Priced out of work...?

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IceBurghDJ said:
150/hour and 1200?
I wish that was the price here!!

WAY too many part timers willing do a wedding for $400, 500. I work with a guy that charges 400 for a full wedding...5 to 6 hours. Lighting and subs included.

There are many ways to do it - offer different packages...$500 for 4 hours, no lighting. $650 for 5 hours with lighting. etc.
Offer uplighting, monogram, photobooth or other services like dancing on clouds or love story (record b&G separately talking about eachother and play it over first or last dance song), etc.

Most DJs here don't put prices on their website. I did, now I don't. I also thsi year am trying 3 separate price sheets...so if they call and reception is at a higher end venue, hotel, country club or 300 person wedding, they get the higher price list....fire hall 100 people, lower price list. It's a way for me to 'raise prices' and not lose business.

You can put "Weddings from $495" on your website.. and that's for 1 hour..more hours are $150 each...people don't like a come-on price.
Click to expand...
Respectfully, this is such an old school, out of touch mentality, that if any of this info became public, you'd be ripped apart on facebook groups. Why on earth would one bride be charged more because she is in a fancy venue vs the firehall bride. Why can't you price yourself at what you're actually valued at. I got a call for a Sweet 16 at a country club in middle of nowhere pennsylvania. Legit response to my pricing email (I copied and pasted this so apologies for grammatical errors)... "Your pricing would cost more than the party itself. My daughter is not wanting to have a party without you, so is there any room for negotiation? If not, no worries, we'll find a way to make it happen".

Another example, today, a convo from a bride checking out the Normandy Farms in PA... "we were thinking band or dj, but we didn't realize the dj could be just as much as a band. We really really loved you at the wedding we saw you at and definitely don't want to cheapen out on the entertainment, so give us the weekend to go over the package we want and maybe add stuff later if we have extra money". I also helped push her more in my direction after explaining that with a band, you still need to hire outside lighting and photo booth since they don't usually offer photo booths or the level of lighting I do... which was a big deal for her as she definitely wanted uplighting and forgot to factor that into the bands cost.

Anyways, in Littltree's area, there are a number of DJ's charging over $1200 for weddings. Some having very similar setups to mine and probably charging over $1500. Pricing is a sensitive topic, but as the guy that has literally gone to all parts of the country... I can tell you firsthand... people that value entertainment will spend money on it. You just gotta be worth it to them.
 
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IceBurghDJ said:
yep, lots here are still charging low low rates.

I quote 795 and i can hear them gasp...But so and so quoted 250...or wow, our budget is only 400. etc.
Last bride I booked took 3 months to just get the down payment...while they're not amish, the grew up and live in an amish community and the husband to be works for the amish as a driver.
Different world there...I'm looking to get a garage built..amish quoted me $20k. Non amish? $45k. Different world someplaces.
Click to expand...
If you are unable to easily show how and why you're different... then yes, there is no reason in her eyes how one can be $250 and one can be $795. If she saw a site full of updated photos and videos, detailed info, an active social media where you're constantly working and getting non stop demand... she would have a much better understanding as to why one guy is worth $500 more.
 
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IceBurghDJ said:
yep, lots here are still charging low low rates.

I quote 795 and i can hear them gasp...But so and so quoted 250...or wow, our budget is only 400. etc.
Last bride I booked took 3 months to just get the down payment...while they're not amish, the grew up and live in an amish community and the husband to be works for the amish as a driver.
Different world there...I'm looking to get a garage built..amish quoted me $20k. Non amish? $45k. Different world someplaces.
Click to expand...


I quoted $795 for a surprise birthday party at a house 2 days ago. A guy filled out an info request on the website. I emailed him not even 90 minutes after his request came in, and gave him the price shown on our website for his date which is $795 for 4 hours. It is a surprise50th birthday party at his house for his wife. The very next morning he emails me at like 10:30 a.m. saying he already picked a DJ, and thanked me for the quote. I am pretty sure that whoever he spoke to that morning must have given him a far lower price quote to get it booked on the spot.

I rarely get the birthday parties any way. The ones that I do get are usually down in D.C. The ones in my area, or really anywhere in rural or suburban Maryland north of Washington, D.C. and they always seem to find a $450 or less DJ for these events, and that's who they go with. The bulk of DJs out there have been charging $300 to $500 for parties since the 90s.

