The following article is a great article for people wanting to know how to get into the mobile DJing business.

Running a mobile disco involves transporting sound and lighting equipment to different venues and then acting as the disc jockey for the night. A mobile disco is equipped with turntables, amplifiers, speakers and a large stock of records and/or CDs. For private functions it will usually be necessary to provide all the equipment, while at some venues sound systems and lights will be provided. A DJ may wish to specialise in a particular type of music or alternatively offer a more general selection to cater for a wide range of tastes. DJs are sometimes required to act as a compere, especially at private functions; this will involve introducing records, any other acts and making announcements. A DJ could also organise various activities such as quizzes and games or karaoke. Discos have the capability of entertaining a wide age range; offering special 60s, 70s or 80s music nights will attract particular customers, while a general function (such as a wedding) will require a range of music that appeals to a mixed crowd. Hiring a mobile disco costs from £100, though this can climb much higher depending on the venue, the location, and the DJ's reputation. 'Big name' DJs can command very large fees from clubs across the UK. It is important to note that there is a major difference between operating as a club DJ and running a mobile disco, and that the markets are very different.

While it is still common to hire a disco for a private function such as a wedding or large birthday party, for regular entertainment most people will go to a pub or nightclub. The strong interest in dance music has increased demand for freelance DJs. These may do regular or occasional nights at nightclubs both locally and around the country (or even abroad, especially in clubbing 'hotspots' like Ibiza). Some may be residents at particular clubs. These DJs may use the club's equipment rather than their own, though will still supply their own records. This area has become very competitive, as popular DJs have become minor celebrities, releasing compilation albums of dance mixes and commanding considerable fees.

Market conditions are subject to change and thorough up to date market research should be carried out before any business decision is made.

A mobile disco may be hired by an individual for a one-off booking such as a special event or a party, or asked to make regular appearances at a nightclub or pub. For private functions the disco may be invited to a private home although it is more likely that a function would be held in a pub, hall or social club. Special occasions will include birthdays, Christmas parties, engagement parties, office parties, anniversary celebrations and wedding receptions. At such events all age groups can be present so it is important to be able to provide music that will cater to all tastes.

Pubs and clubs may have openings for a weekly disco or may hire a freelance DJ. Taking up such a residency can provide a regular income and be good promotion for the business. Schools, youth clubs and community centres could offer regular work. Societies, sports clubs, organisations and charities may also be a source of trade. In places with large student populations there may be particular opportunities to run discos. During the holiday season there will be opportunities to provide discos at campsites, hotels, dance halls, etc in tourist areas.

Freelance DJs usually specialise in a particular kind of music (e.g. house, garage, Northern Soul, seventies) so will be hired by clubs aimed at attracting its fans. Music promoters may hire DJs to work on one-off events (e.g. raves, festivals).

Whilst running a disco is fairly skilful, many people want to do it and it is relatively easy to start. Consequently competition is strong, although many people who start up often do not know what they are doing and can provide a poor service, so professionalism and good service will pay dividends. In large urban areas competition may be especially fierce so specialising may be wise, e.g. in dance music. Elsewhere there may not be a great demand for specialist music so offering a broader mixture will be necessary.

Mobile disco operators will be competing with nightclubs and pubs, especially those which are available for private functions, as these have become popular choices for eighteenth and twenty first birthday parties and other functions (e.g. office parties). Live bands who aim at similar customer types and venues will also be a form of competition.

A DJ working in nightclubs will be competing with others in a similar field; competition will not be restricted to local DJs as many of the more successful DJs tour the country doing guest nights.

A mobile disco should advertise in Yellow Pages, Thomson's, and other local directories and in local newspapers and free papers. Advertisements and fliers could be placed in record shops, pubs, clubs, newsagents and on notice boards in public places, e.g. colleges, community centres and social clubs. At private functions each member of the audience is a potential customer: fliers or business cards could be distributed at each event. Word of mouth recommendation will be an important source of trade, so a good service should be provided. Discount rates could be offered for repeat business. A well-designed logo, incorporating an imaginative business name, will be useful and should be displayed or equipment, vehicles and promotional material. It may be worth advertising on the Internet, either through an individual web page or by placing a listing in a director} such as the UK DJ Directory.

