1 - DJ Pricing
Typically, your DJ is going to either charge by the hour or offer a flat fee. Pricing can be all over for DJs, and a lot of it is based on the type of event being put together, the gear needed, and the area where the event is taking place.
For example:
- A Destination Wedding DJ is typically going to be much more expensive than a rural DJ playing music at the local bar in humbuck nowhere.
- A Holiday Party with a full audio setup and karaoke is going to cost more than a DJ at a local bonfire with a single speaker they bought from Walmart.
- Want a DJ to travel to your event? There will likely be a travel fee tacked on because gas ain't cheap baby and time on the road is a factor to and from and event.
- Also, keep in mind you're not just paying for the music for a few hours but typically someone who's going to be assisting with planning and coordinating the event and supplying the equipment and music for the event.
- You'll inquire with a DJ either through the website, social media, etc, with your event details (date, time, location, etc).
- They'll check their availability and confirm if they are open for booking.
- Questions may be exchanged by both sides to confirm any other details.
- If everything works out and pricing is agreed upon, you'll typically complete the booking with a signed contract and a down payment.
3 - Contracts
A contract is your essential guide for booking a DJ, clearly outlining what's expected from both sides. It confirms vital details like the services included, the event date, time, and location, and of course, all payment terms. Crucially, it also spells out what happens if plans change, like a cancellation by either party.
- Honestly, skipping a signed contract puts your event at risk. I've heard too many stories of clients booking DJs without one, only for the DJ to vanish before the event or cancel last minute, leaving the client in a terrible bind.
- A contract is your peace of mind, ensuring professionalism and commitment for your special day.
- A contract outlines what is expected of a gig and confirms items like how much you'll pay, location, and time of event, and what is included.
- It'll also note what happens if a cancellation occurs from both sides.
4 - Booking Fee/Deposit
Yes, it's common to pay your DJ a booking fee or deposit. Most of the time, it's going to either be non-refundable (sometimes worded as a non-refundable deposit or retainer fee) or only refundable for a limited amount of time.
- Sometimes this ranges from as low as $100 to 50% of the event fee and usually completes the contract requirement to blackout the date for the DJ.
5 - Insurance
It's becoming more common nowadays that DJs are insured. This is to protect themselves financially from potential accidents or damages that could occur during their performances.
- Simply put, your DJ should have some sort of liability insurance and should be able to provide proof if asked.
- It's not the end of the world if they don't (especially for private events at your home bbq, a friend's cookout, etc) but if you're having an event at a venue it's becoming more common for venues to require DJs to have insurance.
Hope this article was helpful! Feel free to leave a comment or send me an email (glennjamindjs@gmail.com) if you have any questions :)
DJ Glennjamin
