I think I did something right..help?

Yep,

Keep doing what you are doing, apparently it’s working!

Really, don’t overthink, say thank you, accept the gigs (make sure to get a decent price, but don’t overcharge, you’re not a hero yet) and go do your thing. Work on your PR when you are doing the gigs. Make sure you get to know the regular crew at these events (doormen to barkeeps, stagehands to sound engineers and obviously anybody in any leading capacity).

You’ll do just fine. 5 gigs in you’ll notice that you will have stage freight every time (even some of the people you will be opening for still have that), but that it’s gone 10 minutes into your performance.

Good job! Look forward to hearing more of your experiences.

Greetinx,
C.

Depends on many factors, were you are, how crowded it is. I have found in the past that honesty get’s you a long way.

Just tell the guy that hired you that you are not (yet) aware of the pricing for DJ’s for gigs he wants you to play at. Tell him to make you a real offer that won’t offend you (say it with a smile). Tell him you trust him to give you a fair deal. When he gives you a deal you can (and probably should) go back for one or two more rounds of negotiation, but the gap shouldn’t be too big to begin with.

Another options is to talk to guys in your neighborhood already doing this (or having done it). Beware that if you don’t know them well, they may very well tell you higher amounts than they really got, just to impress you and look better themselves. So some people judgement is required there.

And finally there will people on here that have a good inkling of what is reasonable.

Greetinx,
C.

Come on guys, any price indication for this upcoming star?

Granted!

Ok, Ryan, cough it up :-).

Rizki,

You need to stop answering these posts at 3 in the morning! And get your mind out of the gutter :-p.

Greetinx,
C.

Hey man don’t be nervous, keep your cool and head up, accept what you get, playing gigs it is by far the most amazing and best experience you can get so getting nervous is a waste. Have fun and play more gigs and I mean more. That’s what I Wish you. Good Luck!

When I was playing it was typically around $100-150 an evening, which could have been an hour or two or three depending on the show. I’d often agree to play for half that if it was a friends show, or if it was a guy that booked me regularly. I’ve also played for drinks & a guest list (more when I was first starting out, just to get my foot in the door).

I know the big name locals here can pull double that, but they could also pull a lot more heads into the door.

You will probably want to get them to sign a contract if you’re serious about getting paid. If it doesn’t matter to you either way and getting a chance to play is just as important as the money, a contract isn’t necessary. Just be warned, local DJs get burned all the time when it comes to getting paid (yes, even with a signed contract it’s sometimes hard to get any money, and it’s usually more expensive to enforce the contract than it’s worth in the end).

My suggestion: Write up a contract, maybe agree to do a show or two free at their club so you can create a buzz, then ask for money. They may fire you after your free shows (have a termination fee in the contract), but if you get a good response from the crowd chances are they’ll keep you on for a while.

Things you’ll need to consider when deciding how much to ask:

• What gear do you have to bring?
• How far do you have to drive?
• Do you have to pay for parking?
• Do you just show up and play or are you expected to be there before doors open til after closing time?
• How much do the other DJs in the area get paid?
• Are they paying per hour or per show? Is it a flat rate, a percent of the bar/door, or per head?
• Are you playing once a month? Once a week? Several times a week?
• Are you making any promises? (Like a guarantee for x-amount of people in the door each night)

And remember, if you ask for too much some new DJ might undercut you in a few months once you’ve got a decent club night built up. Or if it’s like you said and the club is usually packed anyway, they could probably get away with a “free” DJ anyway. Don’t price yourself out of the market!

Chuck van Eekelen, post: 44990, member: 2756 wrote: He’s not nervous, he needs to know how much money to ask for lol

Does this delicate matter never made you a bit nervous ? ; )