Traditional House
Progressive House
Tech House
Techno
Electro House
Trance
Electronica

United States
United Kingdom
Germany
Italy
France
Spain
Netherlands

What do you charge?

Home :: General Discussion :: What do you charge?Reply

What do you charge? Posted on: 15.06.2012 by Marilynn Rengers So, I've been djing for a little over two years and have been taking any house party/event that I could get to play and get feedback from others. Recently, I was offered a regular gig at a new bar that has opened by me doing two weekends a month when I'm in school and an open option for next summer depending on how the bar does. The owner asked me how much I would charge for the evening s (assuming a 9 pm-2am time slot) but I really wasn't too sure what to tell him, so on to my question: What would be a reasonable amount to ask him for? He said he has a booth so I wouldn't really need to bring my gear except for a few side pieces that I use. Any input would be great from you guys! Thanks in advance! Matt
Vernon Positano 18.06.2012	Originally Posted by JayRuss i do apologise for hijacking the thread slightly, but what about people in the uk ? how much doy ou get for a evening , out here in the South west i get
Vernon Positano 18.06.2012	Originally Posted by JayRuss i do apologise for hijacking the thread slightly, but what about people in the uk ? how much doy ou get for a evening , out here in the South west i get
Vernon Positano 18.06.2012	Originally Posted by JayRuss i do apologise for hijacking the thread slightly, but what about people in the uk ? how much doy ou get for a evening , out here in the South west i get
Vernon Positano 18.06.2012	Originally Posted by JayRuss i do apologise for hijacking the thread slightly, but what about people in the uk ? how much doy ou get for a evening , out here in the South west i get
Vernon Positano 18.06.2012	Originally Posted by JayRuss i do apologise for hijacking the thread slightly, but what about people in the uk ? how much doy ou get for a evening , out here in the South west i get
Vernon Positano 18.06.2012	Originally Posted by JayRuss i do apologise for hijacking the thread slightly, but what about people in the uk ? how much doy ou get for a evening , out here in the South west i get
Vernon Positano 18.06.2012	Originally Posted by JayRuss i do apologise for hijacking the thread slightly, but what about people in the uk ? how much doy ou get for a evening , out here in the South west i get
Vernon Positano 18.06.2012	Originally Posted by JayRuss i do apologise for hijacking the thread slightly, but what about people in the uk ? how much doy ou get for a evening , out here in the South west i get
Vernon Positano 18.06.2012	Originally Posted by JayRuss i do apologise for hijacking the thread slightly, but what about people in the uk ? how much doy ou get for a evening , out here in the South west i get
Vernon Positano 18.06.2012	Originally Posted by JayRuss i do apologise for hijacking the thread slightly, but what about people in the uk ? how much doy ou get for a evening , out here in the South west i get
Onie Sarandos 18.06.2012	Originally Posted by seitz i always wonder if i actually know you people sense you djin nj...jersey shore is very close to myself...which bar/club? I do every Wednesday evening at Sushi Lounge in Morristown, one-off evening s at Sushi Lounge in Morristown and Totowa and I have a gig coming up at Perle in New Brunswick, 6/29. I have also done a few gigs in NYC in the last year (Haven, Bryant Park Hotel, Sutton Place). How about yourself?
Onie Sarandos 18.06.2012	Originally Posted by teambama So judging by the answers here I do pretty damn good. lol-yeah dude, I would say you're doing pretty good.
Maricruz Mouw 17.06.2012	Originally Posted by SantotoMT The music is up to me, but I believe he was looking for pop/pop club remix music. The evening s are going to be Friday and Saturday evening s. As far as location, it's about 15-20 minutes from the Jersey Shore so there are a bunch of other bars and clubs pretty close. Originally Posted by jfd6812 Hey man-I DJ the NY/NJ area as well. Especially since you're just starting out, I would be surprised if you got more than the 200-300 per evening . Really surprised. But I believe its ok to ask for 300, and see what he offers. If you go below 300, ask for a % of the gate (if there is one). Again, it's a feel thing, depending on how your discussions have gone so far. If you feel really comfortable with him, you can even ask for $100/hr for the summer (netting you 400 for the evening ). Ultimately, if you get 200 or more, I'd say you're doing ok for just starting out. Good luck! i always wonder if i actually know you people sense you djin nj...jersey shore is very close to myself...which bar/club?
