Mic Mac...To DJ or not to DJ.

[Jimbo55 0]

The problem with pricing work for the service you supply is very difficult when you first start. Work out what it is costing you to supply the service, Fuel, insurance, equipment cost, music etc. Look at local hire charges for PA and lighting systems as a guide. Don't forget the Taxmans bit.

 

Then work out what you as an individual need to earn out of the evening (don't forget the help the wife gives). You will probably find that it will come out at a higher figure than you were expecting. The more bookings you do the less the overheads will become so you can reduce costs for block or regular weekly bookings (Or make more profit).

 

Pubs are notorious for not wanting to pay a lot on a regular basis. If you can get £100 on a Saturday night from a typical village pub then you are about at the maximum you can expect. Town pubs may pay a bit more. Larger pubs will pay more but expect more for their money. Special occasions can usually be negotiated.

 

Do remember that a standard quote is usually for 4 or 5 hrs. Make this clear and DON'T forget to add extra for additional hrs. Make it clear that hrs after midnight are at a premium cost. So even if it is a 5 hr gig from 8.00pm till 1.00 am ad the extra cost in say standard price 5 hrs eg £120 then the late hr would be dearer at 1.5 times normal so cost would be £130 Don't forget this.

 

Also work out a standard rate and keep to it. The landlord will and question any changes if it is done 'out of the hat' every time. The landlord will then know your system and be able to cost you in for any special promotions etc.

 

 

When you first start out

 

Rule 1 contract and at least a deposit up front.

 

Rule 2 see rule 1 It's your business...

 

Jimbo

[MicMac 0]

Hello All :djuhi:

 

quick response....

 

My comment about the amount of booking your doing wasn't a criticism, good luck to you if work seems to drop in your lap.......I wanna know the secret.....coz I wanna do whatever it is your doing lol.

 

Hi NRG. I did not perceive it as a critisism.

 

Maybe you should be a little cheeky during your gigs, and surreptisiosly (or even blatently) give out your cards through the gig. I know we have discussed this, and most members don't think this is the best ploy, and maybe some will think you are cheeky, but as time goes on and their reletives / friends say "I'm having a party, do you know a DJ", somewhere in the bottom of their purse, bag, etc will be your card, as opposed "Well there was that bloke who did Auntie Mavises retirement, but I can't remember his name, don't have his number.....To the yellow pages then.....Just a suggestion.

 

I have also determined a solid price structure....£25 p/h + £30 p/h after midnight for parties, and £30 p/h (£35 p/h after midnight) for Weddings....

 

The quest Continues :hphone:

 

 

Edited November 30, 2006 by MicMac

[shakermaker 0]

Sounds like you are gradually getting it togeather mate. The best thing you can do is design yourself a booking form with all the relevant information on it and the terms and conditions on the back of it.

 

Hope this helps but what I do / have done, is designed a booking form double sided and got lots of copies done and I always have some with me (or in the van). If I have a meeting with a customer I take a form with me and get their details and get them to sign it as confirmation of the booking. I then tell them that they will recieve full confirmation in the post a few days later. I either scan the form when I get home or put the copy in a folder. I have copies in a file and also on a seperate hard drive just in case anything happens to them.

 

If you have forms with you then the landlord can sign there and then. Make sure you have the details of the increased price after midnight in your T's & C's.

[MicMac 0]

Hello All.... :djuhi:

 

(And Hi Andy... :aa )

 

I hope some of you are still interested in this blog. It seems ages since I last updated, but events as usual have decended the Mic Mac

 

All planned to go to Torquay to meet andy, to get some top advice, and maybe a bit of kit, but was not a journey to remember.

Could not get someone to look after kids, and finally set off at 10.00am, and with car full. I knew we were going slightly out of our way when I started seemingly to get closer to North Wales on M56. Stopped @ services, realised should have turned south on M6 30 miles back....

Turned around (me still confident, wife a little pesamistic), THEN I got pulled by the police :blameless: , as I had driven in outside lane with trailer :ads:. £60.00 Fine and Three points AGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH. :ouch:

So turned around, and decided we were not going to make it (nailed when Cop said I should also stick to 60mph (I would have arrived on Monday...lol), so we gave up.

