ChrisPointon
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Posts posted by ChrisPointon
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QUOTE (Tom @ Feb 5 2003, 07:21 PM) Partner i thought you where looking for love.
I was well in there at that time... shame
http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/biggrin.gifOOoooerrrrrr Vicar http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/tongue.gif
Maybe I should add a lonely D.J's column?, or a lonely hearts area for Tom?? - oops!, I can sense Rick getting ready to post another voting poll soon! http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/tongue.gif
Tom are you really looking for a partner called Steve??? http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/unsure.gif http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/huh.gif http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/tongue.gif http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/rolleyes.gif
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Hiya Speedy,
Welcome to the Forum http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif
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If you are just starting out as a DJ for the first time, or considering the Options, then you may like to visit our DJ Knowledgebase. This is an area filled with Hints, Tips and Advice from Working DJ's and Articles all about getting and doing that first gig.
If you have never done a Mobile Disco before, then we especially recommend that you read the following links, since these have a lot of relevant information about starting a Mobile Disco.
The Pro's (And Woes!) Of becoming a Mobile DJ
How Much Do I Charge for Booking my Mobile Disco
Advertising and Marketing Your Mobile Disco
Choosing Lighting for your Mobile Disco
You may also find the following Industry Association Links to be of some use.
Equipment Insurance and PAT Links
£10 Million worth of Public Liability Cover is available to all members of AMPDJ - membership costs just £49 per year and includes many additional benefits.
Mobile Disco Equipment insurance is available through Allianz Specialist Music Cover
Calbarrie PAT Testing - Calbarrie offer UK National PAT Testing for as little as £1.50 per Item. Fill in their quote form for a fast efficient quotation for your PAT Testing requirements.
DJ Association Links
The Musicians Union - being a member of the Musicians Union offers many benefits to either the Novice or Veteran DJ. Included in their Membership fee is £10 million worth of Public Liability Cover, Contract Advice, Legal Advice and Debt Recovery Service to name but a few, plus many other benefits of belonging to a large national union. Membership starts from as little as £50 for Students and Under 21's with tiered fee's for full time members.
SEDA - Subscription association based in the South East of England. SEDA was set up in 1974 to promote a professional approach to the art of the Disc Jockey. The South Eastern Discotheque Association welcomes all styles and types of DJ, including mobile, resident, radio and even bedroom DJs. We offer support and training to our members as well as helping to promote each business in general.
NADJ - National Association of DJs - promoting professionalism in the industry. The NADJ are a subscription association established 2004.
AMPDJ - Membership costs just £49 per year and includes £10 Million worth of PLI Cover
Advice, Hints & Tips
The DJ Knowledgebase - The DJ's United Knowledgebase filled with articles, hints, tips and frequently asked questions covering a wide variety of subjects from PC DJ'ing, Insurance, PAT Testing, Equipment Servicing and much more. Also features advice for New DJ's and those starting out for the first time.
Business Promotion, Website and Communications
VistaPrint - FREE Business Cards, No Catches!. VistaPrint offers you the chance to obtain 250 Free Business Cards for your business for Free, just pay for the postage. Vista also offer a wide range of competitively priced print solutions for your business needs.
Top Mobile Discos - List your Mobile Disco in our online directory. Paid and Free Listing Options available.
Your-Wedding - List your Mobile Disco in our Wedding Service Directory.
Regional Disco Listings - List your Website in our Regional map listings, and swap website links with Dan.
1 & 1 Internet - .co.uk domain registration from £1.99 per year. 1 & 1 also offer competitively priced Webhosting packages.
Direct 2 Workwear - Looking for T-Shirts, Polo Shirts and other mechandise embroidered with your company logo?. Then look no further, Direct 2 Workwear has no minimum quantity requirements.
Car & Van Insurance
Competitive Car Insurance From Motor Quote Direct
Competitive Van Insurance From Vanquote Direct
Cheap CD's
CD Wow - Online Discounted Chart CD's all at low low prices
CD Jungle - Chart CD's from £6.99 over 40,000 titles to choose from
Sound, Lighting & Equipment Links
Thomann Sound & Lighting Retailers - Sound & Lighting Equipment at much discounted prices
DJ Bargains - Great Deals and Prices on Disco Equipment
Essex DJ - Not only serving the DJ in Essex, but Nationwide with their mail order service
Gear 4 Music - Deals on Behringer, Vestax, Citronic, Pioneer, Carlsbro, Mackie, JBL
Maplin Electronics Sound & Lighting Equipment and lots more
Live Music Store - Ian Stewarts, live Music Store
Disco Studio - Disco Equipment from all of the Major Manufacturers
Spire Leisure - Special Offers from Spire Leisure
Full Power Services Online For great deals with Martin, Numark, Gemini, Ecler etc... visit our website!
