I have specialized in weddings since 1980 in Chicago and still going strong, 2,800+ weddings. In 80's I was getting $795.00. Today average price in Chicago for weddings for an experience DJ is $1,200. Several are getting $1,800 to $2,500 I am in that boat. You need to ask several open ended question before give a price to fit there needs. I am a professional salesperson by day, DJ on weekends Club or Wedding. Your talking about skill sets in the video due to being full time, really. With today's software a kid can beat match, music formatting is the key. Ability to read a crowd and know when to switch gears with music formats to keep the floor going or see that the guests are enjoying the music. If you can do that well, you will make the money you deserve. If you charge under $795.00 for a gig for a mobile event and you bring the equipment, you need to think about your career choice.
I agree 100% DJ is definitely need to set a standard price out here because we are definitely shorting ourselves of law worth so I definitely would love to see more DJs set standards that way when we go into a club they already know what to be looking for based off hourly price I would definitely like to say that this was a great video is very helpful actually help me out on information and to be able to set up how I go further and proceeding with this DJ life or setting price standards out here we definitely need to unionize together and become one DJ with that being said enjoy your weekend everyone I’ll go by the name DJ Blacknight
I would ask questions when they ask how much. I would ask things like are they looking for lighting? How many people? What type of venue? I would ask a lot of questions because it really depends on what they want! If I have to rent lighting, the price goes UP! If I have to buy specific music, the price goes UP! If I have to drive 2 hours to the venue, the price goes UP! All these things are factors into the pricing!
My suggestion for mobile DJs: When a prospect ask for your rates, give them the "range of rate" right away. Don't go around the bush - they don't like - you wouldn't like it, either if you're inter shoes. Answer them with "it ranges for $xxx to $xxx. Depending on your need" from there you can ask for details and then explain why your pricing it such manner. Don't "play psychologist". They know your doing that and they don't like it.
One of the issues that exist is that a lot of DJ's are becoming genre specific. So, even though you can convince a client you should get more, because you providing better quality than the less expensive DJ. If you miss the mark with music selection and they're not happy, you've just made them think they overpaid. I think each DJ has to decide what type of DJ they want to be. (Club, wedding, corporate, house parties, etc.) The pricing will always very just like skill level. Some people just market themselves better.
Charge what you're worth! If you've never done this before.. be honest and charge $50 per hour. If you've got experience and can bring it.. charge $500 per hour. Just keep playing.
I retired in 2010 after 28 years as a DJ. In 2008 I would not leave my house for anything less than $1200.00 for a basic set up and 5 or less hours. My weddings the last year as a DJ was $2000.00 or more for the basic. (No extra items like up lighting or photo booths) Just me, the music and a few dance floor lights. I sold the business, retired and now travel several times a year. Been to 25 states (a few several times) and to Italy. (first class) Not bragging, just saying you really need to raise your rates and make some money so you can retire early like me. (age 47)
I love the guy on the right. He is absolutely bang on the money, I dont want to piss on his fireworks but believe me, this is EXACTLY THE SAME PROBLEM we had in the late 70s... I guess it will ALWAYS BE THE SAME...
The triple constraint comes to my mind whenever I am contacted -> Cost, Scope, Quality. If cost is the most important item on their mind, I give them my lowest number and fill their mind with what they are NOT getting for that price. It is your opportunity to sell your skills (Quality) and inventory (Scope). Remember, they contacted you, so use the 2 minutes you have to sell yourself. Don't down-talk lower priced DJs as you are assuming they some may be "cheap". Never get a gig by using fear tactics as you are setting yourself up for higher expectations of the customer because you put yourself on a pillar claiming to be better than anyone else. It is better to sell your skills and match their needs.
Never shove prices in clients faces. If you tell them "go ahead n shop around. You won't find a better price", even if you're right, they won't come back to you.
I think you guys hit it on the spot. There will be a few different opinions but that's normal. If anything a dj community unity is needed in order for the entertainment business to survive. Any new Djs should take notes and not take offense. Open minds grow. I've been a dj for over 20 years and the industry has changed drasticly. Hopefully a standard can be set and setups somewhat. Work smarter not harder. Thanks guys for the video.
I totally agree with the starting prices for Club and Mobile DJ Events. We all as Mobile and club djs need to banned together and set the standard for the DJ industry. If you take a gig charge a minimum of $100.00 per hour or more for mobile dj events and $200.00 for a club event or more for 3-4 hours. Quit giving our bottom feeder competition gigs or events!
