benjamin fisher wrote on Tue, 02 February 2010 01:43 |
Dave Rickard wrote on Mon, 01 February 2010 23:14 |
benjamin fisher wrote on Mon, 01 February 2010 19:16 | Thanks Ryan, I will be giving you a call this week. For sure.
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I get the impression that you are fairly young. Is your family moving also, or are you moving alone?
That will affect your cost of living.
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I'm 25. I've moved before, I was in Orlando for a year and a half, then moved back to Ohio. I am moving with my girlfriend.
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Consider finding other sources of income as well. You'd rather be mixing bands than washing dishes for $10/hr, but once you start mixing for those amounts you'll never get the respect as a 'real' soundman. I've got a bunch of $10-$15/hr guys for audio stuff and so $60/hr guys. I put myself right in the middle of there. We all have different purposes in the world but the only way to retain value in your services is to decline underpaid work.
If you really want to take these gigs,
clearly indicate to clients that they $150 or $200 is just for your labour services. Offer clients discounts on your system but make sure they see how much inventory you are bringing out and what your full prices are.
For example, I put out a system for a student group for Holloween. I was booked solid but had some old stuff that I put together for them (4 Yorkville tops, 4 old 218 Peavey subs, and some powered fill/monitors... you get the idea). In generic terms I billed them for my time, transport and a my regular rate for a medium system. I explained that they were getting some older gear and applied a generous discount to that invoice line.
They were thrilled, but next time they call (they already have) they know what my full prices are.
Always (ALWAYS) charge for transport. Put $75 or something and knock it down but make sure people know what they are getting.
There are guys around here that move large items (furniture, appliances, etc) with their trucks/vans and trailer. Even they charge at least $30/hr with fuel surcharges for longer distances. You are renting out your vehicle, trailer, equipment, labor and expertise. You've got to be worth more than handy-man moving services.