Karaoke Forums

Earl, I think it wall depend on several factors. First being the affordability/profitability issue. Can you charge your venue enough to compensate for the additional costs you incur by having a "roadie"? Most hosts cannot justify that type of extra costs. It comes directly out of the pockets and profits of the host. However, if you CAN charge and get the extra amount, of course it would be worth it. I am in the belief that if you have "hired" an employee to train and do the tasks properly, that the amount you suggest is adequate. But, finding such a person who would be willing and reliable enough is quite another story.

I too, find myself reaching the age of not being able to do everything that I used to be able to do when I was younger. I am also leaning towards changing my direction of type of service provided. The new direction would be even more difficult to do by myself. Which in turn will require a "roadie" of sorts. I plan on paying them up to about a hundred dollars per day to be my "grunt". I will also pay for their meals and motel when called for. Their actual work time will be around 3 hours per day, but will need to be available at a moments notice. The rest of the day will be theirs to enjoy.

But for our type of venues we do now (karaoke). Maybe the suggestions already given by the others would be viable. You would just have to "bite the bullet" when the "help" isn't exactly the way you would do it. That is for you to decide...

Good Luck my friend!

I'm always asked by patrons if they can give me a hand bringing equipment in, and I always decline saying, "Hey! This is the only exercise I get!"

Not only am I afraid some drunk might damage my gear, but I have a system for loading and unloading the equipment and setup.

Having people 'help' actually slows things down.

I know several older folks who have an assistant tag along with them to help with loading and setup. Some are just friends that tag along and help out for free just for something to do.. others pay them between $15 and $30 a night.

Personally, I prefer not having to rely on someone else. Before I started entertaining the idea of paying a person $60+ a week, i'd seriously consider moving to a more 'single person setup' friendly rig.

One of the reasons i've migrated from the Yamaha SV115 speakers to the lighter, slightly more compact BR15's.

I stuff my entire system (2 15's, Stands, Light Tree, collapsible DJ booth) into a 3 series BMW and can be unloaded and playing in 30 minutes from the time I pull up to the club.

Found This info, Hope this gives a rough idea about Roadie Pay Rates

Salary of a roadie

* Income depends on the degree of technical skill and volume of work undertaken.
* Many roadies work freelance on contracts for each tour.
* Unskilled roadies can earn around £12,000 a year, rising to £20,000 and more with audio or electrical skills.
* Those with technical skills and experience can command at least £30,000.
* Roadies may also receive living allowances.


Here is the link to see Roadie Qualifications...etc

http://www.tips4jobs.co.uk/job-bank/mus ... roadie.php

You may want to do a currency conversion for your Country.

Now if you run $100 per night Karaoke show...Then at least think about paying the guy min wage per hour of work, and maybe throw in a few drinks.

This is only my humble opinion, what do I know??

Just thought I would offer my 2 cents worth.

I used to pay a guy $10 to help me load in, setup & $10 to help break down & load out. He was very reliable & got to a point where I could actually have him set up the entire show if needed (for a little extra). Had to let him go when I sold my mobile system.

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