How Much Do You Charge?

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Chuck The DJ

Chuck The DJ

I know people.
Sep 28, 2006
8,671
3,571
Sebastopol, California
www.chuckthedj.com
Ok,, I don't care really, just wanted you to look at this thread....

My gig last night, was for a company called InBev, a bevrage company from Chicago, 43 people. At the end of the night a lady came up and tipped me $100.00, so I started talking to her....

Turns out she was the Event producer that the company hired in Chicago to put their trip together.... She was very pleased with the show (see pics)

So it got me thinking because she said the company was worried about the DJ and for what they paid for me they were worried....

OK, so what did they pay for me? Here's the line up how I was booked......

InBev hires Event Producer in Chicago
Event Producer in Chicago hire the Grand Wailea Resort where the party was
Grand Wailea hires Tihati Productions a Maui local entertainment company
Tihati hires little ol' me :)

I charge Tihati $1000.00 for a 3 hour gig
Tihati charges the Grand Wailea $1400.00
The Grand Wailea charges event producer $1700.00
Event Producer charges InBev $2000.00!!!

So could it be said that I am a $2000.00 3 hour DJ? :)
 

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the day goes on....
 

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me at the gig,,, self portrait
 

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Mahalo Papa,,, yeah I was pretty happy with my set up and all the accent lights that I used 6 total..

I wish this shot was clear, but I thought I would throw it in anyway
 

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Yes indeed, of course you are a $2000 DJ!

Unless the client calls back the agent and says you were only worth $1000 - then you have proven your value at $2000.

What the "elite" mentallity ignores is that while you only took 50% of the revenue - you incurred 0% of the cost to acquire this gig. You also assumed little to no risk should the client be dissatisfied based on price.

When an agency tree marks up your rate by 100% or more, it must be their responsibility to guarantee parity between what the client actually receives and the revenue they pay. Each person who marks up your service has a responsibility to know that the value they are withdrawing is represented by a true equity in that service.

The $1000 difference represents additional equity (real value) in your service which you essentially paid out in the form of commission.

If you continue to book in this manner you can easily out NET any DJ who relies primarily on his own outreach. The key is not too let a single number get stuck in your head.

This equity is a dynamic born between you and each new job. Don't make the arrogant mistake of treating any single job as though it were the mean high water mark. Always consider the individual merits of every opportunity.
 
I would bet about 80% of my gigs here on Maui are booked by agents. It does make it nice for me in some ways.. they call, book a date, I go do the gig and get a check. I don't usually talk to the client untill the day of the show, which is strange and I'm still getting used to that.

Not all the gigs book with the agents have that same ladder,,, Some just have one or two steps.

I've never had a client call the agent back and say that DJ wasn't worth it, or at least I've never heard about it. :)

Do I think I'm a $2000 DJ? Am I aarrogant about it,,, I would say no.... I'm not. :)
 
Hey Chuck!

I'm so jealous! I love Maui.... Last time I was out there I stayed right next door, at the Four Seasons. Next time I'll stay at Grand Wailea Resort to be sure! Waaaaay younger folks on that property! LOL
 
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