djcity
Why Does the DJ Cost So Much!!??
This article is for anyone looking to hire a DJ and for DJs who need to explain their pricing. Often people who look to hire a DJ think that the DJ is “just coming over to play some music” and cannot see why a DJ would charge so much money for the task. Professional DJ’s often find themselves having to defend their expertise against someone who holds the same title of “DJ” but advertises to do the same job for a much lower price. All of these reasons are justified until the proper level of understanding is achieved. Hopefully this article will aid in that understanding. (Read More...)
First of all let’s divide DJs into two groups which most people commonly understand the names of: The Professional DJ and the Novice DJ. The Professional (by definition) is a person who earns a living in an occupation frequently engaged in by amateurs: a professional DJ. The Novice (by definition) is a person who is “new to or inexperienced in a certain task, situation, etc; beginner.”
Two other important distinctions that must be understood are the Nightclub DJ and the Mobile DJ. These two may be Professional or Novice, however the difference is the equipment utilized and the labor and time involved to move that equipment.
Nightclub DJ (Club DJ)
The DJ working in a Club atmosphere may only be required to show up with his table-top equipment, music library, and his DJ skills. The hardware required in this situation is usually minimal and typically consists of the DJs Laptop and optional external hard drive and sound card. Also, if the venue/nightclub does not provide it, the DJ may be required to furnish Turntables or MP3 Controller, and possibly a DJ mixer. The Club DJ can typically fit his equipment into a regular sized vehicle and does not require a substantial amount of loading, transport, set up time or labor. Keep in mind that this DJ can be a Professional or Novice and the availability/type of equipment as well as experience of a Club DJ can still make a drastic difference in the cost of the DJ and success of your event (as you will see below). Along with the equipment, important things to consider when pricing a Club DJ are:
The DJs music – Does the DJ have a broad enough or clean enough music selection
Is the DJ familiar with the equipment provided by the Nightclub
If the event is public, can the DJ help with the marketing of the event (either through his popularity or his marketing machine)
Mobile DJ
The Mobile DJ is in a very different situation from the Club DJ. The Mobile DJ has the responsibility for purchasing or providing every piece of Sound Equipment needed to make amplified music happen at your event. The type, quality, and dependability of the Sound Equipment can vary greatly from the Novice DJ to the Professional DJ and this difference can make or break your event very easily. The mobile DJ dedicates many more hours of work for an event than what the person hiring the DJ usually understands. Here is an example of the time spent by a Mobile DJ that needs to be understood by both the Client and the DJ:
As you can see, what the Client sees as only a three hour gig, can actually be a full 8 hour day for the DJ.
As stated earlier, the type, quality, and dependability of the Sound Equipment can vary greatly from the Novice DJ to the Professional DJ. The Professional DJ is more likely to have invested in quality equipment that has a reputation for being dependable. After all, a Mobile DJ is only as dependable as his equipment. The Professional DJ is also more likely to have extra or backup equipment even in the event that any equipment fails. The Professional DJ will understand how to size the amount of sound reinforcement needed to fit the room that your event is held in. The Pro will also know the best way to set up the equipment to not only be efficient, but to look tasteful and not interfere with the flow of your event. The amount of money invested in a DJ’s equipment can translate directly to the fees that he may charge a Client. Quality costs the DJ; and in turn Quality costs the Client. Here is an average example of a Novice DJs equipment list versus a Professional DJs equipment list:
**Prices derived from Guitar Center prices April 2011**
In addition to the equipment listed here, many Professional DJs also carry liability insurance, lighting and effects; all of which may contribute to the fees that the DJ charges.
Finally, here are some reasons why a DJ may cost you more depending on his Professionalism.
A Professional DJ:
WORKS UNDER CONTRACT! To protect You, the DJ, Your Guest, and Your Event.
