Mobile DJ Rates: How much should I charge my clients?

Mobile DJ Rates: How much do I charge?  Oh boy…to answer this question, I can really lead you don a rabbit hole of marketing and pricing strategies.  Bottom line: There is no ONE Answer for this question!  But let’s put some things in perspective first…

According to the American Disc Jockey Association, with the estimated 200,000 DJs that exist in the United States, their rates can average from $350 to $3,500 for a four hour event.

So the question remains…how do we charge MORE for our events?!

Factors of Price:

As a Mobile DJ, there will be a few factors that come into play that will determine just exactly what your rate is for your customers.

1.  Experience Level:

Are you brand spanking new, or are you seasoned with years of experience?  There is something magical (called wisdom & confidence) that happens with years of DJing under your belt.  You learn the crowds better, you understand the needs of the client more, you foresee potential problems, and you become better at what you do!  In short, the more experience, the more you should charge!

2.  Your Equipment:

There is something to be said about the quality and quantity of equipment that you bring.  Do you invest $500 or $5,000 in your gear?  Can shake the walls of a giant dance hall, or are your guests left straining to hear the music.  Are you providing lighting and other effects?  The more the better.  And the better the equipment, the more money you charge!

3.  The Type of Event:

Are you playing background music for child’s birthday party, or are you the emcee for a 200 person wedding?  As the event changes, so does your responsibility.  The more responsibility you have, the more you charge.  So please treat every event on an individual basis and charge accordingly.

4.  The Time of Year:

Your Mobile DJ Business is seasonal!  You will be busier during “Wedding Season” and December than in January and February!  When you are in higher demand, you get to charge more!  Remember, YOU can only be in one place at a time!  Give your outstanding service to the highest bidder!

5.  Giving Value:

Do you want to know the biggest secret to charging higher rates?  Give more value!  What are you doing to reassure the “Client Experience” is the best ever?  Are you arriving early, helping the host choose the right music, are you helping out during the event to get the crowd going?  What value are you providing beyond simply playing music?!  Give more value and you get more money!

No Event is the Same!

I touched upon this earlier, but here is the thing to keep in mind: no two events are the same!  You must assess the responsibility and effort needed to perform at each event and charge accordingly.  With that in mind, do not put your rates on your website, this puts you at the mercy of the client!  Instead, let the client know exactly what you will have to do on your end to pull off the perfect evening…let them know the value they are getting far exceeds the price they are paying.

Always Charge Higher!

Since we can only be in one place at a time, I will always encourage my students to charge higher rates.  Premium Prices are the way to go!  Be slightly higher than your competiton!  Do NOT ever, ever ever get into a “Price War with a competitor!

When your client sees your expensive price tag, they will automatically think: “This guy MUST be good!”  Premium Prices=Premium Service!  If you think you can make more money as a budget DJ with cheap prices, you are comitting business suicide!  The customers who hire you will be more problematic, picky and demanding.  These are the “Tire-Kickers” of the World, and they must be avoided at all times!  Charge MORE and you will attract better clients!

But I Could Never Charge $1,200!

One big thing that worries me is when students email me saying that they could never see themselves charging that much money.  This comes from a lack of confidence.  You need confidence in yourself, your business and your services!  Also, you need to value your time!  According to a recent survey, more than 80% of brides admitted that they wish they had invested MORE of their Wedding budget on a better DJ!

If you have not yet realized that the quality of MUSIC at a party will make or break the event, you are not ready to charge premium prices.

A Final Thought…

If you have read this article all the way to the end, chances are yo are NOT charging enough for your services.  My job is to push-nay! Throw you out of your comfort zone and get you to see a bigger picture!  Add a MINIMUM of 10% to your rates right now and see what happens!  Have confidence!  Believe in yourself and others will do the same!

Good luck and PLEASE leave your comments below….