Karaoke Forums

Kjs DO know thier business, and what attracts crowds in thier area and what they need to do in THEIR area. Different areas have crowds of different levels of disposable incomes, and different levels of competition. What works one place may not work somewhere else.

The problem is not that KJs do not know the business about what gets people into their shows (or can keep them away) it is just that many of assume that comments by KJs on what works/does not work in the area apply to everywhere.

If an area has 10-20 karaoke shows compeeting nearby through the week and NONE of them charge cover, a cover charge could ruin the show. It takes an incredible show to be that much better than 10-20 competitors to be worth $5 more to a lot of the singers. Further if the show becomes "empty" by driving away some people, the remaining have less incentive to go (and pay). Of course if $5 is totally trivial money in your area, then it is not as much of an incentive. But it is so for many of my singers if not most, nearly all of them buy the cheaper drinks.

If other shows nearby charge cover, or there is little competion from other karaoke shows then a cover can work. Ditto if the target area/demographic is willing and or able to buy more than the minimum. Same with areas where many of the customers are tourists who might pay for something special, but the same people may be less willing for the weekly hometown entertainment.

I know many of my regulars can't afford to easily spend more than $5-10 on a weeknight, and attendance does decline towards the end of many months, and picks up after paychecks on the first. Of course this is not the situation everywhere, but many KJs do know the local economics.

AMEN, particularly what I stressed in blue from your post