Can easily provide a clean music selection if required
Has experience playing to diverse groups of people (tastes, culture, and age)
Understands that the “look” of their equipment effects the look of your event
Has invested considerable time and money in their equipment
Can adjust the music by the moment to fit your event (referred to as “reading the crowd”)
In the end, the practice of DJ service, be it Professional or Novice, still follows the rule of “You get what you pay for”. If a DJ has an incredibly low price, there is probably a reason for it. The Professional Mobile DJ that quotes a price is not quoting for the 3-4 hours of your event; they are quoting for the job at hand. The Club DJ knows his worth in the market and may charge you more or less accordingly for a reason. Contracts are to protect your event and your money. If the DJ does not provide one, create one or proceed with caution understand that you are dealing with a Novice. Not taking all of the things in this article seriously could end up having your kids or Grandma cursed out by offensive music, the sound stopping during your wedding, your guest disappointed because none of their favorite songs got played, or worse, no DJ showing up at all.
DJ City
www.CityLifeProductions.net
Professional DJ
Club DJ / Mobile DJ
This article is for anyone looking to hire a DJ and for DJs who need to explain their pricing. Often people who look to hire a DJ think that the DJ is “just coming over to play some music” and cannot see why a DJ would charge so much money for the task. Professional DJ’s often find themselves having to defend their expertise against someone who holds the same title of “DJ” but advertises to do the same job for a much lower price. All of these reasons are justified until the proper level of understanding is achieved. Hopefully this article will aid in that understanding. (Read More...)
First of all let’s divide DJs into two groups which most people commonly understand the names of: The Professional DJ and the Novice DJ. The Professional (by definition) is a person who earns a living in an occupation frequently engaged in by amateurs: a professional DJ. The Novice (by definition) is a person who is “new to or inexperienced in a certain task, situation, etc; beginner.”
Two other important distinctions that must be understood are the Nightclub DJ and the Mobile DJ. These two may be Professional or Novice, however the difference is the equipment utilized and the labor and time involved to move that equipment.
Nightclub DJ (Club DJ)
The DJ working in a Club atmosphere may only be required to show up with his table-top equipment, music library, and his DJ skills. The hardware required in this situation is usually minimal and typically consists of the DJs Laptop and optional external hard drive and sound card. Also, if the venue/nightclub does not provide it, the DJ may be required to furnish Turntables or MP3 Controller, and possibly a DJ mixer. The Club DJ can typically fit his equipment into a regular sized vehicle and does not require a substantial amount of loading, transport, set up time or labor. Keep in mind that this DJ can be a Professional or Novice and the availability/type of equipment as well as experience of a Club DJ can still make a drastic difference in the cost of the DJ and success of your event (as you will see below). Along with the equipment, important things to consider when pricing a Club DJ are:
The DJs music – Does the DJ have a broad enough or clean enough music selection
Is the DJ familiar with the equipment provided by the Nightclub
If the event is public, can the DJ help with the marketing of the event (either through his popularity or his marketing machine)
Mobile DJ
The Mobile DJ is in a very different situation from the Club DJ. The Mobile DJ has the responsibility for purchasing or providing every piece of Sound Equipment needed to make amplified music happen at your event. The type, quality, and dependability of the Sound Equipment can vary greatly from the Novice DJ to the Professional DJ and this difference can make or break your event very easily. The mobile DJ dedicates many more hours of work for an event than what the person hiring the DJ usually understands. Here is an example of the time spent by a Mobile DJ that needs to be understood by both the Client and the DJ:
As you can see, what the Client sees as only a three hour gig, can actually be a full 8 hour day for the DJ.
As stated earlier, the type, quality, and dependability of the Sound Equipment can vary greatly from the Novice DJ to the Professional DJ. The Professional DJ is more likely to have invested in quality equipment that has a reputation for being dependable. After all, a Mobile DJ is only as dependable as his equipment. The Professional DJ is also more likely to have extra or backup equipment even in the event that any equipment fails. The Professional DJ will understand how to size the amount of sound reinforcement needed to fit the room that your event is held in. The Pro will also know the best way to set up the equipment to not only be efficient, but to look tasteful and not interfere with the flow of your event. The amount of money invested in a DJ’s equipment can translate directly to the fees that he may charge a Client. Quality costs the DJ; and in turn Quality costs the Client. Here is an average example of a Novice DJs equipment list versus a Professional DJs equipment list:
**Prices derived from Guitar Center prices April 2011**
In addition to the equipment listed here, many Professional DJs also carry liability insurance, lighting and effects; all of which may contribute to the fees that the DJ charges.
