Residency

[JAMdisco]

I have just got a residency in a (fairly) local pub (about 8 miles away)

Only problem is it's only for £80 per night (around 4 hours work - 2 nights a week). I said I wanted more but he said that's what he paid the last disco, but he was really surprised when I turned up with my stand and lights. Even the punters started remarking on how good the rig was!

It really p:Censored: s me off when local (so called) DJ's can go and buy a CD deck and probably illegal music and go out for such low fees.

I'm gonna wait til I get a few more bookings and then tell him either pay more or I walk...

Ever had this happen to you?

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I know at the end of the day that money is money and if it's a regular thing and you don't mind doing it then grin and bear it for a while. Think of it as what you earn that night could pay a bill or pay for shopping etc, that's what I do. To be honest, I wouldn't go out for less than £130 midweek if it's pub work but obviously different areas in the country have different budgets. Someone somewhere else may be getting £50?

On another note though, think of it as advertising yourself too and potential bookings that you could get from it. Get some request slips done or something and get your website and details on them as people do pick them up and keep them sometimes. Hopefully in the end like you say, you'll be able to tell them what YOU want.
Good luck.

[Vectis]

Nope.

I compete on quality, not on price.

^^ Stock answer #1 when dealing with the sub-£100 brigade ^^

I might be tempted to do a cheap 'Intro' night for a decent contract. Notice the emphasis on the word might:p

[JAMdisco]

When you say request slips, I guess you mean just pieces of paper with song title and artist? I was thinking of doing this a while ago but I just tend to have a pad and paper and the guests tend to just come up and write on it - -things like "country ross" ???

I think this was a case of chinese whispers - someone will have asked him to come and ask me and obviously didn't hear correctly lol

[Dragonfly]

was once offered sat and sunday night in a pub 25 miles away .........

55 quid sat 45 quid sun ...................... turned it down after id stopped laughing.

personally am really reluctant to go anywhere near any pub work having been fleeced by the last 2 ive been involved with.

[Spirits High]

I had a call sat afternoon from a pub in Stavely (about 5 miles away)

His dj (from Derby!) had had his kit stolen and he needed karaoke cover on sunday from 4-9pm, said he would pay me the same as the other dj.......110 quid, I politely said "thanks , but no thanks"

[Have a disco]

around here the norm for a residency pub disco varies from £120 - £140 wether its karaoke or not is irrelivant suggest you talk to pub manager after 2 weeks stating your only there if business picks up you want the going rate but he must advertise his pub disco as well its not your job to do his foot work. If nothing changes after a month then tat ta comes to mind.

I will admit I had a residency pub at £165 a time but bookings were irregular as I filled in when bands cancelled early and no replacement was available and I have covered New year for the last 4 years as well there at a good price

[Silver]

Without wishing to sound too flippant, it's simple............ How much do you NEED it?

If the money is important to you........ say nowt, if it's not, call his bluff.

If you're not enjoying it ........... walk.

It's down to you to make the decision, he's going to keep paying the same.

I would wait until I was in a position of strength i.e. the pub is busier consistently and then play mind poker with him. Until the pubs takings are up and he sees your VALUE, then you haven't much of a chance of trying to to get an increased fee. http://planetsmilies.net/happy-smiley-17168.gif

[Key2]

I have just got a residency in a (fairly) local pub (about 8 miles away)

Only problem is it's only for £80 per night (around 4 hours work - 2 nights a week).

I'm gonna wait til I get a few more bookings and then tell him either pay more or I walk...


Right decision, in my opinion. Show them what your worth and get them to pay more. Is that mid-week or does it include Friday nights?

John:)

[Dragonfly]

Without wishing to sound too flippant, it's simple............ How much do you NEED it?

If the money is important to you........ say nowt, if it's not, call his bluff.

If you're not enjoying it ........... walk.

It's down to you to make the decision, he's going to keep paying the same.

