DJs Cost Too Much…Or Do They Really?
By Laticia A. King

Selecting a DJ for your special event can be a tough decision. Depending on your overall budget, it can also seem like an expensive task (or perhaps a bit more expensive than you imagined).

Investing in a professional, reputable DJ is important and a cost that you don’t want to skimp on. You wouldn’t want to risk someone who is a no-show, poor equipment, or that provides unsatisfactory customer service.

Check out the top reasons good DJs charge the rates that they do.

Time:

A DJ does much more than playing music on the day of your event. Let’s say a DJ charges an upwards of $1,000 or more for your event. You have to keep in mind that it takes many more hours of preparation to produce those four hours. A good DJ usually spends several hours preparing music, making phone calls and/or having in-person meetings with you, your team, your meeting planner, the venue, etc, to ensure all things are in order for your event. So your four-hour event could actually take up eight to twelve hours of prep time.

Insurance:

Insurance is an absolute must! Any DJ with an ounce of experience can tell you about times when someone tripped on the dance floor, had a guest knock a light stand over, or spill something on a speaker, etc. These accidents can have serious repercussions. Insurance is important, but it’s also very expensive so many amateur DJs often neglect it.

Music:

A good DJ doesn’t pirate music and has invested in hundreds of thousands of songs. For your event, it is likely that they have invested in more music to customize your playlist based upon special requested songs. And, since new music is being released daily, DJs buys new music on a regular basis. Music libraries take time and money to build. A large library is a good sign of experience.

Equipment:

Being a good DJ means having professional equipment. Professional equipment is designed to be very rugged and durable, and this durability comes at a price.

Marketing:

How did you find the number for this DJ in the first place? Whether you got it from a google search, an email or phone call from the DJ service, a web site, or a flyer, these things cost money.

Associations:

Professional DJs will always be part of some association. Professional associations help the DJ by teaching fresh ideas, helping set standards of conduct, and keeping the DJ informed of things that the DJ may not have considered on his own. Most professional associations charge a membership fee.

Contact LK Productions today at Charlotte:  (704) 560-2599 or Raleigh: #(919) 834-4264 to obtain a rate for your event!