How Much Money Do I Need To Start My DJ Business?

DJ equipment is getting more expensive; something that could turn out to be temporary, but is nonetheless raising costs for DJs and consumers alike right now.

Component shortages, import/export restrictions, issues with labor, personal finance limitations; these are just a few of the issues the sector is facing. Precisely why affordable DJ finance has become such a lifeline for countless new and established DJs worldwide.

Spreading the costs of an investment in DJ gear has become the standard approach for most. Now more than ever, ambitious DJs are indulging in high-end hardware they would not normally have been able to purchase outright.

And as there is a clear correlation between equipment quality and realization of potential, it’s nothing but a good thing for the world’s collective DJ community.

But how much on average does it cost right now to set up as a DJ? Assuming you simply want to cover the basics to start your company with a limited budget, what kinds of costs will you be looking at?

A Broad And Diverse Playing Field

The truth is you can spend as much or as little as you want on becoming a DJ.  In theory, you could spend less than £300 on a basic computer with an entry-level software suite and call it a day.

At the opposite end of the scale, you could wax £50,000 on club-level kit and go nuts.

Costs vary significantly from one piece of DJ equipment and hardware to the next, along with the newness and sophistication of the device in question. But when it comes to the actual gear you will need to get started, here are the essentials you cannot get by without:

A Computer With Decent Specifications

A good computer is essential, which will form the core of your DJ business. Setting your sights on a laptop for around £400 will see you right, this is better than a stationery computer for obvious reasons. You will also need to set aside the purchase price or monthly subscription for a DJ software suite.  Practice on a free software program if you like, but you’ll need a paid package to go pro.

A User Friendly DJ Controller

DJ controller costs vary from less than £100 to more than £10,000. For newcomers starting DJ businesses from scratch, something around the £200 to £300 mark should suffice. Low-cost controllers at the bottom-end on the market are not without their charms. However, higher-end devices are exponentially more user-friendly and allow for greater creative freedom.

Microphone And Headphones

No huge expense is involved here; £100 for each should cut it. In fact, you can pick up a perfectly decent pair of headphones for around £50, or the same of a microphone that will cover most basic tasks. It depends entirely on whether you plan on making music exclusively at home or showcasing your talents live. In the case of the latter, you will need something better – budget around £100 for each.

Turntables (Optional)

It is entirely up to you whether you set yourself up with a pair of decks, or sidestep turntables entirely. Of course, like businesses wanting the best office equipment, you want the best turntable equipment. There is no shortage of options available, with a huge range of digital and traditional vinyl decks available to suit all budgets. High-quality turntables start from below the £100 mark to more than £300 each. Though again, you could technically get away without decks for the time being.

Performance Hardware and Accessories

This applies exclusively to DJs planning on taking the show on the road, for live business events and performance purposes. Always remember that there is far more to your live show than your mixing talent alone. You also need to think about lights, screens, lasers, smoke and so on. Not to mention, all the speakers, monitors, stands, subwoofers and so on needed to deliver the goods.

Promotion and Marketing for Your Business

Starting a DJ business and expecting it to catch fire automatically is a recipe for failure. Ultimately, you need to run your business as you would any other small business. There are many reasons why marketing is important such as revenue, sales and popularity. This means investing the necessary time, effort and money in high-impact marketing; website development, social media marketing, professional agency representation, promotion via conventional channels – all constituting costs to factor in.

For more information on any of the above or to discuss affordable DJ finance in more detail, contact a member of the djkit customer support team today.