told us this isn't the case. Were they wrong - and the customer isn't booking you for your expertise but your gear?

I still sorely want to conduct a survey with the general public. Show them photos of DJ setups ranging from "OMG somebody threw a bunch of cables onto a stage" to "what other DJs would have dreams about owning" & see what their initial reaction is when they're asked to identify what they're being shown. I strongly suspect the answers will pretty much all be "it's a disco innit" with some maybe invoking an "oh, that looks a bit nicer. But it's HOW MUCH more? Sod that!"

[yourdj]

Why does equipment have anything to do with what you can charge for a service?

I totally get where your coming from, as gear lists on crap DJ sites show.

However, I would say quite a bit depending on what we are talking about. I don't think a client cares what you use as long as it looks good (like a play with no scenery vs "this std back drop or maybe this luxury renoir painted one Mr. Theatre director"). I am referring to choice and personalisation, Little differences and attention to detail and letting the client choose what they want rather than just one standard set up (which at the moment is a drab equinox screen). This is just one example from a multitude of options as its usually a given that I am a good DJ, I could include a minimix, VDJ or whatever, just choose that. :)

I think our set ups are an important visual aspect and people do notice (especially with the lighting). My regular Venue staff constantly mention a particular DJ's booth or lighting that has come in. Ashley Riggs for example gets mentioned a lot from clients as he has a very unique set up and people often book him just based on that. With the tradesman analogy, I am not talking about drills and hammers, but the finish that he will create out of your new patio vs builder Pete down the roads approach. How I get to that point and what I use is irrelevant, as long as the job is done properly. :)

[ppentertainments]

This is a poignant post for me as i have reduced the all day work (especially with MC) this year and have been seriously promoting the extras and people have been booking them. I Support my wife and 2 kids so its make or break time. I think my earnings will have increased by at least a 1/4 if not more just from that. uplighting, fog, TV's, dance floors etc all start to add up so its well worth considering. :)
Very true, as I am finding the All-Dayers just not for me. Especially as realistically I need the next day off to recover and would rather work 2 evenings than one all day.

[yourdj]

Very true, as I am finding the All-Dayers just not for me. Especially as realistically I need the next day off to recover and would rather work 2 evenings than one all day.

Exactly. I am fortunate to have the top floor of the house as a recovery cave as it wipes me out (its pitch black and away from the kids), but having to get up in the morning and do another all day is just not feasible, especially with MC duties. I am almost 40 and wont be able to do that forever, so a change was in order as i have done it for 6 years now. More importantly I feel that i am not doing my clients justice being tired, so it was either limit the all days to one a week (and charge for that exclusivity), or do more evenings with extras. i am going to tap into the corporate side of things now as there is also a real market for my photography. i have had enquired just through my photograph site on its own. it would be great to spend the evening taking photos and watch someone else DJ for once.

[Nakatomi]

I am referring to choice and personalisation. If you could personalise a set up thats a nice touch (i.e. white, black, rustic, their names, video screens). Little differences and attention to detail. This is just one example from a multitude of options as its usually a given that I am a good DJ.

Our set ups are an important visual aspect and venue bar people constantly mention a particular DJ's booth or lighting that has come in. With the tradesman analogy, I am not talking about drills and hammers, but the finish that he will create out of your new patio vs builder Pete down the roads approach. Howe I get to that point and what I use is irrelevant, as long as the job is done properly. :)

We could all do worse than take a leaf out of Jason Jani's book TBH. Have you seen his booths? O M * G. Even he admits they're a royal PITA to transport & install though.

[yourdj]

We could all do worse than take a leaf out of Jason Jani's book TBH. Have you seen his booths? O M * G. Even he admits they're a royal PITA to transport & install though.

