How much should a I charge to MC and DJ a four-hour event?

Question

I'm a former sports radio broadcaster that's really into music, too. I swing dance and have been doing about one gig a month for the dancers in our cities. I love the dance enough to essentially do it on a volunteer basis.

The results have been so good, though, that I'm starting to get offers to do other events. I got an offer last night to do an event about 75 miles away. The gentleman was looking for someone with a radio-style voice to introduce dancers. I also offered to play some music for dancing.

I quoted him at $125 for the four-hour event, plus $50 travel expenses. But I really don't know how that rates compared to other services.

Keep in mind, I don't have my own sound system yet. If I were providing that, too, then I'd just look up the costs for full-fledged DJs that do weddings and such and go off of that.

Did I give a fair rate? What would you charge?

Answer 1

I charge $350.00 for 3hrs

Answer 2

i've known a dj that charged $450 10pm-2am, but he brought his equiptment with him to the gig and also brought along a host to speak for him(i guess he has issues with that). and then another dj who is well known in the community and has club experience charges $200 for the same amount of time and is also bringing his own equiptment. It just depends on what you can contribute - are you helping promote,bringing your equiptment,etc... so by what you said, i think you're quote was accurate.