Another Quick Pay Question

[Seopril]

Hey, so I'm gonna get my first paid gig soon. I've been DJ'ing for nearly 3 months now, yeah, I know it's not too long, but I feel like I can mix well, and it's at a party for my friend's sister. I'll mostly be playing top 40 stuff because I'm assuming they don't listen to any type of house music, but they might listen to dubstep because around where I live, it's really popular with people around my age (16) and the girl's party is for her 18th birthday or something. I have (or should I say getting) a good computer (8gb ram, i7 quad core 2.2gHz, etc) Traktor Kontrol S2, and I'll be purchasing 2 or 3 controllers from the CMD Behringer line. Because I have to rent or purchase cheap amps, how much should I charge for the party. I think it will be around 3 to 5 hours long. I'll also possible have to rent lights. What do you fellow DJs think I should charge?

[Molbster]

How good is your friend? If he's like a brother to you, do either do it for free or charge the absolute minimum to cover your costs.


If you do end up charging, remember they're not paying you to buy your equipment. Equipment should be bought with your own capital and should be seen as "investments". Payment your receive would be "returns" for your purchase. Depending on your area, the amount of equipment you have to bring should/would demand anywhere from $100-200/hr.

[Spife]

How good is your friend? If he's like a brother to you, do either do it for free or charge the absolute minimum to cover your costs.
You should probably do it for free, if not because they're your friend then because they're your friend.

Or, if you're hell bent on getting some munnies, charge $1. That's what I did my first gig, spent it on vinyl.

[Seopril]

Thanks for the tips, but knowing him and his parents, they will insist on paying. I was thinking about charging like $50 to cover the cost of cheap speaker rentals for a day.

[Lost Connection]

Well just ask them to rent the speakers, and say that just some basic speakers will do. Don't take the money yourself, just let them help you out by renting the speakers. They'll feel good helping you out. By this I mean that you should talk to them about it and tell that all I need is this, then rent the speakers and they will pay for them.... Hopefully :lol: Don't make them go to a company and get them etc. :D