"Do it Yourself DJ" on craigslist
I came across an ad on craigslist: "Do it Yourself" DJ Service Saves You Hundreds. then I had a little chuckle. Here is the actual ad, what do you think?
"Do It Yourself" DJ service Saves You Hundreds
******Now, with light show option! You asked for it, You got it!*****
Hi, Here is the deal with "Do It Yourself" DJ Service...
I will supply, set up and tear down a full sound system with a CD player and mics to do announcements for your event. I help run the system and trouble shoot any issues. I am also able to make any announcements you need.
Since YOU know best what music you like and YOU already have most of it on your iPod or on CD, you supply the iPod and/or CDs. (I can supply some CDs as well if needed, I have thousands...)
I have only top quality gear including Yamaha, Bose, JBL, Shure mics etc.
If you have someone who wants to "spin discs" (ie run a CD player or your iPod) for your party, you can save a bundle. And you don't have to worry about renting a system, picking it up, setting it up, tearing it down and returning it to the place of rental. Or dealing with DJs of questionable talent. You just have a good time!
Great for parties of all sorts...
Weekends (Friday-Sunday)for 4 hours of music $275 (additional time $50/hr)
Weekdays (Monday-Thursday) for 4 hours of music $225 plus (additional time $40/hr)
Contact me to see if I still have your special date open.
PS My typical lighting is minimal. (6 lights, 3 per side yellow, red and blue)
BUT if you want a big light show, I can bring in a light show with a number of "specialty" lights, a laser and fog machine, for an extra $200.
So if you are looking for the Big Package, for $475 you can have a great sound system and light show on a weekend, and only $425 on a weekday...
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I understand that this person is a small business person just like any of us and I understand that he is just trying to make a buck or two. I also understand that the service he offers really has little to no effect on my business, but when it comes to actually running the business and having a value, he has a little to learn.
Here’s my point of view:
1) He travels to/from event, sets up all the equipment then stays at the event to trouble shoot any issues that may arise. (Sounds like a DJ to me)
2) He is also available to make announcements if needed, what event don’t need announcements? (Sounds like a DJ to me)
3) He can supply thousands of CDs if needed at no extra charge. (Sounds like a DJ to me)
4) He offers a small and a large light show to choose from. (Sounds like a DJ to me)
5) His regular price with small light show is $275.00 His “Big light show” is $475.00 (Sounds like a DJ to me)
He offers to supply all the equipment, set it up/tear it down, supply the music, he does many of the things (announcements) any DJ would do for an event but because someone else (you or a friend) actually selects the songs to be played then pushes the button to play it, he calls his business a “Do It Yourself” DJ service. He offers everything any DJ would be expected to do except - maybe he doesn’t have the talent to “Push Play?”
He states in his header, “Saves You Hundreds” and then goes on to say “Dealing with questionable talent” when it comes to the DJ.
I see DJs all around the area who charge LESS then his “Big Light Show” package and they actually do all the work. Even if they are of “questionable talent” at the least they should have a pretty good idea of how to “ENTERTAIN” the group, keep the party flowing and everyone having fun.
I don’t know about you, but I know my friends who are not DJs do not have what it takes to make an event successful. Sure they could “push play” but there is so much more to being a DJ then just “playing music.” Even if it was all just “playing music” there is a method, system and a talent to knowing what to play, when to play it and what is appropriate and not appropriate to play. There’s the interaction and motivation of the DJ with the crowd and the ability to read the group to know what to do next. What about the “specialty” things done at every wedding and all the planning that goes into a wedding reception? Who is going to do that? The Friend?
To the guy offering this service: You’re there the entire night, your making announcements, your providing music, sound and lighting equipment, YOU ARE THE DJ! You’re just not making the DJ rate! (Sounds like a DJ to me)
Jeff Richards: Party Time Productions