Karaoke Forums

But do those people have the thousands of dollars in equipment to run a karaoke show?

$4500 and you are only asking for $175?

You need to up your rates! I make 10% of gross at my bars.

I visited one such place last Friday. The bartender told me they had a new girl that spent most of her time flirting with the guys her first week. They allowed me to look at their system. It was pathetic. An old CAVS with an old style tv (probably 17", not bad) with 10" peavys flying. I think they pay the girl about 10 bucks per hour. As I was there for a coworkers going away party, I stuck around for the karaoke. Host didn't show up, and some people were obviously disappointed.

Such a shame as this place has plenty of docking on the river (riverside bar) and they get some great crowds, have superb (but not cheap) food and a perfect set up with a decent size stage and fairly big bar with a nice layout. But, save a few bucks and keep crapoke going!

I left my card and told them to give me a call and I would give them a special first time trial price to check me out. I haven't heard from them.

_________________
KingBing Entertainment C'mon Up! I have a song for you!!! [font=MS Sans Serif][/font]

Same thing last night for me.. I had the weekend off, and went out with some friends to a place that has been around for years. It is a large country bar (think Gilleys) that has a karaoke room. It has a decent sound system, but needs some work too. They use compuhost as their program with 3 flat screen monitors hanging around the room. Small room really, only seats about 50 or so. Hmmm... no books?? just fill out a slip with your name, song, etc....hmmm??? Just what am i seeing here? A club with a good reputation for giving good entertainment, and it looks like they are, shall i say, less than legit. Still not the kicker tho!! A BOUNCER was running the show!!!!!! YEP! a bouncer!! When my friend asked them about what is going on, the DJ?bouncer told him they were looking for a KJ... pays 8 bucks per hour..DOH! that won't even pay for gas, even if you live close by!!. My friend just laughed at them and told them I would do it,,,but NOT for that price!!,,,uuhh,,he's right, I won't do it for that price!! Especially given all the circumstances.

Sad thing? the place itself will seat over 500, and it was packed! But the karaoke room was not busy at all, we got to sing 4 times. How can a place that is THAT busy, with the kind of rep the have, not WANT to get a qualified KJ in there to run a professional show? Totally beyond me! Yeah, places like that are out there, they think just because they have their own equipment/music that people will come.... I say NOT,, the host is paramount to the success of the operation. His/her hosting skills makes ALL the difference. Too bad this place doesn't see that.

Unfortunately, most bars that want to pay a percentage of gross don't have very many customers or can't afford to be on the hook for another fixed expense. That's why they tie the KJ more directly to "performance".

There's no doubt that one of my venues is making a mint on me. But I am still getting above average pay for a KJ in Seattle. I also don't assume any of the risk if there's an off night.

_________________
[font=Lucida Console]DangerousKaraoke.com[/font]
[font=Lucida Console]"Sing for the day, sing for the moment, sing for the time of your life!"[/font]

I get a percentage of the bar take at one of my Gigs and that is one of the downsides to such an arrangement. Doesn't happen often but depressing when it does.

The piza delivery guy has as much invested in their own car that they use for the job as most KJs, and they earn just about minimum wage most places.

A lot of KJ rigs/equipment are sitting idle in closets, many of them may be owned by the people now unemployed.

Why would a place "THAT busy" not want to hire a pro??

Do you really not see it?? Not saying they are right, but I understand.

What you are saying is, if they already have a huge crowd, then why bother even getting a pro for a host? Is that what you are meaning? Same question, then, "why even have karaoke then"? If they want to portray a lousy show, then they are doing a great job!! Why bother at all if they are already getting people in the door for their other entertainment? But if they cared at all about making their spot a good karaoke venue, a professional KJ is a must, not the bouncer.

Did not say it was right, but I still understand.

When the bottom line tells them to get a pro, they might.

Who says they wish to make their spot a good karaoke venue??? They are in business to make money, apparently they are.