I am a Mobile DJ and was asked to do my cousin's wedding. I accidently let it out that I have done a couple of charity gigs for free. How much should I charge to do this wedding? I have a LARGE family, and don't want to be asked to do every job for free.
2007-08-06 11:21:32 · 32 answers · asked by papazif 2 in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
well, i would understand a charity event would be free. :P family members should not expect that.
for a photographer, i would think that they would just charge for materials, not my time. but i do not know how you would break this up since you already have the materials. perhaps you should charge half, 50% off is a big discount for families.
2007-08-06 11:26:23 · answer #1 · answered by Christina V 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Since you have already agreed to DJ for this cousin you can't back out fully. Eittiqute would say that they would pay you some small amount for doing this because of travel, time away from the wedding but they might not. Perhaps you can ask them to do a charity donation in your name instead of a regular payment, then the wedding would work as a tax break for you an come back when you get your refund.
In the future when family asks you just need to be honest. "Look Uncle Joe, I would love to do it business has been so buy and I have three gigs areadly" Perhaps as a present to the couple you can make up a playlist they they can have another Dj use or get a highchool kid and an Ipod like we are. Or tell them straight out "I love to DJ but when I am spending the whole time at the wedding spinning I miss out visiting with you guys
2007-08-06 12:38:53 · answer #2 · answered by pspoptart 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you should charge the same amount you would charge for a normal wedding.... just because you have done a few CHARITY gigs for free.... i would also say that you could give a discount as a wedding gift.... that is the thing it is charity i would not expect a family member to do my wedding for free just because they are a dj....they should not either
2007-08-06 11:28:33 · answer #3 · answered by ajonesy1984 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
if you really don't mind doing this job for free then you should do it..esepcially since it's your family. But you could also ask your cousin to tell other family members that you charged her a certain amount so that they don't expect it. It seem like you want to make some money though...It's not worng to say that you would like to make some money. Just charge her significantly less..I don't know what DJ's for weddings charge but if you ask for $100 it should be reasonable if you're a great DJ and a good family member. I mean after all it's only like 3 - 4 hours of DJ'ing.
2007-08-06 11:28:19 · answer #4 · answered by smarttmelanie 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
How much do you normally charge? Perhaps a discount would be appropriate (I'd say no more than 30 percent), but you shouldn't do it for free. A charity gig may have even been tax deductable (don't know), but this is a job and you have to make some money on it.
2007-08-06 11:27:06 · answer #5 · answered by Georgia W 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I would just explain what you normally charge and maybe just give her a family discount. Make sure it is a good price so if she shops you. This is business and being a family member she should understand that you have to make money also. You really wont be able to have fun because you will be working. Charity is a different story.
2007-08-06 11:25:59 · answer #6 · answered by Sales Girl 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
This is how you make a living! If you decide to do charity work that's fine, it's for a noble cause! You can give a small discount for your services but make sure they are aware it is just because they are family. If your cousin is very close to you, you can give him a bigger discount as a wedding gift, but don't do it for free or everybody in your family will want freebies!
2007-08-06 11:28:35 · answer #7 · answered by SexRexRx 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Mmmn. Its a toughy. I would suggest a discount of about a third or even half price. The fact is, you are still missing out on a full price job if you do your cousins reception. She doesn't have to accept. Your family are not a charity. And you have a living expenses.
2007-08-06 12:32:56 · answer #8 · answered by lilmissdisorganised 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First you can explain to them that a chairty is also a tax write off. your cousins wedding is not.
I would charge 50% i think thats reasonable when you factor in the cost of the equipment, drive time etc. plus the fact tha tyou dont even get to enjoy your cousins wedding.
2007-08-06 12:23:31 · answer #9 · answered by Jessica S 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Wow , big mistake !! Lol , but there are many ways to get around it , if you are not giving them a wedding gift then you can offer your services as a wedding gift to them or you can charge them half of what you normally charge other people . Either way , they will be getting a good deal. Good Luck !
2007-08-06 11:35:47 · answer #10 · answered by ♥ Army Wife ♥ 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