What factors do you base your prices on?

[rob1963]

What factors do you base your prices on? and what importance do you give to each of those factors?

Obviously there is no right or wrong answer, as it's pretty much a matter of opinion, but it will be interesting to see if any trends come out here...and may give us some food for thought.

These are mine, in order of priority:

1) Service. In my opinion, this is the most important pricing factor by a mile.

2) Experience. Very important. Generally speaking, the more experience someone has with something, the better they will be.

3) Location. This is also very important. Like it or not, mobile disco prices vary greatly in different parts of the country.

4) Whether you are a professional DJ, Part time DJ or hobby DJ. Important, as a professional in any field can generally charge more than someone who just does it as a hobby.

5) Equipment. Clients aren't too bothered about your equipment - as long as your sound system is up to the job & you have some flashing lights. However, larger gigs for more people require more equipment. This takes longer to set up, and as clients are also paying for our time, we can charge more for these gigs.

6) Number of songs held. Average importance. As long as you have a good variety including all the usual top requests, several thousand songs is usually enough. Allowing for duplicates, I probably only have 4,000-5,000 different songs...but I can't remember the last time I was asked for something I didn't have. If I had 15,000 songs or more, there wouldn't be any noticable difference.

7) Length of disco. Not particularly important, as the hard bit is lugging in all the gear & setting it up, which is the same regardless of how long the gig is. Therefore, my set prices cover all gigs of up to 5 hours.

8) Travelling distance to gig. As long as the gig is in my own county, I'm not bothered whether it's up the road or 30 miles away.

9) Ease of access to function room. This hardly makes any difference to me. Most venues I work at have pretty good access. A few are a lot more awkward, but some are extremely easy too, so it all evens out.

10) Type of event. For me personally, this is virtually irrelevant. I like to keep things simple, so I don't charge more for weddings...even if they do involve a bit more work...which isn't always the case.

[TonyB]

My charge is based on earning enough to;
1) cover expenses
2) cover the cost of replacement equipment
3) having enough left over to live on

:)

[rob1963]

My charge is based on earning enough to;
1) cover expenses
2) cover the cost of replacement equipment
3) having enough left over to live on

:)

Hi Tony,

I appreciate we all want to cover expenses, cover the cost of replacing equipment and have enough left over to live on, but I was asking what factors or aspects of our actual business we base our prices on. :)

[TonyB]

Well those are the only factors I use! End result is a figure that I must achieve, irrespective of what equipment I use or what type of function I do, to make it economically viable. If I don't make enough to live on then I might as well pack up and do something else.

[rob1963]

Well those are the only factors I use! End result is a figure that I must achieve, irrespective of what equipment I use or what type of function I do, to make it economically viable. If I don't make enough to live on then I might as well pack up and do something else.

Fair enough, Tony! :)

[flatliners]

well i have another job as a care assistant so what i make of the discos i keep about 70% for myself and save 30%

[rob1963]

Ok...I'm completely stumped as to why this thread only has 2 replies so far...

...and nobody telling me I'm talking rubbish! :eek:

Very unusual!

Surely it can't be you all agree with me? :confused:

[Jiggles]

the factors i use are:
1) Distance if itreally local Eg just down the stret this factor dosnt come in to play.
2) General up keep of my equipment.
3) how much i need to save to get new stuff.
4) percentage of money gained go in to my pocket about 20%.

[spin mobile disco]

I think the reason you havent had many replies, is that this topic was covered quite recently.
But to faciltate things :
I price according a fixed price list with packages.
These are based on how big is function (i found asking how many people will be there works quite well)
Sound system required. (You wouldnt take a 2 speaker system for a 500 strong gathering) (i hope not any way)
Amount of lighting / special effects.
And end of the day have to make enough to live on (im a full timer so this is the major consideration.)
And 10% on top goes back into the business in the form of investment in equipment, bulbs, repairs, new music, insurance, PAT etc......

[rob1963]

I think the reason you havent had many replies, is that this topic was covered quite recently.
But to faciltate things :
I price according a fixed price list with packages.
These are based on how big is function (i found asking how many people will be there works quite well)
Sound system required. (You wouldnt take a 2 speaker system for a 500 strong gathering) (i hope not any way)
Amount of lighting / special effects.
And end of the day have to make enough to live on (im a full timer so this is the major consideration.)
And 10% on top goes back into the business in the form of investment in equipment, bulbs, repairs, new music, insurance, PAT etc......

Hi Spin,

Thanks for the info.

I wasn't aware the topic has been covered recently. Either it was before I joined, or I missed it!