CPC - Great Prices on Leads, Connectors, Consumables, Disco Equipment and Much More
ARD Electronics A Wide Variety of Electronics Consumables
Other Related Links
Late Rooms - Upto 70% Discount on Hotel Rooms, UK and Abroad
Alter-e-glow Suppliers of Glowsticks and Novelties
Tax Buddies - A wealth of Advice on all of your Tax Concerns and Self Assessment Questions. Also check out their Fixed Fee Accountancy service - Your tax return completed for a fixed fee of £159 + VAT
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Hi, Welcome to Mobile D.J Chat.
I don't know whereabouts in Berkshire you are, but you may like to contact one of our moderators (Rick) who is in the Slough area. He may be interested in hearing from you http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/smile.gif you can send a personal message via this board if you wish, just click on the P.M logo on one of his posts.
Just a thought http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/smile.gif
Good Luck with your venture.
Chris
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Which form of Advertising currently gets you the most gigs?
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Here's another topic that a gig last week reminded me about:-
Working with bands:-
At some time in your D.J'ing career you'll probably be asked to share the evenings entertainment alongside a Band or other live artist. Whilst the majority of bands that I've had the opportunity to work with over the years, have been considerate and professional, suffice to say that the attitude of some groups is that the D.J is low priority and just there to support THEM!!.
Here are some tips to get you through the night http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/tongue.gif
(1) Always arrive at the venue Early, ideally before the band arrive, since the group will usually hog the majority of the stage, giving little thought for the D.J and his / her equipment!. If you get there after the band you'll usually have to set up in a small 3ft square area of the stage, or not on the stage at all. It's also easier to set up your gear on a clear stage, rather than carefully pick your way through Guitars and Wires whilst carrying heavy equipment.
(2) Ensure that you check the entertainment schedule with the HOST - rather than asking a member of the band. If it is left to the Band you'll probably find yourself doing 30 minutes during the quietest parts of the Evening whilst they get to play for hours during the lively part of the function.
(3) Unless the host has booked you as a support for the band, ensure that you get an equal share of the function - You have been booked to entertain to!.
(4) Usually the customer will expect a discount when you are told that you will be playing alongside a band. Although a small discount should be negotiated just bear in mind that you will still be required to attend the evening for the full period regardless of the period you are "on stage" and the band will usually expect to use your lightshow during their set, so don't underprice yourself http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/smile.gif .
(5) You'll find that bands seldom introduce the D.J when they hand over - although I always introduce them. Find out the name of the band beforehand and give them a small introduction after your own set - even if it's only along the lines of "Ladies and Gentlemen put your hands together for Swindon Rat Catchers!". This enhances your professionalism and informs the audience of the changeover from Disco to live Entertainment.
(6) It's usually the way, that you'll work hard in your 30 minute set to fill the dancefloor - only for the band to come on directly after!. That's a fact of life unfortunately and there is little you can do about it.
(7) It's also normal for the Band's agreed 30 minute set to turn into a 45 minute or even a 1 hour one http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/mad.gif . Don't cause a scene, or yell abuse at them over the P.A. Although it can be very tempting http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/tongue.gif , it's also very unprofessional. Just remember that the whole point of the evening is for people to enjoy themselves, and you are getting paid the same, regardless of whether you work 30 minutes or 4 hours.
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QUOTE (DJTREV @ Feb 3 2003, 04:32 PM) I have found that birthdays and weddings can be hard work and sometimes very unrewarding.
That comment is so true!. An empty dancefloor often makes the D.J paranoid, thinking that it is something that He / She is doing, or rather not doing, which is keeping the Dancefloor empty!. Experience has taught me that you can play music from every era at a function, and work hard, and still only maintain a hand full of people on the dancefloor at any one time http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/sad.gif some functions are going to be like that, and you just have to get used to it http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/smile.gif .
Having done both resident work in a local club, and run the Gauntlet at all types of Private Functions - I can honestly say that the pub / club work is far more rewarding than Mobile http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/tongue.gif . Logically this makes sense, since your "resident" venue will be advertising as a disco and possibly charging an admission fee, and lets face it - you wouldn't go to a club and pay money if you hated music and D.J's!!. So 99% of the punters visiting your club will be out to enjoy themselves.
