Called a bunch of other djs today learning about their businesses, and it was neat.

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DJMN

New DJ
Feb 6, 2007
4,533
1
45
Northern Minnesota
This is what my conclusions are of my local fellow djs!

1. Forget market price, everyone gets hired from $100-$6400
2. DJs all claim to have the best sound and light show.
3. If you flat out ask, djs will tell you their prices.
4. Some djs think they are doing well with how much they make, only to realize they are short changing themselves.
5. I realized that up further north there is like 6 little dj services, and 5 aren't even worth mentioning!
7. I realized I need to market myself better.
8. I realized confidence=good sales arrogance=less work
9. I learned packages are a good thing.
10. I learned (from one dj) DVDs are going to be so old school, and if I just post my video on a secure site, this would be the best. He was right in saying, most clients should be able get to a computer to view your information.


There is a lot more I learned, today was a productive day. It's time to start getting my rear in gear and making some changes.
 
did you tell them who you were
or were you "stealth" in doing your research?

in my area, I run into competing DJ's all the time (I even work with some of them)
and we have no problem chit-chatting about the biz...
and learning from each other!

good job on realizing your own short comings
I never have the cojones to admit my faults.
 
Ausumm said:
did you tell them who you were
or were you "stealth" in doing your research?

in my area, I run into competing DJ's all the time (I even work with some of them)
and we have no problem chit-chatting about the biz...
and learning from each other!

good job on realizing your own short comings
I never have the cojones to admit my faults.
Click to expand...

No stealth! 100% upfront on who I was and what exactly I was doing.

I only had one dj...(his wife)..tell me that she could disclose absolutely no information. I then politely told her that was alright, and I completely understood.

I don't like trying to be all sneaky. Plus everyone has caller ID nowadays, and they could easily find out who I am.
 
I couldn't possibly care less what the other services in my area are doing, offering or charging. Nor, do I think any such knowledge would benefit me.

The only DJ that affects me is me.

....but hey, good luck with that.
 
Hank Davidson said:
The only DJ that affects me is me
Click to expand...

what if you found out that all the other DJ's in your area were making $300 more a gig? or charging $300 less? or offering a service that you dont offer?
I guess if your calender is full, theres no need to think about it!
but just wondering, Hank...
if you're not concerned with what others are doing, why are you on a DJ forum? You certainly offer some great advice, and you design one heck of a logo for other DJ's. So you must care enough to help out other DJ's.
I'm not cutting on ya, just saying...
you have to at least be CURIOUS about it...
even if it never affects your business or your business plan!
 
Hank Davidson said:
I couldn't possibly care less what the other services in my area are doing, offering or charging. Nor, do I think any such knowledge would benefit me.

The only DJ that affects me is me.

....but hey, good luck with that.
Click to expand...


You are right, your first priority should be yourself. I agree 1,000,000%.

Why come on this site if you just worry about yourself?

Everyone should be taking a small notice of other competitors in your area and across the general spectrum to learn and see which direction you should be heading.

You can't tell me truthfully, you have never incorporated an idea from another dj from either in your area, on this board, and used it in your dj arsenal. I won't believe that for a second.
 
Ausumm said:
what if you found out that all the other DJ's in your area were making $300 more a gig? or charging $300 less? or offering a service that you dont offer?
I guess if your calender is full, theres no need to think about it!
but just wondering, Hank...
if you're not concerned with what others are doing, why are you on a DJ forum? You certainly offer some great advice, and you design one heck of a logo for other DJ's. So you must care enough to help out other DJ's.
I'm not cutting on ya, just saying...
you have to at least be CURIOUS about it...
even if it never affects your business or your business plan!
Click to expand...

You beat me to it. LOL.
 
Hank Davidson said:
I couldn't possibly care less what the other services in my area are doing, offering or charging. Nor, do I think any such knowledge would benefit me.

The only DJ that affects me is me.

....but hey, good luck with that.
Click to expand...

But honestly Hank, I aint here to bust yer chops either, and I know what you really meant. You and I understand each other enough to know better.
 
Ausumm said:
but just wondering, Hank...
if you're not concerned with what others are doing, why are you on a DJ forum? You certainly offer some great advice, and you design one heck of a logo for other DJ's. So you must care enough to help out other DJ's.
Click to expand...

Look at my post history and see how much of it actually relates to DJing.