Kindra Brawand 17.06.2012	Originally Posted by JayRuss i do apologise for hijacking the thread slightly, but what about people in the uk ? how much doy ou get for a evening , out here in the South west i get
Jenna Skeem 17.06.2012	i do apologise for hijacking the thread slightly, but what about people in the uk ? how much doy ou get for a evening , out here in the South west i get
Reda Holdsworth 16.06.2012	Originally Posted by jakeintox Good for you. Why do you believe that is, location? experience? Give us some info that can make your answer helpful! @OP, The average I've seen in my area for bar/club work seems to be the same average stated here, $200-$500. If I don't need to bring any gear I'll go as low as $50 an hour. With your experience, I agree with asking for $200-300 and seeing what he counters with. If the place does really well you can negotiate for a % of bar or door once you've proven yourself. Wasn't trying to be a smartass or smug. I Was serious. Guess I'm lucky, I don't play a gig for under $400 bucks period. I also work hard at promoting my gigs & my local club owners know that. I get liquor reps to sponsor all my gigs. Get them to buy 5000 nice glossy 2 sided flyer's & promote the shit out of it all over town. That costs $150 bucks but not out of my pocket. Sponsors pay for it. It's definitely not location. I'm in Montgomery Alabama. The armpit of the DJ scene in the united states right behind Tennessee & Mississippi Book your gigs smart. Think of things other DJ's don't believe of or are to lazy to put together. You can get jagermeister girls at your event for nothing. Every club owner loves shit like that. I was just invited to open for yellawolf today. http://thrillcall.com/event/1117329-...bar-montgomery I'm actually excited about that & would do it for free truth be known.. But I bet I pull $500 bucks for the gig. Get as much as you can. But let it be known when you get $300 bucks you feel like your worth more & are willing to do it for that one time. Then work your ass off to get people in the door & tell the owner I told you so. The next gig will be $500. nothing is easy you get out of it what you put into it. Good luck.
Kamala Temple 16.06.2012	Originally Posted by SantotoMT So, I've been djing for a little over two years and have been taking any house party/event that I could get to play and get feedback from others. Recently, I was offered a regular gig at a new bar that has opened by me doing two weekends a month when I'm in school and an open option for next summer depending on how the bar does. The owner asked me how much I would charge for the evening s (assuming a 9 pm-2am time slot) but I really wasn't too sure what to tell him, so on to my question: What would be a reasonable amount to ask him for? He said he has a booth so I wouldn't really need to bring my gear except for a few side pieces that I use. Any input would be great from you guys! Thanks in advance! Matt Hey man, just wondering what bar you'll be at? I guess you could say i'm on the "jersey shore" lol.
Ethel Feigum 15.06.2012	Originally Posted by teambama So judging by the answers here I do pretty damn good. Good for you. Why do you believe that is, location? experience? Give us some info that can make your answer helpful! @OP, The average I've seen in my area for bar/club work seems to be the same average stated here, $200-$500. If I don't need to bring any gear I'll go as low as $50 an hour. With your experience, I agree with asking for $200-300 and seeing what he counters with. If the place does really well you can negotiate for a % of bar or door once you've proven yourself.
Jenna Skeem 18.06.2012	its a small venue tbf, however im down in weston super mare, and the best payed places only get 120 a evening :S
Vernon Positano 18.06.2012	Originally Posted by JayRuss i do apologise for hijacking the thread slightly, but what about people in the uk ? how much doy ou get for a evening , out here in the South west i get
Onie Sarandos 18.06.2012	Originally Posted by seitz i always wonder if i actually know you people sense you djin nj...jersey shore is very close to myself...which bar/club? I do every Wednesday evening at Sushi Lounge in Morristown, one-off evening s at Sushi Lounge in Morristown and Totowa and I have a gig coming up at Perle in New Brunswick, 6/29. I have also done a few gigs in NYC in the last year (Haven, Bryant Park Hotel, Sutton Place). How about yourself?
Onie Sarandos 18.06.2012	Originally Posted by teambama So judging by the answers here I do pretty damn good. lol-yeah dude, I would say you're doing pretty good.