Private Functions are different - you have Auntie Ethel and Grandma who may not have seen each other for 5 years and all they want to do is gossip. You also have many people who have attended out of politeness or because they have to!. You also have the classic "family war" situtation to contend with also http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/wink.gif, where two or more members of the family do not get on.
Other situations that can also make it difficult to create an atmosphere include the large function room built for 300 people where only 30 guests turn up!, and vice versa - the packed out village hall with 200 people in it - No room to dance - even if they wanted to.
Don't be too surprised if you don't pack the Dancefloor at Private Functions, it does happen, but not very often. At best you can usually expect around 25 - 50% of the Guests on the Dancefloor at any one time.
Just remember that it is still possible for people to enjoy themselves without being on the Dancefloor (I must admit that as a guest I don't dance either!). On a brighter note - some of the gigs that I've thought were a disaster, were rewarded with many guests asking for business cards and a sincere "thank you" from the host or hostess for a "Great Night"!!!. A Strange Business is D.J'ing!!!!!!.
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The new T.A.T.U song - all the things she said, is expected to reach Number 1 this Sunday (2nd Feb). However the video to the single is causing controversy due to some of the scenes protrayed in the video whilst the Girls are dressed in School Uniform.
Whilst BBC and ITV have already banned the video from Daytime T.V do you believe that the video should be banned altogether?.
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Thank you for posting such an in-depth review. I have pinned this topic, in order to keep it at the top, since I think that it serves as an excellent guide for anybody starting out in business or about to do their first gig http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/smile.gif .
If you wish to share details in running a successful Mobile Disco, and add to CNJ DJ's post above then please continue to post in this thread. http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif
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Yes, two idea's for you:-
First of all the "Stand Mate" which consists fo 4x IEC style sockets in a small handy clip on unit which simply clips onto the stand pole by means of two spring clips. A single multicore cable feeds the unit which terminates into a bulgin plug for connection into popular switching panels to allow 4 effects to be switched with a 4 channel effects switcher. Of course the Standmate can be modifed with a single 13 Amp cable, if you only require continuous mains power to the lights rather than being switched individually by a switch panel or effects switcher.
On the subject of keeping your wires tidy, try velcro hook and loop strips!. This comes in reels and can be easily cut into many individual strips to suit the length required. Simply wrap tightly around the cable and bar and bingo! - instant and reusable "cable ties".
Chris
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The Big Coily thing under the bright hot lamp thing is indeed the Transformer http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/tongue.gif
And if it smells and has gone all brown and burned looking then it needs replacing!
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QUOTE (Tom @ Jan 26 2003, 05:34 PM) Litter your local schools, pubs, bars, parks, shops with cards, its the only way.. Agreed! - until you are *Hopefully* good enough for word of mouth advertising to get most of your work, you do have to rely on your own hard work to get the initial gigs. Remember like any business you only get back results if you spend the time and effort to make it a success. Neither will any agency consider adding you to their books until you have around 2 - 5 years of business behind you!.
One of the best ways of generating business is the good old mailshot!, send your business card and covering letter to all of the local hotels, pubs, conference centres, sports clubs etc but don't forget to follow it up with a Telephone Call or a visit to the landlord / manager. I find that people are less likely to consider you when using the mailshot alone, and are more likely to give you a chance if you take the time to speak to them in person. Remember to push the point that you will offer them a discount for repeat bookings http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/smile.gif you may need to undercut their existing D.J (at least to get your foot in the door!) but don't work for nothing or undersell yourself!.
Another good way of getting work is by professional referal. I find that exchanging cards with Caterer's, Wedding Car Hire, Photographers etc does work wonders for getting Wedding Bookings etc. In return I also pass on their details to anybody who requires such a service. It DOES work!.
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I do know that there are certain courses around the U.K that are aimed at D.J's although these are very few and far between and usually aimed at Radio, Mixing or Media rather than Mobile D.J's
If you are aiming to be a mobile D.J, then gaining practical experience by helping out an existing established Mobile D.J would possibly be more helpful to you - perhaps you could contact a D.J within your area and offer to help them out during busy periods or weekends?.
As such, there are no recognised qualifications required to become a D.J, if you wish to work for somebody as a D.J then they usually rely on references and previous experiance rather than dedicated courses!.
