Customers pay what you're worth?

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Abbey Lane

Active DJ
Jan 22, 2008
1,491
29
Ontario
To help in this recession there is a restaurant in the news where the owner lets the customers pay what they think the meal is worth.

Do you think this would work if DJ's had the same policy?
 
There are various restaurants around the world that have practiced this for years and I think that it is an interesting concept. I definitely do not think this would work for DJs. People who eat out tend to do it on a more regular basis - or at least, more than once or twice in their entire lifetime. Standards have been long set in the restaurant industry. Many people know when they're getting a $5, $20, or $50 meal; they've read enough menus. Most people do not know how much to pay a person who is working in a specialized trade like a DJ and could likely underpay. Most people will hire a DJ maybe once in their entire lifetime, so they have very little to go by as far as payment is concerned. This is why we set our own prices.
 
Abbey Lane said:
To help in this recession there is a restaurant in the news where the owner lets the customers pay what they think the meal is worth.

Do you think this would work if DJ's had the same policy?
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You would have a lot of DJ's being paid $100 - $200..... Cracking open your wallet for a $50 dinner for 2 is a lot easier than opening it to pay a DJ.
 
In a word: No.

The problem is that most people simply don't know what a DJ is worth... Ask around to friends and acquaintances if you don't believe me.

Go ahead, I'll wait...



The fact is that most people just have no idea what a DJ gets paid or should get paid. That's the main reason that "How much do you charge?" is the first question most prospective clients ask. They just don't know...

Now, a steak dinner? I've got a pretty good handle on what I'm willing to pay for that...
 
DJ Zac said:
In a word: No.

The problem is that most people simply don't know what a DJ is worth... Ask around to friends and acquaintances if you don't believe me.

Go ahead, I'll wait...



The fact is that most people just have no idea what a DJ gets paid or should get paid. That's the main reason that "How much do you charge?" is the first question most prospective clients ask. They just don't know...

Now, a steak dinner? I've got a pretty good handle on what I'm willing to pay for that...
Click to expand...

I agree. People don't know what a DJ is worth. The time involved with dealing with clients (phone calls, emails, meetings). Equipment upkeep and maintenance plus trying to keep up with all of the music. It's a full time gig even if you're part time. I have immediate family members and friends that don't understand why we work so much

Then on top of that...the job itself. Not everyone can do what we do....keep a crowd entertained for many hours. I'd say we all have a gift. :sqwink:
 
Well....good luck with that concept. At the end of the wedding/party, the client comes up and hands you $50. "Thanks" they say brightly.

Dave

ps. The restaurant costs are a bit higher than ours, granted, but still the food is perishable and needs to be sold...quickly. So rather than let the food rot, they sell it for "something".
 
Sounds To Go said:
LOL.... thats a good point. My cd's aren't going to 'rot' any time soon, so I'll wait out the recession and cheapskates!
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'Tis true... However, MY inventory (which is my available dates) IS perishable. As soon as a Saturday passes by, I can no longer book it and it has "rotted." :sqmad:
 
DJ Zac said:
'Tis true... However, MY inventory (which is my available dates) IS perishable. As soon as a Saturday passes by, I can no longer book it and it has "rotted." :sqmad:
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Excellent point, O'skinny one! :notworthy:
 
and don't forget...
if you like the restaurant
(and it's gotta be pretty darn good to take a chance with that offer)
you'll wanna go back.
If you really STIFF them on the bill
you won't wanna show your face there ever again.

a DJ?
who would really care if you burn THAT bridge?
you'll probably not need another DJ for a long time
(as said previously)
 
DJ Zac said:
'Tis true... However, MY inventory (which is my available dates) IS perishable. As soon as a Saturday passes by, I can no longer book it and it has "rotted." :sqmad:
Click to expand...

Can't argue with that if you're in a position that requires as many dates be filled as possible.

For my side, my time with my family is worth more than any "haggled" or "reduced" rate that some are forced to settle for to book a date.

Keep in mind again, this is coming from the vantage point of a "part-timer."

Everyone's situation is different though, and that doesn't make any take more right or wrong than any other.
 
I think most Disc Jockey's don't know what they are worth let alone a client that thinks all they need is a sound system, Ipod and $70 of Itunes music.
 
I saw an article like this a long time ago and I did think that it is an interesting concept. I have to agree with the general sentiment that this would not work if you just posed the question as presented. There are exceptions, of course. For example, I once got a hundred dollar tip on a $1,000+ job (which I thought was great) only to have the same guy (father of the groom) give me another $100 for making a two second announcement as I was tearing down! So, I think it might have worked at that gig :sqbiggrin:

That said, I think you might have a better shot if you said something like, pay me what you think I'm worth per person that attends the event. I mean, I don't think too many people would say "well, you're worth about $1/person". Oh, and while you're figuring that, don't forget that the food your guests ate (in 30 minutes) probably cost at least $20/plate...

So, maybe if you framed it correctly, people would see the value of the service. That said, I probably won't be using that marketing approach any time soon...
 
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