I often get asked why do DJ’s charge so much for their services?

Well most Professional DJ’s whether they are a registered company, partnership or sole proprietor will have the following fixed and variable monthly and annual expenses:-

SAMPRA and SAMRO licence fees are required to broadcast music publicly which is renewable annually.

Short term monthly business insurance and these fees are based on the market or replacement value of DJ equipment.

Vehicle, maintenance, insurance, licensing and fuel costs.

Business related expenses e.g. laptops, printer, stationary, internet, phone and video calls, music subscriptions, software licenses, rates and taxes, utilities, rental, storage fees, salaries.

Domain and email hosting fees.

Website hosting fees.

Website design and maintenance fees.

Marketing e.g. Photo shoots, business cards, social media advertising, print and online adds.

This is one of the MAJOR expenses for any Professional DJ, equipment maintenance, replacements and upgrades e.g. Speakers (active or passive), Amplifiers, Controllers, Mixers, Flight cases, Microphones, LED effect lights, Effect machines e.g. haze, smoke, bubble etc, Photo booths, Dancefloors, Earphones, Cables, plugs, extension cords, Speakers and light stands, Camera etc.

Corporate clothing or related.

In addition, to the above monthly and annual expenses Professional DJ’s also need to factor in the following variable costs and expenses for each type of event e.g. Wedding, Corporate or Party related event:

Venue location, traveling and toll costs, set up and take down of equipment, size of the venue, number of guests which will inform the sound, lighting and effect equipment needs.

Potential risks e.g. equipment failures hence backup equipment is and should always be available.

Sourcing and programming of music based on event type, style and theme.

Contracts, questionnaires, enquiries and communication costs with clients.

Meetings with clients before events.

DJ and eMCee experience, skills, reputation, credibility and reliability.

So the next time you request a quote from a Professional DJ for a Wedding, Corporate or Party related event you will understand why Professional DJ’s charge more than other DJ’s. Also make sure you hire a reputable Professional DJ that uses industry standard equipment for your next event.

As the old adage goes you get what you pay for!