So thanks Andy for being so understanding. :nbow:

 

was not happy Sunday night as I had agreed to work until 11pm however at 10:30 a barrel load of rugby lads turned up (The said same lads who the DJ at the con club left because of). I was left between walking out of the pub (and probably the contact), or putting up with them on Karaoke until 11:45, so I did the latter.

 

I am going to speak to managers and say I need to know what I am doing, and once I am happy with what I am expected to do I will go and see the owner and negotiate a minimum price starting after christmas. I was thinking chancing my arm with £100 for a friday (8-3), and £70 for a sunday 8-11:30. My fear is that (given he owns 4 other pubs), there is nothing to stop him knowing a bedroom DJ who will do it for £80 or less. Given he is tight it is OK saying I should demand a set amount, be firm, but any amount is still an income that I currently need.

 

Again it comes back to my kit, and having the confidence in my kit, so I can relax.

 

ADVICE SOURT: My speakers are 250w 8 HOMS Torque. I notice, a intermitant ticking omits from them that gets worse when I turn up the bass ??????? (my brother says he does not notice it, but my wife says she can, but she thinks she is listening for it.

 

Anyway I will see if the hard core of (what could be 30) rugby lads turn up on Friday, once they get chucked out of Con Club after non-stop drinking from about noon....:omg: (Good practice though I think), so I will be back soon.

 

Please advise as to my ticking problem

 

The quest continues.... :hphone:

 

 

 

 

[Andy Westcott 0]

I have a test file you can download - basically random noise heavily filtered, and centred around 20Hz. This will vibrate the cone considerably and if you hear scraping sounds, it is possibly due to an overheated and damaged voice coil.

 

I would rather think that it is a simple rattling of the cabinet, though. smile icon

 

WARNING!!

This waveform can damage your speakers if played too loudly - ensure you are aware of the power levels, and ensure the speaker's diaphragm doesn't go beyond it's design limits. I can accept no responsibility for anyone using this file, and subsequently damaging their equipment. Play it entirely at your own risk.

 

If you, or anyone else interested in EXTREMELY deep bass sounds wants to try my file, right-click the following link, and 'save target as'.

rumble.mp3

It's about half a megabyte in size, and is about 30 seconds long.

 

For those with BIG speakers, ENJOY!! :Thumbup:

[YourBigEvent 0]

was thinking chancing my arm with £100 for a friday (8-3), and £70 for a sunday 8-11:30.

 

Don't get that bit, Friday when you could get another booking come in you will work for 7 hours for £100, but a quiet night like Sunday is 3 hours for £70

 

So Friday prime time is £14 per hour

Sunday, quiet time is £23 per hour

 

What do you do differently on a Sunday to warranty £10 per hour more for 3 hours less ?

[MicMac 0]

was thinking chancing my arm with £100 for a friday (8-3), and £70 for a sunday 8-11:30.

 

Don't get that bit, Friday when you could get another booking come in you will work for 7 hours for £100, but a quiet night like Sunday is 3 hours for £70

 

So Friday prime time is £14 per hour

Sunday, quiet time is £23 per hour

 

What do you do differently on a Sunday to warranty £10 per hour more for 3 hours less ?

 

In fairness though I not only have to put a quiz together for Sunday. at my own expense) and in my own time, but I have to do quiz and karaoke.

[shakermaker 0]

You are unfortunately stuck in a rut mate. I understand that it's money and at the moment you need it but as long as you continue letting them (willingly or unwillingly) take the biscuit, then you'll be in the same situation for a while yet - Harsh but true (unfortunately).

 

I think what you need to do is some heavy promotion. Get yourself round to every venue in your area and the surrounding area (as far as you are willing to travel). Drop off your cards and have a chat with the venues. If they don't have time, arrange a meeting with them. Tell them that you understand that they may use someone else at the moment and you don't want to step on anyone's toes but to keep hold of your card in case they need it one day. Don't be pushy but don't be too laid back either.

Maybe you have done this already? I really do think that you need to get away from the place you are in asap.

[YourBigEvent 0]

What I would do is this...

 

the next £60 he pays you, go and buy some stamps, then get the YP out and mail shot as many of the hotels as you can.