I have a full time job and I only DJ on the weekends. However I'm a better DJ than a lot of full time DJs. I do a club event every month and I DJ at least 1 event a weekend.
I think the main problem is, people's perception of what a DJ is.....and why they should pay for it. I face this problem as a new dj on the scene having to keep proving myself, whilst everyone and their mother can be a dj at the party....especially now that it's easier to download the music and buy non-professional gear.
Guys your $100/hr. Is that from the minute you pack your gear in your car, drive to gig, do gig breakdown gear drive back home and unload your gear. So the clock starts from the first speaker right thru to putting that speaker away... So let's say Start 16.00 Finish 0.1.00 So $900 bucks total...
19.27 your not the same you've music programming and knows what goes. A novice will have absolutely no idea about this. Only time will turn you into a dj.
If you're djing for little or nothing for certain clients, it has to be GUARANTEED to be helping you grow your business. Otherwise, you end up being taken for granted.
Price can vary depending on who it is and where it is and do I have to bring everything " also go by 4 hour anything pass 4 hr is where I charge a lot I one time had a guy offer me $50 to play 2 songs but it was late in the set when u played in a band like me u no speakers on a fucking stand is not gon cut it with me you have to have some bass some deep bottom that's why I out do so many young djs lights are a must and cut down requests playing other people requests can ruining your reputation!
I been djing forever I would say you want your party jumping hired me also my sound system, lights are on point djs with speakers on a stand I already got them beat the music sounding good is big plus in djing plus my selection of what to play keeps a party jumping playing every song on the same mix beat will make some people walk off the floor"
I have specialized in weddings since 1980 in Chicago and still going strong, 2,800+ weddings. In 80's I was getting $795.00. Today average price in Chicago for weddings for an experience DJ is $1,200. Several are getting $1,800 to $2,500 I am in that boat. You need to ask several open ended question before give a price to fit there needs. I am a professional salesperson by day, DJ on weekends Club or Wedding. Your talking about skill sets in the video due to being full time, really. With today's software a kid can beat match, music formatting is the key. Ability to read a crowd and know when to switch gears with music formats to keep the floor going or see that the guests are enjoying the music. If you can do that well, you will make the money you deserve. If you charge under $795.00 for a gig for a mobile event and you bring the equipment, you need to think about your career choice.
I agree 100% DJ is definitely need to set a standard price out here because we are definitely shorting ourselves of law worth so I definitely would love to see more DJs set standards that way when we go into a club they already know what to be looking for based off hourly price I would definitely like to say that this was a great video is very helpful actually help me out on information and to be able to set up how I go further and proceeding with this DJ life or setting price standards out here we definitely need to unionize together and become one DJ with that being said enjoy your weekend everyone I’ll go by the name DJ Blacknight
I would ask questions when they ask how much. I would ask things like are they looking for lighting? How many people? What type of venue? I would ask a lot of questions because it really depends on what they want! If I have to rent lighting, the price goes UP! If I have to buy specific music, the price goes UP! If I have to drive 2 hours to the venue, the price goes UP! All these things are factors into the pricing!
Exactly!
My suggestion for mobile DJs: When a prospect ask for your rates, give them the "range of rate" right away. Don't go around the bush - they don't like - you wouldn't like it, either if you're inter shoes. Answer them with "it ranges for $xxx to $xxx. Depending on your need" from there you can ask for details and then explain why your pricing it such manner. Don't "play psychologist". They know your doing that and they don't like it.
One of the issues that exist is that a lot of DJ's are becoming genre specific. So, even though you can convince a client you should get more, because you providing better quality than the less expensive DJ. If you miss the mark with music selection and they're not happy, you've just made them think they overpaid. I think each DJ has to decide what type of DJ they want to be. (Club, wedding, corporate, house parties, etc.) The pricing will always very just like skill level. Some people just market themselves better.
Charge what you're worth! If you've never done this before.. be honest and charge $50 per hour. If you've got experience and can bring it.. charge $500 per hour. Just keep playing.
I retired in 2010 after 28 years as a DJ. In 2008 I would not leave my house for anything less than $1200.00 for a basic set up and 5 or less hours. My weddings the last year as a DJ was $2000.00 or more for the basic. (No extra items like up lighting or photo booths) Just me, the music and a few dance floor lights. I sold the business, retired and now travel several times a year. Been to 25 states (a few several times) and to Italy. (first class) Not bragging, just saying you really need to raise your rates and make some money so you can retire early like me. (age 47)
Mini Evel Knievel ..... full of shite son...
