There are people that call themselves DJ’s but that’s not true. The industry is full with self proclaimed DJ’s. Someone with an iPod and a speaker is suddenly a professional. We are our worst enemies. Customers need to be reminded you get what you pay for. They want to trust the events to a novice so be it. But we as DJ’s have to charge for our services. He is right on with his videos. And get the insurance guys. Keep the floors packed )
I got a few customers that want to pay $300.00 for a wedding. I ask them what they make a hour. YOUR RIGHT WITH WHAT YOU DID! We need to help each other out.
I don't understand why people treat us like crap on the pricing. But I dont charge hourly rates, I have my packages starting out at 1000 dollars for a standard 4 hour event. The problem is I had to drop my prices due to the economy out in oklahoma. No one can pay my prices, there are DJs out here that brides choose over me because there price is 250 dollars for the entire evening. 250 that is a joke, I am getting majorly undercutted for what I do, and I am lost on what to do . Any advise..
good video my man !... the best thing i ever did was STOP charging by the hour!! When u charge by the hour people tend to compare your $100 an hour or more rate with what they are making at their job. Don't let them do that, like u mentioned we are not just playing 4,5,6 hours or whatever.. We are doin' alot of preperation. If you charge by the hour are you charging them for the preperation as well???.. I have package deals now and it works out wonderfully! peace out G!
A budget of "$20,000" for one gig? I'm moving to Texas! Leaving your gear and coming back ain't happening unless someone is signing a liability form for my equipment. We need to have pride in our services and be willing to walk if customers want to try to make us jump through hoops for no reason. We can thank the booty-butt craiglist wannabees for that!
Hey Man, Thats so true, in what you saying. I Was getting alot of gigs and i rised my prices and i have ins. but people wasnt paying what i was worth. I just wanted to thank you for this video, To remind me that i am worth more then 300 dollars!! yes thats what they wanted to pay me!! Keep Rocking and making videos. DJ Soulfinger, NY
Bro I know that myself and all the other mobile DJ's out there are all wondering what you would charge for different packages. I've been watching your videos and have been starting to mold my business more like yours simply because I like it so much.
I like you and what you have to say, most of all I like that you dont "say you know what a mean". That is a bad habit to pick up and I cant stand when I hear Rapper or People of Color, no offence but seems they always say that every 5 words. But you my man did not pick up that, so I take my hat off to you. I have one other Question, please help me understand this one, it could be 110 degree's and I will see a blackman in a black Down Jacket walking down the street, I dont get that?
Nothing wrong with starting off small and building. It's not all about the equipment. You can have a touring sound and light show and still be an awful DJ. It takes training, service, class, and experience to become a professional DJ. I've been at it for 15 years and I'm still learning.
Now that was REAL TALK. I have to admitt, I think he was talking about me. I use to charge super low prices and do alot of gigs for free. Then everybody started taking advantage of me trying to get me to do a party for like a $100. Those days are OVER , like you said I got to get paid for what i'm worth. Thanks for the video !!!!!!!!!
Yes they where my friends. The reason i was doing alot of free gigs at the time because my equipment was terrible and i was just trying to get my name out there. But after spending a few thousands , on some new equipment , and learning more and more about the dj game , then things started changing. Not trying to say this what I charge , but I don't even bring my equipment out the house for no less then $500 a night. I paid my dues doing free and cheap vinues for 2 years. Time to get paid.
Usually for a normal gig I charge $125 per hour and it goes up for what type of event it is. And thats cheap around where I live. I do usually do specials for like schools and other things for my community, but only a few. Plus a tip, when your first starting out, do some volunteer gigs for somethings. Not alot, you dont want people to think your free, but enough to get your name out.
@stewardsproductions Im a percussionist and drummer who recently invested a lot of money into some vinyl technics equpiment, a scratch mixer and sl3. I invested in this equipment for the scratching and matching, and simply to learn a fun new instrument. Right now I am doing gigs pro-bono since I dont have much experience. Not to complain but I have been to shows and events where people are using cheap duel all in one cdj decks and getting paid 150 per hour! Is it really that easy?