I am debating taking party pricing off of my website just because I hardly book any of them any way these last few years, and just show wedding prices. If someone wants a birthday party DJ, I can always just quote via email after they inquire.
 
DJ Ricky B said:
I quoted $795 for a surprise birthday party at a house 2 days ago. A guy filled out an info request on the website. I emailed him not even 90 minutes after his request came in, and gave him the price shown on our website for his date which is $795 for 4 hours. It is a surprise50th birthday party at his house for his wife. The very next morning he emails me at like 10:30 a.m. saying he already picked a DJ, and thanked me for the quote. I am pretty sure that whoever he spoke to that morning must have given him a far lower price quote to get it booked on the spot.

I rarely get the birthday parties any way. The ones that I do get are usually down in D.C. The ones in my area, or really anywhere in rural or suburban Maryland north of Washington, D.C. and they always seem to find a $450 or less DJ for these events, and that's who they go with. The bulk of DJs out there have been charging $300 to $500 for parties since the 90s.

I am debating taking party pricing off of my website just because I hardly book any of them any way these last few years, and just show wedding prices. If someone wants a birthday party DJ, I can always just quote via email after they inquire.
Click to expand...
Your price doesn’t show well on your site. It’s super confusing and the fonts and colors on your site clash. H then there’s random discounts displayed in random parts. People probably are reaching out because they can’t figure it out themselves. Not gonna lie, the site needs updating. Outdated fonts and photos, lack of videos with nice quality cover photos, information all over the place. I say this more for what to focus on. Simple improvements make a world of a difference.
 
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here in rural america, my county, typical wedding meal is $45, with bar.
Go into the city, an hour away, and it's $100 plus bar.

VERY different markets.

What do you charge for a school dance?

Do you care if it's 25 kids (yes, i've done them that small) or 450? (done those too)

You may want $1000 for a school dance but one with 25 kids will not, cannot, pay that. Ever.

A bride at a VFW or in their backyard will not or cannot pay as much as a bride with a 25k budget.

Sure, I'd love to get $1500 a wedding, or 1000...but I won't get many gigs here because they just do not exist.

And yes, i've been the most expensive thing at a wedding and the cheapest thing at a wedding. Everyone has their price point, value they place on something.

It may sound 'bad' to charge different prices for different people, but alas, that's the way it is.

And even country clubs don't charge everyone the same price - they charge more for a wedding dinner, per plate, than they do a prom, per plate.

I have talked to DJs that CLAIM to get $1500 for weddings...then I find out no, the DJ is lying out his ass that he's getting that much. I don't know if it's ego making them quote such numbers or trying to get others to raise prices to unrealistic levels to reduce competition.

I know one that was on here that said "i won't leave the house for under 1000"...then i get a call from a former client, i quote 450 and they tell they only paid 400 last year...so I know he was lying.

15 years in photography I met a lot of liars, er, spin doctors may be a kinder word, that said one thing and reality was VERY VERY different.

I take all claims of how busy they are and what they charge, photog or dj, with a large dose of salt.

Don't forget, I was a photographer for nearly 10 years before I started offering DJ services..got a lot of honest info before they considered me competition. Some have retired and are honest now.

There's a LOT of BS going on out in the world on pricing.
May be why so few DJs put pricing on their website. They'd be caught in a lie.

djtaso said:
Respectfully, this is such an old school, out of touch mentality, that if any of this info became public, you'd be ripped apart on facebook groups. Why on earth would one bride be charged more because she is in a fancy venue vs the firehall bride. Why can't you price yourself at what you're actually valued at. I got a call for a Sweet 16 at a country club in middle of nowhere pennsylvania. Legit response to my pricing email (I copied and pasted this so apologies for grammatical errors)... "Your pricing would cost more than the party itself. My daughter is not wanting to have a party without you, so is there any room for negotiation? If not, no worries, we'll find a way to make it happen".

Another example, today, a convo from a bride checking out the Normandy Farms in PA... "we were thinking band or dj, but we didn't realize the dj could be just as much as a band. We really really loved you at the wedding we saw you at and definitely don't want to cheapen out on the entertainment, so give us the weekend to go over the package we want and maybe add stuff later if we have extra money". I also helped push her more in my direction after explaining that with a band, you still need to hire outside lighting and photo booth since they don't usually offer photo booths or the level of lighting I do... which was a big deal for her as she definitely wanted uplighting and forgot to factor that into the bands cost.