If you still wish to persue this, then there are some Youth Groups who offer D.J workshops although you may need to travel out of your local area to find one!.
A colleague of mine, Steve Cade runs a successful D.J Workshop called Indigo AV and although he is not within your area, he may be able to advise you on any other similar scheme in the Norwich area. You can email Steve at weaver9@mac.com
If you have any more questions then please feel free to post. This also applies to anybody who may know of a D.J course or Workshop within the Norwich area please post the details below.
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Hi,
Got your email and read your posts. Firstly the "Horrible looking thing" http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/blink.gif is likely to be the *burned out* transformer. They are quite easy to spot, just look for the biggest heaviest thing inside the unit!. It has probably already partly burned out, more than likely by the previous owner http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/mad.gif
In my experiances with repairs - Usually when fuses blow continuously the first thing a D.J does is to either wrap foil around the fuse http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/ohmy.gif or replace it with something higher!!. NEVER be tempted to do this - if a fuse blows it is for a reason and usually indicates a short circuit or a major fault and bypassing it can be a fire hazard!.
I think that the previous owner has replaced the fuse with a higher rating (or foil) and the transformer has been forced to run into an overload which creates heat and starts to smoke http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/sad.gif . The acrid smell that comes off is due to the burning of the wax paper and enamel that is used inside the transformer - eventually all of the insulation will burn away and the copper windings will fuse together and you are likely to blow the plug fuse or trip out the entire mains!.
We have quite a fair policy on mail order repairs. You would need to get the faulty item to us (usually carrier or parcel force) and we would diagnose the problem, and offer a quotation for repair FREE OF CHARGE. Only if you decide to go ahead with the repair would any fee be charged http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/smile.gif .
Of course the return carriage (usually £8 for 48 hr delivery) to get the item back to you would be chargeable in addition to the repair fee, obviously this would also be charged if you wanted the item sending back without being repaired.
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We have had two enquires regarding Faulty equipment sold via E-Bay auctions (one of them has been posted within this forum). Whilst the majority of sellers on E-Bay are genuine (Ourselves included http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/tongue.gif ) there does seem to be a growing trend of faulty second hand electrical goods or "sold as seen" products which is beginning to filter within the Disco Equipment Auctions!.
One of the main problems of second hand goods via E-bay is that for logistical purposes it is not easy to view or test goods before sale!. Beware that "Sold as seen" headings are often a fob off for "I know it doesn't work, but by putting this you don't have any come back" - and in most private sales, you don't!.
If you are buying 2nd hand, be sure to check the item first or at least make sure that it works!. If this isn't possible then consider buying new, or second hand from a dealer, where you are legally entitiled to SOME warranty - even if it's only 28 days or 3 months, at least you are Guaranteed of the product working when it arrives.
Above all - avoid any "Sold as seen" banners on internet Auctions where it is impossible to view the item before paying for it!. Some lighting effects or pro Audio equipment can cost upto 60% of their new price just to carry out a repair!.
Another point to consider when buying via E-Bay - make sure that the product that you are buying has a UK Distributor (Or that the person selling is an Authorised Distributor and can obtain spares!) there are increasing numbers of unknown branded products appearing within the market place. These are often cheap imports imported from the far east and sold very cheaply. If you have never heard of the brand then ask the question about spares!. You may find that getting spares requires you to buy them in from Asia, takes around 12 weeks to arrive and lands you with an expensive customs charge.
You can easily find out if a Manufacturer has a UK distributor or network by visiting their website.
Happy Bidding!
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Hi,
I'm 99% certain that this is a fault with the actual mains transformer within the unit, however first check that the unit is fitted with the correct lamp. I know that this is the most obvious (and logical) test but you would be surprised at how many returns we see, where the lamp has been substituted with a higher rating!. Especially where the unit has been bought second hand, and the seller has just fitted "Whatever he had lying around". The correct lamp for the Mojoscan is 24V 250W.
I'm sure that you have already checked the lamp at some stage, so unfortunately I think you may be looking at a replacement mains transformer, which can be expensive, certainly a fuse blowing does indicate a short circuit winding within the transformer and the existing unit would not be repairable.
There is one thing that you can check however. If the unit has had a fan failure or overheated at some point, then it is possible that the internal wiring has been damaged by heat from the lamp. By removing the cover, you can check to see if any wiring has melted together and "Welded" by the heat! - In most cases this would usually be the wiring between the mains transformer and actual lamp holder.