Specialist DJs could try to get club nights reviewed in some of the man) magazines devoted to club culture, as well as listed in local, national and student's listings. A freelance DJ may start out working for a club while establishing a reputation, as this is how most work in this area will be gained. A DJ may also organise their own events, either at nightclubs or other venues, as a way of building a following and becoming better known.

A basic system consists of a twin deck turntable with an amplifier and a pair of speakers. Equipment costs vary, but buying cheap equipment may be a false economy: trade reviews should be read and sound quality compared before buying. Good quality decks will cost around £400-£800, with mixers costing £300-£800. DJ CD players cost around £350-£800. PA equipment costs £700-£1,200 Headphones and microphones will cost £50-£170 and £80-£425 respectively Disco lights can be bought either as a set or a modular kit the DJ assembles as needed (the stand will cost around £150, lights cost £55-£150). Larger lighting systems are much more expensive, so it may be worth hiring if only using occasionally (e.g. at larger venues). Hire costs start at around £10 per day. The range of equipment available is immense, so any purchases should be carefully considered. As stated earlier, the difference between running a mobile disco and being a specialist DJ (working in clubs, etc) is marked. The latter will be expected to have top of the range equipment, which will obviously be more expensive Equipment reviews are regularly featured in trade magazines. Some equipment will be available second-hand. An established business could be acquired, which will reduce costs and may also provide existing customers.

Extensive stock of records will be required and will be an ongoing expense, if playing mainstream music (such as seventies, eighties, chart) this may be limited to a few releases a week, but specialist dance DJs should budget for c considerable weekly spend, as stock will need to be constantly updated. A DJ will probably take around 300-500 records to each show, though only 100 may be used. The collection, however, needs to be much larger than this to cater for a variety of audiences. Second-hand stock may be bought through advertisements in local newspapers and the music press, music auctions, record fairs and second-hand record shops. For mainstream music, buying compilation albums will be a way of economising.

Transport will be needed. Equipment cases should be sturdy enough to protect equipment and stock: these can be bought from specialist suppliers from £65.

Public liability insurance will be needed, it may also be worth securing insurance against cancellation as, if a DJ is unable to do a gig as arranged the client may seek legal redress. It may be difficult to fully insure records or equipment due to the risks involved; breakages are a fairly common occurrence. Additionally, the relevant licenses will be required (see Legal).

Training and Qualifications

No formal qualifications are required to become a DJ. Most professional DJs will nave had some experience in the job before starting out on their own; however, many are self-taught. A basic knowledge of electronics in order to understand the workings of the equipment will be helpful. This may be useful for rigging up and repairs. It is an advantage to be able to mix and sample records although this is lot essential for many events. Specialist DJs will need extensive knowledge of, and enthusiasm for, the music they are playing.

City & Guilds offer qualifications on the technical side of being a DJ; Novice Radio Amateurs and Radio Amateurs. The School of Audio Engineering (SAE) in London offers a six week DJ certificate course covering the operation of specialised DJ equipment, including beat mixing, and offering the chance to visit established clubs and attend guest lectures by successful DJs. SAE also run a short (two day) Beat Mixing workshop. DJ short courses are also available at some colleges across the UK.

A DJ should have an outgoing personality, be able to interact well with the audience and be prepared to work unsocial hours. A good microphone voice is also important.

Awareness of copyright legislation is important. It is illegal to play or perform copyright music in public without the permission of the copyright owner, usually the composer. The granting of licenses for public performance of most copyright works is managed by the PRS. Many venues a DJ works in will already have a license, but it is important to check. Depending on the type of venue targeted for custom it may simply be easier if the DJ obtains their own individual license: in some cases this will be essential. A separate license will also be required from the PPL. Both PRS and PPL have special tariffs for Mobile DJs and can provide information on how these apply. It is important to apply before start up, as costs rise considerably if applying later.

Some knowledge of contracts may be necessary, and the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982 is of relevance. Health and safety legislation may also apply.

All businesses are subject to a wide range of legislation and will be affected in different ways. This section is intended as a starting point and it is important to seek professional legal advice before business decisions are made.