Pricing
Pricing built around the event
Every event has different demands, so quotes are based on type, venue, equipment, crew, transport and time. The aim is to price honestly, protect quality and keep the work sustainable.
How pricing works
Rates depend on what kind of support you need and what it takes to deliver it well.
Commercial freelance work
Freelance engineering for production companies and commercial events is charged at full professional rates reflecting my experience, responsibility and delivery standards.
Church and evangelistic work
Pricing is more flexible where budgets are limited but the need is great. The goal is to make good production more accessible while still covering real costs. I never want price to be a barrier but if no one makes a contribution then there will be no money to buy equipment or fund maintenance. Everyone paying a little benefits everyone.
Equipment hire
I love to get equipment out and doing something useful rather than have it sitting around so talk to me about what you need and what you can afford. However the cost of wear and tear and the time involved in prepping and de-prepping means very small hires may not be viable.
Time as a currency
As M. Daniel Engineering is not my full time gig I have to consider that I have a limited amount of holiday days. Midweek daytimes are particularly at a premium so I have to prioritise based on price and gospel impact.
What goes into a quote
Understand the event, venue and audience
Work out the technical scope and identify equipment, crew, transport and timing needs
Quote for a realistic, deliverable solution, sometimes with options at different price points
Pricing FAQs
A few common questions about how quotes are put together.
Do you publish standard day rates or packages?
Not as fixed public packages. The work ranges from freelance engineering to dry hire and full production, so quoting case by case is usually more accurate and more useful.
Can church, charity or amateur events be priced differently?
Yes. Flexible pricing is part of the model, especially for events with genuine budget limits, while still ensuring costs and workload are handled responsibly.
Why charge at all for lower-budget events?
Charging something helps cover equipment costs and maintenance, supports long-term sustainability and makes sure the work is properly valued by everyone involved.
Will removing bits and pieces from the kit list reduce the price?
Typically no, if it's equipment I own then adding or removing one or two bits doesn't materially change the time involved which is usually the biggest factor. I would rather do the best possible job with the best tools available than have equipment sat at home doing nothing.
Want to talk about cost?
Send over a few details about the event and I’ll work out what might be needed and what I can do.