Fair point.$250 DJ dates create more $250 DJ dates.....................Either charge a decent rate or don't charge at all.
Fair point.$250 DJ dates create more $250 DJ dates.....................Either charge a decent rate or don't charge at all.
Because of how things have been lately, I'm commiting a crime as a dj. I offered my services to a co-worker to play music at her 4 wedding/reception, for no cost. I'll accept the firing squad now.
$250 DJ dates create more $250 DJ dates.....................Either charge a decent rate or don't charge at all.
I would’ve done free… and have them pay my labor separately. I’d also remind them that this service normally costs $$$$. Free makes it seems like it’s a one off favor… $250 means he’s probably willing to negotiate to a low rate if I make a good enough case.
$250 DJ dates create more $250 DJ dates. Either charge a decent rate or don't charge at all.
Because of how things have been lately, I'm commiting a crime as a dj. I offered my services to a co-worker to play music at her 4 hour wedding/reception, for no cost. I'll accept the firing squad now.
You said it. You try to do a nice favor for someone and give them a great price to do their event. You say to them don't tell people the price I did their event for and most don't keep their mouth shut.Back when my ex was an elementary music teacher, I'd do their dances. The principal wanted to pay me $100 (or was it $250?). I took it a couple of times but noticed that I was getting calls from people he knew and that knew how much he paid me. No matter how many times I'd tell a cheapie date "Don't share the price!", that is exactly what they'd do. I finally figured out that the bit of money wasn't worth the hassle or the risk of my name being associated with cheap DJ stuff. I finally decided to just do it for free if they couldn't afford a decent rate. Note, I've never had a bride try to book me at those prices.
Many here - including myself - sometimes have a hard time doing just that....we can't turn of our "DJ comparison" thought process.I would rather just be a guest and enjoy the wedding...
Honestly I've been to events where the DJ was sub par or just plain terrible. I don't go up to that DJ and tell them they are doing a poor job. I stay in my place no matter how painful it is to not react. I have went up to a DJ that's doing a great job and tell them I'm a DJ and they are doing a great job. To tell the truth I have sat there and say to myself and sometimes to others I know what I would have done to make the event a success on my part if I were the DJ.Many here - including myself - sometimes have a hard time doing just that....we can't turn of our "DJ comparison" thought process.
Honestly I've been to events where the DJ was sub par or just plain terrible. I don't up to that DJ and tell them they are doing a poor job. I stay in my place no matter how painful it is to not react. I have went up to a DJ that's doing a great job and tell them I'm a DJ and they are doing a great job. To tell the truth I have sat there and say to myself and sometimes to others I know what I would have done to make the event a success on my part if I were the DJ.
He was blown away over how I kept his dance floor packed with no tux, no trusses, only a pair of EAWs with no subs, just 2 dance lights, and no fog or bubbles.
To you their prices may be bottom rate and to them it's OK because they get bookings. This still doesn't tell how good or bad they are or how long they have been a DJ. The main thing is if they are happy with what they charge will that affect what you do and what you charge? You didn't mention your starting price that you consistently get. Those prices may be their starting prices. Also that doesn't tell what they have to offer for those prices. You might have a lot more to offer and a lot more experience then some of them do and thus know how to better sell yourself to get the price you will do a wedding for. The old saying is true. Don't judge a book by it's cover.For anybody who is willing to go out to DJ for $250...you are about HALF what the "Average DJ" cost is on thumbtack.com in USA. The DJ industry has basically been stuck around $500 or so for the last 25+ years in most markets when it comes to the average price point. This is new data for 2021...
DJs on Thumbtack cost$450 - $580
Average price
Typical price quotes for a high school dance
- 2-hour prom/high school dance: $350
- 3-hour prom/high school dance: $450
- 4-hour prom/high school dance: $500
- 5- or 6-hour prom/high school dance: $600
Here is what comes up on thumbtack.com for wedding DJ in my area based on 4 hours. Check out the most booked DJ Service. $395/4 hrs and 902 hires on there. I am impressed! It is amazing because they spend so much money on every quote they send out, or whenever a prospect contacts them they get charged for the lead as well and still offer a bottom rate like that.
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Seeing these average prices for my market makes me feel kinda proud that I have accomplished booking at much higher rates. The last time I did a wedding for $395 to $475 George W Bush was president. I can't leave my driveway to do a wedding for that low today. Apparently, there are plenty of DJs who will jump at a $550 wedding in my area...They are pricing themselves even lower than that, and don't have a problem doing so and showing their prices online. These vendor bidding sites will keep DJ rates low. But...In a way, I can't knock on these guys. Some of them have hundreds of hires on there. That means they are likely pulling 50-80+ events a year off thumbtack alone, and at $350 to $550 or so, that adds up. They might be a busy bee, and love being busy with work every weekend, and I don't want to be the weekend warrior myself any more. I guess it depends on how you look at it, but I committed to the "work smarter not harder" concept many years ago, and have tried to raise rates every year that I can in the quest for more profit, and less time involved out working events. None of these DJs are newbies or young 20 year olds. Different Strokes I guess
Programming and reading the room are still king. No amount of gear or gimmicks will overcome poor choices in the music department.
What about those who agree to do a job but don't have the right music for the event? They are called gig whores. Just taking on a job even though they are not the right DJ for the event just because they can get paid for doing the event.Programming and reading the room are still king. No amount of gear or gimmicks will overcome poor choices in the music department.
What about those who agree to do a job but don't have the right music for the event? They are called gig whores. Just taking on a job even though they are not the right DJ for the event just because they can get paid for doing the event.
What about those who agree to do a job but don't have the right music for the event? They are called gig whores. Just taking on a job even though they are not the right DJ for the event just because they can get paid for doing the event.