Weddings What makes a $1500 wedding DJ worth his price?

I never implied that it would happen.

What makes a $1500 wedding DJ worth his price?

Experience, unique talent, personalized service, whether he/she is a legitimate business, and how well he/she consistently promotes to the target market.

Galager said:

When I give a bid I usually talk to someone on the phone or I give a very detailed written bid.

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This is a problem because, it doesn't take a whole lot of detail to render quality DJ services. Complicating something people expect to be simple distracts from your competence. Your job as a professional is to make it look easy. Trying to prove it's not is perceived as a lack of confidence.

Once I get the gig I have them fill out my 'Wedding Worksheet'. This is a 7 page document getting all the information I need like what songs they want at various points fo the wedding and reception. It also contains a lot of useful information that I have compiled over the last 8 years.

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This further complicates what should be simple and painless. People want someone who will make this easy not difficult or worrisome. 7 pages is not helpful - it is a burden. It also looks needy rather than professional. The more detail you require the less competent you appear to be. You may have learned a lot in 8 years but, this knowledge is for you alone. Unsolicited over-sharing works against you - it's not comforting. It's actually disconcerting - like handing out life-preservers as people board a ship.

I explain to them that I am equipped to DJ any venue so long as I have power.

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This is assumed - it should go without saying, and making a point of it raises new question. Think Richard Nixon: "I am not a crook."

I always show up earlier than I need to.

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You are the only one who needs to know this. Hopefully you are not conveying your uncertainty about potential problems by using this as a selling point.

My gear is good.

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This is also assumed.

I have excellent reviews. I don't have a web site but do have a Facebook page.

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Who is recommending you personally? Word of mouth is what sustains a service business - not the web.
You are not selling things online - you are delivering a personal service. You need personal recommendations and referrals.

Sooo... what can I do better to up my game and up my pricing?

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Consider the image you present in light of the event you are soliciting. Is the avatar you use here similar to how you present to wedding clients? The watermelon and other props are too whimsical, more indicative of Rowan & Martin than a smooth adult wedding emcee. You need to appear as professional as the role you are seeking.

A certain someone must have a lot of time this week ... trollin' hard.

Randy A said:

A certain someone must have a lot of time this week ... trollin' hard.

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As long as he is allowed to.. he will

Proformance said:

You are the only one who needs to know this. Hopefully you are not conveying your uncertainty about potential problems by using this as a selling point.

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I can't speak for the OP, whom you're trying to put down, but I most certainly do make mention of my arrival time to prospective clients. I tell them, "On DJ-only jobs, we arrive 2 hours in advance of the first guest. On lighting jobs, 3 hours. Our goal is to be completed on setup, 1 hour in advance. This leaves us enough time, just in case there are any unexpected problems that come up." My opinion, this does not convey uncertainty, it conveys professionalism and gives them comfort that I will be in place, on time and ready to go. I also hear this echoed by venue management (who refer me to their clients). They regularly make mention that they know I'll be on time and will make them look good and that's why they keep referring me.

In the case of weddings (Brides), they don't know and usually don't think about arrival time. It pays to educate them on what you do differently than the average DJ. Around here, that means showing up 30 minutes prior and throwing everything together in a panic. That drives everyone else involved, nuts.

steve149 said:

Sooo .. your "question mark" avatar indicates what? You present as questionable?

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It is exactly as the punctuation suggests: a question.

Irrespective of how entertaining he might be - the OP's question was: "what does it take to book at $1500." I'm asking what image does he present to a $1500 prospect? The image he is using on this site depicts him clowning around and if this is the same image he uses when presenting for formal black-tie events then it is rather obvious why he is not making that list of referrals. That image depicts a characterization I might seek for a child's birthday party, or comedy show - not a wedding.

Likewise, the OP enumerates a long list of things he tells people but, not one word about what he listens for, or the questions he asks. Neither does he indicate any process for qualifying a prospect. The notion that you are educating a prospect by talking and enumerating endless details is erroneous. There is a point at which the customer realizes you're more into yourself than you are paying attention to their specific and unique needs. A prospect willing to pay $1500 for a DJ expects a higher level of conversational inquiry.

My suspicion is that the OP does not book $1500 gigs because he's not positioned to attract the attention of that client. Hence when (if) he qualifies the prospects he does acquire - he realizes the ceiling of the positioning he has projected.

As for the issue of "putting someone down" I would suggest that most making that claim respond fraudulently out of your own fear and insecurity. You would selfishly prefer the OP continue to think that $1500 DJs are a myth and that he is doing everything just perfectly.

