Why Do DJ Prices Vary?
You maybe have stumbled across this during some research into hiring a DJ for your event. Some DJs can list as low as $150 while many cost more. Why is there such a great difference in DJ pricing? Before you consider the lowest-cost option for your event consider the following factors listed below.
The Best Deal
As a customer, you want to find the best deal you can. For instance if you were shopping for a HDTV you would not choose the highest price in town. No most will go for the lowest price in town because on the surface it makes the most sense. However even in the world of consumer electronics there are things like reputations and warranties that need to be thought about in your final decision. Would you buy something from a questionable source just to save money? Probably not. But... a lot of people don’t realize this also holds true when it comes to entertainment services like photography, event planners, and DJ services.
And this is the trap some people will fall into when searching for a professional DJ. They will see the $150 Craigslist DJ, another with a service averaging $1500, and one that charges $5000. They may think that all DJs are the same and gravitate towards the lesser-priced DJ, but in almost every case this is not the best value for your dollar. Here in Connecticut a quality wedding DJ cost averages between $1,299 – $1,732+.
Investment
The secret in determining the type of DJ you should hire is the amount of time and effort that they will invest in your event and their own business. Also take into consideration the high cost of purchasing professional DJ equipment. Audio, playback, lighting; they can all cost tens of thousands or even hundred of thousands of dollars. Below is an example of what a “Cheap DJs” investment would typically look like versus what a typical professional DJ would invest in. Note that this spreadsheet only covers providing an audio setup and is just an average. Some Professional DJs spend a little less, some considerably more.
The Best Deal
As a customer, you want to find the best deal you can. For instance if you were shopping for a HDTV you would not choose the highest price in town. No most will go for the lowest price in town because on the surface it makes the most sense. However even in the world of consumer electronics there are things like reputations and warranties that need to be thought about in your final decision. Would you buy something from a questionable source just to save money? Probably not. But... a lot of people don’t realize this also holds true when it comes to entertainment services like photography, event planners, and DJ services.
And this is the trap some people will fall into when searching for a professional DJ. They will see the $150 Craigslist DJ, another with a service averaging $1500, and one that charges $5000. They may think that all DJs are the same and gravitate towards the lesser-priced DJ, but in almost every case this is not the best value for your dollar. Here in Connecticut a quality wedding DJ cost averages between $1,299 – $1,732+.
Investment
The secret in determining the type of DJ you should hire is the amount of time and effort that they will invest in your event and their own business. Also take into consideration the high cost of purchasing professional DJ equipment. Audio, playback, lighting; they can all cost tens of thousands or even hundred of thousands of dollars. Below is an example of what a “Cheap DJs” investment would typically look like versus what a typical professional DJ would invest in. Note that this spreadsheet only covers providing an audio setup and is just an average. Some Professional DJs spend a little less, some considerably more.
Comparison between the “Cheap DJ” and a Professional DJ. Note this is audio-only services.
In addition most low-priced services do little preparing for the event, they simply show up and play with no consultation. This differs greatly with professional DJ services that usually will spend many hours, sometimes upwards of 15-40+ hours to plan and execute the evening.
A “Cheap DJ” does not really take into account all these variables while a Professional DJ takes the time and effort to invest in their clients and their business to produce a fun, successful, event and run a successful and reputable business.
Reliability
One of the biggest complaints you will hear about low-cost DJ services is unreliability. The DJ showed up late or not at all, the DJ did not come prepared for the event, the DJ did not act in a professional manner. This can ruin an event and it should be the most important considerations when selecting a DJ service. A professional DJ will give you PEACE OF MIND, a contract to protect you, impeccable references, and a professional and friendly attitude from start to finish.
Not only should you consider reliability for the DJ, but also reliability in their equipment and their backup plans. What happens if a piece of equipment fails? Will the $150 DJ have the equipment to switch to an alternate method of playback to ensure your evening goes on with minimal interruptions? The professional DJ will have multiple modes and skills to play throughout the event, even in less-than-optimal conditions.
Choose The Right DJ
Please consider quality, experience, and professionalism when selecting a DJ Entertainment service for your event. If you would like to hear more information about the services Paris Creative can provide, please fill out this short form, or call me at 203-238-4895.
Article quoted and paraphrased from Paris Creative, a Hudson Valley Wedding DJ service.
A “Cheap DJ” does not really take into account all these variables while a Professional DJ takes the time and effort to invest in their clients and their business to produce a fun, successful, event and run a successful and reputable business.
Reliability
One of the biggest complaints you will hear about low-cost DJ services is unreliability. The DJ showed up late or not at all, the DJ did not come prepared for the event, the DJ did not act in a professional manner. This can ruin an event and it should be the most important considerations when selecting a DJ service. A professional DJ will give you PEACE OF MIND, a contract to protect you, impeccable references, and a professional and friendly attitude from start to finish.
Not only should you consider reliability for the DJ, but also reliability in their equipment and their backup plans. What happens if a piece of equipment fails? Will the $150 DJ have the equipment to switch to an alternate method of playback to ensure your evening goes on with minimal interruptions? The professional DJ will have multiple modes and skills to play throughout the event, even in less-than-optimal conditions.
Choose The Right DJ
Please consider quality, experience, and professionalism when selecting a DJ Entertainment service for your event. If you would like to hear more information about the services Paris Creative can provide, please fill out this short form, or call me at 203-238-4895.
Article quoted and paraphrased from Paris Creative, a Hudson Valley Wedding DJ service.
