What a DJ costs in San Diego, and what changes the number

People usually ask the price before anything else, so here it is in the open. My opening rates are $950 for a private celebration, $1,400 for a company event ($1,250 on a weekday), and $350 per two-hour set for a bar or lounge night. Those are starting points for a standard booking. Here is what moves the number from there. Hours. Private and company bookings include up to four hours of performance. Every hour past that is $200. If your reception runs five hours, plan on the opening rate plus one extra hour. Sound. Whether you need me to bring a full system or the venue has one is the biggest swing in a DJ quote, mine or anyone's. On private and company bookings my sound, wireless microphones, dance lighting and backup gear are included. Venue nights run on the house system, which is why that rate is lower. The room. A room for 60 people and a room for 300 are different jobs. Past about 200 guests you may need a second sound zone (a second set of speakers in another area, $300) so people at the back and on the patio hear the same thing as people on the floor. Extras. Uplighting from $400, cold sparks $650, dancing on a cloud $350, an audio guest book $350, a second DJ $500. None of these are required. They are there when the event calls for them. Day and date. Saturdays in May, June, October and December book first. Weekday company events get the lower rate because the calendar is open. How to read any DJ quote. Ask four questions. How many hours are included and what is the overtime rate? Is sound included, and is there backup gear on site? What is the deposit and when is the balance due? What happens if the DJ gets sick? If you get a clear answer to all four, you are dealing with a professional. With me: four hours included, $200 an hour after, sound and backup included, 50% deposit locks the date with the balance due 14 days before, and a vetted substitute arranged with your consent if I ever can't make it. If you want a number for your specific event before you talk to anyone, the estimate tool on the home page gives you a range in about thirty seconds. The exact quote comes with your date confirmation.