Anyways, in Littltree's area, there are a number of DJ's charging over $1200 for weddings. Some having very similar setups to mine and probably charging over $1500. Pricing is a sensitive topic, but as the guy that has literally gone to all parts of the country... I can tell you firsthand... people that value entertainment will spend money on it. You just gotta be worth it to them.
Click to expand...
 
IceBurghDJ said:
here in rural america, my county, typical wedding meal is $45, with bar.
Go into the city, an hour away, and it's $100 plus bar.

VERY different markets.

What do you charge for a school dance?

Do you care if it's 25 kids (yes, i've done them that small) or 450? (done those too)

You may want $1000 for a school dance but one with 25 kids will not, cannot, pay that. Ever.

A bride at a VFW or in their backyard will not or cannot pay as much as a bride with a 25k budget.

Sure, I'd love to get $1500 a wedding, or 1000...but I won't get many gigs here because they just do not exist.

And yes, i've been the most expensive thing at a wedding and the cheapest thing at a wedding. Everyone has their price point, value they place on something.

It may sound 'bad' to charge different prices for different people, but alas, that's the way it is.

And even country clubs don't charge everyone the same price - they charge more for a wedding dinner, per plate, than they do a prom, per plate.

I have talked to DJs that CLAIM to get $1500 for weddings...then I find out no, the DJ is lying out his ass that he's getting that much. I don't know if it's ego making them quote such numbers or trying to get others to raise prices to unrealistic levels to reduce competition.

I know one that was on here that said "i won't leave the house for under 1000"...then i get a call from a former client, i quote 450 and they tell they only paid 400 last year...so I know he was lying.

15 years in photography I met a lot of liars, er, spin doctors may be a kinder word, that said one thing and reality was VERY VERY different.

I take all claims of how busy they are and what they charge, photog or dj, with a large dose of salt.

Don't forget, I was a photographer for nearly 10 years before I started offering DJ services..got a lot of honest info before they considered me competition. Some have retired and are honest now.

There's a LOT of BS going on out in the world on pricing.
May be why so few DJs put pricing on their website. They'd be caught in a lie.
Click to expand...
This is why I say if you’re a DJ charging above the norm in any area… at any price… you better have an active social media, videos, and photos. You also better have pricing on your site.

If I came on here and bragged about getting 5k for sweet 16’s, going into rural towns and getting $4k for a wedding… with a $2500 or $2750 starting price for sound only… I’d be met with a lot of skepticism. Heck even if I had videos and photos… I’d still have skepticism, but by having the price on my site…you can’t say that anymore. You nowknow that what I say is true, and the consistency in my schedule shows that people are willing to pay… from a potential clients perspective they just might think… hmm so manypeople book him, we should check him out, and if he’s worth it, make room in our budget.

without all that in place, they’ll say the same as you about someone. But to answer your question, I don’t charge different because it’s a smaller crowd vs larger, I don’t charge different for a backyard wedding vs high end venue. Just this past year I did a backyard wedding down south in a rural nj town. I charged $3500. It’s all in how you justify your costs. Again… I’ve done everything I can to differentiate myself before we speak on the phone… what have you (or anyone) done to show you’re worth more.

here’s that wedding by the way
View: https://vimeo.com/643695023
 
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It's real simple I say. Anybody can say they are for example a DJ getting paid $1,000 if they did an event for that price. The thing is being consistent in getting paid that much or more. Also you said those DJs you were talking about willtravel an hour away so they can get paid what they want to be paid. Also Taso nailed it. To get paid that much or more people need to see in person you're worth charging at least that much. Like said no matter what it is, if you don't thing something is worth it you won't pay for it. When you're super busy getting the amount of events you want to do and are super busy, you can kick the tire kickers to the curb. A guy like Taso doesn't even have people like that contacting because his prices on his website. So they know don't even waste your time or his. End of story.
 
I got a very simple question. I know I've asked this before. I just want the focus to be about you and not another DJ. Why do you charge what you?
 
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i charge as much as my market will bear.
It's easier to figure that out for schools dances, grad parties, etc than weddings.

I've done weddings where people bring food...budget? there is no budget!!
I've done weddings where the room is $2k, plus they pay to rent the chairs, tables, food, etc, etc. I've DJ at the local art museum several times for weddings, and country clubs.