I would wait until I was in a position of strength i.e. the pub is busier consistently and then play mind poker with him. Until the pubs takings are up and he sees your VALUE, then you haven't much of a chance of trying to to get an increased fee. http://planetsmilies.net/happy-smiley-17168.gif

sounds a bit flippant to me :D :D :D

seriously though think that is a good suggestion if you feel you are getting what you are worth bare in mind this isnt going to be the same as your top end wedding functions then stick with it , its money each week you get a rapport hopefully with the locals (when i had one i got booked for a wake by a woman for her husband ........ he was sat next to her when she was talking to me :eek: :eek: :eek: )

then when things pick up as for a raise or walk if you are not happy .... mark my words if it doesnt work out the pub will soon drop you ... and chances are you will have turned down work to be there probably alot better paid.

[Larry B Entertainment]

I used to do a regular pub midweek for £70 but i only used half of my normal rig and it was easy work for me and was better to have £70 in my pocket than me just sitting at home. Only gave it up when the pub came under new management and the standard of punters changed.

[BeerFunk]

I'm afraid to say I've been there and done that, and it normally doesn't work out if your price is ever an issue, from day one. Constantly negotiating money rates with bar managers is soul destroying, and quite often they will cite that it isn't busy enough for them to justify your wage, but do they offer you any extra when it's stowed? I think we all know the answer to that one!!

[Have a disco]

Yep agree beerfunk Publicans try to call the shout with silly prices many a time and its ok for a week or 2 until you realise the work your turning away

No point in lying to them make them face facts or tie them down to a bonefide contract that is in your advantage, and ensure you have doorstaff that do there job properly???? If they can't afford your price then laugh and walk away if they aint willing too listen!!!

[JAMdisco]

Thanks for all the replies, it does involve weekend work (sat & sun). I only take a couple of lights as I don't see the point of setting up a huge rig for a small fee.

I've decided I'll stick with it for a few weeks til I can either negotiate a better fee as and if it gets busier or accept better paid gigs.

Saying that, I have couple coming down on Sat to see me for a wedding reception in April next year They only live around the corner and the girl used to work there. It does give me a good chance to showcase myself.

[flatliners]

i do a sunday night not to far from me i only charge them 50 pounds because they never get many punters even though i try really hard sundays are funny nights and its an easy 8 till 11

[rob1963]

i do a sunday night not to far from me i only charge them 50 pounds

:jawdrop:

[Tom]

its better than nothing

[Dragonfly]

thats a matter of personal opinion :D :D ;)

[Penfold42]

its better than nothing

Sorry - have to say i'm not going out for £50:00.....even though it is a residency.....

Would love a chance to give it a go but....it's got to be for the right money.....£50:00 isn't the right money.

[rob1963]

its better than nothing

£10 is also better than nothing...but I wouldn't work for THAT either!


Sorry - have to say i'm not going out for £50:00.....even though it is a residency.....

Would love a chance to give it a go but....it's got to be for the right money.....£50:00 isn't the right money.

Absolutely!

There ARE limits!

I used to get £30 for a residency, but firstly it was only 2.5 hours, secondly the gear was built in - so I only had to take my records, and thirdly it was 20 years ago!!!

[Penfold42]

I used to get £30 for a residency, but firstly it was only 2.5 hours, secondly the gear was built in - so I only had to take my records, and thirdly it was 20 years ago!!!

That must have been a kings ransom...:)

[rob1963]

That must have been a kings ransom...:)

Not really.

I've just worked it out on an inflation checker, and in today's money it's the equivilent of about £56...not bad for 2.5 hours with no gear to take!

[Dragonfly]

That must have been a kings ransom...:)

what?? he kidnapped the king as well??? Rob you were a busy chap 20 years ago..:D

[rob1963]

That must have been a kings ransom...:)


what?? he kidnapped the king as well??? Rob you were a busy chap 20 years ago..:D

I sure was Dave...but I'm making up for it NOW!

:D :D :D

[Dragonfly]

if you were closer rob i'd be referring people mate derby some 180 miles or so away.

[rob1963]

Cheers Dave, but it's no problem...

...I'm trying a new career as a roadie!

