Re: pricing for a rig rental
Hi Frank,
Let me first address the 5% of cost part in response to Jack and Ales. I am in the 50-100K worth of equipment and lower range per rig and I quote from my own inventory and dry rentals at that level from others. I did not even think about the possible difference in that % figure on a 250-300K system because I have to rent complete or refer at that level and have never stopped to do the math. Now that I pulled out a calculator a 2% figure at that level doesn't seem to be so far off and strange.
That being said the quotes resulting in jobs have varied wildly in the last few years depending on the season, the area, and how hungry everybody is. Two of the last national shows just a month or so apart I have worked with another company are examples of this. Not quite a 4888 array but a 3 over 4 trap rig, 56 Midas FOH, 48 Soundcraft Monitor, Klark, JBL, power distro, trussing, par64, etc. etc. Both shows similar backline provided by us. One show local to me 1 act and an opener. The other show 6 hours away neighboring state 2 days and 10 bands (2 of them nationals) all for $1500 less and all of us thankful at that time to have it. Honestly the farther I get away from Atlanta the lower the budgets generally are.
We are all just offering suggestions and guides because the markets vary so much from area to area. Some other important factors are: 1) Do they have a budget? 2)Do you have the gig or are you having to enter a competitive bid? 3)If competing what are your competitors offering? Price is not the only factor. Can they actually do the job well? Can you do it better? Do you have a relationship with the client? 4) Do they have an amount they are expecting to pay? An example is "We did it last year and it cost us x amount."
Things to consider on your part: 1)Is it profitable and worth your time at x amount? 2)Is x amount worth committing the rig for 4 months? 3) Where is the rig at in your business plan for this year? I ask this because I am in the same situation with a concert series this year and could not tie up any of my current systems and am having to purchase a new mid/high system just for it. 4)A nice plus is much less wear and tear than 10 shows with 10 set ups and 10 strikes.
Your particular market is not my niche but from the few times I have worked in it on the provider side your figure doesn't seem to be extremely out of line for my area. I will try to make a few calls but I can't say it will apply at all to where you are. I wish I or someone could give you the Magic number but without knowing the answers to most of the things that have been mentioned I am going to have to quote Ivan,"It Depends."
Let us know how it turns out!
Eric
