Thinking about starting a mobile DJ trailer business in Florida? A trailer can help you safely transport audio and visual equipment, while setting your business apart from other DJs in the local market. Below is an overview of this high-profit business model.

Mobile DJ Trailer Business Model Explained

Being your own boss and becoming entrepreneurial disc jockeys (AKA DJ) is something most on-air talent considers during their career. After all, most small radio markets pay on-air talent under $40,000 annually if you’re just entering the workforce. It’s not that small-market radio wouldn’t like to pay their employees more, it’s simply a matter of revenue generated through advertising can’t support higher salaries in these markets.
The flip side is that you can earn a very healthy six figure or higher annual salary as an independent DJ and owns his or her audio equipment and a trailer to haul equipment from venue to venue.
When you’re starting out, finding events to DJ will seem difficult. Like any other small business, no one will know about your services at first. In the early days, you will need to pay your dues to get your name out there and into the public. This could mean bringing your talents at no charge to local charity events or fundraisers. While you won’t get paid for these events you will introduce your services to the community and start generating leads for paid gigs at events like this.
There are a few different strategies you can use to build an income as a DJ. Many DJs will use a combination of these approaches:
Bars and Clubs – Small bars, especially those without built-in audio equipment or lighting may hire out third-parties to provide entertainment on busy nights like New Year’s Eve. These venues will likely only pay $200 – $500 for an evening of entertainment. If you perform well, you may be invited in play again at a future date or even operate at bars run by the same owner.
One important aspect to remember is the business aspect of paid entertainment in a bar or night club. You are being paid by the business owner to provide a fun night for guests and keep people happily ordering drinks throughout the night. If you can accomplish both, you’ll likely be hired for future events.
Weddings – This is the holy grail of DJing event. A wedding provides the opportunity to charge higher prices in the $1,000 – $3,000 range per event. Depending on the service you offer and night of the wedding this quote could be even higher.
You’ll need to prepare more for a wedding than you will a bar event, however. What is usually forgotten about is the amount of planning that goes into a wedding. You’ll need to determine things like what will the father daughter dance be? What will the couple’s first dance be? What songs do they not want played at the wedding? Will the chicken dance be played? You’ll need to bring your A-game for more formal events like weddings.
School Dance – Want to go back in time and relive those awkward teen years? You can do just that as a disc jockey for school dances. Remember that while you’ll need to adapt the music to what a younger demographic wants to hear, you also need to remember the school is paying your fee. Don’t make them regret the decision to hire you.
Street Dance – Playing at small town street dances or centennial celebrations can be lucrative events to book. Usually, you’ve got to have a well-established track record before landing these big events, but some can pay $2,000 – $6,000 for a single night of entertainment assuming you’ll be providing equipment like stage lighting and a dance floor.
Fairs / Carnivals – County fairs and street carnivals regularly hire DJs to provide free entertainment at events.
Advantages of Operating a Mobile DJ Business

  • Be your own boss.
  • Retain all revenue from DJ events.
  • You hand pick the events you book.

Disadvantages of This Business Model

  • You will need to work nights and weekends to make good money.
  • Seasonal demand for DJ services.
  • Low barriers to entry from local competitors.
  • This is not the ideal business model for reserved personality types.

Best Practices for Running a Successful DJ Business

The best paid DJs are the ones that act professionally. They understand their role at an event. Establish a routine of showing up early to events so you can setup audio / visual equipment to ensure everything is ready to go at the agreed upon start time. Remember, you’re essentially a temporary employee of the business that hired you.
Next, check your ego at the door. You’re not a famous rock star that can show up late and disrespect other employees like wait staff, bartenders or bouncers at an event. In fact, you should put your best foot forward with venue employees as they are often the eyes and ears of the check writer.
Third, it’s your job to bring the party and have a good time at events. But never drink in excess or curse on the microphone. It’s bad taste and will earn you a bad reputation that you may not be able to bounce back from.
Fourth, you will encounter other DJs and local cover bands on your journey to building this business. Be nice to these guys and gals, especially if they are popular acts in your region. Popular acts know who the decision makers are in your area and might even help you secure more business in the future if they respect you and can vouch for your talents and professionalism. Many of the popular acts will be booked quickly at the start of the year and can only entertain one venue at a time. Believe it or not, your competition may actually help you book more business if you give them a reason to help you.
Finally, every gig you play is an audition for your next event. If you make it a point to do your best at each event, you’ll find that you are able to regularly meet new people that need paid entertainment for events. Your calendar will start to fill up and you’ll be able to gradually increase your rates.