How to calculate the price of the DJ

The price calculation of a professional DJ can be made up of various components and workloads. If you've ever wondered how the price of a DJ is calculated, here's a detailed overview of how the price for an event, such as a 6-hour event, is calculated.

Example for the price calculation of a 6-hour event:

1. preliminary consultation (approx. 1 hour)

  • An initial meeting with the customer to clarify the wishes, requirements and details of the event.

  • Time required: 1.0 hour.

2. preparation of the music and wishes for the event (approx. 1.5 hours)

  • Selection and compilation of the music program based on the customer's wishes.

  • Time required: 1.5 hours.

3. loading and preparation at the warehouse (approx. 0.5 to 1 hour)

  • Preparation of the required technology and equipment.

  • Time required: 0.5 to 1 hour.

4. journey to the party (approx. 1 hour)

  • Drive to the event location.

  • Time required: 1.0 hour.

5. setup of the sound and lighting system incl. test (approx. 2 hours)

  • Setting up the technology, cable connections and lighting installations.

  • Time required: 2.0 hours.

6. DJ time at the event (6 hours)

  • Musical accompaniment during the event.

  • Time required: 6.0 hours.

7. dismantling of the sound and lighting system (approx. 1.5 hours)

  • After the event, the equipment is dismantled and packed away.

  • Time required: 1.5 hours.

8. departure from the party (approx. 1 hour)

  • Return to the camp.

  • Time required: 1.0 hour.

Total workload: 15 to 16 hours


Other costs that are included in the price calculation:

  1. Care and maintenance of DJ equipment:

    • Regular maintenance, cleaning and repairs to the technology.

    • Costs: A constant effort to ensure that everything works perfectly at all times.

  2. Insurance of the sound and lighting system:

    • Protection against damage to the technology or during assembly and dismantling.

    • Costs: Often an annual fee.

  3. Public liability insurance and GEMA fees:

    • Protection from potential legal problems and the licensing of music for public events.

    • Costs: Monthly or annual payments.

  4. Training and seminars:

    • Participation in training courses to keep up to date with new technologies and trends in event technology and music.

    • Costs: These training courses are necessary in order to always be able to offer the best and latest technologies.

  5. Acquisition of new sound carriers:

    • Expansion of the music archive with new tracks and albums.

    • Costs: Annual purchase of new music and equipment.

  6. Vehicle for transportation:

    • A vehicle for transporting the technology and its maintenance costs.

    • Costs: Vehicle maintenance, fuel costs and insurance.

  7. Advertising expenses:

    • Costs for advertising, such as entries on platforms, flyers, business cards and the maintenance of a professional website.

    • Costs: Advertising costs are a necessary part of the business.


Conclusion:

The price calculation for a DJ with a trade license is not only dependent on the pure music playing time.

The price includes the entire preparation and follow-up work for the event, as well as operating costs such as technical maintenance, insurance and training.

The factors mentioned above are crucial in order to be able to offer a high-quality and professional service.

For an event with 6 hours of DJ work, this quickly adds up to 15 to 16 hours of work, which must be well calculated and financed in order to guarantee a smooth event.