Yep thats exactly the thing I was thinking of (distinguishing yourself as 100% unique visually), looks brill. Same booth but with quirky extras. Funnily enough thats the same one Ashley Riggs has. They would be a pain to set up but for double the fee and the time to set it up (i.e. not in the room turn around) then its totally worth a few thousand investment. I think some people would pay £1000 alone just to have some of his larger set ups etc. I am not sure it would suit my venues and types of weddings, but for the larger banquet hall type affairs nearer cities it would look right at home! :)

I have always liked the look of a lampshade on a DJ booth. for years I have wanted to set up an old desk, rug, lampshade etc. etc. and hide as much tech as possible. it would fit into the old manor house venues perfectly. Brian Moles VW camper is another sterling effort. :)

18602

[Nakatomi]

Yep thats exactly the thing I was thinking of (distinguishing yourself as 100% unique visually), looks brill. Same booth but with quirky extras. Funnily enough thats the same one Ashley Riggs has. They would be a pain to set up but for double the fee and the time to set it up (i.e. not in the room turn around) then its totally worth a few thousand investment. :)

I have always liked the look of a lampshade on a DJ booth. for years I have wanted to set up an old desk, rug, lampshade etc. etc. and hide as much tech as possible. it would fit into the old manor house venues perfectly. Brian Moles VW camper is another sterling effort. :)

18602

I'd just LOVE that booth but can only envision trouble ahead when a venue says "oh but what about the band we only just found out about?" :rofl:

[yourdj]

I'd just LOVE that booth but can only envision trouble ahead when a venue says "oh but what about the band we only just found out about?" :rofl:

You referring to this (not a fan of percussionists and sax players - even though I was a funky house promoter). :)

18603

Who is this bloke? I need to spend some time and look at other guys like Harry Kilb etc.

My main issue is I don't have a van (I am running my zafira in to the ground) so don't have the space. A Viano is on the cards at some point though :)

[Nakatomi]

You referring to this (not a fan of percussionists and sax players - even though I was a funky house promoter). :)

18603

Who is this bloke? I need to spend some time and look at other guys like Harry Kilb etc.

My main issue is I don't have a van (I am running my zafira in to the ground) so don't have the space. A Viano is on the cards at some point though :)

SCE. that's Jason Jani. He has a bigger gut than me so there's hope for me yet!

[DJWilson]

18602

My first thought was that he's taken the table from an Apple store.

If it works for him then great but it's not my cuppa.

[Nakatomi]

My first thought was that he's taken the table from an Apple store.

If it works for him then great but it's not my cuppa.

Well it's certainly a lot more spiffy looking than the frankly awful things we have to choose from with off the shelf booths from Equinox et al (and this from a truss booth user!).

See the folding screen behind him btw? That's where his PA mixer & visuals/lighting operators hide. He's no one man band that's for sure.

Search YouTube for DJ BARR & seek out another USA operator's grand piano dj booth. Oh my days. We need stuff like this in our lives.

[DJWilson]

Well it's certainly a lot more spiffy looking than the frankly awful things we have to choose from with off the shelf booths from Equinox et al (and this from a truss booth user!).

See the folding screen behind him btw? That's where his PA mixer & visuals/lighting operators hide. He's no one man band that's for sure.

Search YouTube for DJ BARR & seek out another USA operator's grand piano dj booth. Oh my days. We need stuff like this in our lives.

I agree the off the shelf booths we have are still very limited.

I've seen a few videos by DJ BARR. That DJ Piano is typical over the top American. :zip:

[Benny Smyth]

Time & again industry 'gurus' have told us this isn't the case. Were they wrong - and the customer isn't booking you for your expertise but your gear?

Lets put it this way: I'd much rather have pictures and videos of my setup on my website than those of a lot of other DJs.

In fact, there is (or, at least, was) one other DJ in the local area who also would have preferred a photo of my setup on his website over his own. :Naughty:

[Pe7e]

My first thought was that he's taken the table from an Apple store.

If it works for him then great but it's not my cuppa.

A very similar opinion to mine, I don't rate it at all! but 10/10 for trying something different, if it works for him who am I to criticise.
I do like the white VW camper front though, I think it's magic

[Excalibur]

Lets put it this way: I'd much rather have pictures and videos of my setup on my website than those of a lot of other DJs.