Finally, here are some reasons why a DJ may cost you more depending on his Professionalism.
A Professional DJ:
WORKS UNDER CONTRACT! To protect You, the DJ, Your Guest, and Your Event.
Can easily provide a clean music selection if required
Has experience playing to diverse groups of people (tastes, culture, and age)
Understands that the “look” of their equipment effects the look of your event
Has invested considerable time and money in their equipment
Can adjust the music by the moment to fit your event (referred to as “reading the crowd”)
In the end, the practice of DJ service, be it Professional or Novice, still follows the rule of “You get what you pay for”. If a DJ has an incredibly low price, there is probably a reason for it. The Professional Mobile DJ that quotes a price is not quoting for the 3-4 hours of your event; they are quoting for the job at hand. The Club DJ knows his worth in the market and may charge you more or less accordingly for a reason. Contracts are to protect your event and your money. If the DJ does not provide one, create one or proceed with caution understand that you are dealing with a Novice. Not taking all of the things in this article seriously could end up having your kids or Grandma cursed out by offensive music, the sound stopping during your wedding, your guest disappointed because none of their favorite songs got played, or worse, no DJ showing up at all.
DJ City
www.CityLifeProductions.net
Professional DJ
Club DJ / Mobile DJ
Posted Fri 22 Apr 11 @ 4:11 pm
JoeyKJ
Very well said, unfortunately this is a new america we all live in now and your reasoning though constructive is vanishing before are very eyes in reality by those undercutting "cheap jays" who steals everything including your livelihood, it's happening in all industries and it seems that only the weasels are controlling everything around US.......
Good Luck,
Maybe
Good Luck,
Maybe
Posted Fri 22 Apr 11 @ 8:29 pm
SuperAceMan
Holy crap City!!! This is an outstanding post/blog that is definitely Sticky and/or Wiki worthy!
We can only hope that posts like this one help educate the public on Professional DJs and help keep the few, the proud and the dedicated working for many years to come.
My hat is off to you sir.
AC
We can only hope that posts like this one help educate the public on Professional DJs and help keep the few, the proud and the dedicated working for many years to come.
My hat is off to you sir.
AC
Posted Sat 23 Apr 11 @ 2:42 am
freakygeez
Contracts are everything! If a DJ doesn't ask for a contract walk away, there's something not right with them.
I know one mate who got 'ripped off' because he didn't sign a contract. He'd just finished playing at a venue and asked for payment, except because no contract was written the client legally didn't have to pay him.
Really agree that when you buy a pro DJ you can be assured your getting quality i.e. FBT speakers cost $1000 each (600W powered, as of 2010).
I'm an amature DJ myself and one gig I did the speakers cut out and went into mono... Would you want someone to charge you for this? Fortunatly, I work for free but as you can see I'm free for a reason.
I know one mate who got 'ripped off' because he didn't sign a contract. He'd just finished playing at a venue and asked for payment, except because no contract was written the client legally didn't have to pay him.
Really agree that when you buy a pro DJ you can be assured your getting quality i.e. FBT speakers cost $1000 each (600W powered, as of 2010).
I'm an amature DJ myself and one gig I did the speakers cut out and went into mono... Would you want someone to charge you for this? Fortunatly, I work for free but as you can see I'm free for a reason.
Posted Sat 23 Apr 11 @ 2:56 am
Charlie Wilson
Great Topic City,
I'll be putting this on my website.
I think you might of been lenient with the equipment list though, the amateurs gear can be and is usually less where I come from and pro's is usually a lot more too. Mine is
Never the less thanks was very interesting, I think it's best to be blunt and honest with customers so that they realise these things.
Freakygeez,
Are you joking?
PS,
FBT Speakers cost $1,403.89 each (700w passive, as of 2011).
FBT Speakers cost $2,256.13 each (700w active, as of 2011).
That's just a pair, remember you need subs and padded cover all round too.
I also have my own poles custom made, recessed with a 1 degree tapper and 4mm thick wall's. £65
I'll be putting this on my website.
I think you might of been lenient with the equipment list though, the amateurs gear can be and is usually less where I come from and pro's is usually a lot more too. Mine is
Never the less thanks was very interesting, I think it's best to be blunt and honest with customers so that they realise these things.
