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 nights (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 equipment except for a few side pieces that I use. Any input would be great from you guys! Thanks in advance!
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 equipment, 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.
The music is up to me, but I think he was looking for pop/pop club remix music. The nights are going to be Friday and Saturday nights. 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.
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.
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 think they can lowball DJ’s because it’s the one man band.
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 night around here.
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 night. Really surprised. But I think 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 night). Ultimately, if you get 200 or more, I’d say you’re doing ok for just starting out. Good luck!
Good for you. Why do you think 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 think 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’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.
i do apologise for hijacking the thread slightly, but what about people in the uk ? how much doy ou get for a night, out here in the South west i get £80 for a 9-2 slot on a saturday
I’ve found the UK market is incredibly varied. My first ever residency in the NE a few years back was £70 + 50p for every customer that came in. Since then as a minimum I’ve gone for mainly around £50 an hour, but this is in York, which is a small city with not much going on. I play the University circuit quite a lot and that can go either way. The first time playing at a new University/college I tend to do it cheap like £50-£80 for the set so that they can experience it or as a gesture of good faith, then up it afterwards. Universities also mean I can charge package deals, like £400 for all 3 freshers events for example.
If you’re lucky enough to get on a UK tour, its so very different. You automatically get to play bigger places in London and so the prices go up. My first tour was £500 a night, my most recent one closer to £1000. Like with the US I find it really depends on location, although I guess we have the advantage we can travel to bigger cities more easily.
I would say get to £100, up your rep and then boost your price. And don’t be afraid to look for and offer deals; it is business after all.
I am in the shore area as well and getting anything over $150 a night is good for a bar especially if they have equipment. 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.
Why do you think that is, location? experience? Give us some info that can make your answer helpful!
