So I can't get ripped off

[SolDios]

What should I be being paid per hour when I first hit the clubs?

[Jaz]

you take what they offer you when your 1st starting

[Hobberz]

Thats a few years away mate, the hourly rates could change by then. I would just cross that bridge when you get to it, dont try get too ahead of yourself.

And no doubt your pay will depend on how good you are, so while you are young work hard.

[Skank]

for your first club gig id say round 50 bucks an hour

[JonnyB]

yeah $50 an hour is stoke standard i think, and it onluy goes up when you become a night headliner - main support act.

when i was doign my electro thing i went to the main night headliner and was on about 115 an hour, but now im doing dubstep im back on 50, its hard haha

[Jaz]

$115 an hour!!! holly shit that would be good

[JonnyB]

actually it was 150 an hour, but there was 2 of us, so we got 75 ussually, was always awesome when we get a 1.5 hour set and the other couldnt play, a cheeky $225

[awesome88]

$300 for a 2.5hr year 6 farewell.... winaaahh

haha

[SolDios]

Getting paid $35 an hour for a gig at a local pub, just playing chill out music at the bar

[imadje]

Getting paid $35 an hour for a gig at a local pub, just playing chill out music at the bar

considering age and experience i would say that sounds reasonable if you are turning up, playing a bit and getting home early.

things to consider:

1) if your gig is on fri or sat night you expect a better rate as these are the busiest nights

2) if your gig goes past midnight you expect more money

3) if you are supplying the eqpt you should get more money

4) keep your eye on how busy the bar is. If it appears that more customers are buying grog each week and staying longer because of your music then you ask for more money.

[SolDios]

Im playing fri nights in the bar area, no Dance floor, and from 6 till whenever

So if they are selling more drinks because of me and not giving me a raise, then how do I ask for a raise?

[imadje]

ah... So you are in the bar room to a dance club? That makes it trickier to be sure if people are hanging for your tunes or just drinking at the bar then going back to main room.

My approach would be: If it is obvious that people are digging your set and if it happens on a weekly basis over a few weeks then it may be worth just asking the bartender: "so how is business while I'm DJing?" If he's a fair bloke he'll be honest and if he's clearly happy thats when you ask.

Another approach is: you say 6 until whenever: if you find you are staying later and later each week... then ask.

do not judge on one week though, there are fluctuations each month due to when people get paid, bank hols, etc etc etc. TBH using this gig as a way of getting used to the monthly and yearly changes in normal public footfall may be worth doing at your age anyway. Lots of djs wonder why a specific night was shite and dont realise it was just because it was the last weekend before pay cheques, everyone's kids were having school plays or some other shit that keeps people away from bars and clubs.

I'm a slow moving gentleman though, anyone else got another approach?

p.s. are you taking the kit or do they supply?

[SolDios]

wow nice one foolish

and yeh, im bringing everything

[imadje]

^no worries mate, i share what i think i know.

i would maybe expect a bit more for bringing all the kit but roll with it a while, tread lightly, and always learn

[Skank]

Mate if your taking all your gear ask for more after the first week I have no doubt in my mind that they know the average cost of hiring a mobile dj and will defo have room to neg with

[pundaddy]

How are you playing at a pub if you arent 18 yet? You're going to have to have a guardian with you arent you?

[eggssell]

Im assuming its a pub with a bistro section. You get lits of under 18's being able to work their. They just cant work the bar.

[imadje]

what skank is saying is fair. I would give it a few weeks to see how it goes but i already mentioned i tread gently. Skank has a better head for business methinks.

[Skank]

"nothing personal,its just business"

[JonnyB]

if your taking your own set up, id stick with the 35 n hour but ask for an extra 50 or 100 for transporting and setting up gear plus wear and tear on your own gear, its costing you money to use your equiptment.

[Skank]

legaly the only part of a hotel an under 18 cant go is the gaming area and bar