Credit Card Processing Keeps the Beat Going for DJ and Sound Tech Companies
Depending on your age and where you grew up, you probably went through a phase where you wanted to be a celebrity. Maybe your eyes were set on being an actor, rapper, rock star, circus pro, rodeo cowboy, preacher, politician, YouTube celebrity, or media personality. And with modern technology, everybody believes they can become well-known. And for many of us, our dream of hitting it big was about becoming a professional DJ.
After all, smartphones give everyone the equipment to create professional-quality work. With a combination of DJ apps and smart speakers, anyone with the innate skill and talent can try their hand at producing music. So whether you have a sound engineering degree or you just think you have what it takes, sound can be a viable business option.
Get the right gear
A basic sound editing booth could contain a smartphone, tablet, or computer with large storage capacity and a comprehensive music collection. Traditionally, DJs and sound technicians would use turntables, but these days, many opt for disk jockey software and virtual sound-editing booths. For live shows, you also need solid speakers, and your music recordings has to be high definition audio so they doesn’t distort.
It does help to have some technical skill – like equalizing or beat matching. Your software can do it automatically, but the true sound expert has their own internal metronome. You need the ability to read a crowd, match their mood, and play what they want to hear–even when they don’t know what they want, themselves. You’ll get requests, but if you accept each one, your mix will be eclectic at best and annoying at worst.
Skip the ballads
An overly-slow song will dull the mood, especially with alcohol involved, so you may opt for songs that are upbeat, with smooth transitions that keep revelers on their feet. You want to create the effect of an endless song, keeping up your guests’ positive spirits. Slow the pace towards the end of the event, when your host has indicated they want guests to leave. At a more practical level, DJ and sound techie gear is expensive, and often bulky. Plus, because it’s service-based, your clients may not feel the urgency to pay.
They’ll prioritize the food and drinks bill. Request a deposit, especially if you’re renting sound equipment and transportation. To avoid having to chase payments later, ask them to pay by credit card. On the day of the event, show up with all your equipment. But don’t play a single song until they pay. They can swipe their card on your portable electronic card reader. Or they can use mobile payment apps to clear their balance. Some payment processors offer these payment tools for free.
For more information on how credit card processing can help DJ and sound tech companies in Idaho, or to sign up for a merchant account, please call (888) 924-2743 or go to Charge.com.