Important information about Disc Jockeys - A listing on Craigslist
Here is a listing from Craigslist.....What do you think?
Important information about Disc Jockeys.
As you may have noticed while searching for the perfect entertainment for your Wedding Reception, DJ’s will charge anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars.
You may be asking yourself why there is such a big difference in the prices of Disc Jockeys, “Don’t they just play music?”
The answer is a simple NO.
All DJs ARE NOT ALIKE! Each DJ is unique and offer different skills, talents, experience and professionalism levels.
The DJ industry has made some great strides and improvements since 1999 in the quality and service that is expected from a Disc Jockey.
Associations, Magazines, DJ Newspapers, Seminars & Conventions have formed to better educate The DJ of the importance of what they do and how to elevate their quality, service, performance and professionalism.
The Average wedding in Minnesota (2008) will cost when all is said and done will be between $20,000 and $30,000 and that is for the Average wedding.
Here is a quick breakdown of how a Professional Disc Jockey Entertainer will/should base their rates at which they charge to operate a successful business. (In no particular order)
1) Talent.
2) Experience.
3) Quality of service provided to clients.
4) DJ Training and continuing education.
5) Emcee ability.
6) Professionalism.
7) Coordinating & planning time and ability.
8) Music Knowledge & ability to mix music.
9) Equipment used and upkeep (Lights & sound)
10) Daily Business operating expenses.
11) Salary for self and any employees.
12) Advertising Budget.
13) Insurance Costs.
14) The purchasing and upkeep of a LEGAL Music library.
15) Business vehicles maintenance & fuel.
16) State and Federal income taxes.
17) Rent or Mortgage for business.
18) Web site expenditures.
19) Phone, Heating & Utilities of office.
20) Health care.
As you can see there is a great deal of logistics involved in operating a successful Disc Jockey Business.
In Minnesota and the majority of the United States it is the law to operate a business that the business is registered with the Secretary of State in the state it is operating.
Is your DJ Registered with the Secretary of State as a legal business?
http://www.sos.state.mn.us
It is illegal for anyone including Disc Jockeys to illegally download, share music or make copies of music (CDs).
All music and copies must be paid for and purchased from a reputable music store (Wal-Mart, Best Buy etc) pay per song internet site (iTunes) or other way in which the producers, singers, writers and musicians receive compensation for their work. (Prime Cuts - TM Century)
At this very moment over 20,000 people are being sued by the R.I.A.A. for music infringement laws. Recently a woman (non DJ) from MN lost her fight against them and was fined heavily. What do you think would happen to a DJ whose musical library was illegally downloaded, shared music or bootleg copies?
Where does the music library of your DJ come from?
There are three basic types of Disc Jockeys.
1) Amateur: A person who does this for fun a few times a year. No real training, experience or quality.
2) Hobbyist: A person who does this as a part time job working for themselves or for a DJ service business.
3) Full Time Professional: A person who works 40 or more hours a week as a DJ and it is their major source of income.
Now you must decide, what is important to you for your once in a lifetime day and what is not.
The saying "You Get What You Pay For" can unfortunately be very true in the DJ industry.
Congratulations and Good Luck!
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Jeff Richards: Party Time Productions