I sincerely hope so, Benny. On here, we frown on that sort of thing. :Naughty:

[Nakatomi]

I agree the off the shelf booths we have are still very limited.

I've seen a few videos by DJ BARR. That DJ Piano is typical over the top American. :zip:

So is Barr's 'boxing announcer' MC style :rofl: Still though, that boy has talent & is going places.



I do like the white VW camper front though, I think it's magic

I think it's HEAVY. That & I don't see the attraction in camper vans, vintage or otherwise. To each their own!

[yourdj]

Well it's certainly a lot more spiffy looking than the frankly awful things we have to choose from with off the shelf booths from Equinox

This is where to get them: https://www.hoerboard.com/furniture/scomber-mix/

This is my firiend ashleys set up:

18604

[Imagine]

I can only see one problem with those sort of booths.....you have to wear trousers! :daft::muppet::daft:

[yourdj]

No filldlin with your balls of eating a cheeky sandwich. Not for me.
Also anyone can walk up trip and fall on the laptop. Far too precarious.

I always wondered about guests and drinks with the xprs (or any generic booth) as the surface is at waist height and it faces down on to the lower teir (i.e. where your controller sits). My wonders were made real last week at one of my venues where the bride at the end of the night, tripped and ditched a whole glass of wine all over the DJ's controller and decks. He went mental and the bride was in tears. he had an all day wedding the next day. I think I would have stayed calm (as i have duplicate kit) and sent her an invoice in the morning. Give me a crappy equinox screen and a metres distance any day. :)

[Nakatomi]

I can only see one problem with those sort of booths.....you have to wear trousers! :daft::muppet::daft:

Or just a long apron.

[ukpartydj]

No filldlin with your balls of eating a cheeky sandwich. Not for me.
Also anyone can walk up trip and fall on the laptop. Far too precarious.

I always wondered about guests and drinks with the xprs (or any generic booth) as the surface is at waist height and it faces down on to the lower teir (i.e. where your controller sits). My wonders were made real last week at one of my venues where the bride at the end of the night, tripped and ditched a whole glass of wine all over the DJ's controller and decks. He went mental and the bride was in tears. he had an all day wedding the next day. I think I would have stayed calm (as i have duplicate kit) and sent her an invoice in the morning. Give me a crappy equinox screen and a metres distance any day. :)

I need to get some of those tramp spikes to stop people from leaning on my screen. Still I'm happier to see them. Fall over taking the screen with them than I would be my whole booth. +1 for crappy gorilla screen (that's right, not even equinox).

[yourdj]

I need to get some of those tramp spikes to stop people from leaning on my screen. Still I'm happier to see them. Fall over taking the screen with them than I would be my whole booth. +1 for crappy gorilla screen (that's right, not even equinox).

I have the gorilla, its amazing for the price & weight. I love it when people lean on it and its not as sturdy as it looks. not ever had anyone fall into it. They would fall against my sub and flightcase, which wont go far unless they were very large.

[Imagine]

I need to get some of those tramp spikes to stop people from leaning on my screen. Still I'm happier to see them. Fall over taking the screen with them than I would be my whole booth. +1 for crappy gorilla screen (that's right, not even equinox).

I haven't taken my Equinox clone screen out for years - I got fed up with people either pulling it over or leaning on it and falling into my kit. I even made aluminium "tie rods" that bolted between the desk and the screens to try to keep them upright and stop them being toppled.

The Elite booth I use now is a LOT more stable - but I need to look at fitting some sort of perspex screen on the top of it to protect the kit (believe it or not, they've made one for the LiteConsole booths but last I heard had no intention of making one for the Elite).

The one that gets me is the Retro setup I have. It's bloody heavy.....and yet drunken people still manage to fall through it! :o :daft: (one young lady several weeks ago....twice...through the same screen!)