Freakygeez,
Are you joking?
PS,
FBT Speakers cost $1,403.89 each (700w passive, as of 2011).
FBT Speakers cost $2,256.13 each (700w active, as of 2011).
That's just a pair, remember you need subs and padded cover all round too.
I also have my own poles custom made, recessed with a 1 degree tapper and 4mm thick wall's. £65
Posted Sat 23 Apr 11 @ 3:47 am
Caliente123
If you have a big setup, its longer but me.. My loadup time to the S.u.v is 10 thru 20 minutes. I have the 2 QSC k12's, The two denon 3700's in cases, The mixer, Bag full of cables, Laptop bag, Facde, Speaker stands in a case, L.E.D. lights, Light stand, Folding table & maybe the QSC KW181 sub. The setup up time at the hall is 30 minutes and the take down is 20 thru 25 minutes. Since everything is closer living in NY, its ussually around 10 thru 30minutes to get to your destination. The max is 1 hour.
Posted Sat 23 Apr 11 @ 11:11 am
djcity
This post is informational. It is not supposed to be actual. This post is mostly aimed at the novice (Bedroom DJ) to give a rough idea of what is required to do the job on a professional level.
The equipment chart is an older chart.
The time chart is a rough approximate that is aimed towards the novice DJ.
It's all informational..... Not specific.
I can set up my Dub 18's, Dub 15's, amp rack, lights, and NS7 in under 30 minutes.
The equipment chart is an older chart.
The time chart is a rough approximate that is aimed towards the novice DJ.
It's all informational..... Not specific.
I can set up my Dub 18's, Dub 15's, amp rack, lights, and NS7 in under 30 minutes.
Posted Sat 23 Apr 11 @ 4:10 pm
dizzyrocks2001
Let's not forget one other important fact... the social cost. What I mean is to be a half decent mobile DJ means a lot of Saturdays, Fridays and Sundays over the years spent at gigs, which means we miss out on a lot of fun spending time with family and friends. Also, any DJ who works a lot knows how difficult it can be to keep a girlfriend/boyfriend when you're working every weekend. We sacrifice a lot of our free time to be good at we do, and there is a price tag associated with that.
Posted Sat 23 Apr 11 @ 7:31 pm
Charlie Wilson
Oh yeah
Posted Sat 23 Apr 11 @ 7:40 pm
icefather
Very good post.
Posted Sun 24 Apr 11 @ 5:51 pm
coach k
Great article!!! Anyone that calls themselves a DJ, professional or novice or weather you're looking to be a DJ needs to read this for sure!
Posted Sun 24 Apr 11 @ 11:09 pm
cuz he has 7 kids and a 98 year old grandma ?
Posted Mon 25 Apr 11 @ 9:14 am
BowlingDj
Dj great piece, i see many Dj's carry equipment and booking 75.00 for 4 hours. i work 20 years for the same people moving equipment breaking my back. Always trying to get you for less, this is how clients are. Once educated you can get your price. Don't forget the insurance too...... Need that for alot venues.
Posted Mon 25 Apr 11 @ 2:03 pm
Virusmind
Has anyone else noticed the number of novice DJ's cutting throats on Craigslist????
In my area there are many DJ's advertising 4 hour gigs for $200 or sometimes even less. They are destroying the livelihood of professional DJ's and devaluing the very market they are attempting to make money in.
I like to call them Mc DJ's... Like they are hired off some kind of DJ extra value menu.
In my area there are many DJ's advertising 4 hour gigs for $200 or sometimes even less. They are destroying the livelihood of professional DJ's and devaluing the very market they are attempting to make money in.
I like to call them Mc DJ's... Like they are hired off some kind of DJ extra value menu.
Posted Mon 25 Apr 11 @ 6:54 pm
deluzione
As a beginning DJ, I look at it from a different angle. Trust me, I know exactly what you're saying. In my other job as a web designer it frustrates the hell out of me when potential clients go for "the 13 year old nephew that has a pirated version of Dreamweaver on his computer, he can make my website".
However, what are beginning dj's supposed to ask? If I charge the same as a pro DJ, I would over-value my service, because frankly, I'm not that great yet, but some people seem to understand that they get what they pay for. With these cheap gigs, I will gain experience reading the crowd, which will soon increase my value as a DJ. I think the best way to learn is to get out and do it.
