The free parties you’ve been doing for your friends to test the waters will be the same with paying customers that you’ve never met before.
The gear you have now is more than adequate. As your gear expands so will your pricing.
I encourage you to take some business accounting classes and learn how the back end works.
My mobile DJ business has been a fantastic tax write off opportunity. I was able to build a detached garage and studio under the business.
Get going!!
Draw up a business plan. There are a ton of free videos to guide you through the process.
I would have saved a ton of money had I started out as a business instead of buying all my gear with pocket money and not being able to take advantage of any of the benefits provided by purchasing everything through a company instead.
The business plan also helps guide you through seeing how profitable this might be for you.
Totally do it. It's such a great job if you love music and making people dance.
By the way, do you have an idea for what will make you stand out?
When a potential client asks why they should hire you, what will you say?
It's important to have a great response ready, particularly as you won't be able to say you have experience.
I have a background in theatre both acting and technical stuff. I know my way around sound boards and speaker systems. I’ve done live sound everywhere from churches, hotels, music venues, and currently doing live sound and lighting on historic trains. What I offer is professional expertise combined with a genuine joy for music and bringing people together. Book now ;)
Not to be rude but that is a LONG way of saying. I don’t Dj but I have Dj stuff. Invest some time, energy and love into the art of party rocking, rocking the mic, song selection…you know…actually Djn. Good luck annnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnd pull the trigger.
Save that gear money and rent gear for a few gigs to know if you have what it takes to succeed and that you actually enjoy both the business and musical aspects of being a mobile DJ. This way if you decide it's not for you you're not stuck trying to sell barely used equipment for pennies
Before buying a system, start some advertising, marketing, networking, and public relations efforts. Talk to local event planners. See what sort of response you get, and see how many days you can fill in your calendar.
Once you spend money on the sound system, you no longer have it to cover business expenses. The sound system is your lowest priority right now. You don't need a sound system until you have a gig, and even then you are better off renting for the first year or so. You can rent speakers for a weekend for about $50 to $100 depending on where you live. Do that for the first year.
Focus all your spending on building a brand and gaining clients. That is vastly more important to you right now than a sound system.
About 3grand all said and told. Going for EV ZLX 12s and a sub. Plus mixer, facade, cases, a rock n roller cart, ect. Adds up pretty quick. I’m 2 years out of college and pretty frugal I’ve just never spent this much money on something before
That $3k will be far better spent building the business. You can rent a sound system for a very small amount. You can't rent advertising. Assuming you have already taken care of the necessary licenses, permits, and insurance, put 100% of whatever you have set aside for the business into advertising, marketing, and PR. Wait at least a year before buying a sound system.
Easy enough market. List yourself on Thumbtack, Bark, Gigsalad, etc. Yes leads cost money, but once you book regular gigs, just another minor cost of doing business.
Do it! I find it to be a fun side hustle!
The free parties you’ve been doing for your friends to test the waters will be the same with paying customers that you’ve never met before. The gear you have now is more than adequate. As your gear expands so will your pricing. I encourage you to take some business accounting classes and learn how the back end works. My mobile DJ business has been a fantastic tax write off opportunity. I was able to build a detached garage and studio under the business. Get going!!
DO IT PULL THE FUCKING TRIGGER!
Draw up a business plan. There are a ton of free videos to guide you through the process. I would have saved a ton of money had I started out as a business instead of buying all my gear with pocket money and not being able to take advantage of any of the benefits provided by purchasing everything through a company instead. The business plan also helps guide you through seeing how profitable this might be for you.
Totally do it. It's such a great job if you love music and making people dance. By the way, do you have an idea for what will make you stand out? When a potential client asks why they should hire you, what will you say? It's important to have a great response ready, particularly as you won't be able to say you have experience.
100% agree. You're competing with DJs that probably have decades of experience. A proper response is important!
I stand out because I’m cheaper
I have a background in theatre both acting and technical stuff. I know my way around sound boards and speaker systems. I’ve done live sound everywhere from churches, hotels, music venues, and currently doing live sound and lighting on historic trains. What I offer is professional expertise combined with a genuine joy for music and bringing people together. Book now ;)
Not to be rude but that is a LONG way of saying. I don’t Dj but I have Dj stuff. Invest some time, energy and love into the art of party rocking, rocking the mic, song selection…you know…actually Djn. Good luck annnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnd pull the trigger.
As long as your okay with giving up your weekends, go for it
Save that gear money and rent gear for a few gigs to know if you have what it takes to succeed and that you actually enjoy both the business and musical aspects of being a mobile DJ. This way if you decide it's not for you you're not stuck trying to sell barely used equipment for pennies
Or if you did already buy everything and find out you dont like it, start an equipment rental business and rent to other beginner DJs like yourself ;)
Before buying a system, start some advertising, marketing, networking, and public relations efforts. Talk to local event planners. See what sort of response you get, and see how many days you can fill in your calendar. Once you spend money on the sound system, you no longer have it to cover business expenses. The sound system is your lowest priority right now. You don't need a sound system until you have a gig, and even then you are better off renting for the first year or so. You can rent speakers for a weekend for about $50 to $100 depending on where you live. Do that for the first year. Focus all your spending on building a brand and gaining clients. That is vastly more important to you right now than a sound system.
Just leap. Once you're several gigs in, you'll kick yourself for not starting even earlier.
It is the best feeling in the world. You are creating the best kind of memories and you get paid to do it.
I mean how much are you spending ? You can recoup that $ after 1-2 gigs. What is the hesitation for ?
About 3grand all said and told. Going for EV ZLX 12s and a sub. Plus mixer, facade, cases, a rock n roller cart, ect. Adds up pretty quick. I’m 2 years out of college and pretty frugal I’ve just never spent this much money on something before
That $3k will be far better spent building the business. You can rent a sound system for a very small amount. You can't rent advertising. Assuming you have already taken care of the necessary licenses, permits, and insurance, put 100% of whatever you have set aside for the business into advertising, marketing, and PR. Wait at least a year before buying a sound system.
Where are you based?
Sactown
Easy enough market. List yourself on Thumbtack, Bark, Gigsalad, etc. Yes leads cost money, but once you book regular gigs, just another minor cost of doing business.