[Ricesnaps]

Ok...I'm completely stumped as to why this thread only has 2 replies so far...

...and nobody telling me I'm talking rubbish! :eek:

Very unusual!

Surely it can't be you all agree with me? :confused:
I think it's because we are a little bored now. How many different ways can you ask "how do I make more money"?

[DMX Will]

I think it's because we are a little bored now. How many different ways can you ask "how do I make more money"?

I agree.

I once read somewhere (can't remember now - think it was an early eddition of Pro Mobile) "when it becomes all about the money, it's time to give it up (DJing)"

[rob1963]

I think it's because we are a little bored now. How many different ways can you ask "how do I make more money"?

Hi Ricesnaps,

I'm sorry to hear you're a little bored.

I wasn't asking "How do I make more money" I've NEVER said I want to make more money. I was actually interested to know what FACTORS people base their prices on...which is not the same thing. I'm sorry if that wasn't clear in the original thread.

I have no plans to increase my prices this year, next year or the year after that, because I'm more than happy with what I charge & the money I make, but it's clear that some members are not.

I've seen threads banging on about increasing prices by £xx this year & £xx next year, but that's still not enough, and they want to know how they can start charging DOUBLE! etc etc.....

[rob1963]

I agree.

I once read somewhere (can't remember now - think it was an early eddition of Pro Mobile) "when it becomes all about the money, it's time to give it up (DJing)"

I completely agree, Will, although the money is MORE important to those of us who don't have a daytime job!

:)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I agree.

I once read somewhere (can't remember now - think it was an early eddition of Pro Mobile) "when it becomes all about the money, it's time to give it up (DJing)"

What a load of rubbish.

I'm in business to make money as are most people.

If you're not, then why not do gigs just to cover expenses?

[BeerFunk]

I agree.

I once read somewhere (can't remember now - think it was an early eddition of Pro Mobile) "when it becomes all about the money, it's time to give it up (DJing)"


What a load of rubbish.

I'm in business to make money as are most people.

If you're not, then why not do gigs just to cover expenses?
I don't think it's 'a load of rubbish', there is some truth in it. Any job involving entertainment requires drive and passion to succeed in it, so as soon as it becomes a 'normal job' you're most likely not giving your best.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

so as soon as it becomes a 'normal job' you're most likely not giving your best.

And you would come to this conclusion how?

[CRAZY K]

I don't think it's 'a load of rubbish', there is some truth in it. Any job involving entertainment requires drive and passion to succeed in it, so as soon as it becomes a 'normal job' you're most likely not giving your best.

But this is a normal and only job for a lot of people--Its my only job although I am semi retired. Am I still giving it 110 per cent--- yes I am:D

Are we saying people like Robbie Williams and the Rolling Stones arent giving their best????????????????????????????

I think im going to lie down--- I shortly have to give my 110 per cent three times in a week as well as decorating the house :eek:

CRAZY K

[CRAZY K]

What factors do you base your prices on? and what importance do you give to each of those factors?

Obviously there is no right or wrong answer, as it's pretty much a matter of opinion, but it will be interesting to see if any trends come out here...and may give us some food for thought.

These are mine, in order of priority:

1) Service. In my opinion, this is the most important pricing factor by a mile.

2) Experience. Very important. Generally speaking, the more experience someone has with something, the better they will be.

3) Location. This is also very important. Like it or not, mobile disco prices vary greatly in different parts of the country.

4) Whether you are a professional DJ, Part time DJ or hobby DJ. Important, as a professional in any field can generally charge more than someone who just does it as a hobby.

5) Equipment. Clients aren't too bothered about your equipment - as long as your sound system is up to the job & you have some flashing lights. However, larger gigs for more people require more equipment. This takes longer to set up, and as clients are also paying for our time, we can charge more for these gigs.

6) Number of songs held. Average importance. As long as you have a good variety including all the usual top requests, several thousand songs is usually enough. Allowing for duplicates, I probably only have 4,000-5,000 different songs...but I can't remember the last time I was asked for something I didn't have. If I had 15,000 songs or more, there wouldn't be any noticable difference.

7) Length of disco. Not particularly important, as the hard bit is lugging in all the gear & setting it up, which is the same regardless of how long the gig is. Therefore, my set prices cover all gigs of up to 5 hours.

8) Travelling distance to gig. As long as the gig is in my own county, I'm not bothered whether it's up the road or 30 miles away.

9) Ease of access to function room. This hardly makes any difference to me. Most venues I work at have pretty good access. A few are a lot more awkward, but some are extremely easy too, so it all evens out.

