What to Charge? A Practical Guide to Pricing 🎉 Events & Entertainment Services in New Zealand
Pricing your events and entertainment services in New Zealand isn’t always straightforward, especially when juggling diverse events, client needs, and local market rates. This guide provides practical, Kiwi-focused tips to help entertainers, event organisers, and specialists set fair prices that reflect their skill and build thriving local businesses.
Here are some tips that you might find interesting:
1. Calculate All Your Business Costs
Start by working out your full costs beyond just performance time. Think gear hire, transport, costumes, setup and teardown time, insurance, and marketing expenses.
For example, a Wellington event entertainer might budget for parking fees and outfit alterations, while a rural performer in Otago factors in longer travel distances.
Covering all costs ensures your pricing sustains your business and values your time properly.
2. Research Local Market Pricing
Investigate what your peers charge via platforms like Yada, TradeMe Services, or local event directories to get a feel for typical rates in your region.
Urban centres like Auckland usually command higher fees due to demand and living costs compared to smaller towns such as Invercargill.
Knowing the local market guides you to price competitively and confidently.
3. Offer Tiered Service Packages
Create clear pricing packages based on event length, group size, or performance type - from solo gigs to full bands or multi-act line-ups.
A Christchurch DJ might charge $300 for two hours and $700 for a full evening with lighting and sound.
Packages help clients understand options and simplify quoting.
4. Be Transparent About Extras
Disclose fees for extras such as overtime, special equipment, travel beyond certain distances, or last-minute requests.
Tauranga entertainers often charge extra for weekend shows or outdoor setups requiring additional gear.
Clear communication reduces surprises and builds stronger client relationships.
5. Consider Seasonal and Event Demand
Peak times like summer festivals, weddings, and Christmas boost demand, making it reasonable to adjust prices accordingly.
Wellington performers often add surcharges of up to 25% during busiest seasons, reflecting higher workload and costs.
Openly sharing seasonal pricing helps clients plan and accept changes.
6. Showcase Your Unique Skills
Highlight special talents, awards, or unique acts that justify premium pricing, such as cultural performances or expert DJing.
A Rotorua kapa haka group commands higher fees for authentic cultural experiences compared to general entertainment.
Demonstrating your uniqueness helps clients understand your value.
7. Gather and Share Testimonials
Collect positive client feedback and display it on platforms like Yada or social media to build trust and credibility.
An Auckland band’s growing bookings were boosted significantly by shared testimonials and client videos.
Weirdly enough, genuine reviews can work better than any advertising.
8. Utilise Kiwi-Specific Platforms
List your services on local websites such as Yada, TradeMe Services, and Neighbourly for greater visibility.
Yada’s no lead or success fees let you keep more earnings and offer honest, competitive prices.
The platform’s mobile-friendly interface allows easy communication and job management anywhere.
9. Communicate Pricing Clearly
Use Yada’s internal chat or calls to discuss event specifics and custom quotes before confirming bookings.
A Dunedin entertainer customises quotes after clarifying client expectations, leading to stronger relationships.
Personalised conversations often mean happy clients and repeat business.
10. Avoid Lowball Pricing
Focus on your quality, professionalism, and unique value instead of competing only on price.
Christchurch performers maintaining steady rates and exceptional service often enjoy consistent work.
Most Kiwis are happy to pay fairly for memorable entertainment.
11. Review and Adjust Rates Regularly
Update your pricing every 6 to 12 months based on costs, experience growth, and market trends.
Leverage insights from Yada’s job and rating data to guide your decisions.
Regular review keeps your business financially healthy and competitive.
12. Build Local Networks and Partnerships
Create referral relationships with venues, event planners, and fellow performers for steady bookings.
An Auckland band grew their clientele substantially by partnering with local festival organisers.
Strong networks underpin ongoing success and help justify your fee structure.