 

I would be happy with £70 for 3 hours on a Sunday then, in fact I would do it ofr £60 so as not to rock the boat.

[FrankieJ 0]

I am going to speak to managers and say I need to know what I am doing, and once I am happy with what I am expected to do I will go and see the owner and negotiate a minimum price starting after christmas. I was thinking chancing my arm with £100 for a friday (8-3), and £70 for a sunday 8-11:30. My fear is that (given he owns 4 other pubs), there is nothing to stop him knowing a bedroom DJ who will do it for £80 or less.

 

Don't get that bit, Friday when you could get another booking come in you will work for 7 hours for £100, but a quiet night like Sunday is 3 hours for £70

 

So Friday prime time is £14 per hour

Sunday, quiet time is £23 per hour

 

What do you do differently on a Sunday to warranty £10 per hour more for 3 hours less ?

 

 

I agree with Andy here, I dont understand why you would work your butt of for 7 hours to come home with £100 in your pocket, I know some areas charge less than others but dont sell yourselve short this is daylight robbery.

This guy most likely earns £100 an hour owning 4 pubs and YOU are helping to keep his punters there, I can understand if it was 8-12 sunday night or a 3 hour kids party but not a prime night where you could earn £150 for 4 hours work.

You seem a nice guy and very keen in this buisness, just dont like seeing good people get sold down the river. All the best.

 

[MicMac 0]

Hello all.... :djuhi:

 

My exploits continue....

 

Working in the pub all going well, and pub is starting to build a customer base, however went to speak to owner (as it was agreed I would get £60 per night up until Christmas), and he told me that the pub wasn't making the profit he needed, and paying for a DJ seems like throwing good money after bad... (He also told me the quiz on a Sunday was not going well, despite the last quiz having 20 (paying) participants, then we suspended the quiz for Christmas and new year in favour of Disco / Karaoke.

I told him that the pub is starting to, but needed to rebuild it's reputation. He asked me how this could be done, but I felt it was not my place to suggest what should be done. He said he would discuss the situation with the manager. Later in the day I went to see manager, who was not aware of what owner had said, and his wife said she would jack in the pub if he did not continue to employ me, as "The pub would be completly empty all the time if we didn't have friday night, and there is no way she was working in an empty pub". I tried to explain (with difficulty) that the objective in going to see him was to request a larger fee, not to secure my position, however she told me that there was no way he would pay more than £60...Leaving me with a dhillema...

 

...Remember the Landlord who left the pub ("I've had people shot"), well the new landlady phoned me to ask if I could do Christmas weekend (I had already promised the Stags, so could not do it), however I went to see her (Before the meeting with the stags owner), and she said she would pay me £90 for a session (Friday or Saturday).

 

Do I take what I can, even if it is £60.00 for a 6 1/2 hour gig, dedicating to the Stags (Paying £120 for two nights) and hope that as the pub grows so does my fee, or take the Dolphin's offer (at the risk of loosing the stags completly). (To be fair the owner may sill elect to 'ditch the DJ' anyhow so my options will be taken away from me)

 

The manager of the Stags rang the owner to find out situ, however I had to leave before I knew the conclusion, so I will work in there tonight and New Years eve (Paying £100), then see what the situation is.

 

Thanks to all for support and advice

 

The quest continues.... :hphone:

[Steve_Mitchell 0]

Have you thought of a paper round...... Its easier and there is no outlay..

[shakermaker 0]

Sorry Mic Mac but I really do not envy you. Everyone has to start somewhere and all that BUT I really feel that you are being taken for a ride. No way would I do a 6 and a half hour session for less than £200 (local pub or not). You say £60.00? That's less than £10.00 and hour and that's the settong up, entertaining, breaking down and all of your costs / expenses too....No way mate!

 

It may well be 6 and a half hours of playing music but take into consideration the setting up and breaking down times too and you are seriously being under paid.

 

I really do wish you all the best in your quest but as I keep saying, ditch the place, you are surely worth more than a measley £60.00!!!?!?

[YourBigEvent 0]

No loyalty in business, take the money, forget the pub gig, get the higher paid residency.

 

Did I read one bit correct, the £100 for NYE ?