If the wiring is okay then you really need to seek the opinion of an engineer for repairs. Unfortunately, Geni spares in the UK are somewhat limited due to their restricted distribution network. However it is likely that a transformer from another similar effect - such as an Abstract, NJD etc may fit and be an easy to obtain replacement should you encounter difficulties with the original part.
We do offer repairs on these units, however due to the addition cost of carriage, you may find it cheaper to have it repaired locally. If I can be of any further assistance please email me at tech@dj-supplies.co.uk
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QUOTE (Tom @ Jan 24 2003, 09:11 PM) A small disco, yes. Like mine, no. oooooerrrrrr Steady Tom! - Does that mean that you have a big one?? http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/rolleyes.gif http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/rolleyes.gif
Calm Down Ladies!! we are talking disco's! http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif
I'm in the process of putting together some links for affordable Motor Insurance, Equipment and Public liability insurance and hopefully will post these soon.
In the meantime if you have any suggestions then post or email them to me!.
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QUOTE (Rick @ Jan 24 2003, 12:10 AM)
But.....you never mentioned the sept 11th one? http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/wink.gifNot Yet! - I need a few more stories posted here first! http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/tongue.gif
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Hi Cris,
Welcome to Mobile D.J Chat
Thanks for taking the time to become a member, and for your comments.
We hope that visitors will continue to sign up over the coming weeks, and share information with others.
Regards
Chris
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O.K nobody likes to be the first to post, so I suppose I'll be the first to share this embarrassing moment from my past........
Most D.J's have a routine for the selection of smoochies played at the end of the Evening and I am no exception http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/tongue.gif . Most have also a special track which is played at the end of the Evening, some of the more popular ones being Robbie Williams - Angels, New York, New York etc etc. During a gig back in 1994, we were also playing one particular track to finish off the Evening, and, well, sometimes you just get into a routine and play the track without any thought......
Just before 12.00, I had to pay a visit to the "Small D.J's Room" to answer a call of nature, I left my Roadie in charge to play the final track to finish of the Evening, secure in the knowledge that even he couldn't make a mess of choosing and cuing up the last record (Good old Vinyl Days!). could he??
YES! He could.....
I returned from the toilet to hear the sounds of "You'll never walk alone" coming from the P.A - No problem you may think?, well it IS a problem when around 90% of your audience that night are in WHEELCHAIRS.
Oh dear!. yes out of habit he had played our usual track without considering the irony of the title. Luckily the Evening had been a great success and our audience saw the funny side, but it goes to show that you do have to concentrate on your music policy and avoid anything could could offend!. Sometimes it's not that easy as I found out.
I still cringe when I think about it, although it has been forgotten and doesn't come back to haunt me...until now http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/ohmy.gif
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Hi Paul, Thanks for posting. We've only been here for a few days http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/ohmy.gif , hopefully our membership will increase and we'll be kept busy http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/ohmy.gif .
Hope you have enjoyed your visit, please call back again!.
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Hi Paul, welcome to Mobile D.J Chat http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/smile.gif . Firstly prices for Disco's vary just like everything else, Property, Taxi fares, even the good old pint http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/rolleyes.gif . A lot depends on your actual area, although from talking to other D.J's there does seem to be the old "North / South" Divide. Mainly the price that D.J's charge appears to be more expensive in the South, than say in Scotland or the North East.
Don't quote me on this http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/tongue.gif - But I do have colleagues in the Essex Area who charge £250 a night, then again I know of D.J's in the Lake District who charge only £80 a night. I believe that you could also expect to pay around £300+ a night for an Established D.J in London - Maybe even more.
Other factors to take into account are your local area. Are you close to a large town or City Centre?, since demand (and prices) in a larger populated area for D.J's on a Friday or Saturday is likely to be higher in an Urban area than in a rural area. Then again if you are the only D.J for 30 Miles then you could possibly charge £££'s for those young farmers Gigs!.
Of course, whatever you decide to charge also depends on your ability as a D.J, the type of show that you are offering and whether you also offer Karaoke or not?. Other things to factor in, are the type of function that you have to do, how long it will take you to travel there, How long it will take you to set up and pack away (i.e do you have to lug your gear up 3 flights of stairs!!). The length of the function, and if you are in the middle of a city centre - your car / van parking fees http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/wink.gif http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/wink.gif
A good way to find out what is being charged locally is to enquire as a potential customer to one of your established competitors!!! (This is done in any business so don't feel too guilty! http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/blink.gif ). Call a few of them asking for a price on a wedding, 21st etc for say 8pm - 12. take all of the prices and find the average price.