[Dragonfly]

Cheers Dave, but it's no problem...

...I'm trying a new career as a roadie!

now one of them i do need lol ok 50 quid petrol 50 quid wages 80 quid overheads .....40 quid an hour ok for the next 3 months i shall quote £500 a gig rob youre hired.

[rob1963]

:d :d :d

Excellent!

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

...I'm trying a new career as a roadie!

Don't worry, I'll be gentle with you...;)

I might even get you to have a go with the computer or the Denon hard disc reader. :eek:

Better make the most of it, seeing as how I'm paying you more than some people charge for a disco.....:p :D

[rob1963]

I might even get you to have a go with the computer or the Denon hard disc reader. :eek:

Whoaaa Darren...you might even convert me from CDs to digital DJing! :eek:


Better make the most of it, seeing as how I'm paying you more than some people charge for a disco.....:p :D

Whoaaaa...you mean there are some people who charge £1.50 for a disco? :eek:

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Whoaaa Darren...you might even convert me from CDs to digital DJing! :eek:



Whoaaaa...you mean there are some people who charge £1.50 for a disco? :eek:

Well, if you only want £2, that's fine.:D

[Dragonfly]

Whoaaaa...you mean there are some people who charge £1.50 for a disco? :eek:

yes .... you :D :D :D :D :D

[rob1963]

Oh yes...I forgot that small fact!

[Have a disco]

most DJ's get paid £50 - 60 for 4 hrs work a night round here about the same as when I started out. Really pretty poor considering thats 20 years without an increase for just playing the music what should it be now in your inflation scale rob

and where can I find this tool

[soundscapes]

the going rate for "pub residency" work in beverley / hull area is between £50 and £100 so £80 isnt too bad. Pub functions can get you a bit more but to earn sensible money you need to be aiming for hotel functions

[rob1963]

most DJ's get paid £50 - 60 for 4 hrs work a night round here about the same as when I started out. Really pretty poor considering thats 20 years without an increase for just playing the music what should it be now in your inflation scale rob

and where can I find this tool

Hi Have a disco,

According to the inflation calculator, £50-£60 20 years ago is equal to £86-£103 in today's money.

You can find the inflation calculator tool here: http://www.whatsthecost.com/cpi.aspx

:)

[Penfold42]

I used to get £30 for a residency, but firstly it was only 2.5 hours, secondly the gear was built in - so I only had to take my records, and thirdly it was 20 years ago!!!


I've just worked it out on an inflation checker, and in today's money it's the equivilent of about £56...not bad for 2.5 hours with no gear to take!

I was having a little think about this today......

I moved from Brighton to go old Lincoln about 20 yrs ago.......and with no job when i got here, i took a job for £150 per week.......:eek:

So if you put that into context.......a day's wage for 2.5hrs of your time...not bad eh.......:)

[rob1963]

I was having a little think about this today......

I moved from Brighton to go old Lincoln about 20 yrs ago.......and with no job when i got here, i took a job for £150 per week.......:eek:

So if you put that into context.......a day's wage for 2.5hrs of your time...not bad eh.......:)

Absolutely!

That's why I worked at that pub for 9 years, and at one point I was doing 3 nights a week there!

I know a good deal when I see one!!!

:D

[Excalibur]

the going rate for "pub residency" work in beverley / hull area is between £50 and £100 so £80 isnt too bad. Pub functions can get you a bit more but to earn sensible money you need to be aiming for hotel functions

With gear, or " records only"?

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

With gear, or " records only"?

Do you have a different train of thought on this one? You must be around that area?

[Tom]

sorry to change it but it saves me making a new thread.


does doing the same place week after week get a bit boring. playing the same songs (not at the same time) and people asking the same request as last week???

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

sorry to change it but it saves me making a new thread.


does doing the same place week after week get a bit boring. playing the same songs (not at the same time) and people asking the same request as last week???

Welcome to the world of the mobile DJ :D

[Tom]

:bang: :lol:

[rob1963]

does doing the same place week after week get a bit boring. playing the same songs (not at the same time) and people asking the same request as last week???