@MattyTheMole you do have to do your homework and put in alot of time but yeah you really can make decent money djing... just set yourself apart for all the "free J's " out there... thats what i call them, not djs but free j's who are doing company / corporate or any professional type gig for a few hundred bucks...or less! good luck guy!
@tastyeggs the reason why dj's can't make a decent living is that they are not educating their prospects on the correct way to hire a PROFESSIONAL dj..
l use to charge $150. for birthay party $250 for wedding back 1986. $550. should be the minimun charge for a wedding gig. $950. to 1,800. for primium package. sky is the limit .
it's becoming so competitive these days. and you're absolutely right about clients budgets. we make or break at least half if not more of their event. so then why are they willing to pay the dj only $300 for a $10,000 event? but hey you get what you pay for.
Well said! The problem is there are so many DJs out there willing to work for $150.00. Once these guys wise up and potential clients can't find these cheapo DJs...then and only then will this nonsense stop.
Well said this something that I have been saying for years and People use to say to me oh you will turn down a $500 dollar gig and I would say you dam right . You must pay a DJ what he is worth because without the DJ there is no party.I dont care how nice the catering hall is ( The DJ makes the party).
well said. I still have problems with people screwing me over that's why I'm incorperating contracts and standing on my ground on prices for my services. I strongly believe that you should get paid for the planning and everything in advance that you do for the event.
Great words. Love hearing the business aspect of DJing. Too many people think it's just playing music. It's a business. Just found your channel yesterday, can't wait to see all your vids. I already like what I see! A quality and classy gig!
Very Well Said! Its The Same With Bands, Clients Will Pay over 500 to 1,200 For aBand And They Will Cry Over the Price For A DJ! And A DJ Doesn't Take Breaks!!
one of your best videos, and the message is rock solid!!!
you've hit the nail on the head, the challenge is to let your customers know that you (we) are worth what we charge, not just for the type of equipment we bring, the amount of songs we have, the lightshow...but the fact that our service that we provide is worth it!!!
These Cheap Djs ruining business and this is some of the reason why customer don't appreciate the value of services. Aside from customer service, there are 3 factors that come into play.
It's not sufficient to show customers a video, reference letters on your website, pictures and expect them to magically understand why the price is $1,200 rather than $600. If we don't explain the situation difference in equipment, lighting and other behind the scene effort, then you are just hoping the client to figure it out & that is not enough. We need to indicate a list of additional task that are associated when we are getting ready for these events.
Dude ! the way I set my website up is strait up working for me. It does not get to techy for the customer and they are able to see what the can get. Thanks for watching
i agree! dj's that charge that half price is making bad the other, dj's that charge for they professional, you get under cutting is make the other dj's look bad they have no, "light show and a peace of kit that they from the dam pawn shop and call they self dj what hell i'm down to do just bar and wedding because of the small state am in dj charge as low as $100.00 for 4 hour i can not take that because my system cost to much to that here or there for a $100.00 dam that p-out
I have been asked by someone should they get into the industry, is there any room for another player, and I will tell them right off that there are too many djs here in the local market, yet there will always be room for another great dj to get a piece of the pie.
And it's a fact, i know guys here who charge less than me and they just have a much harder time dealing with clients than I do.
Cheap = Headaches
Higher Price = Respect for what you do and your craft.
This is the realist thing ive ever heard straight fro the HEART. I agree you charge low prices you get treated thatt way!!! If you charge like a professional you get treated like one . THIS IS REAL ADVICE
same i would never leave my stuff there number 1 - people will steal it and number 2 - you are not there to make sure nobody breaks your gear or vandilises it.
There are people that call themselves DJ’s but that’s not true. The industry is full with self proclaimed DJ’s. Someone with an iPod and a speaker is suddenly a professional. We are our worst enemies. Customers need to be reminded you get what you pay for. They want to trust the events to a novice so be it. But we as DJ’s have to charge for our services. He is right on with his videos. And get the insurance guys. Keep the floors packed )
1TexasSon 3 days ago
I got a few customers that want to pay $300.00 for a wedding. I ask them what they make a hour. YOUR RIGHT WITH WHAT YOU DID! We need to help each other out.
tbmproductionsdj1 1 month ago
Love the video. So true. Thank you.
