Guide
How to price a DJ gig without ignoring hidden hours
Build from labour, direct costs, overhead and contingency.
Build the quote in four passes
- Count performance, preparation, travel, setup and pack-down hours.
- Multiply total labour by the hourly value the job needs to return.
- Add event-specific costs: mileage, parking, hired equipment, assistant and accommodation.
- Add an explicit contingency, then sense-check the result against scope and local market evidence.
Worked example
| Part | Calculation | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Labour | 11 hours × £45 | £495 |
| Direct costs | Travel £35 + equipment £50 | £85 |
| 10% contingency | £580 × 10% | £58 |
| Total model | £638 |
Round only after you understand what the rounding removes or adds. Taxes and general overhead need separate treatment appropriate to your business.
Put it into practice
Open the free calculators or review the complete gig operating system.
Verify every figure, item and decision for the specific client, venue and event.