I took the OP's question literally and spoke directly and honestly to what he offered to justify that price. What he posted does not rise to the level of expectation that prospects willing to pay $1500 for a wedding DJ hold for their vendors.

Don't ask a question if what you really want is approval instead of an answer. Just state up front: "please agree with me and affirm my protective shell." YMMV

I've added to my contract things I need - electricity, maybe a table (depends) and ACCESS TO THE BUILDING! It sucks to get there and it's locked up...happened a few times.

Proformance said:

It is exactly as the punctuation suggests: a question.

Irrespective of how entertaining he might be - the OP's question was: "what does it take to book at $1500." I'm asking what image does he present to a $1500 prospect? The image he is using on this site depicts him clowning around and if this is the same image he uses when presenting for formal black-tie events then it is rather obvious why he is not making that list of referrals. That image depicts a characterization I might seek for a child's birthday party, or comedy show - not a wedding.

Likewise, the OP enumerates a long list of things he tells people but, not one word about what he listens for, or the questions he asks. Neither does he indicate any process for qualifying a prospect. The notion that you are educating a prospect by talking and enumerating endless details is erroneous. There is a point at which the customer realizes you're more into yourself than you are paying attention to their specific and unique needs. A prospect willing to pay $1500 for a DJ expects a higher level of conversational inquiry.

My suspicion is that the OP does not book $1500 gigs because he's not positioned to attract the attention of that client. Hence when (if) he qualifies the prospects he does acquire - he realizes the ceiling of the positioning he has projected.

As for the issue of "putting someone down" I would suggest that most making that claim respond fraudulently out of your own fear and insecurity. You would selfishly prefer the OP continue to think that $1500 DJs are a myth and that he is doing everything just perfectly.

I took the OP's question literally and spoke directly and honestly to what he offered to justify that price. What he posted does not rise to the level of expectation that prospects willing to pay $1500 for a wedding DJ hold for their vendors.

Don't ask a question if what you really want is approval instead of an answer. Just state up front: "please agree with me and affirm my protective shell." YMMV

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Let's hope YOU don't present yourself to your clients the same as YOU present yourself on this forum... a humorless, condescending, wise-ass, know-it-all-wannabe, sociopath!
This is a DJ Forum, for pete's sake![emoji1]

DJ Bobcat said:

Let's hope YOU don't present yourself to your clients the same as YOU present yourself on this forum... a humorless, condescending, wise-ass, know-it-all-wannabe, sociopath!
This is a DJ Forum, for pete's sake![emoji1]

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I need to buy you a beer sir.

I always take away after reading replies that DJ's are all beneath him.

azdeejay said:

I need to buy you a beer sir.

I always take away after reading replies that DJ's are all beneath him.

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It's a DJ Forum!!![emoji1] We laugh a little, share a little, learn a little, gripe a little, and enjoy each other (a little[emoji1]). That's what it's about![emoji4] Who's stupid enough to think we do and say the same things when conducting business with our clients that we do on a DJ Forum???[emoji1]

DJ Bobcat said:

It's a DJ Forum!!![emoji1] We laugh a little, share a little, learn a little, gripe a little, and enjoy each other (a little[emoji1]). That's what it's about![emoji4] Who's stupid enough to think we do and say the same things when conducting business with our clients that we do on a DJ Forum???[emoji1]

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There are plenty of stupid people out there.

IceBurghDJ said:

I've added to my contract things I need - electricity, maybe a table (depends) and ACCESS TO THE BUILDING! It sucks to get there and it's locked up...happened a few times.

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The Agreement I use has always stated

"The purchasers will furnish suitable space for the performers and provide facilities convenient to electrical power. The performers must be admitted to place of engagement 1(one) hour prior to starting time by the Purchaser or his/her representative, and have complete access to the set up location. The purchaser agrees to furnish one 6 or 8 foot long table for performer to use."

With that said...I did run into a few instances back in 2010 where a suitable table was not furnished, so I bought a 4 ft table and bring it with me as a back up ever since unless it's a venue I have been to before and KNOW a table will be provided, and 100% sure of it.

I now also have a 6 ft table with black DJ table cloth that goes all the way to the floor just in case as well.

I can only recall one time ever where the venue was not open 1 hour prior to start time. It was a Community center, and the clients were late arriving to set up. It was for a autistic 17 year old's birthday party. Load in was easy though and I was set up in 30 minutes.

