Emcees for less

Previously, I promised that I'd blog about how to get good hosts at bargain prices. Well, I don't want to start the New Year without complete closure, so here are a few guidelines to help those wanting to book DJs and other pseudo-celebs...

* Be professional. If you seem unprofessional off-the-bat, your emcee could assume that your event will be poorly organized and his work would be difficult. Then, he'd jack up the price.

* Have a program flow (and if possible, rough script) ready. When presented with a hosting gig, the quotation is based on the emcee's estimate of the job's difficulty. If job isn't that hard, the estimate will be lower.

* Attire. It's understood that hosting in formal attire will be more expensive. Aside from dry cleaning, there's the hassle of bringing the outfit and a change of clothes. So, not asking your host to be too dressed-up saves a little.

* Costume. If make your host has to wear in something unusual, he might not be comfortable.

By the way, don't try to pull a “fast one” and at the last minute and change your emcee’s role or make him dress in some sort of surprise outfit; he could have every right to walk out on you. Let’s continue…

* Distance. The further you make your emcee travel, the more of a damage it is on their pocket. If your gig is out-of-town, try to book someone that nearer. (Ex. for a Batangas gig, a host living and working in Q.C will be more expensive.)

* Time. If you secure an emcee for the entire day, he won't be able to do other gigs before or after. So it's not a good idea to ask your host to be there at 3pm, when your event is at 9. Less time, lower quotation.

* Try a student or employee co-host. In one "budget gig" I hosted, there were student emcees (who did the opening, closing and games) and I was the "guest DJ host" that just introduced several bands.

* Add perks. If you really can't give the quoted talent fee, try add-ons. One hosting gig, I was given one of their extra prizes (a techie gadget) for a lower quote. (Btw, dinner and a soft drink are always understood to be part of the package.)

* More is less. As with any other product or service, it's cheaper when you buy more. The same goes for hosting. Also, if you even build a good working relationship with your host, he might not raise the prices over time, in spite of inflation.

There. Whew. I hope this somehow helps people with smaller budgets to book DJs as hosts more often. Remember my previous blog; they’re worth it. :)