NurseJhonnaMS 6 months ago
I don't understand why people treat us like crap on the pricing. But I dont charge hourly rates, I have my packages starting out at 1000 dollars for a standard 4 hour event. The problem is I had to drop my prices due to the economy out in oklahoma. No one can pay my prices, there are DJs out here that brides choose over me because there price is 250 dollars for the entire evening. 250 that is a joke, I am getting majorly undercutted for what I do, and I am lost on what to do . Any advise..
TheAbsolutedj 1 year ago
im with you man. people need to pay up. stop being cheap on one of the biggest days of there lives.
isaacpavlicek 1 year ago
good video my man !... the best thing i ever did was STOP charging by the hour!! When u charge by the hour people tend to compare your $100 an hour or more rate with what they are making at their job. Don't let them do that, like u mentioned we are not just playing 4,5,6 hours or whatever.. We are doin' alot of preperation. If you charge by the hour are you charging them for the preperation as well???.. I have package deals now and it works out wonderfully! peace out G!
djfingersflores 1 year ago
The only time I'll charge a cheap price will just be to get my foot in the door.
djbucktv 1 year ago
AMEN!!
djbucktv 1 year ago
what can you tell us about forming your company as an LLC company?thanks
XrawDC 1 year ago
amen brother!
djemc6 1 year ago
This is the best advise I've heard so far from a DJ 2 a DJ... and it is true once u lower yourself to those standards its hard to upgrade your values
305DJG 1 year ago
A budget of "$20,000" for one gig? I'm moving to Texas! Leaving your gear and coming back ain't happening unless someone is signing a liability form for my equipment. We need to have pride in our services and be willing to walk if customers want to try to make us jump through hoops for no reason. We can thank the booty-butt craiglist wannabees for that!
Nice post!
BOBBYBLENDZ 1 year ago
Hey Man, Thats so true, in what you saying. I Was getting alot of gigs and i rised my prices and i have ins. but people wasnt paying what i was worth. I just wanted to thank you for this video, To remind me that i am worth more then 300 dollars!! yes thats what they wanted to pay me!! Keep Rocking and making videos. DJ Soulfinger, NY
mrsoulfinger2000 1 year ago
i now ho you fell about it ,the same down here in Ft.Myers Fla
tastyeggs 1 year ago
Bro I know that myself and all the other mobile DJ's out there are all wondering what you would charge for different packages. I've been watching your videos and have been starting to mold my business more like yours simply because I like it so much.
DJ MoFlo (Salt Lake)
kurtharris21 2 years ago
great video, learned alot from it
eclassentertainment 2 years ago
Thanks
stewardsproductions 2 years ago
I like you and what you have to say, most of all I like that you dont "say you know what a mean". That is a bad habit to pick up and I cant stand when I hear Rapper or People of Color, no offence but seems they always say that every 5 words. But you my man did not pick up that, so I take my hat off to you. I have one other Question, please help me understand this one, it could be 110 degree's and I will see a blackman in a black Down Jacket walking down the street, I dont get that?
SingJiya 2 years ago
@SingJiya What does this have to do with the video man?
BCEntertainmentLive 1 year ago
Nothing wrong with starting off small and building. It's not all about the equipment. You can have a touring sound and light show and still be an awful DJ. It takes training, service, class, and experience to become a professional DJ. I've been at it for 15 years and I'm still learning.
PrymeTymeEnter 2 years ago 7
Now that was REAL TALK. I have to admitt, I think he was talking about me. I use to charge super low prices and do alot of gigs for free. Then everybody started taking advantage of me trying to get me to do a party for like a $100. Those days are OVER , like you said I got to get paid for what i'm worth. Thanks for the video !!!!!!!!!
allmc23 2 years ago 3
were those people your friends..? if so, how did you tell them that you went from 'free' to charging..? i believe im in a similar situation.
