This is a question that has annoyed me for years. There are so many different opinions on how much it costs to start a DJ business. I know what it cost me to get started, and it was WAY less than what a lot of other articles claim.
There are certain things that you must have to get started as a DJ, but there are many things that you can live without. Many DJs will buy everything they think they could need before they have a single client. It would be much better to start small and let the business pay for its own growth. How much does it cost to start a DJ business? While you can spend upwards of $10,000 or more, it is entirely possible to start a DJ business from scratch for less than $1,200 in 2020.
Get It Now
You need some basic things to be a DJ. The cheapest professional setup you can get is a laptop plus a controller. Everything I am going to recommend can always be upgraded after you make some money as a DJ. The key is to start with what you have as quickly as possible, hone your skills, then use your profits to upgrade your gear.
Laptop ($500)
You can get started DJing on almost any computer you own. This is your best place to save money when you are first getting started. If you have a laptop already, download demo versions of popular DJ software, like Serato, Traktor, djay or Virtual DJ, and see what works well on your existing laptop. Once you find a program that works well for you, you can seek out a DJ controller that will work with that software (and hopefully comes with a free license).
If you don’t already have a laptop, or if your laptop simply will not work, try to find a used laptop in good condition. I’d recommend a MacBook that’s one or two versions older. Macs just work very well for DJing. I’ve never had any trouble with mine, and I use it every day. If you are buying a used MacBook, make sure you check the remaining lifespan of the battery. If the battery is about dead, factor a replacement into your costs.
If a MacBook is out of your price range, look for a Windows laptop with good specs. You’ll want at least 4 GB of RAM and as big of a hard drive as you can find. There are so many little things that can go wrong on Windows, so I would recommend only using it to DJ. This will help prevent glitches and crashes. Here’s a decently spec’d Acer right around $500.
Controller ($250)
Once you’ve got your laptop, you’ll want a DJ controller that will work with it. This is another area where you can save a ton by looking for something gently used. Be careful not to fall into the trap of overpaying for too many bells and whistles. You are just starting out, so something basic will work just fine.
There are two features to look for that will save you money. First, you want a controller with a built-in audio interface. This lets you listen to your next song while you are already playing a song. It also uses less of your computer’s memory and will significantly improve your sound quality on larger speakers. Most controllers have built-in audio interfaces today, but beware of those that don’t.
Not only do you want a controller with an audio interface, but it should also have XLR connectors for the Master Output. If you get a controller with XLR outputs, you don’t have to purchase a separate mixer to connect to your powered speakers. This will save you space in your setup, and $100 to $300 in costs. If I were choosing a new controller today, I would go with the Denon DJ MC4000. It’s priced a bit higher at $350, but you might be able to catch it on sale or find a gently used one cheaper.
Headphones ($20)
You also need a decent set of headphones with sound isolation. This is another spot where you can fall into a trap of spending way too much money. All you need is over-the-ear headphones to block outside noise, with swivel cups if you like to cue tracks with one ear. You don’t need brand names or flashy logos. You can have more swag once you make some money.
I highly recommend the Monoprice DJ headphones because they are under $20 and excellent quality. And, you don’t have to worry that someone is going to steal them at your next event!
Music ($25 per month)
You will need some music to get started, but you may already have a good collection of tracks. Make sure that all the music you are planning to play was purchased legally! I’m not here to pass judgment on anyone, but you are going pro so you need to be on the right side of the law.
If you need to beef up your music collection, I’d suggest a DJ music pool or streaming service. There are a number of DJ music pools for less than $20 per month. Pick one that fits your taste and gives you access to their back catalogue when you sign up. Just be wary of any that limit the number of downloads you can have at once. You are going to be pulling a lot of new music to get started.
Streaming services are another way to go, but just know that most will require you have an internet connection at the event. This is not always a guarantee, so I would only go with this option if you have an unlimited data plan through your mobile phone.
I have access to download so many songs that I have to be very picky about what I add to my hard drive. For all the details on how I get hundreds of tracks every month for around $20, check out my article on where to get DJ music.
Speakers ($400)
You need some speakers so that your crowd can hear you play. You probably have a small Bluetooth speaker that will accept an AUX input. That’s good enough to practice with. You can even play small house parties with that. Be careful with consumer speakers, as it is easy to crank them too loud and blow them out.
Once you are playing for more than 20 or 30 people, you will need to upgrade to pro-level speakers. You want a powered speaker, so you don’t have to lug around a separate amplifier. There are plenty of cheap options out there, but my favorite cheap pro speaker is the ION Audio Total PA Max. 500 watts of sound with a stand for under $200 per speaker, and it comes with a cable and a stand.
This is also another place you can go used. I was able to get a pair of powered JBL speakers for $250 off Craigslist when I first started. They were beat to hell and had an inch of dirt on the cones, but they still worked. Once I cleaned them up and repainted the fronts, they worked like they were nearly new. I earned enough to buy brand new speakers, but I still use them as backups.
If you don’t know where to start, I’ve put together a full breakdown on all of the different speaker options I recommend. That post will save you a ton of time searching around.
If you’re really on a budget, you can even rent speakers for specific events to get started. I have saved so much time and effort renting gear in the past, that it’s my favorite bit of advice for new DJs. See my article on renting gear to learn how you can use rental gear to launch your DJ business tomorrow!
Get It Later
Not everything is critical when you are first launching your DJ business. These are things to consider having when you start, but they are not absolutely necessary.
Liability Insurance ($250 per year)
There is a company called DJInsuranceInMinutes.com that will give you liability insurance over the web for about $250 per year. Depending on where you plan to play, you may need insurance or you may be covered by the venue’s insurance. Even if you don’t need it, it’s always nice to have piece of mind that you are covered.
Don’t overspend on this by adding insurance for your equipment. Remember that we’ve spent less than $1,200 total. There’s no reason to spend $100 or more a year to protect equipment you could replace with one or two jobs.
Business Cards and Website ($50 each)
These are all about looking professional because you are running a business now. You can get cards on Vistaprint or Overnight Prints on the cheap. Pick out a design that speaks to you and get a small batch printed.
Same with your website. Don’t try to get too fancy to start. Create something basic through BlueHost, GoDaddy or Wix to have a home on the Internet. You just want a place people can go to and see that you are legit. You should be able to get a domain name and a year of a basic website for about $50.
In Summary…
It doesn’t have to cost a fortune to start your DJ business. If you start small and buy smart, you can get what you need for less than $1,200. Use what you already have and get out there to make some money. The faster you start, the faster you’ll earn, and the faster you will get to buy the gear you really want!
