gratuity

"Gratuity"
By Brian McDaniel ("DJ Brian Crow")

Let's see if I can sum this up for both customers and DJs. It doesn't matter if you work for a company or own the company. If you are the individual who goes out of your way to help a client and provide a good service, you are open for gratuity. It does not mean you are entitled to it. It just means that you could very well be the happy recipient of some form of gratuity. It's really at the discretion of the client.
A lot of people ask, "how much is the right amount?" Some customers want to know what they can do differently to show gratitude. The truth is that there isn't a "right amount." It really is based on what a customer feels is appropriate. Sure you can go by scale but nobody ever does. What are other forms of gratuity? How about a gift card to a restaurant? This shows that you put some thought into it. Sometimes creative gifts are the way to go.
It depends on the event. We say that a lot. No matter what it is, the DJ should appreciate it because it is above and beyond what they are being paid. There are some customers who do not know that it is appropriate to give a DJ gratuity. It is the job of the DJ to remain professional at all times and not expect gratuity. Remember DJs, it's a gift of thanks. To the customers, it is your call.

In our FAQ's we have a topic on gratuity. I have pasted it below.

Q. Is it appropriate to give a DJ gratuity? What is the appropriate gesture?
Tips and other forms of gratuity are certainly appreciated by your DJ/Entertainer. The best way to determine whether or not a hired service should receive something extra is to ask yourself the following questions. Was this person helpful? Do I appreciate what he or she has done? If the answer is yes, then it is appropriate to Tip your service provider. DJs are waiters who serve up customer service and music. The appropriate percentage is the same as the percentage you would leave at a restaurant. Generally, the amount is 15%-25% of the ticket. Not everyone knows about doing this. It is often an uncomfortable part of a conversation with your service provider, should you bring it up. The truth is that every DJ goes to an event hoping to receive gratuity. The fact remains that the DJ must earn it first.

On a personal note: As a professional DJ/VJ I have received tips in the amounts of $50 to $500. It really depends on the client's level of experience on gratuity. I don't mind publishing these facts. Several of my clients have asked me about this subject on numerous occasions. I am happy to provide some information on the subject. It comes from my experience as a professional entertainer.

What's the average? Ok, here we go. On average, our DJ's have received amounts of $100 to $200 for weddings.

What about events that are not weddings? That's easy. We have all gotten amounts from $50-$150. Keep in mind that it really depends on the client and our performance before and during the event.

Fact: Gratuity is typically earned before a DJ gets to the event. It's all based on the level of customer service a client has received. It is at that point that the service extends to the actual event. The event is the icing on the cake.

This information has been gathered based on the personal experiences of our DJs and other DJs throughout the industry and the experience of some of our customers. Thank you all.