Not at all, that's why I worked 2-3 nights a week in the same pub for 9 years!

Personally, I'd rather play in a venue I know with staff I know to customers who I know, including knowing their musical tastes...rather than playing to a room full of strangers in a venue I don't know!

[Penfold42]

does doing the same place week after week get a bit boring. playing the same songs (not at the same time) and people asking the same request as last week???

Why should it....
We have all been to pubs that the get there reg's in....and they like to hear all the same tracks at the same time.
I used to go to on fun pub in S****horpe - Henry's it was called.....every week a played medley....they loved it.......

All roads lead to Summer of '69..................:D :D

[Cj_The_Dj]

as a yorkshire dj my self i know the going rate for a moblie is £100 so its only a loss of £20 if you engoy it stick with it and i wouldn't trun it away beacuse you've only just stared out as a moblie dj and if you give cards out free adertiseing and so on,

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

rember not meany people will pay more than £100.00 a night in yorkshire

Sorry, but complete rubbish.

I know many DJs earning a lot more than that and how can you possibly know that at your age?

[BeerFunk]

does doing the same place week after week get a bit boring. playing the same songs (not at the same time) and people asking the same request as last week???
Yes and no... yes, you get bored of playing the same old tracks - you'll get to know the regulars and which songs they want on, but it can be good banter, as they will come up to you smiling, and you recite all their favourite tracks to them (they're always impressed :D)
The big advantage of playing the same venue every week is that you can 'teach' them tracks which maybe require 2 or 3 listens before you start to appreciate them. I found this was the case with a lot of dance and disco tracks I used to play - I think I mentioned Crown Heights Affair in another thread, and I also made 'Barry White - Ecstacy' a firm favourite (it was at the time 'Rock DJ' was released, which samples it).

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I also made 'Barry White - Ecstacy' a firm favourite (it was at the time 'Rock DJ' was released, which samples it).

I love that tune!

Dancey and very sexy! :D

[Have a disco]

Once your in a residency its great for the locals if you play there tunes to start with. but after a while they soon change there tune and start to test you, so variation is the key to a residency regardless of size or location or people start predicting what your gonna play.

Styles may change but to get new customers you do have to be flexible to monthly trends etc etc

[BeerFunk]

I love that tune!

Dancey and very sexy! :D
Steady on!! :omg:

(For the record, I love it too! :o )



Once your in a residency its great for the locals if you play there tunes to start with. but after a while they soon change there tune and start to test you, so variation is the key to a residency regardless of size or location or people start predicting what your gonna play.
They start to test you? :eek:

Never happened to me, in what way do they test you?

[rob1963]

Never happened to me, in what way do they test you?

Just what I was wondering...especially after having a pub residency for 9 years...where I don't remember any "testing" of any kind!

[robbiedj]

I think he means the regulars who come up and say "I bet you haven't got ....." and are amazed when you play it. :thumbs_up:

And anyway, you can play a regular slot, same crowd, but completely different mood this week. if the local team has had a great win they will be elated, if it was a whitewash they will be low. Lots of factors dictate the mood of a crowd.

You just have to read it and play to it each time.

[Twinspin]

Thats the trouble with this area Justin I get sick of them as well. Im fed up of them ***** with no experience at all and those who use poor equipment

Loads of them in Hull going out for eighty pounds. The people arent bothered thats the problem they dont care about quality its more about price than anything.

Its one of them things that makes me incredibly angry. I hate the djs who charge bottom prices. They make me sick. They wanna go out and buy some quality gear and do things by the ******* book and they will soon live in reality!!!

If i was responsible for enforcing the law on djs that use copied discs id come down on them like a tonne of bricks!!!!

As for the landlord at the pub Justin i would tell him because i bet their ex dj was a load of rubbish

[Penfold42]

Loads of them in Hull going out for eighty pounds. The people arent bothered thats the problem they dont care about quality its more about price than anything.

I think it's the same everywhere.......just have to keep plugging away....:)