Wow, I've really got to move away from the West Coast... If you can get those numbers in Red Deer (Pop. 90,000) and I can't get it in Vancouver, BC (Pop. over 2 million!) something is wrong. No, it's not me... My reputation is impeccable; just Google me!
Maestro,
I'll be in B.C around Aug 20th, I am doing a wedding and consulting for another because the quality of D.J.s I guess is not the best so I am told and I have a lot of family in Abbostford and in Vancouver. Starting to get referrals from that. I plan to be down around the 15th or 16th, If you are on FB look me up "TJ the DJ, Red Deer DJ Service" The bride I am consulting with has booked Creative DJ Services... the MOST ANNOYING WEB SITE EVER...
http://www.creativedjservices.com/ Guy talks a good game but he seems to be some what disorganized after booking (sending her e-mails meant for other people) so she heard of me though a friend and we talk and e-mail all the time with ideas and what not.
There is no reason why you can't charge more. You need to really step out of the market. If you are only beating the avg by a couple hundred then you are not really saying much. Sounds like you got lots of confidence, so ask for $1200. I don't know how you market or what your sales pitch is so I really can't say more with out knowing more. I am not a marketing pro, but what I have learned has worked for me and I am sure you could make it work for you, it is just a matter of making it work for your business. I will say your text on your site is small and not easy to read which might cost you some business but other wise it is very cool. Also being a Multi-Op might hurt you a little too. Most multi-ops lack consistency in service, simply because everyone has their own unique style and single ops will take advantage of that point in their sales/marketing if they feel it works for them. Even if a bride doesn't like that single op, that opinion still sticks with them.
There are high end brides. I have quoted several in B.C. at $1200 before travel and got the "Is that all?" Until they hear travel is $1/KM one way and their wedding becomes $2500, and I am not going to just show up for cocktails and a dance... $5000 is what my B.C. show is at and it's a 3 day event. Rehearsal party, the day of with ceremony, and gift opening brunch.
I do a lot more than just show up which is where the value lies.
As for Steve...
I have booked $14,000 in just 11 weddings. Not including any corporate parties I will get in the fall, Halloween parties, summer parties, retirements, anniversaries, or formal grads which start to book up here in around Mid April.
I have booking ranging from $1000 to $1500 not including the B.C. trip which is an aberration, but I was in Saskatchewan a province to the east before Christmas. I try to stand out and so far it works. I should clear $25,000+ this year and probably 35k next.
I live cheap and work hard. I do pass up a lot of bookings and I don't mind. I am not in this to get rich, though it would be nice and I do plan on getting there one day.
I am introducing a Photo Booth as a separate business this summer which should also increase my income so I continue to pay for training and be an even better entertainer than I am.
I should also note, this year I have not renewed my AVLA license. I am testing out a theory. I was promised by the AVLA they would have someone out investigating the 10 or so companies I reported and guess what? NO ONE SHOWED. I know a lot of local DJs and no one so much as hinted they were from the AVLA. So why should I pay a TAX to be in business? I have had a legal license for years and got tired to seeing all these frost wire DJs out there working. I believe in a fair playing field where the only difference should be the quality of service and price. My costs per show is already as much as what most of the bottom feeders charge.
I am waiting to see if I get a call or a letter or anything. For the big stink I raised with the CDJA and CPDJA (the last I am not a member with anymore either, didn't see the benefit on a east coast association.) and the AVLA myself Someone at the AVLA should have noticed I didn't renew and contacted me.