I usually have access to venues 90 minutes to 2.5 hours prior to start time though. Having adequate access to the venue being an issue is very rare, but good to have in the agreement. It doesn't state it in my agreement, but I do mention that the nearest electrical outlet should be 20 amp outlet, and preferably no more than 30 feet from the DJ Table. About twice a year I do have to run a 100 ft or up to 150 ft of extension cord...usually for an outdoor ceremony or a tent reception. If a situation arises where the nearest power will be over 150 feet away, that is when I will have to object and tell the client, I will just have to be set up closer.

Galager said:

I don't think I could disagree more with Proformance's responses.

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I actually find a lot of good info and wisdom in his posts. I'm thinking you just don't like they way he puts it.

A worksheet does sound like work doesn't it? I simply call them forms and the client doesn't have to use them if they don't want to. Some clients are detail oriented and some aren't.

Galager said:

The things I say are designed to both distinguish myself from other DJs and to give the client a sense of calm about choosing me over the other guy.

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You're only distinguishing yourself from inexperienced DJs from what you're saying here. The average DJ has good equipment, shows up early etc.

Jas said:

A worksheet does sound like work doesn't it?

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I think professional is not defined by how expansive you can make something, rather your ability to boil it down to it's essence.

Jas said:

I actually find a lot of good info and wisdom in his posts. I'm thinking you just don't like they way he puts it.

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I agree for the most part.

From a technical, and pure service based stand point I'd like to try to answer the question: Of course this is subjective...

What makes a $1,500 Wedding DJ worth their price?

*Throwing in add ons such as up lighting or photo booth does not make a $1,500 DJ...we are talking CORE DJ service

1. Experience: A $1,500 DJ should have a minimum of 5 years of mobile DJ experience. A client will not expect to pay $1,500 for a guy/gal with only 2 to 4 years of experience. A 10 + year experienced DJ will have less trouble asking for $1,500 than those with less time in.
2. Equipment: At least a step above entry level. Will the client notice a difference between entry low end, mid grade, and top of the line equipment? Probably not, and it probably won't matter in the grand scheme of things, BUT the client is paying for quality, and entry level or very old equipment should not be used at this event. Quality microphones should be used. No hissing, feedback, or intereference should occur and be heard through the sound system. Of course this level of equipment should be provided by lower priced DJs as well, but isn't always the case....
3. Service: With a price of $1,500 or higher, there should be some sort of hand holding with the client. At minimum, a in person meeting should be involved. On top of that, time spent on multiple emails, and phone calls prior to the event. A 2nd in person meeting or a site visit should be involved if asked for by the client. A client paying $1,500 or more expects the DJ to be available, and deliver A grade customer service.
4. Lighting: This is subjective, but a quality effect lighting show should be used. A minimum of 6 different lighting effects on a stand. DMX controlled adds value at $1,500, but certainly not required. If the DJ does not provide lighting effects, then the customer service aspect of this whole package, along with the MC level of said DJ must be top notch. --->see Master of Ceremonies
5. Master of Ceremonies. The MC capabilities of a $1,500+ DJ should be polished. The DJ should have a GOOD, if not GREAT speaking voice, and execute a bridal party intro and all other announcements flawlessly. This DJ should easily be able to run the timeline of the event without help from a coordinator or planner as well.
6. Attire: A $1,500+ Wedding DJ should be dressed well. ...Clients paying this price don't want to see the DJ show up dressed in George brand Khakis, and a $10 button up shirt with no tie or jacket.

Event Specifics:
1. At this price level, ceremony and reception should be included. If this booking is for reception only, then expect the reception to be more than a basic 4 hour reception. Clients are likely to be booking for at minimum 5 hours of performance time at the $1,500+ level. 5 to 6, or even 7 hours could be expected. Of course with a 7 hour booking, there is some opportunity to book this type of client higher than $1,500.
2. The wedding reception should have over 75 guests in attendance...100+ is more reasonable. Clients hosting smaller weddings seriously are not looking to spend $1,500 on a DJ. Frankly, booking a smaller reception at this price isn't exactly providing strong value at $1,500+ any way you look at it. More power to you if you are able to book small ones at this price level though.

The questions we should be asking ourselves is:

What are the true differences between a $1,000 DJ, and a $1,500 DJ when it comes to value? ...If there isn't MUCH that we can come up with...then what is the true difference between a $500 DJ, and a $1,500 DJ. ...For triple the price, there should be BIG differences, right?

If there are not, then is the DJ at the $500 price level charging too little? Or is the DJ at the $1,500 price level charging too much? Once you examine the attributes of DJs at different price levels, then you can figure out what price YOU should be charging for your services a bit better with more clarity.

Then again, maybe your market area can't support $1,500. If it truly can't support this price level, then what do you believe it supports in terms of compensation for the attributes I explained above?