I'm not advertising my services. The gigs I do are just for friends and word of mouth. This way, I'm hoping not to tick off other dj's by undercutting their pricing, and to gain the experience I need to become an "actual DJ" :)
Do you think that's the right way to approach this situation?
However, what are beginning dj's supposed to ask? If I charge the same as a pro DJ, I would over-value my service, because frankly, I'm not that great yet, but some people seem to understand that they get what they pay for. With these cheap gigs, I will gain experience reading the crowd, which will soon increase my value as a DJ. I think the best way to learn is to get out and do it.
I'm not advertising my services. The gigs I do are just for friends and word of mouth. This way, I'm hoping not to tick off other dj's by undercutting their pricing, and to gain the experience I need to become an "actual DJ" :)
Do you think that's the right way to approach this situation?
Posted Thu 19 May 11 @ 12:16 am
FLeX69
DJ City,
I couldn't have said it better. There is a value/cost associated in this profession whether you are a novice/professional, from research/prepping your music, transportation/setup, equipment, etc....On the money with the time involved with a mobile. I hope the novice will notice this & realize the time & cost involved, & adjust accordingly.
Thank you.
FLeX
I couldn't have said it better. There is a value/cost associated in this profession whether you are a novice/professional, from research/prepping your music, transportation/setup, equipment, etc....On the money with the time involved with a mobile. I hope the novice will notice this & realize the time & cost involved, & adjust accordingly.
Thank you.
FLeX
Posted Thu 19 May 11 @ 10:18 am
ShyneGTA
This is how it goes...
The Promoter:
You start as a promoter. Advertise your business and get your name out there make phone calls and talk to a crap-load of people just to be able to get potential clients.
The Receptionist:
Once people start calling you must arrange dates for meetings, keep track of what dates you have available, start a database of clients and their needs, research the competition, etc
The Accountant:
You must look at the books and make sure you have the cash required to get your business running and keep it that way. Set aside cash to buy/rent equipment as you need them. Set fees and rates, etc.
The Sales Person:
Once you get the call you must meet the client, make your pitch and/or presentation. Explain why your services are superior than the next guy, answer a million questions, pretend you are not desperate for the gig and take the high road, follow up a few weeks later, etc
The Event Planner:
Meet your client and guide them through the itinerary of the event, suggest possible alternatives (because lets face it, all of them want it to be "unique"). Explain to them that something somewhere (caterer, photographer, guests, etc..) always goes wrong, it normal.
The Psychologist:
Study your client and figure out their personality. See what they are into, what their style is like. Assure them that all the emotions and frustrations are normal. etc...
The Mover:
Yeah you lug all the equipment and set it up.
The Comedian:
Tell them a joke to lighten the mood, cause lets face it, they are looking at you like a dear in headlights...
The Emcee:
Go through the ceremony and make everyone feel like they are special, like they have a meaning in life...
The Entertainer:
Perform and rock the joint.
The Mover:
See Above.
AND START FROM THE TOP AGAIN...
Yeah thats why i deserve a good pay! If i'd charge for all of that individually i would be able to retire after a year in the biz...
The Promoter:
You start as a promoter. Advertise your business and get your name out there make phone calls and talk to a crap-load of people just to be able to get potential clients.
The Receptionist:
Once people start calling you must arrange dates for meetings, keep track of what dates you have available, start a database of clients and their needs, research the competition, etc
The Accountant:
You must look at the books and make sure you have the cash required to get your business running and keep it that way. Set aside cash to buy/rent equipment as you need them. Set fees and rates, etc.
The Sales Person:
Once you get the call you must meet the client, make your pitch and/or presentation. Explain why your services are superior than the next guy, answer a million questions, pretend you are not desperate for the gig and take the high road, follow up a few weeks later, etc
The Event Planner:
Meet your client and guide them through the itinerary of the event, suggest possible alternatives (because lets face it, all of them want it to be "unique"). Explain to them that something somewhere (caterer, photographer, guests, etc..) always goes wrong, it normal.
