I think I did something right..help?

DJ Elroy, post: 44998, member: 15147 wrote: 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.

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)

For the local DJ’s.. there aren’t actually that many.. about 4 or 5 tops which is low.. to me? I actually wouldnt mind playing for drinks and a guest list, its still some sort of compensation for something I enjoy to do.
For gear, it depends on which venue.. he mentioned a few bars, which i know have nothing, I would have to bring my laptop, controller (Denon MC2000), PA system, and i do not have lights, but the bar I would be in doesnt have the dj as the focal point.
driving- everything is walking distance, i don’t have a car so my buddy would drop my off/pick up my gear with me.. free of charge, parking is free.

Chuck van Eekelen, post: 45015, member: 2756 wrote: Lots of good stuff there, with the possible exception of doing something for free, ESPECIALLY since you got asked!

Don’t do free. There are a few posts on how to get around that hot potatoe on here.

If you feel what you bring is worth something, expect to be paid for it. It’s the first step towards professionalism. Back in the day I played in a small bar/dance place somewhere in Utrecht (The Netherlands) once, maybe 40-45 people showed up. The expected genre was somewhat alien to me (in retrospect). The owner knew who I was and what I usually played. Never said anything about needing a different kind of music.

Needless to say it wasn’t my finest evening. But believe me I got paid the agreed upon amount :D.

I drove there, brought my gear, did the hours. Enough reason to get paid.

Greetinx,
C.

I was actually talking to my dad about this and all he said was ‘don’t get ripped off.’ I do believe that what I bring is worth something and will add value to someone’s night…just don’t know how to average it..
So pretty much I just do what I do best, and hope for the rest?