Bar & Club How much?!?!
- Thread starter DJ Joe
- Start date
I think this must be more of an ego/worth thing, cause I used to do lots of bars for $50-100 a night (some even free), and walk out with $200-500 cash in pocket!
It's called hustling to make a living -- and I don't mean that in the sense of conning people -- it means working yer crowd for tips, just like the bartenders and waitresses
No disrespect, but I've found many mobile DJs these days, didn't start out in bars, and are not used to that kind of working environment -- where one pocket holds the pay you technically make, and the other holds the real cash you earned...
It's called hustling to make a living -- and I don't mean that in the sense of conning people -- it means working yer crowd for tips, just like the bartenders and waitresses
No disrespect, but I've found many mobile DJs these days, didn't start out in bars, and are not used to that kind of working environment -- where one pocket holds the pay you technically make, and the other holds the real cash you earned...
I think this must be more of an ego/worth thing, cause I used to do lots of bars for $50-100 a night (some even free), and walk out with $200-500 cash in pocket!
It's called hustling to make a living -- and I don't mean that in the sense of conning people -- it means working yer crowd for tips, just like the bartenders and waitresses
No disrespect, but I've found many mobile DJs these days, didn't start out in bars, and are not used to that kind of working environment -- where one pocket holds the pay you technically make, and the other holds the real cash you earned...
No one is used to hustling for a living anymore Rick. We are a society of gimmies. I "deserve" $40 an hour because that is what I want.
Mike
Sooo true Mike (and sad)...
I think a lot of people are now going to HAVE to learn, with sooo many out of work...
They're in for a BIG surprise!
Sooo true Mike (and sad)...
I think a lot of people are now going to HAVE to learn, with sooo many out of work...
They're in for a BIG surprise!
Oh yeah, I was lucky to get a raise from a repeat customer today, but this was a client that I started out doing two day weekend gigs for $100. I have a gig next week for free (one day set up and two day gig, probably 16 hours over three days) for the prospect of having them come to me in the future for more work.
I do a weekly gig for $150 for about 7 or 8 hours work at a church. Some people might think that is below them, but they are a huge repeat client and an extra $600 a month doesn't look bad.
Mike
One thing I've learned in life -- I am never above, or below anything
When I lost my full time programming gig in S. Florida 12 years or so ago, I took anything to pay the bills. Got this one weekend gig laying crab traps. Three solid days, in the middle of a hurricane, with maggots and roaches crawling all over us -- total pay for those 72 straight hours = $200
Then I did armed security for a year or so on the side, in a nasty section -- $5.50 an hour. That was lots of fun :sqerr:
Hell, it was worth it though -- bills got paid, booze got bought, and the party continued...
As Ol' Blue Eyes would say...
I've been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate, a poet, a pawn and a king.
I've been up and down and over and out, and I know one thing.
Each time I find myself, flat on my face,
I pick myself up and get back in the race.
When I lost my full time programming gig in S. Florida 12 years or so ago, I took anything to pay the bills. Got this one weekend gig laying crab traps. Three solid days, in the middle of a hurricane, with maggots and roaches crawling all over us -- total pay for those 72 straight hours = $200
Then I did armed security for a year or so on the side, in a nasty section -- $5.50 an hour. That was lots of fun :sqerr:
Hell, it was worth it though -- bills got paid, booze got bought, and the party continued...
As Ol' Blue Eyes would say...
I've been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate, a poet, a pawn and a king.
I've been up and down and over and out, and I know one thing.
Each time I find myself, flat on my face,
I pick myself up and get back in the race.
Yup and most of em are happy with it
Must be a market thing I don't recall anyone ever tipping the bar DJ around here. Even mobiles are rarley tipped. The odd time someone offers beer though
One thing I've learned in life -- I am never above, or below anything
Me neither. I've pushed Credit Cards in department stores for commission, flipped burgers, lugged gear back in the day for $20 bucks a gig and some free beer (back in the day when the speakers weighed as much as me :sqerr
did telephone sales, drove Taxi (still do occasionally I own a couple) Mowed lawns, shoveled snow.....Any of these things above I would do again (except mabye the CC unless I was really hungry) if I needed to but it comes down to do you need to? I feel no need to be in a bar and being sober dealing with drunks again for less than minimum wage....
But if it all turned sour you can bet I would be there
I would bet anything that the system in THAT bar sucks. If it sounds ****ty, then people would think it is the DJ who is ****ty. I bet that if the sound goes out, everyone would look at the DJ not the bar owner.
I once went to play at a bar and I couldn't believe my eyes, when I saw that they had the computer's sound card output, hooked up directly to a Pyle amplifier. I refused to play on that system and demanded that the owner purchase a mixer and an equalizer. He almost had a cow, when I made him buy a Furman power conditioner.
Another thing that we have forgotten in this equation, is the fact of the music subscriptions. If you are getting three different types of music genres per month, that can add up to a tidy sum. For someone to take that kind of a job. They will have to do the math. Add up your expenses minus them from the pay and see what is left. If it is worth it, then go for it.