Viny8u 2 years ago
Yes they where my friends. The reason i was doing alot of free gigs at the time because my equipment was terrible and i was just trying to get my name out there. But after spending a few thousands , on some new equipment , and learning more and more about the dj game , then things started changing. Not trying to say this what I charge , but I don't even bring my equipment out the house for no less then $500 a night. I paid my dues doing free and cheap vinues for 2 years. Time to get paid.
allmc23 2 years ago 3
that was deep and u r right
salfirebird92 2 years ago
Usually for a normal gig I charge $125 per hour and it goes up for what type of event it is. And thats cheap around where I live. I do usually do specials for like schools and other things for my community, but only a few. Plus a tip, when your first starting out, do some volunteer gigs for somethings. Not alot, you dont want people to think your free, but enough to get your name out.
DJ Shur
J&A Musical Entertainment
DjShurDjDyslexic 2 years ago
I strongly agree with you and I charge from 100.00 to 350.00 per hour depending on the gig.
stewardsproductions 2 years ago
@stewardsproductions Im a percussionist and drummer who recently invested a lot of money into some vinyl technics equpiment, a scratch mixer and sl3. I invested in this equipment for the scratching and matching, and simply to learn a fun new instrument. Right now I am doing gigs pro-bono since I dont have much experience. Not to complain but I have been to shows and events where people are using cheap duel all in one cdj decks and getting paid 150 per hour! Is it really that easy?
MattyTheMole 1 year ago
@MattyTheMole you do have to do your homework and put in alot of time but yeah you really can make decent money djing... just set yourself apart for all the "free J's " out there... thats what i call them, not djs but free j's who are doing company / corporate or any professional type gig for a few hundred bucks...or less! good luck guy!
djfingersflores 1 year ago
@DjShurDjDyslexic it suck down here in Ft.Myers Fla,people do not want to pay for the Gig
tastyeggs 1 year ago
@tastyeggs the reason why dj's can't make a decent living is that they are not educating their prospects on the correct way to hire a PROFESSIONAL dj..
djfingersflores 1 year ago
l use to charge $150. for birthay party $250 for wedding back 1986. $550. should be the minimun charge for a wedding gig. $950. to 1,800. for primium package. sky is the limit .
For $150 l'll bring my home equipment. lol
ubzm555 2 years ago
Cuzz Relax and Live ALOHA
dextahk 2 years ago
it's becoming so competitive these days. and you're absolutely right about clients budgets. we make or break at least half if not more of their event. so then why are they willing to pay the dj only $300 for a $10,000 event? but hey you get what you pay for.
lozoft9 2 years ago
grapevine high school? as in grapevine, tx?
lozoft9 2 years ago
Well said! The problem is there are so many DJs out there willing to work for $150.00. Once these guys wise up and potential clients can't find these cheapo DJs...then and only then will this nonsense stop.
Soundofthetimes 2 years ago
Well said this something that I have been saying for years and People use to say to me oh you will turn down a $500 dollar gig and I would say you dam right . You must pay a DJ what he is worth because without the DJ there is no party.I dont care how nice the catering hall is ( The DJ makes the party).
djplayerproductions 2 years ago
well said. I still have problems with people screwing me over that's why I'm incorperating contracts and standing on my ground on prices for my services. I strongly believe that you should get paid for the planning and everything in advance that you do for the event.
freshprincew 2 years ago
word!!
Reddi904 2 years ago
Okay thanks I will consider that in upcoming videos
stewardsproductions 2 years ago
Sorry you are the 1st one that complained about music in the background
stewardsproductions 2 years ago
great words amigo..and yes.. big ups to the real djs that pay the dues !!
djmarioproaudio 2 years ago
Great words. Love hearing the business aspect of DJing. Too many people think it's just playing music. It's a business. Just found your channel yesterday, can't wait to see all your vids. I already like what I see! A quality and classy gig!
nanoc22 2 years ago
hey Brandon , couldn't have said it better myself!!!