I've photographed weddings with ice sculptures - in the city. And weddings where they rent out Heinz Field or PNC park. I have not been to a wedding at the zoo. I have phtographed one at the museum...sound sucked with EVERYTHING being marble.

Point being - I work for a wide range or price points in my market. I don't find there is enough work at any one price point to stay busy. I gots bills to pay - i will work for peanuts instead of stay home and go hungry. LOL

If i could book up everything i wanted I would indeed raise rates across the board. Alas...such is not the case.

I was busier when I did bridal shows...but most have stopped and those that remain have few brides and too many DJ vendors. When 80 brides come in and there are 9 DJs ... not worth it.

So as taso said...social media. I'm on FB, but that's it. Not on instagram or tiktok or any of the others. I pretty much detest social media.


MIXMASTERMACHOM said:
I got a very simple question. I know I've asked this before. I just want the focus to be about you and not another DJ. Why do you charge what you?
Click to expand...

My point, you missed twice now, is that if your partner cuts deals and charges less than you do that will come back to bite you in the ass. "I talked to barb and jim, they said you were good. You did their wedding for $700 (or whatever figure you prefer). You're quoting me 900? Why? (because your partner gave the price to barb and jim and now the new couple thinks your ripping them off)

or they man calls him and gets a price, the wife calls back and get you and a different price...

SO - why don't you answer your own question - why do you charge what you charge?
 
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IceBurghDJ said:
i charge as much as my market will bear.
It's easier to figure that out for schools dances, grad parties, etc than weddings.

I've done weddings where people bring food...budget? there is no budget!!
I've done weddings where the room is $2k, plus they pay to rent the chairs, tables, food, etc, etc. I've DJ at the local art museum several times for weddings, and country clubs.

I've photographed weddings with ice sculptures - in the city. And weddings where they rent out Heinz Field or PNC park. I have not been to a wedding at the zoo. I have phtographed one at the museum...sound sucked with EVERYTHING being marble.

Point being - I work for a wide range or price points in my market. I don't find there is enough work at any one price point to stay busy. I gots bills to pay - i will work for peanuts instead of stay home and go hungry. LOL

If i could book up everything i wanted I would indeed raise rates across the board. Alas...such is not the case.

I was busier when I did bridal shows...but most have stopped and those that remain have few brides and too many DJ vendors. When 80 brides come in and there are 9 DJs ... not worth it.

So as taso said...social media. I'm on FB, but that's it. Not on instagram or tiktok or any of the others. I pretty much detest social media.




My point, you missed twice now, is that if your partner cuts deals and charges less than you do that will come back to bite you in the ass. "I talked to barb and jim, they said you were good. You did their wedding for $700 (or whatever figure you prefer). You're quoting me 900? Why? (because your partner gave the price to barb and jim and now the new couple thinks your ripping them off)

or they man calls him and gets a price, the wife calls back and get you and a different price...

SO - why don't you answer your own question - why do you charge what you charge?
Click to expand...


I went on thumbtack.com to get a quick idea of what DJs are charging in your local area. Here is what the average is according to thumbtack. I did not select a date just to get a general price range, and I chose 4 hours as the time frame. It looks like the average is $600 for 4 hours.


Top 5 DJs based on 2 filters and our criteria
400square-legacy.jpg
Dj Scotty
Very good 4.5

(27)
Great value
Offers remote services
  • 52 hires on Thumbtack
  • 2 similar jobs done near you
  • Responds in about 1 hour
Aarin V. says, "Did an awesome job. Kept the party rolling and the lighting was spectacular"See more
$400
estimated cost
View Profile
400square-legacy.jpg
Keystone Entertainment & Events
Great 4.7

(69)
In high demand
Offers remote services
  • 130 hires on Thumbtack
  • Serves Beaver Falls, PA
  • Responds within a day
Dan B. says, "I would HIGHLY recommend Keystone to anyone looking...See more
$850
estimated cost
View Profile
400square-legacy.jpg
DJ Kris Church
Exceptional 5.0

(10)
Great value
  • Serves Beaver Falls, PA
  • Responds within a day
Andy D. says, "Couldn’t have been happier w/ the entire planning ...See more
$600
estimated cost
View Profile
400square-legacy.jpg
Boss Hill Entertainment
Exceptional 5.0

(12)
In high demand
Offers remote services
  • 15 hires on Thumbtack
  • Serves Beaver Falls, PA
  • Responds in about 1 hour
Howard R. says, "Professional through and through they were on ti...See more
$850
estimated cost
View Profile
400square-legacy.jpg
DJ A.T
5.0

(1)

  • Serves Beaver Falls, PA
Andrea P. says, "DJ A.T had everyone on their feet from the momen...See more
$500
estimated cost
View Profile
$600
Avg. cost near Beaver Falls, PA
Add more details
These pros’ estimates have been updated based on 2 project details.


