alrightt.. ummm kk my cousin has asked me to dj his wedding in ottaawa which is 6 hours away... should I charge him like 50% off or just for the rental of my speakers that ill need?? how should you charge a family member???? thankksss


djcorbett

I don't think there is a right or wrong way to charge a friend or family member. It might also depend how close you are to them (personally more so than distance). Everyone's probably got there own position on it, including "never do a job for family!". I haven't had to deal with the family question since I don't have any within driving distance.

For me, I have given good discounts for friends, if I'm available, and have even donated my services on occasion. You should be prepared though at possible repercussions - others wanting the same benefit. I'd try to keep it low key between yourselves. It's a personal decision and a nice oppotunity to give a terrific gift if you choose - your services. For some of the jobs I've done for friends, I have often more than made up for it with a nice tip. With a 6 hour drive, at minimum, you might look to have a hotel for the night tossed in. Good luck.

Like marty3dj said, it depends on how close your are with this cousin. Would you be invited to the wedding if you weren't going to DJ it? If the answer is "no", then I wouldn't give that much of a discount. If "yes", then it would make a nice gift (DJing for free/reduced rate).
Six hours away, I would definitly get a hotel room for the night.
I've done close family events for free. Mostly because I was invited and said, "Hey, I'll DJ the party!".

I couldn't agree more with both you. I have done a lot of "discount" shows for friends, especially when I first started. When it comes to family, I am driving 1500 miles to do my sister wedding, absolutely gratis. But shes my sister, and I am renting most of the equipment there. I have told her that it is my gift to her and her new husband, wether I like him or not. LOL

Business is Business, do not discount anyone!!! get your normal rate, Give extras but do not cut down on the bottom line. Its not wrong or cold to charge your family your normal rate especially since they know they will have a great time. I charge my family all the time for events. hell my brothers bar mitzvah is in june, I have one of my crews doing it and for a price tag of $3,500.00

you could always have them name there own price.

KC

quote:

Originally posted by William Shatner:
[qb] you could always have them name there own price. [/qb]

.......Priceline


lol

Again I think it's a matter of personal preference. Bottom line for me if I do a discounted event, well two things I guess. Said party picks up my bar tab, and they cannot under any circumstances bitch about it.

I bet they'll complain about the bar tab. Especiaslly if it's more than you drinking on your tab.
Bottom line for all my firends and famuily is hey, I'll cut 10% family discount sometimes 25%. One weddign i charged my sister what it cost me to pay the help and cover travel expenses because it was 3 hours away and her wedding. I was in it so it wasn't really me DJ'n but i had costs to cover.
Charge you what it's worth for your time and equipment or at the very least make sure you don't loose too much money or any money for that matter.