I happened onto the forums years ago when I tested the search engine on my first web page. I happened upon a "worth" discussion and soon entered the ring as the rage against the machine. Nuff said.

Yes, I love to help people and most often, I do so without the expectation of return. If anyone learns from anything I do or say, it's strictly by circumstance. The same goes for anything I may pick up. I don't feel the need to look for it.

The point I'm making above (and I make this point for me personally), is that I'm in business for myself because I knew what my skills were and how I wanted to put them to use. I honestly don't care about "business models" or any other such thing. I am a DJ in the simplest of terms and a damn good one. For me, it's very cut and dry. I provide and get paid. The end.

Is this a reckless approach? You bet it is, but still here I am 18 years later not regretting a thing. I don't wish to get all caught up in the numbers, ethics or righteousness of business. I'm like the kid who has a lawnmower and is willing to cut your grass for $20.

Get it?

:sqcool:
 
Oh, by the way...

I have made a lot of friends here and I feel that it's a great place to hang out while on line and interact with those I have a common thread with. I would get along with most of you just as smashingly if we weren't sharing a profession.

That's why I continue to come here. Not to seek or submit knowledge.
 
Hank Davidson said:
Oh, by the way...

I have made a lot of friends here and I feel that it's a great place to hang out while on line and interact with those I have a common thread with. I would get along with most of you just as smashingly if we weren't sharing a profession.

That's why I continue to come here. Not to seek or submit knowledge.
Click to expand...

I started shaking my head as soon as I responded back...LOL...it didnt feel right! Again, thank god you know me better!
 
DJMN said:
I started shaking my head as soon as I responded back...LOL...it didnt feel right! Again, thank god you know me better!
Click to expand...

Dude, I love all you guys. I'm just like I said....The "Rage Against The Machine". Not just towards DJing, but towards life in general. :sqlaugh:

I sorry if my original comment was sarcastic. I was just being me. :sqwink:
 
Hank Davidson said:
Dude, I love all you guys. I'm just like I said....The "Rage Against The Machine". Not just towards DJing, but towards life in general. :sqlaugh:

I sorry if my original comment was sarcastic. I was just being me. :sqwink:
Click to expand...

Same your way man. I love ya right back. As I said...I felt like crap responding to it. But it was there.
 
Ausumm said:
what if you found out that all the other DJ's in your area were making $300 more a gig? or charging $300 less? or offering a service that you dont offer?
I guess if your calender is full, theres no need to think about it!
!
Click to expand...

Though I'm happy the OP had a productive day, I work pretty much the same way Hank does.

Your last line pretty much answered your own question. I charge what I want/need to make, get it, and am working steadily.

What if it was the reverse? What if your calander were full, and you charged a lot MORE that others in your market? Should you DROP prices? :sqrolleyes:


Anyway, so far so good....:sqwink:
 
I really don't worry to much myself about the competition. Every year there are a hand full more guys with low prices, and a hand full that go out of business. Their prices range from $450 to $4600 and I never see the expensive guys out more than once or twice a year. But I see the other guys a lot.

I have work pretty much every week of the year so I don't worry about anyone else either.
 
Short Resume: Why I feel packages are a good thing.



I feel packages are a good thing because by offering packages, you are literally giving your clients the option of moving to a package they are comfortable with. Now obviously, your packages will never be a perfect match for a client, but this is where you can make some moves to help get the booking. I have learned by calling other dj services and talking with several people, some clients will already have an idea in their head on what they are willing to pay for a dj. Now when a client calls a dj, they are expecting/hoping you can offer all the bells and whistles within their budget. Now their budget may be $400-$YouNameIt. If you explain to them they need to see your packages, they can find which package is right for them, and if the value it worth it. You don't need to spend all that extra time trying to explain where the value lies. Maybe the client has chosen your $1600 package, because they feel this is within their budget, but they are on the fence of going to the $2200 package. This is where you can start your sales process, and maybe throw in a few extras just to gain the booking. It shows you are willing to work with them, and most clients appreciate when you do that.

Don't get me wrong, this is not a win all situation and sales approach. Some clients may be hesitant on packages, which is just fine. Not every client is your client. If you have priced your packages, always hold your ground! Sell confidence, not arrogance! (Something I sorta need to work on)

You put the "value" in your services. Its up to your clients if they feel the value is there.
 
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