10) Type of event. For me personally, this is virtually irrelevant. I like to keep things simple, so I don't charge more for weddings...even if they do involve a bit more work...which isn't always the case.

Think you covered most of it there Rob--what abour forward pricing--i.e. dates--I dont give a discount for dates a long way in advance---looking at the way costs have been increasing you need to be careful--especially overheads for transport, petrol £5 a gallon shortly otherwise you are losing money.

Special days like NYE presumably are charged higher?

Weddings can often be more time consuming though--discussing music, first dance etc so there may be justification fior charging more--interesting TV programme last week was showing most venues and a Disco they phoned bumped up the charges for Weddings:eek:

If the gig is in an awkward venue I would charge more purely on the basis of extra time lugging equipment--which I did on Friday---its take it or leave it:D

Not sure how you sell service over the phone--Reliability is something I always push on the websites--just mention that theres plenty of happy customers out there willling to give you a good reference--hopefully.

Rice look away now:D

Hope this is more what you were after,

regards

CRAZY K

[BeerFunk]

But this is a normal and only job for a lot of people--Its my only job although I am semi retired. Am I still giving it 110 per cent--- yes I am:D

Are we saying people like Robbie Williams and the Rolling Stones arent giving their best????????????????????????????

I think im going to lie down--- I shortly have to give my 110 per cent three times in a week as well as decorating the house :eek:

CRAZY K
Did you read my full post, or just every 5th word?

The Rolling Stones and Robbie Williams happen to be some of the best entertainers around on stage. They work the crowd, dance and jump about the stage, and inject a real energy into their performances.

They could just stand there, play and sing, and leave. Why don't they? Because they enjoy it, have a passion for music, and a passion for the stage.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Did you read my full post, or just every 5th word?

The Rolling Stones and Robbie Williams happen to be some of the best entertainers around on stage. They work the crowd, dance and jump about the stage, and inject a real energy into their performances.

They could just stand there, play and sing, and leave. Why don't they? Because they enjoy it, have a passion for music, and a passion for the stage.

I watched a documentry on Robbie recently and he was saying how fed up he gets with the whole performing thing and sometimes doesn't put any real effort in at all.

[BeerFunk]

I watched a documentry on Robbie recently and he was saying how fed up he gets with the whole performing thing and sometimes doesn't put any real effort in at all.
Yes, it has been well publicised that he has been going through a spell of depression, and not having seen his shows for a while, I don't know how much it would show.

I went to see The Chemical Brothers last year, in the Corn Exchange in Edinburgh, which is a relatively small venue compared to venues they have played before. It sounded like they were just playing their CDs, instead of performing them live, and although it was still a great night, I did feel as if they couldn't be bothered somehow. Normally, they experiment and mix up their tracks on the fly, like they do at Glastonbury for example. I think because it was a small venue, they weren't injecting the same enthusiasm that I know they can, when they're up for it.

[flatliners]

well i dj because i love music and love to entertain people or you could say be the center of attention. yes the money is good but the music always comes first with me.
there are some djs out there who charge alot more than other djs in there area and might only get 2 or 3 bookings a month i would rather charge the same as the other djs and be working alot more because in this game the more you do the more you learn and lets face it we are always learning
if you charge say 400 pounds for a disco and only gig twice a month where as the dj from down the road charges 250 but is out say 4 times a month fair do the dj that charges 250 pounds works 2 gigs more and makes 200 pounds more but thats 2 gigs more experince and think of all the extra bookings you might get from the 2 extra gigs
my moto is your only as good as your last gig

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Personally, I'd rather be out twice a month for £400 a time than 4 times a month for £200 a time.

After 23 years, I'm not absolutely sure that an extra 2 gigs experience will really benefit me.

[BeerFunk]

Personally, I'd rather be out twice a month for £400 a time than 4 times a month for £200 a time.

After 23 years, I'm not absolutely sure that an extra 2 gigs experience will really benefit me.
I'd probably agree, I used to DJ nearly every Friday and Saturday for a few years, and it does become a bit 'samey'. Especially considering it was a residency, and you find you have to play the same tracks every week as it becomes a bit of a ritual for the regulars to request certain tracks.

[rob1963]

What a load of rubbish.

I'm in business to make money as are most people.

If you're not, then why not do gigs just to cover expenses?


Darren...I think the quote from Will was "When it becomes ALL about the money, it's time to give up"

In other words, if it gets to the stage where ONLY thing that matters is the money, and you no longer care about the business or the service you give, then THAT'S the time to give up.

I THINK that's the point he was making, although I'm willing to be corrected!