One thing I've learned in life -- I am never above, or below anything
When I lost my full time programming gig in S. Florida 12 years or so ago, I took anything to pay the bills. Got this one weekend gig laying crab traps. Three solid days, in the middle of a hurricane, with maggots and roaches crawling all over us -- total pay for those 72 straight hours = $200
Then I did armed security for a year or so on the side, in a nasty section -- $5.50 an hour. That was lots of fun :sqerr:
Hell, it was worth it though -- bills got paid, booze got bought, and the party continued...
As Ol' Blue Eyes would say...
I've been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate, a poet, a pawn and a king.
I've been up and down and over and out, and I know one thing.
Each time I find myself, flat on my face,
I pick myself up and get back in the race.
I would hire you to defend my building any day (as soon as I have one).
Mike
I've worked in the Baltimore/DC area, Sacramento and Los Angeles.
The bars in all areas paid the same... the average was $150/night 4-5 hours.
I had a restaurant in Maryland pay me $175 from 7p-12a. This was in 2001. I brought my console and plugged into the Bose system in the bar.
In 2004, I had a bar in Lodi, CA pay $150/night and I brought everything.
Had another bar in Lodi pay me $400 for 3 nights (th, fri, sat) and I left a system there.
My current experience is way more lucrative. I'm paid $100 to show and 10% of bar sales. An average night has $4500 in bar sales, so I walk with over $500 on an average night. This is a very rare arrangement for a bar, but the owners are not typical. I recently installed a house sound and lighting system and the owners built a booth for me.
You have to do what works for your situation. Most bar and restaurant owners are used to dealing with desperate people and work deals to their advantage. They know that there will always be a new guy willing to work cheap. The owners at my current spot learned a good lesson on why cheap is not better and that's why they pay what they pay. It's also an incentive for me and my staff to do well and help promote.
The bars in all areas paid the same... the average was $150/night 4-5 hours.
I had a restaurant in Maryland pay me $175 from 7p-12a. This was in 2001. I brought my console and plugged into the Bose system in the bar.
In 2004, I had a bar in Lodi, CA pay $150/night and I brought everything.
Had another bar in Lodi pay me $400 for 3 nights (th, fri, sat) and I left a system there.
My current experience is way more lucrative. I'm paid $100 to show and 10% of bar sales. An average night has $4500 in bar sales, so I walk with over $500 on an average night. This is a very rare arrangement for a bar, but the owners are not typical. I recently installed a house sound and lighting system and the owners built a booth for me.
You have to do what works for your situation. Most bar and restaurant owners are used to dealing with desperate people and work deals to their advantage. They know that there will always be a new guy willing to work cheap. The owners at my current spot learned a good lesson on why cheap is not better and that's why they pay what they pay. It's also an incentive for me and my staff to do well and help promote.
there is one bar that I do for $65 for 4 hours I use there system but my laptop and karaoke player I bring in my tv and use there's as well (my choice ) I sometimes feel under paid but I always have a great time there and the owner is a friend of mine so I guess its ok
Know what - I'd do it, but from the other direction...
I'd help them figure out a playlist - say an hour or so effort and give them a shopping list for itunes. So $75 for my consultation, a link on my website to the iTunes affiliate link (more money) and my party favor store (more money)
What I wouldn't do is show up. Their problem.
I'd help them figure out a playlist - say an hour or so effort and give them a shopping list for itunes. So $75 for my consultation, a link on my website to the iTunes affiliate link (more money) and my party favor store (more money)
What I wouldn't do is show up. Their problem.
Take the GIG and make MORE of it!
I played a gig at a sushi restaurant for $100-150/night. I brought my own sound and turntables, played underground house music with a guest or two a week, and drank sake for free all night! I ended up spending $30 on sushi every night, but that was okay. I also designed the flyer for free that covered 1-3 months, but they covered printing costs. I ran the promotions for my night and the other nights for the good of the club.
I would ask $200 if I was doing a mainstream gig playing music I didn't want to hear. In that case I would not promote the gig in any way because it would not be the music I like to play.
For a gig at a small club playing good music ON A WEEKDAY, I would accept $75 for a laptop-only setup. My back would love me for it.
DJ Clint Richard White
http://www.kansascityvinyldjs.com/
http://www.djs4kansascity.com/
I played a gig at a sushi restaurant for $100-150/night. I brought my own sound and turntables, played underground house music with a guest or two a week, and drank sake for free all night! I ended up spending $30 on sushi every night, but that was okay. I also designed the flyer for free that covered 1-3 months, but they covered printing costs. I ran the promotions for my night and the other nights for the good of the club.
I would ask $200 if I was doing a mainstream gig playing music I didn't want to hear. In that case I would not promote the gig in any way because it would not be the music I like to play.
For a gig at a small club playing good music ON A WEEKDAY, I would accept $75 for a laptop-only setup. My back would love me for it.
DJ Clint Richard White
http://www.kansascityvinyldjs.com/
http://www.djs4kansascity.com/
Do it!
reading page two might be a waste of your time unless you like pointless banter.
Always work with a contract signed by both parties explaining every detail important to both of you. Working in part of the door in exchange for promotions is a good idea. I was on a tiered system, but often did not make the next tier. A percentage guarantees some additional pay while keeping things simple.
