Nope, but I work in a different world. All my pricing is estimate only until the job is done and all my jobs are custom jobs. So posting a rate would be pointless.
Mike
Weddings Pricing on your web site?
- Thread starter Capital Disc Jockeys
- Start date
Nope, but I work in a different world. All my pricing is estimate only until the job is done and all my jobs are custom jobs. So posting a rate would be pointless.
Mike
I guess I don't see selecting a DJ for a wedding as an emotional decision. I see it more like selecting the guy who puts the tile in my bathroom.
Mike
Good one Mike us DJs are just labourers unlike you skilled and professional Stage Lighting Experts. I have admiration for all here and their reasons. I also do what I do for my own business and am satisfied thus far with the results.
K
Kirby Ball
Guest
You dj for 99/hour?????????No wonder your prices are on your site.
That is pretty much the standard pricing in this area. Not everyone lives in an affluent community where higher prices can be charged.
YMMV
(I can see why Mac and Ducky took their website link listing off of here.)
Kirby, nice mug shot!
My area consists of over 3 million ppls. Some people can afford only $795, some can afford $1500+...Literally. I love it! 
K
Kirby Ball
Guest
Compare that with the County in which we reside. Population a little under 200,000, lots of farm land and a lot of smaller towns and Villages. Largest city is Springfield (Capital) which has a population of around 120,000.
No major industries locally. Any towns close to here that have or had industry located in their towns are very economically depressed and have been for quite some time now.
No major industries locally. Any towns close to here that have or had industry located in their towns are very economically depressed and have been for quite some time now.
K
Kirby Ball
Guest
Kirby, nice mug shot!
Awesome! I'd be very happy to be getting $795.....
I'm betting dollars to donuts that you have a lot more professional experience and time invested than I do...
I have found that brides tend to be more emotional about their wedding choices than the grooms. Maybe not for ALL of their wedding vendors, but definitely for the DJ. In fact, before I seal the deal, I tell the couples that I want them to be 100% comfortable with me. If they have any reservations, I don't mind bowing out.
If a bride chooses their DJ using the qualifications of a laborer (anyone can do it), then that is exactly what they will get. A below-par performance for a below-average price.
And if they are happy with that, it's okay by me!
Wow. Breathe a little. I respect the people here too. Each has a skill that took training and experience.
Mike
That isn't the qualifications I look for in my contractors. But if that is how you choose yours and it works for you that is fine.
But yes, I do use the same qualifications - quality for price.
Because, believe it or not... Wait for it...
There are 1000 DJ's out there that are just as skilled as you, with as good equipment, that your clients would be comfortable with.
You are not the only DJ that gives an above average performance.
Mike
This is only opinion.
Mike's statement appears to be from his stand point as a laborer and a male. Unless there is some sort of a study or poll showing otherwise, those of us who entertain many weddings know that the brides choose on emotion. And that's how we sell it to them.
Which is more of an enticing sale for a bride.
"Sure lady, I can do you wedding $100 cheaper than the other guy. I have great new equipment and can play any music you'd like. You can just write down the names of people in your wedding and I'll announce them. Besides, I like music and have fun when I'm playing so your guests will to. Trust me, you'll be happy and save some cash in the process".
or
"Allow me to not only entertain your guests, family, and friends with music that will flow like a fine elegant meal and served to perfection, but to create those lasting memories that you'll cherish for a lifetime. Each song will be chosen to reflect your love and caring for each other as well as your guests. You both want your family and friends to be part of your special day and to enjoy and celebrate every moment. So together we will create the wedding of your dreams and a day that will have everyone saying Wow what a wedding".
The guy might pick the first as long as you promise to play 80's metal. The bride has been dreaming of this day her entire life. She wants and deserves perfection. Not a discounted price.
Mike's statement appears to be from his stand point as a laborer and a male. Unless there is some sort of a study or poll showing otherwise, those of us who entertain many weddings know that the brides choose on emotion. And that's how we sell it to them.
Which is more of an enticing sale for a bride.
"Sure lady, I can do you wedding $100 cheaper than the other guy. I have great new equipment and can play any music you'd like. You can just write down the names of people in your wedding and I'll announce them. Besides, I like music and have fun when I'm playing so your guests will to. Trust me, you'll be happy and save some cash in the process".
or
"Allow me to not only entertain your guests, family, and friends with music that will flow like a fine elegant meal and served to perfection, but to create those lasting memories that you'll cherish for a lifetime. Each song will be chosen to reflect your love and caring for each other as well as your guests. You both want your family and friends to be part of your special day and to enjoy and celebrate every moment. So together we will create the wedding of your dreams and a day that will have everyone saying Wow what a wedding".
The guy might pick the first as long as you promise to play 80's metal. The bride has been dreaming of this day her entire life. She wants and deserves perfection. Not a discounted price.
It took me 20 years to realize this but for right now at this time there isn't. Maybe a handful within a 60 mile radius but nobody that can do what I can, because it's me doing it. They can't repeat it, copy it, nor imitate it. It's all me. And there are many brides and grooms who want me at their wedding. They've had their choice, they looked around, they've been to other weddings. Many still choose me and I am humbled to everyone of them that do.
Folks out here seem to prefer the first example over the latter. Different approaches work better in different markets. I find it works better to be friendly, approachable and honest. Adding fluff like in the latter example does not sound honest. Some brides prefer the fluff because they are gullible, but I find that a lot of brides in my area are looking for either the best bang for the buck or the lowest bidder.
I'm sorry to put a damper on your post, Ron...MA is certainly a different area, especially for wedding vendors, as I learned when I was searching up in the North Shore. The more affluent brides using daddy's money love to feel special and that sales tactic works for them. Unfortunately, it doesn't work for middle-class and blue collar familes in the rural Midwest.
I can attest to what Ducky claims having spent five yers en Medferd Orgon. Home of the 98 cent Whopper Bride.
Awesome! I'd be very happy to be getting $795.....
I am from Binghamton, born and rasied. Population of about 200,000 maybe less. I can do this ful time there as well. Average price for a wedding there is$695-$895, this is from what I'm told by the DJs that live there now.
My base for $795 (4 hours) is for the small weddings. Then it increases for the 100 + weddings.
I've been a pro DJ for 24 years. I should personally be getting $2,000 flat. As a matter of fact this is my goal for 2010. I'll hear people say "You can't get that in your area"! Why not?? I see DJs getting $1700+ and with 10 years of experience. Why?
Marketing...Plain and simple, marketing...
see that's the thing, in some markets around the country, marketing can drive a price wherever, but in other areas, like ours, marketing only takes you so far before the reality of how much money is in the bank takes over.
So no one in your area can charge more than 99/hour? NIMBY?
No reason to remove your website. What you charge is up to you. I believe you could easily charge twice that in any market if you have the skill set to do so. No offense intended, I just think you are selling yourself short because I believe you have the skills.
Jamie
I can't wait for the 2 day conference in Muncie. We have owners roundtables to discuss anything..
You guys keep patting each other on the back and saying it can't be done and one thing is for sure......it will never be done.
You guys??? Always specify. Thanks. I'm not bitching at all
Ok, I'm annoyed at the guys charging $595 just to undercut the more experienced.