[Nakatomi]

It'd certainly be interesting to trial a booth like the fancy legs on show thingy - if only to see if crowd control really does become the issue so many of us fear. The great advantage with the kind of booth Jason Jani uses is that it reduces the BARRIER between DJ & crowd, which could be taken as an opportunity to be a good thing.

One tip I took away from a good friend of mine a while ago is to keep an eye out for people approaching & meet them before they get near a place it's dangerous to hover a pint glass over. Funnily enough it's also a great way to appear more keen to talk to people which helps defuse (some) people's erm.. unfriendliness. Seeming more approachable is a great way to improve interaction. If guests need a Trojan horse to get to speak to you I think you might be doing it wrong ;)

Obviously there are always going to be some times when you need the FortKnox[TM] - say when you're hemmed in a corner in a venue that's mildly (say two to three times) overpopulated. But if crowd management isn't going to be an issue I'll honestly welcome a nice open booth like one of those.

BTW I know where people are coming from with their concerns about their gear getting harmed. My first club residency - the DJ booth window had a metal grille fitted to it to stop flying bottles interrupting the music :rofl:

[Imagine]

Know where you're coming from with the grille!

My first commercial job back in the disco trade after a 15 year sabbatical waaaaay back in 2012 was a WMC about 30 miles away. Literally got the call an hour before the start of the party to say their booked DJ had been "taken in for questioning by the police" (he'd slapped his wife about apparently!).

I was a bit green back then. It was a walk-in (apparently they had a selection of CDs, mixer, in house lights...I used those and only took my laptop and controller...just as well because the CDs were all over the place in the booth and there was nothing usable!)

My view?

I was "locked" into a DJ booth (yes....there was a Yale lock on outside of the booth!) behind 1 inch thick perspex!

As for the fancy legs on show booths....nah! You'd see my high heels, short skirt and stockings ;):D:o

[DJColsie]

The thing is Ashley only ever wears Converse on his feet. Shorts, jeans or suit trousers, with Converse!

[Excalibur]

This is where to get them: https://www.hoerboard.com/furniture/scomber-mix/

This is my firiend ashleys set up:



Now perhaps it's my age, but I just don't get that one. Although it's very tidily cabled, it just looks like a random selection of kit. :confused:


I can only see one problem with those sort of booths.....you have to wear trousers! :daft::muppet::daft:

Racist!!!! ( And quite possibly sexist, too ) Many members on here hail from North of the border, and would wear their National Dress, the kilt. We have Lady members too, who might wish to wear a frock, and I seem to remember there's pictorial evidence somewhere of a moustachioed DJ in a rather fetching pink frock. :D

Really Wayne, we try to be inclusive here.

[DJWilson]

Now perhaps it's my age, but I just don't get that one. Although it's very tidily cabled, it just looks like a random selection of kit. :confused:



Second that. Seems more like a demo room.

[yourdj]

The great advantage with the kind of booth Jason Jani uses is that it reduces the BARRIER between DJ & crowd

Funnily enough it's also a great way to appear more keen to talk to people which helps defuse (some) people's erm.. unfriendliness.

Its amazing how many people try and talk over the screen, in the middle of the speakers? I guess they are so used to nightclubs. I usually have an entrance in one side and you can bet your bottom dollar they always choose the wrong side!! I always beckon someone around behind the booth for requests, just a nice friendly touch. I used to think that crowd barrier thing was a problem, but I am less convinced now, as people don't even notice you. Ask them in the morning what the DJ looked like and they would be hard pressed to tell you.

literally every client I ask about DJ's at weddings say "I can't remember". They will only remember if he was crap or balled up in some way. :)

This was my first set up in 2008/9 which was quite precarious. i got the screen not long after as it came out. I was amazed how much it sped up my set up as I did not have to tidy all the cables.

18605


Know where you're coming from with the grille!

reminds me of Jeff Healey in Roadhouse.

18606


The thing is Ashley only ever wears Converse on his feet. Shorts, jeans or suit trousers, with Converse!