The Psychologist:
Study your client and figure out their personality. See what they are into, what their style is like. Assure them that all the emotions and frustrations are normal. etc...
The Mover:
Yeah you lug all the equipment and set it up.
The Comedian:
Tell them a joke to lighten the mood, cause lets face it, they are looking at you like a dear in headlights...
The Emcee:
Go through the ceremony and make everyone feel like they are special, like they have a meaning in life...
The Entertainer:
Perform and rock the joint.
The Mover:
See Above.
AND START FROM THE TOP AGAIN...
Yeah thats why i deserve a good pay! If i'd charge for all of that individually i would be able to retire after a year in the biz...
Posted Fri 27 May 11 @ 8:24 pm
dizzyrocks2001
Nice post rasza! I can't think of a single thing u missed.
Posted Fri 27 May 11 @ 8:39 pm
coach k
+1000 djrasza
Great add on to an already great topic!
Great add on to an already great topic!
Posted Sat 28 May 11 @ 8:59 am
djprofitt
City,
You know we've talked about this, and I totally agree with you. I usually start a bid with a client with the following:
"Whether you decide to go with me or another DJ, I want to explain some of the reasons why another DJ might be less expensive"
-Not so much in years of experience, but in events. Bedroom DJs can log hours on hours a week, but "on stage" when someone has handed you $500-$1,000 is a lot different, THAT comes from actually working events. I tell people who tell me they want to learn basics from me that they won't get paid for months, but will be working in clubs under another DJ or similar events. I worked Thursday-Sunday in DC for FREE for a while before getting the starting DJ position, and even then it was for peanuts.
-Variety and quality of music - I explain that a lot of times, the DJ that is a third of the price has a tenth of the music, paid nothing for it AND most likely will not care if the music is clean, quality is good or if the crowd even feels it.
-Absolutely I agree with the way equipment looks. I invested in Bose SL1s, with tax and warranty, it was about $1,200 a piece. Not to say other speakers aren't better, I just prefer these because they are half the size, pump out more than enough power AND look great in pictures, which is important to brides. Also, keeping up with it, if something is broken, get it fixed, if it's dirty, wipe it down, etc. Have pride!
-Professionalism - as a DJ, what you wear matters, in the club or at a wedding. Dress to impress the crowd, so in a hip-hop club, I wear clean Polo shirts and nice jeans, but at a wedding, I have a suit on. Also, if you show up on time, you're late.
A lot of times, once this is broken down in a much abbreviated form, people are more willing to go with someone that puts that much more thought into it.
And if the thought of a contract scares them or makes them hesitant, that money was not meant for you.
You know we've talked about this, and I totally agree with you. I usually start a bid with a client with the following:
"Whether you decide to go with me or another DJ, I want to explain some of the reasons why another DJ might be less expensive"
-Not so much in years of experience, but in events. Bedroom DJs can log hours on hours a week, but "on stage" when someone has handed you $500-$1,000 is a lot different, THAT comes from actually working events. I tell people who tell me they want to learn basics from me that they won't get paid for months, but will be working in clubs under another DJ or similar events. I worked Thursday-Sunday in DC for FREE for a while before getting the starting DJ position, and even then it was for peanuts.
-Variety and quality of music - I explain that a lot of times, the DJ that is a third of the price has a tenth of the music, paid nothing for it AND most likely will not care if the music is clean, quality is good or if the crowd even feels it.
-Absolutely I agree with the way equipment looks. I invested in Bose SL1s, with tax and warranty, it was about $1,200 a piece. Not to say other speakers aren't better, I just prefer these because they are half the size, pump out more than enough power AND look great in pictures, which is important to brides. Also, keeping up with it, if something is broken, get it fixed, if it's dirty, wipe it down, etc. Have pride!
-Professionalism - as a DJ, what you wear matters, in the club or at a wedding. Dress to impress the crowd, so in a hip-hop club, I wear clean Polo shirts and nice jeans, but at a wedding, I have a suit on. Also, if you show up on time, you're late.
A lot of times, once this is broken down in a much abbreviated form, people are more willing to go with someone that puts that much more thought into it.
And if the thought of a contract scares them or makes them hesitant, that money was not meant for you.
Posted Tue 31 May 11 @ 8:49 am
