Travel DJ Chaos, Smart Buys, and the COGS Formula Every Pro Needs

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Weddings in triple-digit heat, iPads overheating, and handheld fans aimed straight at the DJ’s face: sometimes the smallest tools make the biggest difference. In this episode, Brian B and Joe Bunn share real stories from the road, starting with outdoor summer weddings where even your tech needs shade. You’ll hear practical, field-tested ways to keep your setup cool, your sound consistent, and your head clear during marathon days in the sun.

Then the conversation turns to gear buying mistakes every DJ can relate to. From “as-seen-online” gadgets that promised convenience but delivered pain, to travel accessories that flopped under pressure, Brian s reveals what to look for before spending your next dollar — and how to evaluate music gear gadgets beyond slick marketing.

The travel chaos continues when Brian’s compact controller triggers a customs duty at the airport - no gig, no invoice, just a bill. You’ll learn how to prep for international gigs with documentation, how to minimize scrutiny at customs, and what kinds of gear setups travel best. On the flip side, Brian highlights a small but mighty utility DI/adapter box that turned a random train ride into a playable rig:  the kind of smart, portable insurance every working DJ should have in their bag.

Finally, Joe and Brian break down one of the most misunderstood topics in the event DJ business world: COGS (Cost of Goods Sold). Their no-BS framework simplifies it:

• Include every gig-specific expense except the performer’s fee.
• Treat wear and tear as depreciation, not micro-expenses.
• Budget repairs and maintenance annually, not per show.
  This simple structure keeps your P&L accurate and your pricing confident, so you can invest in tools that truly move your business forward.

Whether you’re dealing with airport headaches, battling the summer heat, or trying to make sense of your financials, this episode delivers practical lessons for private event DJs, packed with real DJ stories, gear talk, and event business advice you can use this weekend.

If this helped you avoid a bad buy or rethink your workflow, share it with a DJ friend and drop a review with your favorite piece of utility gear - we might

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To book Joe Bunn: https://bunndjcompany.com/
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Joe’s Gear Finds on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/djjoebunn
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