[MicMac 0]

You read it correctly....£100 for NYE. What could I do. He initially offered £80, but managers have put £20 out of there own pocket. (Bear in mind that the owner is not quite paying the managers £250 per week to manage pub, so one can gauge the lack of parting with the cash.

 

It is so ironic, given that my hope was to get a residency, and I get one with scrooge in charge of the cash.

[YourBigEvent 0]

It is so ironic, given that my hope was to get a residency, and I get one with scrooge in charge of the cash.

 

No you don't, you get one with a very clever businessman.

[MicMac 0]

The man won't buy a bell for last orders (Nor a phone for pub). Thats trying to run a pub on a shoestring

[andyw 0]

i hope this dont sound harsh because it is not meant that way.

micmac tobe taken seriously by the manager you have to take yourself seriously first.i think you done the right thing working for £60 you should of got some money together and reinvested it in your equipment.and now have your old equipment as back up.then you can go and tell the manager what you want to be earning.if you leave the pub he will have to either find someone to take your place and at that price it wont be easy or have no entertainment and loose customers.we done a similar thing this year we excepted 8 bookings and new years eve at below our normal rate but it was guranteed money for jamie to reinvest back.the owner came up last week and asked if they could book us for next year to which i replied yes but not at those prices,so we gave her a quote based on next years prices with a discount for a block booking.she has just confirmed all dates with the exception of nye.be firm micmac or in 12 months you will be asking the same questions.but make sure your equipment is reliable

Edited December 29, 2006 by andyw

[EdBray 0]

Well, I met the legend that is Mic Mac (and his son) this afternoon, what a really nice chap, and I really do wish him well in his quest to become an experienced DJ. To this end, he is now the very proud owner of a pair of 15" 400watt RMS Active bi-amped speakers, all new leads and a Numark KMX01 Twin CD+G player, Martin Raptor Light and a Studiomaster Microphone.

 

Hopefully this will give him some piece of mind knowing that a) the kit is up to the job, and b) he has a little bit of built in redundancy should he have future problems.

 

[bluejools 0]

You know I have just read this post start to finish..... I guess I started it all those months ago.... but now was nice to pick up.

 

 

I used to have a local pub here, a residency. I started out when they did, helped them out by being cheap, even donated a couple of sofas to them to make the place better.

 

 

When it came to shove, out on my ear for someone cheaper.

 

And you know what....... best thing that has happened to me.

 

 

 

I hated the pub... was a stop off before people went clubbing, nobody there for a DJ... nobody (cept my crowd) ever dancing, depsite matching requested musical tastes.

That was so so so so so so so so so soul destroying.

 

 

I know I dont run as a business... but this year I have not played the same place twice (until 23rd) and I have loved every minute of it (almost).

 

People dance, they like you, and i get paid more. Less than a residency because I am not playing so much... but to me this is part time, I am not in it for the money... any money i make goes back into it as I have a weakness for nice speakers and sparkly lights.........

 

Mic Mac I hope the new year works for you. As Andy said.... find somewhere else to play and take some pride in yourself. Sounds like you have now got some good gear to build (an obviously industroius personality) with.

 

 

Good luck.... there is always some grind.. but it can be so good.

[MicMac 0]

Hello All.

 

And HAPPY NEW YEAR.

 

Well as you have read I had the pleasure of meeting Edbray, and Ed, the events of NYE (below), I was never so greatful for something.....

 

NYE Went to pub, and packed up original kit, set up new kit....All job done, looked good. In pub was me my brother and a lass, so we agreed that I would pick up a curry, on my way to get a shower. This done, walked back to pub 1/2 hour later, curry in hand but pub was absolutly packed solid. went outside, ate the curry, and proceeded to demonstrate a very cool NYE party, and not once did I look at the kit. The transformation was incredible and timed to perfection, so again thanks Ed.

 

Plan for 07...

 

I am going to suggest to owner to a sauturday for £80 or (if he is having none of that) £60 but I get my drinks for free, and, if i get a booking I will take that, then go speak to woman in other pub (dolphin), and (try pursuade her up to £100), but still do if she sticks to £90 for a friday night.

 

I know a lot of you seem to think the price I am getting is at the very low budety rate, but in fairness, I think the 'expected rate for a DJ in Braford seems ot less than that in the south.

 

A straw poll of DJ's in My area...