I chose a date of October 15th this year, and changed the time frame to 6 hours, and it looks like another DJ is available, and their price is much higher which throws the average off a bit for the area.


Top 4 DJs based on 4 filters and our criteria
400square-legacy.jpg
TrustTheDJ - Sunny Jones + B. Starks
Exceptional 5.0

(8)
In high demand
Offers remote services
  • 7 hires on Thumbtack
  • Serves Beaver Falls, PA
  • Responds within a day
Darrius M. says, "Sunny is so versatile and dope. I know I made t...See more
$1500
estimated cost
View Profile
400square-legacy.jpg
Dj Scotty
Very good 4.5

(27)
Great value
Offers remote services
  • 52 hires on Thumbtack
  • 2 similar jobs done near you
  • Responds in about 1 hour
Aarin V. says, "Did an awesome job. Kept the party rolling and the lighting was spectacular"See more
$595
estimated cost
View Profile
400square-legacy.jpg
Heart Beat Music
Excellent 4.9

(202)
Great value
Offers remote services
  • 374 hires on Thumbtack
  • Serves Beaver Falls, PA
Online now
Lavell B. says, "Was very professional and respectful and if we w...See more
$800
estimated cost
View Profile
400square-legacy.jpg
DJ A.T
5.0

(1)

  • Serves Beaver Falls, PA
Andrea P. says, "DJ A.T had everyone on their feet from the momen...See more
$650
estimated cost
View Profile
$725
Avg. cost near Beaver Falls, PA
Add more details


It seems that generally speaking, $400 to $850 is the average range for weddings in the area for 4-6 hours. That is going to be the "Safe Range" for quotes. If you go above that, especially over $1,100 it is going to be far more difficult to book weddings there. Not impossible, but certainly improbable for booking more than 1 a year like that. The DJ team at $1,500 services the area, but may not have ever been booked on a wedding there locally depending on where they are located.

LIke I "service" Port Deposit, MD. It's about a 50 minute drive North for me. I have responded to probably a dozen Gig Masters leads in the past for the area. I have probably had 4 website inquiries over the years for weddings there. I have NEVER been booked there. I once had a MOB years ago tell me my $775/4 hour price quote was absolutely ridiculous in an email and thought I was a rip off. I feel sorry for whatever DJ earned that mother of bride's business LOL. That was probably 10 years ago. One of the two worst responses I ever got in an email from a prospect.
 
DJ Ricky B said:
I went on thumbtack.com to get a quick idea of what DJs are charging in your local area. Here is what the average is according to thumbtack. I did not select a date just to get a general price range, and I chose 4 hours as the time frame. It looks like the average is $600 for 4 hours.


Top 5 DJs based on 2 filters and our criteria
View attachment 53567
Dj Scotty
Very good 4.5
(27)
Great value
Offers remote services
Aarin V. says, "Did an awesome job. Kept the party rolling and the lighting was spectacular"See more
$400
estimated cost
View Profile
View attachment 53568
Keystone Entertainment & Events
Great 4.7
(69)
In high demand
Offers remote services
Dan B. says, "I would HIGHLY recommend Keystone to anyone looking...See more
$850
estimated cost
View Profile
View attachment 53569
DJ Kris Church
Exceptional 5.0
(10)
Great value
Andy D. says, "Couldn’t have been happier w/ the entire planning ...See more
$600
estimated cost
View Profile
View attachment 53570
Boss Hill Entertainment
Exceptional 5.0
(12)
In high demand
Offers remote services
Howard R. says, "Professional through and through they were on ti...See more
$850
estimated cost
View Profile
View attachment 53571
DJ A.T
5.0
(1)
Andrea P. says, "DJ A.T had everyone on their feet from the momen...See more
$500
estimated cost
View Profile
$600
Avg. cost near Beaver Falls, PA
Add more details
These pros’ estimates have been updated based on 2 project details.


