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DJ’s Q&A by
Dr.Drax
From the bottom line to basic liability—a selection of hot DJ
topics
Q: What is the average cost of starting a DJ
business? –Brad
A: That really depends upon your objectives, ie., the types of
events you see yourself doing. If you want to build a business on
the best gear, it could easily take you beyond $20K just in sound.
Lighting could add another $20K. However, a more reasonable number
might be $20K for sound and lights.
One area that I feel is very important for starting a business is
the cost of self-improvement. You need to determine objectively
whether you need to develop “business skills.” There is so much
more to this than merely spinning. If you don’t really understand
the sales cycle, you will need to learn. I would suggest that you
learn from good trainers, people who are masters at selling the
unique services that DJs provide. The best advice I can give you is
to learn the business side first, before you buy a lot of capital
gear. Seeking a position with a high-quality DJ company in your area
would be a good way to learn.
Other costs that are often overlooked are marketing materials,
business cards, and lastly, the single most important aspect of
starting a business: writing an actual business plan. This should
involve a contract attorney, as well as a mentor to help you get it
done right.
I cannot stress enough the need to develop the business on paper
first, having all the numbers down. Do market research. Find out how
many events are held in your market. Find out how many weddings are
held.
These are some of the “hidden” costs of starting a DJ business.
Spending these first will save you thousands in mistakes later.
Q: While at a gig, my microphones tend to send
off more feedback at the end of the gig, than at the beginning. What
could be causing this? They don’t send feedback at all for the
first two hours, then after that, I have to be careful. Your help is
appreciated. –Steve Van Pelt
A: The following assumes that the volume and tonal content of the
music is the same later as at the start. (If there was a dramatic
difference, this could be a factor.) All things being equal, I have
one word. Batteries. Are you using the cheaper ones? Or possibly
using them for more than one event? Another problem could be a
significant alteration in room acoustics. I highly doubt this, but
felt it was worth a mention.
Q: Any new, creative ways to start the dancing
portion of a wedding? –JT
A: I find that building the energy of the music during the events
prior to this is the best way. As you move through dinner, during
the last half hour start picking increasingly more up-tempo
material, still dinner music, but more upbeat. Then move over to
some instrumental versions of some good pop tunes, things with a
good hint of a dance beat. Watch the room as your doing this—you
should see the toe tapping start to increase. If this is happening,
you’re on your way. The key here is not to let your volume creep
up. Keep it at dinner level, then, during the last three tracks,
start move slowly up to the point you need. Finally, bring it on
strong with the best track you have. Too often people save the best
material for later. I feel this is a mistake. Nothing kicks a party
off better than starting with a really hot dance track.
Q: What type of insurance is required for a
Mobile DJ? –Linda
A: In a broad sense, none is actually required, as of right now.
That said, some facilities do require a DJ to carry general
liability insurance. This covers damages to the facility that you
might cause.
I would suggest that you join a DJ association that offers
discounted insurance to its members. You can also check out
independent brokers in your area.
You definitely want to have liability insurance. This covers you
against slips and falls, fire, gear falling on a guest, and the
like. It doesn’t matter if you’re actually at fault—if
somebody gets hurt, everybody gets sued. Make sure that you get
coverage from a triple A-rated company and that the policy is solid.
Next, I would suggest that you have gear coverage. This is
important. Could you replace all your gear and your music library at
your own expense if you had to—and stay in business? This is
another advantage of DJ associations. They have the coverage you
need at a price you can afford.
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