I advise all people starting up from scratch to charge slightly below that charged by your lowest priced competitor. But don't undersell yourself either since your customer will be suspicious if you are £50 below everybody else!!!. Fix a fair price for your area, and offer a fair and reliable service and your bookings should roll in.
It is always a good idea to offer potential "Regular" customers - such as your local Pub, Hotel, Function room etc a good discount on frequent work or block bookings - as much as 25% lower than your standard price if the work is weekly or if they are loyal and pass business to your roadshow only. Pub work - i.e 7 - 11 is always the more competitive area of D.J'ing and you may have to go in with a very low quote to compete. Although an advantage of this work is that it's open to the public (getting more bookings from punters for Weddings etc) and often booked during the week - which still frees up your Friday / Saturdays for your more lucrative Function room bookings!. Decide if taking Pub work locally is worth it - but don't run it at a loss!.
If you choose agency work then the agent usually sets the price then pays you - less his 10 - 25% commission. If you do choose agency work then ask around first for a reputable one!. Many are set up as fly by night operations which get the D.J to do all of the work then disappear with all of the fee http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/mad.gif . I stopped taking this work because of too many cowboys, but decide for yourself and ALWAYS make sure you get a written contract even if it's only for one booking!!.
Some good tips on finding regular contract work are by approaching:- Football / Cricket Clubs, Council Run Town / Village Halls, Leisure Centres, Hotels with function suites, Conference Centres, Universities, Organisations (Drama Groups, Young Farmers, Student Union, Working Mens clubs etc). Remember to offer these a discount on regular bookings since many hotels etc will charge a fee for the hire of the room plus a fee for the disco and if you offer a discount to them then they are likely to maximise THEIR profit just for booking YOU.
So the easiest way to find out prices is to contact a few local competitors (Yellow pages is useful http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/cool.gif ) .
If you need any more advice then please post your questions. Good Luck with your venture.
BTW: £300 would be around average for my area on New Years Eve (Cheshire Area). A lot would also depend on how late the booking is made http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/rolleyes.gif , I often get calls on 30th December for People who have left booking a D.J too late or have been let down by other D.J's and are in a panic, you could be justified in charging over the odds for this service, but it is personal choice!. maybe other D.J's could post their policy and charges for New Years Eve?.
Chris
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Welcome to "DJ's UNITED". A friendly and informal online community set up for members who are either working Mobile D.J's or wish to find out how to become one!. The forum is independantly run & privately owned.
This Forum is now part of a large, Members Only community. As a guest you can only currently view a small sample of the actual forum content. New Members are always welcome, so sign up for FREE and gain full access to the entire forum..
DJ's United is not a Union, Agency or Organisation and no subscriptions are charged. We are a community of like minded individuals who share ideas and experience and freely pass on advice to each other. All content is ever changing and entirely created by it's membership.
This forum is open to everybody, of all ages, and our members include veteran D.Js, and those simply looking for advice on how to start out in business for the first time.
There are already over 150,000 posts, many containing tips on subjects such as Learning to D.J, Buying equipment, running a business, Advertising, Music, Insurance, Tax issues, etc, along with equipment reviews and free technical advice. Members are also encouraged to pass on any additional bookings, to each other via the Forum.
DJ's United is rapidly becoming one of the fastest growing Mobile D.J communities on the Internet, currently with over 4000 members, but it can only continue to grow with your help.
So, Why Sign Up for Membership?
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As well as being an informative discussion board, we hope that you will also make new contacts and friends from your time spent here. Unlike many other forums, we are very informal, whilst still remaining professional.
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All the Best
The DJU Admin Team
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Hello Mr Tom!!!! http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/tongue.gif Thanks for joining us!!
Working with bands!!
in Getting Started
Posted
Yes, I hate it when that happens http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/mad.gif , luckily the band I played alongside last week, just finished their set and went and stood at the bar for the last hour. But usually there is the usual rush for them to get packed away and push their flightcases across the dancefloor!.
On one occasion, I had a band who managed to unplug my P.A rig in the mad dash for them to get packed away - needless to say I was not amused http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/sad.gif - another tip - always try and plug into a seperate bank of sockets to that of the band - just in case they unplug the wrong one when they begin to pack away http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/rolleyes.gif