I chose a date of October 15th this year, and changed the time frame to 6 hours, and it looks like another DJ is available, and their price is much higher which throws the average off a bit for the area.


Top 4 DJs based on 4 filters and our criteria
View attachment 53572
TrustTheDJ - Sunny Jones + B. Starks
Exceptional 5.0
(8)
In high demand
Offers remote services
Darrius M. says, "Sunny is so versatile and dope. I know I made t...See more
$1500
estimated cost
View Profile
View attachment 53573
Dj Scotty
Very good 4.5
(27)
Great value
Offers remote services
Aarin V. says, "Did an awesome job. Kept the party rolling and the lighting was spectacular"See more
$595
estimated cost
View Profile
View attachment 53574
Heart Beat Music
Excellent 4.9
(202)
Great value
Offers remote services
Online now
Lavell B. says, "Was very professional and respectful and if we w...See more
$800
estimated cost
View Profile
View attachment 53575
DJ A.T
5.0
(1)
Andrea P. says, "DJ A.T had everyone on their feet from the momen...See more
$650
estimated cost
View Profile
$725
Avg. cost near Beaver Falls, PA
Add more details


It seems that generally speaking, $400 to $850 is the average range for weddings in the area for 4-6 hours. That is going to be the "Safe Range" for quotes. If you go above that, especially over $1,100 it is going to be far more difficult to book weddings there. Not impossible, but certainly improbable for booking more than 1 a year like that. The DJ team at $1,500 services the area, but may not have ever been booked on a wedding there locally depending on where they are located.

LIke I "service" Port Deposit, MD. It's about a 50 minute drive North for me. I have responded to probably a dozen Gig Masters leads in the past for the area. I have probably had 4 website inquiries over the years for weddings there. I have NEVER been booked there. I once had a MOB years ago tell me my $775/4 hour price quote was absolutely ridiculous in an email and thought I was a rip off. I feel sorry for whatever DJ earned that mother of bride's business LOL. That was probably 10 years ago. One of the two worst responses I ever got in an email from a prospect.
Click to expand...
I just booked a $4000+ Sweet 16 from a family in Perry hall, MD (I say "plus"... bc that's where the package is at rn, and other things may be added later). Port deposit is 30 min away... if you are servicing port deposit... but want more money... you can certainly work events in Perry hall if they supposedly pay better. At same time... this mom told me she's been to 3 sweet 16's this year already and she's in shock at how terrible the dj's are... no beatmixing... songs playing too long... songs meant for adults that the kids don't know... and just overall very tacky. She didn't want her daughter to have that experience... saw me at an event around 4 yrs ago in PA and never forgot me. Now it's her turn to host an event and wants to make sure it's done right.
 
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IceBurghDJ said:
i charge as much as my market will bear.
It's easier to figure that out for schools dances, grad parties, etc than weddings.

I've done weddings where people bring food...budget? there is no budget!!
I've done weddings where the room is $2k, plus they pay to rent the chairs, tables, food, etc, etc. I've DJ at the local art museum several times for weddings, and country clubs.

I've photographed weddings with ice sculptures - in the city. And weddings where they rent out Heinz Field or PNC park. I have not been to a wedding at the zoo. I have phtographed one at the museum...sound sucked with EVERYTHING being marble.

Point being - I work for a wide range or price points in my market. I don't find there is enough work at any one price point to stay busy. I gots bills to pay - i will work for peanuts instead of stay home and go hungry. LOL

If i could book up everything i wanted I would indeed raise rates across the board. Alas...such is not the case.

I was busier when I did bridal shows...but most have stopped and those that remain have few brides and too many DJ vendors. When 80 brides come in and there are 9 DJs ... not worth it.

So as taso said...social media. I'm on FB, but that's it. Not on instagram or tiktok or any of the others. I pretty much detest social media.




My point, you missed twice now, is that if your partner cuts deals and charges less than you do that will come back to bite you in the ass. "I talked to barb and jim, they said you were good. You did their wedding for $700 (or whatever figure you prefer). You're quoting me 900? Why? (because your partner gave the price to barb and jim and now the new couple thinks your ripping them off)

or they man calls him and gets a price, the wife calls back and get you and a different price...

