Everyone wants Good Value for their dollar. That is just perceived at different levels by different clients.
It looks like I am booking this same date on a wedding here in Baltimore. $1,350 for 5 hours. Different than a party, but couldn't the same be said? Why didn't the $1350 client think that our price is too much? I'm not even providing any lights for this price either. Am I over charging this client because there are others who could show up and play music for $400?
If we minimalize what we do as DJs, and show that to customers, then all they will ever want to pay you is a minimal fee for your service. If you believe that all a Halloween Party is ever going to be worth is $300 for a DJ, then that is all you will ever book them at. If you are fine with $300, then that's up to you. Why not quote $1,000 for that Saturday night Halloween party? Do they just want music, or do they want an entertainer who will bring a awesome fog and light show, and take them on a kick ass musical journey for their Halloween party? Have any of you ever asked for $1,000 for a Halloween Party? Probably not? Why? Is it just not possible?
There are photographers who charge $250, and photographers who charge $5,000. Why would someone want to pay $5,000 to some guy or gal stand there and take pictures? I could hire a guy to do that off of Craigslist, and have the "same" pics for years to come to look at. I could have my friend Bob use my smart phone to take some sweet pictures for free even!