I love the guy on the right. He is absolutely bang on the money, I dont want to piss on his fireworks but believe me, this is EXACTLY THE SAME PROBLEM we had in the late 70s... I guess it will ALWAYS BE THE SAME...
The triple constraint comes to my mind whenever I am contacted -> Cost, Scope, Quality. If cost is the most important item on their mind, I give them my lowest number and fill their mind with what they are NOT getting for that price. It is your opportunity to sell your skills (Quality) and inventory (Scope). Remember, they contacted you, so use the 2 minutes you have to sell yourself. Don't down-talk lower priced DJs as you are assuming they some may be "cheap". Never get a gig by using fear tactics as you are setting yourself up for higher expectations of the customer because you put yourself on a pillar claiming to be better than anyone else. It is better to sell your skills and match their needs.
Never shove prices in clients faces. If you tell them "go ahead n shop around. You won't find a better price", even if you're right, they won't come back to you.
That's a very good video , with very good arguments explained in it, and still valid today in 2018 !...
Thanks for sharing ! Keep up the good work !
I think you guys hit it on the spot. There will be a few different opinions but that's normal. If anything a dj community unity is needed in order for the entertainment business to survive. Any new Djs should take notes and not take offense. Open minds grow. I've been a dj for over 20 years and the industry has changed drasticly. Hopefully a standard can be set and setups somewhat. Work smarter not harder. Thanks guys for the video.
And if your beginning, and the local vfw wants to hire you for $100.. Take it! Everybody has to start somewhere!
I totally agree with the starting prices for Club and Mobile DJ Events. We all as Mobile and club djs need to banned together and set the standard for the DJ industry. If you take a gig charge a minimum of $100.00 per hour or more for mobile dj events and $200.00 for a club event or more for 3-4 hours. Quit giving our bottom feeder competition gigs or events!
I have a full time job and I only DJ on the weekends. However I'm a better DJ than a lot of full time DJs. I do a club event every month and I DJ at least 1 event a weekend.
Good for you
Coming in from 2020, located JAX. FL
Would this STILL be relevant pricing? Even coming out of Covid - 19?
Thanks for the video! Love it
Our pleasure!
I think the main problem is, people's perception of what a DJ is.....and why they should pay for it. I face this problem as a new dj on the scene having to keep proving myself, whilst everyone and their mother can be a dj at the party....especially now that it's easier to download the music and buy non-professional gear.
Guys your $100/hr. Is that from the minute you pack your gear in your car, drive to gig, do gig breakdown gear drive back home and unload your gear. So the clock starts from the first speaker right thru to putting that speaker away...
So let's say
Start 16.00
Finish 0.1.00
So $900 bucks total...
Oh, and any client that wants to pay via credit card, they pay an extra 3% for the fee for using their card.
19.27 your not the same you've music programming and knows what goes. A novice will have absolutely no idea about this. Only time will turn you into a dj.
I'd like to know your thoughts about friends asking for discounts. To me that is disrespectful but to some it's helping out a friend...
If you're djing for little or nothing for certain clients, it has to be GUARANTEED to be helping you grow your business. Otherwise, you end up being taken for granted.
Price can vary depending on who it is and where it is and do I have to bring everything " also go by 4 hour anything pass 4 hr is where I charge a lot I one time had a guy offer me $50 to play 2 songs but it was late in the set when u played in a band like me u no speakers on a fucking stand is not gon cut it with me you have to have some bass some deep bottom that's why I out do so many young djs lights are a must and cut down requests playing other people requests can ruining your reputation!
I been djing forever I would say you want your party jumping hired me also my sound system, lights are on point djs with speakers on a stand I already got them beat the music sounding good is big plus in djing plus my selection of what to play keeps a party jumping playing every song on the same mix beat will make some people walk off the floor"
If there was a standard, what do clients get for a standard rate?
i need a dj to host me mixtape...the great salt lake.im tryina make noise with this.how do i find a good budgetable one that is good
interesting, $800 plus 75 for extra hours
What about doing a three day (32 hours) of DJ-ing for a festival, two DJs?
How can i work with pioneer or numark for do mini djing mobile dj can u help me pls
Your wedding prices are too low!
How much deposit do you take?
50%