Let's Break Down A Full-Time Professional Entertainer/MC/DJ's Time:

To those who believe that a professional "DJ's" job is "cushy" and / or easy,
or not aware of what else goes into that 4-6 hours of Performance Time...

People always call, shopping around, wondering, "How much do you charge for four hours?" 
Believe me...If it were that easy, I couldn't stay in business.

• Communication with prospects, clients, booking, planning etc (5 min to 1 hour).

• Personal meetings with clients, prospects (1 hour).

• Prep time for these meetings; Getting dressed; freshening up my memory, studying details before meeting;
  Drive time to get there (at least 3 hours "opportunity time").

• If prospect accepts, "Congratulations"...Now it's time to process their booking information (1 hr):
  * Forms completed on-line by client (DJ WebMin)
  * Process Booking Fee(s) and Agreement Form(s).
  * Deposit funds / checks
  * Create and send client copies and receipts
  * Add event info to all calendars (Multi-calendars as a fail-safe to prevent scheduling mishaps)
  * Create and send forms (weddings include up to 6 different questionnaires) to client (including personalized labels for client folders and materials)

• Client planning meetings / Consultations (1 to 4 hours not including prep and drive time).

• Organize and prepare all details from the planning meeting;
  * Telephone coordination with client and vendors; photographer, Caterer, Hall Manager, etc  (1.5 hrs)
  * Study / Memorization of announcement details / Name Pronunciations  (1 hr)

• Music Editing & Preparation
  * Music research...Track down all music promised (1.5 hrs)
  * Music is edited and pre-arranged to fit the needs and/or requests of the client.
  * Music is edited for ALL audiences.
  * Music is pre-edited to insure flow of party.

• Sound Preparation; Voice Salutations from client / client relatives and loved ones are collected and prepared for performance integration.

• Load van (1 hour)

• Shower, dress (1 hour)

• Travel to event (at least 1 hour)

• Arrive 2 hours before first guest is expected

• Up to 6 hours performance time.

• Client resolution, then break down. (up to 2 hours)

• Drive home (Again...at least 1 hour)

EXPENSES:       Let's not forget to take into account Taxes, phone bill, web site hosting...

This article was inspired by Chicago's Jim Cerone, "The Perfect Host" of Disc-Jockey America Radio.

Jemstar Entertainment

Mobile Disc-Jockey Service
"More Than Just About The Music!"

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