Karaoke Forums

Hello Everyone My name is Ray and I just got back into doing Karaoke I did karaoke in a club for about 2 years i'm tring to get away from that and i would like to do private parties and events like that I am just looking for an idea on whats a good range for my rates. I know everywhere is different i just wanted to know a genral idea. I have very nice equipment, wireless and wired mics, effects lighting.

Thank You
Ray

pepperkaraoke@aol.com

There are too many varying factors to know. Best thing to do is get the rates in your area & go with that. What some can get in certain areas, others wouldn't be able to. There are also other factors involed such as sound, selection, hosting skills etc...Everyone thinks their own system sounds greater than the other companies, but does it really? If your system sounds like any other show, you are going to get a lower price pretty much. Same with selection, it doesn't have to be a huge selection as this sometimes can be decieving especially with alot of duplicate listings or crap that no one wants to sing, but your selection will need to consist of good solid songs that people like to sing from old to new. When you book, ask if there are any special songs they will want & get them, this will impress them. These all have big factors on how much you can ask for.

My area commands $300-$1,000 for private shows depending on the event with $500 being an average.

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LIKE Lonman on Facebook - Lonman Productions Karaoke & my main site via my profile!

I not only provide karaoke, but music and music videos as well. I normally charge $100/hour, but won't charge over $500 unless it goes past midnight (so normally they will get me for up to 8 hours for $500). As soon as midnight hits, it's another $50 per half hour EVERY half hour. From what I see in the area, the $500 is a pretty average price. I have seen some charge as much as $200/hour, and some as low as $50/hour.

I hope that makes sense,
Will

Hey Will, I'm no math genius (that's why I'm an English teacher) but I don't think your rate schedule makes much sense at all.

You say you charge $100 per hour but won't go over $500 for up to 8 hours. That comes out to closer to $60 an hour for an 8 hour show. Or do you bill yourself as "Buy 5 hours and get 3 free." Using your formula, you would get stuck playing a 10 hour show for $700. Not that that is anything to sneeze at mind you!

Just like employees in the real world, unscheduled overtime at my shows is paid at time and a half, although using your "ACTUAL" hourly rate of $60 per hour, the $100 per hour you get after midnight would actually be a little bit more than time and a half.

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Spreading the karaoke gospel

I would honesty say if your area can tolerate it start off at $100.00 per hour and negotiate from there. Of course Lonman has some extremely valid points. And if your systems has the "extras" such as a turnkey or A large DJ type lighting system or a very good music videos for the time between songs, You own and provide your own Video system as in Plasma screens, Big screens and such. Also the sound system is a well run system, and is in "high quality".

You may be able to charge more than $100.00 an hour providing the venue can afford it and your show will draw enough bar patrons to sing in your show.. it's a tough world to make it work, and I really wish ya alot of luck.

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Brian D.
(BHB)

Big Mike,
90% of the parties I dj only last 4-5 hours, so it's usually $400-$500 per party. Most of those parties start around 7PM. I know starting earlier and not charging more may not make sense to everyone (and it usually only happens during wedding receptions), but it works for me.

Will

P.S. I don't let customers know ahead of time that I will work a little longer if they need me for no extra cost. The last wedding reception I dj'd at was supposed to go from 6PM-11PM. They then asked me to come in at 4PM for announcing and dinner music, and I gave those two hours for no extra charge. I might lose money that way, but the bride's mother was so happy that she talked me up to some other people and now I've had 3 more 4 hour parties come out of that. That works for me.

I just wanted to say Thank you to Lonman, Willr, Big Mike and Beachheadbum for your replies I think that this will be a good start for me i just wanted a general idea on what private functions are going for.

Thank You
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