How much?!?!

So what does a DJ cost, how much do you charge, why are you so expensive, or why are you so cheap!?! This is the million dollar question, and prices of course vary. Personally I'd love DJ Jazzy Jeff to DJ my next birthday, but unless I win the lottery or have a spare $30,000 (yes thirty thousand dollars!) hiding under my mattress, it isn't going to happen!

So let's get real, like all things in life you generally get what you pay for. Unfortunately the DJ business is quite cutthroat. Whatever price I quote there is always someone who will do it cheaper, however cheaper isn't usually better. Firstly I can guarantee anyone doing a cheap as chips DJ set at your party will turn up with a cheap as chips DJ system, that's if they turn up. How many times have I seen someone get a ridiculously cheap quote, only to be let down, normally on the same night! Then they contact me and ask if I'm available, if I am I tell them yes and give them my price, they then turn around and say 'but we were only paying the other DJ £50 for a 4 hour set'. OK then, I reply, I'll charge you £50 and I won't turn up either..... See ya!

So let's say someone quotes you £300 for a 4 hour set, is that expensive. Hmmm, that works out at £75 an hour... Jeez that's a lot. Not quite, let's not forget the 40 minute drive to and from the venue, the 1 hour set up and the 1 hour tear down, the 30 mins admin and the 70 minute preparation of your playlist. So now let's work it out, £300 for 9 hours work, £33.33 an hour. Still seem expensive? Try hiring the ££££'s worth of equipment he's bringing with him and I bet you would pay a lot more for that on it's own!!

Not to put a downer on it, most people appreciate that you have to pay for a decent DJ with a decent set up. You only have a 21st, a 30th, a 50th, a 60th etc., once in your lifetime so why cheap out on the DJ? I've seen people spend the best part of a thousand pounds on some light up numbers, balloons and a flashy dancefloor, but when it comes to the DJ it's an after thought and they haggle over a few quid! Which is most important to you?, and what is the thing your guests will remember at the end of the night? No good having a flashy dance floor if nobody uses it!

I consider myself well priced in the market and by no means am I expensive (neither am I DJ Jazzy Jeff - I wish). I'll turn up as expected, with a professional attitude and decent DJ equipment, and make sure you and your guests are happy and your dance floor, whether flashy or not, is kept busy all night!

DJ DBM | TPS