Its him being rock and roll I think? Having said that I wore some Ted Baker striped canvas shoes on Sat, but I have cash'ed up a lot this year as thats the way things are going. Tight jeans/chinos, shirt and waistcoat (i.e. the shoes matched the clothes) vs last years 3 piece blue tweed. . I need to buy some new shoes as my blue suede ones are looking tatty now. Leather all the way in future as they only last a few months!!


Now perhaps it's my age, but I just don't get that one. Although it's very tidily cabled, it just looks like a random selection of kit. :confused:

I kind of agree with you there. Also is a lot of parts and takes a bit of time to set up. Colin has worked with Ash so he would know more than me.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Nice photo of the Elvetham's dedicated Disco room there Toby. I've done tons of Discos in there and the conservatory.

Anyway, I have to say, I am not a fan of that other booth in the photo, or the set up. It looks a bit too black and random for me, no matter what the function was (no offence). Tidy enough, but too many random bits.

[ppentertainments]

Its amazing how many people try and talk over the screen, in the middle of the speakers? I guess they are so used to nightclubs. I usually have an entrance in one side and you can bet your bottom dollar they always choose the wrong side!! I always beckon someone around behind the booth for requests, just a nice friendly touch. I used to think that crowd barrier thing was a problem, but I am less convinced now, as people don't even notice you. Ask them in the morning what the DJ looked like and they would be hard pressed to tell you.


That is something I actually use as a selling point - I always ensure I (and other DJs who work for me) are easily accessible and whenever someone looks to be heading towards the front of my booth I point for them to come round. I find (normally one of the fathers) people do pop round for a chat, especially early on in the evening, and generally chat very little about the disco/music just general chit chat which really does break the ice.

I also announce this when making my introductions so rarely get people leaning over the booth.

It is this which stopped me using the overhead bars that attach to your booth - apart from being a hazard if the lights are too low I found it created an imaginary barrier. Since I now have lights on podiums or behind me, people are more likely to pop round for requests.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I thought it was a common thing to do, to get the people to come to the side of the booth. I've always done it where possible, firstly to appear more approachable and to steer away from the whole barrier thing, be it a starcloth or equinox booth, and secondly, to avoid any spillages with drinks. I have lost count of the number of times somebody has approached me with drink in hand and I've moved forward over my set up and directed them to the side of the booth.
It's a strange thing, because I always find myself apologising (rather than them apologise to me)... "Sorry, I just don't want you wasting your drink.... they're expensive, just like my equipment" usually works.

[mattydj50]

Search YouTube for DJ BARR & seek out another USA operator's grand piano dj booth. Oh my days. We need stuff like this in our lives.

Many years ago, a pub in Doncaster had Denon CD players and a mixer built into an upright piano. That was good fun using too.

I always wane people round to the side too. I find it much easier to get closer and actually hear clearly what they are saying. I can grab my notepad too and jot down anything I need to while they are there.

[Excalibur]

Re the barrier between ourselves and guests, I'm thinking of a word. Ten letters, begins with S. ;):D


Recent arrivals will not get the reference, but neither will they need :sofa:

[Pe7e]

This is where to get them: https://www.hoerboard.com/furniture/scomber-mix/

This is my firiend ashleys set up:

18604

Stylistically the set-up looks very impressive, but I would have thought at weddings especially, it would be a nightmare keeping the kids from running under and around it. Maybe the kids are better behaved in the area he performs in.

[rth_discos]

Stylistically it looks very impressive, but I would have thought at weddings especially, it would be a nightmare keeping the kids from running under and around it. Maybe the kids are better behaved in the area he performs in.

You don't get kids running around at those types of events!

I've worked them before - they hire children's entertainers in another room, only to be brought out at appropriate times.

Whilst it seems a bit 'hide them away', to be fair, a wedding is pretty boring for the average child, so probably a more fun day for them!

[Nakatomi]

Yeah I have to say, the booth we're talking about won't likely be for your village hall, pub or wmc gigs. Shudder.

[Pe7e]

You don't get kids running around at those types of events!