DJ SHAUN FROM BOSTON
DJSHAUN901 2 years ago
Brandon awesome video. I totally agree with you. holla
djbigron 2 years ago
damm that's true wen i first started once i got paid 300 for 6hr
great video
djayzap 2 years ago
Comment removed
djayzap 2 years ago
Liability Insurance is a must have dj's who dont are braking the law in the uk
xldiscos 2 years ago
Comment removed
djdice19 2 years ago
Agreed!!!!!!!!!!! Value in your company, Not just some DJ that pushs play. Show the the VALUE in you and your company!!!!
itsj1train 2 years ago
Very Well Said! Its The Same With Bands, Clients Will Pay over 500 to 1,200 For aBand And They Will Cry Over the Price For A DJ! And A DJ Doesn't Take Breaks!!
djdave1988 2 years ago
one of your best videos, and the message is rock solid!!!
you've hit the nail on the head, the challenge is to let your customers know that you (we) are worth what we charge, not just for the type of equipment we bring, the amount of songs we have, the lightshow...but the fact that our service that we provide is worth it!!!
jasperibe 2 years ago
WEDJ has a great insurance plan! I've got it. Everyone should go get it. It's less than $300 A YEAR! Yes less than $300 PER YEAR!
djboentertainment 2 years ago
Comment removed
djboentertainment 2 years ago
These Cheap Djs ruining business and this is some of the reason why customer don't appreciate the value of services. Aside from customer service, there are 3 factors that come into play.
1. Hours of service
2. Price for product/service
3. The quality of the result.
djexclusivo131 2 years ago
It's not sufficient to show customers a video, reference letters on your website, pictures and expect them to magically understand why the price is $1,200 rather than $600. If we don't explain the situation difference in equipment, lighting and other behind the scene effort, then you are just hoping the client to figure it out & that is not enough. We need to indicate a list of additional task that are associated when we are getting ready for these events.
Great Video...
Dj Xclusivo
djexclusivo131 2 years ago
Dude ! the way I set my website up is strait up working for me. It does not get to techy for the customer and they are able to see what the can get. Thanks for watching
stewardsproductions 2 years ago
That cool bro.
djexclusivo131 2 years ago
i agree! dj's that charge that half price is making bad the other, dj's that charge for they professional, you get under cutting is make the other dj's look bad they have no, "light show and a peace of kit that they from the dam pawn shop and call they self dj what hell i'm down to do just bar and wedding because of the small state am in dj charge as low as $100.00 for 4 hour i can not take that because my system cost to much to that here or there for a $100.00 dam that p-out
Leon3th 2 years ago
I have been asked by someone should they get into the industry, is there any room for another player, and I will tell them right off that there are too many djs here in the local market, yet there will always be room for another great dj to get a piece of the pie.
And it's a fact, i know guys here who charge less than me and they just have a much harder time dealing with clients than I do.
Cheap = Headaches
Higher Price = Respect for what you do and your craft.
traxonwax 2 years ago
Im with ya man 150%, im sick of getting undercut by the djs that charge $150-$300 for a 6 hour wedding gig
rushentertainment 2 years ago
cool
DJ A-L
nypdcar1 2 years ago
can you please do video on insurance i think this topic needs to be discuss in the DJ community on you tube
-peace DJ KaTAZ
kcobra202 2 years ago
This is the realist thing ive ever heard straight fro the HEART. I agree you charge low prices you get treated thatt way!!! If you charge like a professional you get treated like one . THIS IS REAL ADVICE
kcobra202 2 years ago
I feel you
theres a dj in my area who does gigs for $150 for unlimited hours
sainifabulous 2 years ago
right on! I would set my shit up either and leave it there the hell with that! Keep up the good work man. DJ Big I
irgarza52 2 years ago
same i would never leave my stuff there number 1 - people will steal it and number 2 - you are not there to make sure nobody breaks your gear or vandilises it.
dirtydogdiscos 2 years ago
Great Vid,
Well Said Brandon
Liability Insurance is well worth it.
Maxsdiscos 2 years ago
DamN "B" you go Boy!!!!
We need to get those prices up!!!!
Min $150 an Hr including traval and set up time not just the show work it all in
MM
directsound 2 years ago