 

Friday Night

 

Colin £100 - 9 - 1

Sam £120 - 8 - 1

DJ A - £100 8-1

 

So my 'notching' of any fee can not be to OTT,

 

Also Poor people still get married, have 'little Chantel' chritened etc, but can't afford £200 / £300 for a DJ in afternoon. Someone has, and does, cater to them.

Don't get me wrong, it is NOT my intention to cater to the lower end of market, so please don't have a go, as it is just a point.

 

All in all I think 2007 is going to have a much better sound to it, and as (Is contiinuasly reminded on this site), get the sound first, I am now in that position....

 

Look out Grand hotel Estoria........

 

 

[TonyB 0]

 

Plan for 07...

 

I am going to suggest to owner to a sauturday for £80 or (if he is having none of that) £60 but I get my drinks for free, and, if i get a booking I will take that, then go speak to woman in other pub (dolphin), and (try pursuade her up to £100), but still do if she sticks to £90 for a friday night.

 

I know a lot of you seem to think the price I am getting is at the very low budety rate, but in fairness, I think the 'expected rate for a DJ in Braford seems ot less than that in the south.

 

A straw poll of DJ's in My area...

 

Friday Night

 

Colin £100 - 9 - 1

Sam £120 - 8 - 1

DJ A - £100 8-1

 

So my 'notching' of any fee can not be to OTT,

 

Also Poor people still get married, have 'little Chantel' chritened etc, but can't afford £200 / £300 for a DJ in afternoon. Someone has, and does, cater to them.

Don't get me wrong, it is NOT my intention to cater to the lower end of market, so please don't have a go, as it is just a point.

 

All in all I think 2007 is going to have a much better sound to it, and as (Is contiinuasly reminded on this site), get the sound first, I am now in that position....

 

Look out Grand hotel Estoria........

 

Sounds like a plan to me. Just hope that the Landlord/Landlady doesn't read this forum!

 

Glad you got your sound system sorted.

[MicMac 0]

Hi All..... :djuhi:

 

Well it has been a while, and thinks took a turn that left me without an option.

 

Because I had done NYE I now had both kits in the pub, so packed up everything , to sort out at home. Manager asked why I was packing all up so I explained it needed sorting, and I needed to speak to Les to see if he still wanted me to do the gig.

 

Anyway I get a message (on the Tuesday) that there was an assumption I was not going back to pub. I rang pub, and manager told me manageresss had assumed I wasn't comming back so asked another DJ (One of managers mates), if she wanted to do it :omg: . Could not belive she had not called me to ask what situation was.

 

I am torn between, still going in there, as (like my blog mentions), I took a group of 6 people with me who all spend £30. We have discussed boycotting it :nono: (we went in last night (Saturday), and we were the only ones in there), but my brother and a lass would still go in there so sort of defeats the object of a boycott :moon: . It is a difficult one.

 

Anyhow I high tailed it to New Dolphin, and am now doing fridays from 8 - 1 for £90. :mikee:

 

BUT (This is quite ironic), the woman who has taken over (Zoe) has done 2 weeks, phoned on friday to tell them she was ill and not able to do the job, THEN proceeded to turn up at pub and get P :cense: d lol

 

Anyhow, I am getting more confident with kit, :bouncy: and am in process of getting some proper advertising together. My next move is lights, a T pole to put them on, and some speaker stands. Recommendations would be appriciated. :grouphug:

 

Quoted £70 for 2 kids birthday party, did not phone me back, and £150 for engagement party. Again have not contacted me back :aa

 

Was speaking to karaoke shop and he told me he had had 3 enquiries this year about box lights so they seem to be making a comeback

 

Right it is late and I am off.

 

The quest continues.... :hphone:

 

 

 

[Paul Smith 0]

The local (to me) disco shop told me that just before Christmas they couldn't keep up with demand for box lights :shrug:

[Jimbo55 0]

This whole post sounds pretty much like the start up issues of any Disco/Business/Venture. They all have there ups and downs.

 

The important thing is, you have stuck at it. This is one of the main issues of any venture. You can sit on your backside and do nothing, or you keep trying. Do not give up. There are plenty of venues out there. As your confidence gains so will your business.

 

Jim