The temperature has fallen, did your rates?
Why do DJ's, especially in the northern colder portion of the U.S. lower their rates in the winter months?
Winter has defiantly hit, the snow, cold and ice is all around. (Northern & Eastern section of the U.S.) it's suppose to be the most "Wonderful Time Of The Year" but let I see DJs who will actually offer lower rates during the worst winter seasonal time of year. When the temperature falls so does the rates they charge.
The reason they give is because in the winter months you never know if it will be mild one day and three feet of snow the next. Because of the unpredictable weather there tends to be fewer Weddings, Parties and Events to perform for.
The way many DJs think to do business is to try and bring in a few of those fewer events by lowering the rate they charge in order to “grab” the business from other DJs.
On the surface this may seem like a really good idea, but let’s take a much closer look at what the real outcome of this business theory really is.
The costs of running a business will actually rise during the winter months due to many contributing factors including the gas & heating prices always rise during the coldest portion of the year.
With the roads covered with snow or Ice it can really increase your chances of being involved in an accident. Your vehicle may slide into a ditch or another vehicle can hit you, either way the price of an accident, even when fully insured can still be a major hit to the business. (Time & Replacement costs)
The chances of an accident occurring on your way to an event are greatly increased in the winter months when compared to the warmer seasons. What happens if you show up late or are completely unable to make it due to the weather or an accident?
Typically in the winter months due to the weather you must drive slower to the event. This eats up both gasoline and time causing a greater profit loss.
Then there is the load in and out. I don’t know about you but I really hate moving my equipment in and out when it’s cold and/or there is snow to fight with. The weather can also increase your load in/out time which eats up time and gas (keeping the vehicle running while loading)
You also will face a greater chance of taking a fall on a slippery pavement, getting injured or breaking a piece of equipment.
The winter months also take time away from time spent with your friends and family around the holidays. You’re working the “Holiday Party” while everyone else is enjoying the festive fun. Your friends and family are Holiday shopping, visiting and enjoying the winter activities while you are DJing an event for total strangers.
You will be performing the same exact performance, using the same equipment, talent and skills, time and professionalism that you use during the warmer months. You will still be traveling to the event and back, you will still have to pay the bills that you have all year around. The costs of running the business will increase due to outside uncontrollable circumstances. The only thing that has changed is the temperature: Why would you lower your rates?
I know this first hand because many years ago I was like many DJs and lowered my rates in order to bring in the work from other DJs. Then the light bulb went on above my head. I now do not offer any discounts for the winter months or even off days of the week.
I actually will charge more for Holidays and weekends before and after the holiday. St. Patrick’s Day, Valentines day, Forth of July, Labor Day, the Friday, Saturday and Sunday after Thanksgiving, the weekends and the days just before and after Christmas and I had add a hefty charge for New Years Eve Events.
Does this mean I don’t work as often other DJs? Yes!
Because I cherish my friends and families more then I cherish money, so when I do choose to work a holiday I make it worth my while not to be with them.
If you find yourself NEEDING to work every weekend, one, two or more events then my only suggestion to you is to raise your rates all year around so that you don’t have to break your back and miss out on your life or your children’s lives.
Jeff Richards: Party Time Productions