Maricruz Mouw 17.06.2012	Originally Posted by SantotoMT The music is up to me, but I believe he was looking for pop/pop club remix music. The evening s are going to be Friday and Saturday evening s. As far as location, it's about 15-20 minutes from the Jersey Shore so there are a bunch of other bars and clubs pretty close. Originally Posted by jfd6812 Hey man-I DJ the NY/NJ area as well. Especially since you're just starting out, I would be surprised if you got more than the 200-300 per evening . Really surprised. But I believe its ok to ask for 300, and see what he offers. If you go below 300, ask for a % of the gate (if there is one). Again, it's a feel thing, depending on how your discussions have gone so far. If you feel really comfortable with him, you can even ask for $100/hr for the summer (netting you 400 for the evening ). Ultimately, if you get 200 or more, I'd say you're doing ok for just starting out. Good luck! i always wonder if i actually know you people sense you djin nj...jersey shore is very close to myself...which bar/club?
Roseanna Signorini 17.06.2012	I am in the shore area as well and getting anything over $150 a evening is good for a bar especially if they have gear . I would say something like well I usually get $350 a gig but if this is going to be a regular thing I could do it for like $250 and go from there. Also, get a contract for at least 4-6 weeks which lays out the time you're playing, the pay, the days, etc. These bar guys will try to screw you, so try to do everything you can to lock it down. If you need any help you can PM me.
Kindra Brawand 17.06.2012	Originally Posted by JayRuss i do apologise for hijacking the thread slightly, but what about people in the uk ? how much doy ou get for a evening , out here in the South west i get
Jenna Skeem 17.06.2012	i do apologise for hijacking the thread slightly, but what about people in the uk ? how much doy ou get for a evening , out here in the South west i get
Ada Matzkin 16.06.2012	i like to ask for 100 per hour
Ethel Feigum 16.06.2012	Thanks! Some good insights there! I've got some liquor rep buddies I call on, but it's like pulling teeth to get them to do promos on my evening s. I wonder if your location does help, I know my area is saturated with guys that'll come out really cheap, so it drives prices down.
Reda Holdsworth 16.06.2012	Originally Posted by jakeintox Good for you. Why do you believe that is, location? experience? Give us some info that can make your answer helpful! @OP, The average I've seen in my area for bar/club work seems to be the same average stated here, $200-$500. If I don't need to bring any gear I'll go as low as $50 an hour. With your experience, I agree with asking for $200-300 and seeing what he counters with. If the place does really well you can negotiate for a % of bar or door once you've proven yourself. Wasn't trying to be a smartass or smug. I Was serious. Guess I'm lucky, I don't play a gig for under $400 bucks period. I also work hard at promoting my gigs & my local club owners know that. I get liquor reps to sponsor all my gigs. Get them to buy 5000 nice glossy 2 sided flyer's & promote the shit out of it all over town. That costs $150 bucks but not out of my pocket. Sponsors pay for it. It's definitely not location. I'm in Montgomery Alabama. The armpit of the DJ scene in the united states right behind Tennessee & Mississippi Book your gigs smart. Think of things other DJ's don't believe of or are to lazy to put together. You can get jagermeister girls at your event for nothing. Every club owner loves shit like that. I was just invited to open for yellawolf today. http://thrillcall.com/event/1117329-...bar-montgomery I'm actually excited about that & would do it for free truth be known.. But I bet I pull $500 bucks for the gig. Get as much as you can. But let it be known when you get $300 bucks you feel like your worth more & are willing to do it for that one time. Then work your ass off to get people in the door & tell the owner I told you so. The next gig will be $500. nothing is easy you get out of it what you put into it. Good luck.
Kamala Temple 16.06.2012	Originally Posted by SantotoMT So, I've been djing for a little over two years and have been taking any house party/event that I could get to play and get feedback from others. Recently, I was offered a regular gig at a new bar that has opened by me doing two weekends a month when I'm in school and an open option for next summer depending on how the bar does. The owner asked me how much I would charge for the evening s (assuming a 9 pm-2am time slot) but I really wasn't too sure what to tell him, so on to my question: What would be a reasonable amount to ask him for? He said he has a booth so I wouldn't really need to bring my gear except for a few side pieces that I use. Any input would be great from you guys! Thanks in advance! Matt Hey man, just wondering what bar you'll be at? I guess you could say i'm on the "jersey shore" lol.