SO - why don't you answer your own question - why do you charge what you charge?
Click to expand...
Have you seen a dj somewhat local to you... Finest Events. He is a "pittsburgh area" based dj... but if you follow what he does, he goes all over the western pa area, ohio, and even west virginia in towns such as wheeling... with an avg household income of just over 40k. His dj prices... it starts at $2000. Check him out... I was very impressed.

It's kinda like mix... if you want to work in a small area, you may find yourself limited. This guy serves city area weddings and small town locations equally and charges over $2k per event starting.... and providing him enough work during the year to be a full time dj.
 
dunlopj said:
Holy cr*p! That's 10 minutes away from me! Your working "area" knows no limits. Well done!
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Then you can best judge if $4000 sweet 16’s are normal for the area lol. And yes I will go anywhere. This year I’m doing the most traveling. Outside of the NJ/Pa/Metro NY area, I have the following upcoming locations:

2 events in DE
1 in maryland
2 in dc
1 in Virginia
2 in North Carolina
2 in Florida (I actually have 3 total for 2022 in Florida)
 
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One thing I will give you credit for Taso is you have your prices clearly displayed on your website and the people who book you are not tire kickers. You focus your business to people who will pay the price you want. As you say you have to be able to show why you're worth what you charge. I will say it again, you told us a lot of your clients have their own businesses and can easily afford your price. Also you were able to build on buying things over time that are amazing and you do a good job of selling those things. The thing I say is you did all you've done over time and not all of a sudden.
 
djtaso said:
I just booked a $4000+ Sweet 16 from a family in Perry hall, MD (I say "plus"... bc that's where the package is at rn, and other things may be added later). Port deposit is 30 min away... if you are servicing port deposit... but want more money... you can certainly work events in Perry hall if they supposedly pay better. At same time... this mom told me she's been to 3 sweet 16's this year already and she's in shock at how terrible the dj's are... no beatmixing... songs playing too long... songs meant for adults that the kids don't know... and just overall very tacky. She didn't want her daughter to have that experience... saw me at an event around 4 yrs ago in PA and never forgot me. Now it's her turn to host an event and wants to make sure it's done right.
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That's awesome!

What she told you is true though. It is because the parents of these Sweet 16s that her daughter attended don't want to fork out money, and cheap out on the DJ service in most cases. They will go to thumb tack or Craigslist, and find a $250 to $500 DJ. The parents don't think about mixing style. They generally believe any DJ will do. A light show is a light show so as long as the DJ has lights and will include them in the price they are good to go. They aren't thinking about spending $4,000 on an amazing DJ Experience for their daughter's sweet 16 party. The DJs that they book don't even have any videos to show them...and if they do have videos it is a quick phone clip of kids dancing at an event they did in the past. That mother has the money, and is willing to spend it to make sure it's an awesome party.

The "talent" Agency I use to work with doesn't even try to sell high end DJs on Sweet 16s any more. They just quote a low price, and put any DJ on it most of the time, and pay that DJ 50% of what they booked the event at. They called up my sister a few weeks ago asking her if she wanted a Sweet 16 party out of the blue. NET pay on the event was $250 take the gig now, or they will call up another DJ! The event was at a tough load in venue to boot! They don't want to lose the client to cheaper DJs who book direct so they just quote $500 to $600 to get the booking, and get a DJ to do it on the cheap now. They gave up on actually selling a higher quality DJ unless that specific DJ is requested by the client from the get go.
 
MIXMASTERMACHOM said:
One thing I will give you credit for Taso is you have your prices clearly displayed on your website and the people who book you are not tire kickers. You focus your business to people who will pay the price you want. As you say you have to be able to show why you're worth what you charge. I will say it again, you told us a lot of your clients have their own businesses and can easily afford your price. Also you were able to build on buying things over time that are amazing and you do a good job of selling those things. The thing I say is you did all you've done over time and not all of a sudden.
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you miss the point… yes most of my clients are well off, but the client I attract isn’t necessarily the well off client… it’s primarily the client that values entertainment and is willing to pay for it. I have many clients who are no where near as well off as some of my others. And some of my well off clients, have other well off friends and family who hire djs that charge 1/3 of my prices… why… because despite being able to easily… they don’t see the value of spending more on a DJ for their event… simple as that.
 
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