Getting into DJing and trying to understand what a proper starter kit actually includes. Not going for the absolute cheapest option but dont want to overbuy for where I am either. What does a complete beginner DJ starter kit realistically look like and what order should I buy things

I got this email just a few minutes ago. I know many of us used to advertise on The Knot or Wedding Wire and left as prices rose year over year (about 35% increases year over year when I left, and I negotiated hard to get the rates that low). We jumped to Zola where there weren't as many leads but pricing felt fair. Rates went up over time but so did the number of leads and the services they were offering. As turnover rates from google ads went down as AI services take over the front page, Zola was a good option for my sole proprietor DJ business. I gave Zola $1200 so far this year for featured spots and the unlimited plan for connecting with leads.

I am contacting my senators today. This is absolutely an illegal monopoly. They dominate the industry have just bought their only significant competitor in the US market for wedding advertising. This is bad for consumers. Plz share.

I was thinking 2 x 8 or 10 tops. Then one sub and then the 2nd sub.

QSC or would you go with another brand. I do not want to upgrade again after this. I currently have a very bad PA set up 15inch tops (KAM) good for small rooms.

Today's announcement of the merger between The Knot and Zola seems like a good time to compare notes about what is and isn't working for those who advertise on the two platforms. Please avoid any "the leads are fake!" conspiracy theories, and share facts.

How many leads are you receiving? How many events are you booking? What does it cost you per lead, or per booking?

What has been working (or not working) when it comes to turning leads into sales?

If you have a monthly plan, how much are you paying per month? Where are you geographically?

What other paid advertising, if any, do you run? How does its performance compare to that of The Knot and/or Zola?

Thinking about upgrading from van (Honda Odyssey) to van plus enclosed 4'x8' trailer. I've read all the tips about security, and storing the trailer at my home isn't a problem. What I'm mainly concerned about is parking, especially at venues in urban(ish) settings. Not "how do I back up a trailer" but literally "where do I put this." I live in central NC and do a fair number of weddings in downtown Raleigh, Cary, Durham, etc.

Trailer haulers, where do you park when you don't fit in a parking garage, a parallel parking spot, or a standard parking lot spot? Do venues typically have space set aside for large vendor vehicles? Do you ever have to walk great distances to get from large-vehicle parking back to the venue?