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Darren...I think the quote from Will was "When it becomes ALL about the money, it's time to give up"

In other words, if it gets to the stage where ONLY thing that matters is the money, and you no longer care about the business or the service you give, then THAT'S the time to give up.

I THINK that's the point he was making, although I'm willing to be corrected!

Ah, OK. That I agree with.

It wasn't Will's quote though - he just quoted from Pro Mobile Mag.

[rob1963]

Think you covered most of it there Rob--what abour forward pricing--i.e. dates--I dont give a discount for dates a long way in advance---looking at the way costs have been increasing you need to be careful--especially overheads for transport, petrol £5 a gallon shortly otherwise you are losing money.

Special days like NYE presumably are charged higher?

Weddings can often be more time consuming though--discussing music, first dance etc so there may be justification fior charging more--interesting TV programme last week was showing most venues and a Disco they phoned bumped up the charges for Weddings:eek:

If the gig is in an awkward venue I would charge more purely on the basis of extra time lugging equipment--which I did on Friday---its take it or leave it:D

Not sure how you sell service over the phone--Reliability is something I always push on the websites--just mention that theres plenty of happy customers out there willling to give you a good reference--hopefully.

Rice look away now:D

Hope this is more what you were after,

regards

CRAZY K

Hiya Crazy K. Thanks for your comments, and yes - that was more what I was after!

I'm with you - I don't give discounts for bookings made way in advance.

The only days I charge higher for are Xmas eve & NY eve, but that's probably the same with most jocks.

Although weddings CAN be more time-consuming, I find that they often aren't. In other words, they don't want a meeting, they send you the request form & just wait for you to turn up on the night. Either way, I don't charge extra for weddings.

Take it easy,

Rob

:)

[flatliners]

there seems to be some djs on here whos hearts arnt in it anymore or they still dont get a buzz you get from a full dance floor
you see if i go on my holidays for 2 weeks on the weekends i am away i am abit miffed that i am not djing.
i agree if its about the money then give up i have heard of a mobile disco in the northeast and on there website they quote prices of 350 pounds for there top show which isnt that impressive thats very steep for newcastle and northumberland i bet they dont have there top show out much
roll on plasa

[BeerFunk]

there seems to be some djs on here whos hearts arnt in it anymore or they still dont get a buzz you get from a full dance floorroll on plasa
I dunno, I'd have thought everyone here obviously has a very healthy interest - sort of makes sense, doesn't it, if you're on a forum, you're interested in the forum subject?? :)

[rob1963]

I dunno, I'd have thought everyone here obviously has a very healthy interest - sort of makes sense, doesn't it, if you're on a forum, you're interested in the forum subject?? :)

Beerfunk - Absolutely! :claphands: :claphands: :claphands:

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I dunno, I'd have thought everyone here obviously has a very healthy interest - sort of makes sense, doesn't it, if you're on a forum, you're interested in the forum subject?? :)

Yep, I agree.

I've never met a more interested and enthusiastic bunch of people.

We might all disagree on lots of things at times, but it's all healthy debate and everyone learns from it.

[dannyboy]

Regardless of whether your Pete Tong or Danny from Moonlight Discos, people round here will not pay the money for discos.

I charge the top price for discos in my area, as do a couple of other DJ's.

My equipment (Although not the best (But New)) is far superior than the rest and personally I think that they get a better service from me.

[rob1963]

Regardless of whether your Pete Tong or Danny from Moonlight Discos, people round here will not pay the money for discos.



It's a sad fact that one of the biggest factors effecting what you can charge is your location.

Luckily this has never been a problem for me, as I'm only about 10 miles from central London, although on the other hand property prices are very high round here, so maybe it all evens out in the end.

[CRAZY K]

It's a sad fact that one of the biggest factors effecting what you can charge is your location.

Luckily this has never been a problem for me, as I'm only about 10 miles from central London, although on the other hand property prices are very high round here, so maybe it all evens out in the end.

Very true, I just got a contact today from a friendly agent who I happen to know works in a bad paying area--I just know if any work comes through I will have to turn it down on price.

Back on your original point--just looked at my Western site and found this which sums it all up---

Remember that old Northamptonshire saying--if you buy cheap you pay twice

REMEMBER you are paying for Reliability, Expertise, Experience, Skill and Safety

So there!

CRAZY K

[soundtracker]

Regardless of whether your Pete Tong or Danny from Moonlight Discos, people round here will not pay the money for discos.

I charge the top price for discos in my area, as do a couple of other DJ's.

My equipment (Although not the best (But New)) is far superior than the rest and personally I think that they get a better service from me.

Interesting, as one of the guys on another forum says that he gets some great big paying bookings in Cumbria!