Doing a gig for $75 gives you the ability to ask for $100 at the next, $125 for the next, and then you land a weekly $200 Fri/Sat gig that means no more booking yourself!
Club gigs are fun and will take you thru the winter!
Rock it!
DJ Clint
http://www.kansascityvinyldjs.com/
http://www.djs4kansascity.com/
reading page two might be a waste of your time unless you like pointless banter.
Always work with a contract signed by both parties explaining every detail important to both of you. Working in part of the door in exchange for promotions is a good idea. I was on a tiered system, but often did not make the next tier. A percentage guarantees some additional pay while keeping things simple.
Doing a gig for $75 gives you the ability to ask for $100 at the next, $125 for the next, and then you land a weekly $200 Fri/Sat gig that means no more booking yourself!
Club gigs are fun and will take you thru the winter!
Rock it!
DJ Clint
http://www.kansascityvinyldjs.com/
http://www.djs4kansascity.com/
G
Guest
Guest
I have done bar gigs ranging in price from $25 a night to $500 a night using either the bars system or my own. I have seen some with less than stellar sound but in no case have I ever seen the sound system really affect the crowd!
Way back when with the band we played bars for as little as $100 for the night $20 each! There are bar bands today who still don't make $200 for the night!
Many clubs don't pay anything for the DJs (they consider it a privledge to let them play in the club or bar) Personally I wouldn't go out the door with my laptop now for less than $200 even if I didn't have to carry anything else but if I was hungry and needed the money I would be there for $75 in a heart beat, as already stated by Rick if you are good and know how to work it you can make a heck of a lot more through tips!
Way back when with the band we played bars for as little as $100 for the night $20 each! There are bar bands today who still don't make $200 for the night!
Many clubs don't pay anything for the DJs (they consider it a privledge to let them play in the club or bar) Personally I wouldn't go out the door with my laptop now for less than $200 even if I didn't have to carry anything else but if I was hungry and needed the money I would be there for $75 in a heart beat, as already stated by Rick if you are good and know how to work it you can make a heck of a lot more through tips!
We share different experiences, Steve. I've been in clubs where they kept firing DJs, and it WAS the sound that drove people out. I went in for a drink and was out in ten minutes.
Of course, the sound in the OP's venue may be terrific. However, if it's not ( and if it was Tiffany's, it's DEFINITELY not), I would have to pass.
As for the fee: A matter of personal choice- but wouldn't be mine.
Of course, the sound in the OP's venue may be terrific. However, if it's not ( and if it was Tiffany's, it's DEFINITELY not), I would have to pass.
As for the fee: A matter of personal choice- but wouldn't be mine.
Maybe I've been blessed... my "real" job pays $22.00 per hour and there's another hike to come. Plus, I work 2nd shift. Now why on earth would I take a night off work to stand in a bar half the night for $75.00?
Folks, I ain't takin' sides here... just tryin' to point out some thoughts. There are a couple of aspects to this bar gig ad that shout Bad News:
Firstly, if the bar owner thinks a DJ ain't no better than $75.00, he's gonna treat a DJ that way. The way people see you is the way they'll treat you. 5 1/2 hours of being treated like a $75.00 DJ ain't my idea of doing business, sorry. If I needed 75 bucks that badly I'd be out knocking doors, offering to do handyman work. Heck, I can replace a flourescent ballast in a store and get $75.00. That's just half an hour's work.
Secondly, what does $75.00 truly buy these days? I can't recall when my grocery bill was under $170.00.
All I'm sayin'... there are better, easier and safer ways to make money. 5 1/2 hours work for $75.00 isn't one of them.
I agree with the above. My situation is very similar to Fred's.
Here in central Mass I have done some bar work. Just enough for it to leave a very, VERY bad taste in my mouth. Drunken disrespectful patrons, bar owners who already know it all, and tell me to play music that sweeps the dance floor clean. TIPS? They don't know the word here. Fuggedaboudit.
No bar in my area has any equipment to just plug into, they expect a full boat and woofers brought in, for next to nothing.
I'm in no way implying that this work is not legitimate, and to those folks here who want it, that's great. I'm not putting down anyone's situation. If mine were different, my opinion may be as well....however my mental health is best served not playing bar gigs.
Best,
Paul
One thing I've learned in life -- I am never above, or below anything
When I lost my full time programming gig in S. Florida 12 years or so ago, I took anything to pay the bills. Got this one weekend gig laying crab traps. Three solid days, in the middle of a hurricane, with maggots and roaches crawling all over us -- total pay for those 72 straight hours = $200
Then I did armed security for a year or so on the side, in a nasty section -- $5.50 an hour. That was lots of fun :sqerr:
Hell, it was worth it though -- bills got paid, booze got bought, and the party continued...
:
Yup, did the armed security bit on the cheap, as well as personal security. Sold jewelry for commission, underpaid landscape help, buried horses with hoof & mouth, and other crappy jobs. However, the bottom had to be the overnight manager of a 7-Eleven during a slump in my electronic distributorship's sales. You can't believe you just can't believe what crawls and slithers through the doors at that time....
I would ask for at least twice that more like $200.00.