Ethel Feigum 15.06.2012	Originally Posted by teambama So judging by the answers here I do pretty damn good. Good for you. Why do you believe that is, location? experience? Give us some info that can make your answer helpful! @OP, The average I've seen in my area for bar/club work seems to be the same average stated here, $200-$500. If I don't need to bring any gear I'll go as low as $50 an hour. With your experience, I agree with asking for $200-300 and seeing what he counters with. If the place does really well you can negotiate for a % of bar or door once you've proven yourself.
Reda Holdsworth 15.06.2012	So judging by the answers here I do pretty damn good.
Onie Sarandos 15.06.2012	Hey man-I DJ the NY/NJ area as well. Especially since you're just starting out, I would be surprised if you got more than the 200-300 per evening . Really surprised. But I believe its ok to ask for 300, and see what he offers. If you go below 300, ask for a % of the gate (if there is one). Again, it's a feel thing, depending on how your discussions have gone so far. If you feel really comfortable with him, you can even ask for $100/hr for the summer (netting you 400 for the evening ). Ultimately, if you get 200 or more, I'd say you're doing ok for just starting out. Good luck!
Reda Holdsworth 15.06.2012	Keep in mind when I reminded him about doing 4k at the door. We are friends. A comment like that may piss some managers/owners off.
Darlene Strohbeck 15.06.2012	Depends on the city and the DJ. In Toronto, bar (and small club) gigs often pay DJ's between $200-$300 for 10pm-2am. Some DJ's make up to $1,500, but unless you've got some sort of fame and people will follow you around from club to club, you'd probably get between $200-$300 to DJ for a full 4 hour evening around here.
Reda Holdsworth 15.06.2012	What do they charge for a cover & how crowded is the bar? A local place here wanted to give me $300 bucks for a 10 to 2 gig. They charge $10 at the door & a minimum of 500 people every fri & sat. So I told him I needed 500 & reminded him you pull 4k minimum at the door. He agreed & we were both very happy in the end. I pulled a great crowd & have the gig once a month now. Remember places that have live bands believe they can lowball DJ's because it's the one man band.
Quiana Sedey 15.06.2012	Why not just ask for a smaller flat fee and a percentage of bar sales? He does well, you do well, and he isnt stressing about it if not a whole ton of people show up at his new spot. I'd say $150 and 5% of bar sales. Also realize that you are really new as far as djing experience goes, so you arent allowed to charge what someone with say 10 years experience can.
Georgina Schatzman 15.06.2012	Get the most you he'll pay you, that's the name of the game. Ask him what his budget is looking like for entertainment.
Marilynn Rengers 15.06.2012	The music is up to me, but I believe he was looking for pop/pop club remix music. The evening s are going to be Friday and Saturday evening s. As far as location, it's about 15-20 minutes from the Jersey Shore so there are a bunch of other bars and clubs pretty close.
Masako Barcalow 15.06.2012	Do they have a definite genre or is it up to you what to play? Are these prime days (Thurs-Sat) or week days? The second question is what really is going to determine how much you can charge. Another big aspect is where you are located and what the local market will support. If you overshoot your prices, people will easily undercut your business. If you go too cheap, you'll screw yourself out of money. I charge by the block to start with. I do $200 for the first 3 hours, and an additional $75 for each hour after that. This is with my own PA (albeit not the nicest on the block...) and gear , so this is what I expect. I am also located in Raleigh, NC, and it seems that my prices generally reflect what the market will bear. At the end of the day, all I can tell you is that I'd gauge my abilities and charge accordingly. From a pure business aspect: Bars aren't looking for the next big thing, they're looking for someone who'll do the job at a passable level for cheap. So gauge your abilities, then maybe tack on an extra $50-$100. This way you have room to negotiate.

<< Back to General Discussion Reply

Copyright 2012-2023 DJRANKINGS.ORG n.g.o. Chuo-ku, Osaka, Japan	Created by Ajaxel CMS
Terms & Privacy

The best DJ in Germany is:

What do you charge?