I've worked in a quite few high end wedding venues back in the day when I was an active mobile DJ, but I never came across kids being shut away with a children's entertainer for the duration, I have done quite a few weddings though were children were specifically excluded on the invitations. It seems I haven't worked in high-end enough venues, or for rich enough people. :)

[Nakatomi]

No matter what marque the gig is you'll meet a variety of different levels of child supervision at all kinds of parties. Surprisingly the well heeled aren't always quite as on the ball as you might think. "Tarquin! Stop throwing plates on the floor! Please?"

[Shakermaker Promotions]

One of my residencies in Hampshire had a dedicated add on marquee at the end of the old barn where there were lots of toys and small inflatables for the kids.
It was booked for quite a few weddings I did there and I thought it was a great idea.

[yourdj]

The thing is Ashley only ever wears Converse on his feet. Shorts, jeans or suit trousers, with Converse!

Funnily enough look what arrived in the post today, I totally forgot I had bought/won them.

18608

Also bought these to replace my other wedding shoes:

18609


Maybe the kids are better behaved in the area he performs in.

We tends to bounce off the same clients and sorts of venues and i would not hesitate to put that in 95% of my private bookings. Not 100% sure about all the in house bookings I get, but most of them. If I get one that I think will be a bit rowdy, thats when I put a chair between my screen and booth area (works a treat) and also some tables either side of me. Always in marquees for some reason? That 75cm-1m barrier goes a long way when people are paling all over your kit all night.


I was an active mobile DJ, but I never came across kids being shut away with a children's entertainer for the duration, I have done quite a few weddings though were children were specifically excluded on the invitations.

I banned kids from my wedding in Poland and in the UK. I wanted an adult function without kids running about shouting. Having said that the one in Poland would not have been too bad as Polish kids (in Poland anyway) are so polite and well behaved. Now I have children my tolerance has gone the opposite way and idont get so stressed with them running around my feet as that sums up my everyday from 6am-7pm!! It used to really put me off keel, but I have learnt to talk to kids now and see everything from their level, i especially make a big fuss of any babies.

No not seen may child minders or child entertainers, but I think that is a good idea to keep them entertained, run round the grounds after to knacker them out - job done. Seen it a dozen times and its only bee a great success. The worst idea is those flipping sweet carts especially the cheap ones with crap sweets as it sends them loopy.

I say it depends on the children, i had about 22 kids at an all day the other day and you would not have known they were there. I was in the horse feed place yesterday and a kid was shouting (out of a flat bed truck - you can guess where I am going with that) DAD DAD DAD really loudly (despite me glaring at him). He was being ignored, but man if that was my child I would have dealt with that in 10 seconds flat!


"Tarquin! Stop throwing plates on the floor! Please?"

Being in private school my whole life I can certainly agree with that, a lot of parents are just a bit deluded and removed from real life I find. They are all very pleasant, but live in a different silk carpeted world to other folk. I don't knock that its exactly where I am trying to get back too LOL. It's as if the modern breed of parents are scared to properly discipline their children! We have a very switched on emotionally volatile son (I think he is on the spectrum) and he needs good consistent routine and rules. The naughty chair worked wonders on him and he took to it straight away - i actually think he secretly likes being put in line ;) . He was a complete nightmare (it got very bad) until i took over as he was being pussy-footed about too much. 2 months and he is at total dream now, a perfect son.

Am I totally off topic now, or is this quite an open ended post??

[Jim - Scotland's Party DJ]

One tip I took away from a good friend of mine a while ago is to keep an eye out for people approaching & meet them before they get near a place it's dangerous to hover a pint glass over. Funnily enough it's also a great way to appear more keen to talk to people which helps defuse (some) people's erm.. unfriendliness. Seeming more approachable is a great way to improve interaction. If guests need a Trojan horse to get to speak to you I think you might be doing it wrong ;)



That's just basic common sense and should be done all the time.

Add in a 'sorry man, it's really loud back there so I can't hear you over my earplugs' (which miraculously no longer becomes an issue despite now being closer to the speakers :D and you're golden.