WOW......

..... Ever get a quote request for a 9 hour wedding reception?

I just did... and as usual they screwed up on the location's zip code resulting in a travel fee....

They got a quote for $1099.00 + $125.00 for lights and a $76.00 Travel Expense Fee...

Of course knowing the location of the reception wasn't any where near 213 miles away.... I adjusted their quote... duh! by taking away the Travel Fee...

Then for giggles I issued the follow money saving offer....

"If you act quickly I can offer you up to 10 hours on a package price of $898.00 + $125.00 for lighting for a savings of over $200.00 off your original quote. This offer will expire in 3 days so act quickly."

What I basically did was combine the package price of my 4 and 6 hour package and added the lights.....

I'll bet that if she does book this we don't go more than 6 hours... before the guests start dropping like flies.... :sqbiggrin:

10 hours? I can't imagine it going that long either. They would have to be die hard party animals, but yeah after 6 hours they'd be passed out all over the place.:sqbiggrin:

I have done a few.. let me get this correct for everyones benefit...

I have done multiple weddings of a length of 8 hours or more for couples of hispanic and latino descent.

I also did an 8 hour wedding for an Italian (from Italy) couple. It was 8 hours because it was a traditional 7 course Italian meal with lobster and ALL THE TRIMMINGS...
and of course food for the dj and 1 assistant is IN our contract...

I hope i did not offend anyone

Well I have heard of Hindi weddings going for long periods of time... some even being all day events.....

We will see... so far not even a "Hell No I wont pay that much... I was looking for a $250.00 DJ"

I have a 8.5 hour this year. Longest ever in my books with Photo Montage and deluxe lighting this one is bringing in $1500.

My highest priced wedding ever. It's at a fire hall.

My longest was last year 07/07/07 7 hours, about 250 people, with karaoke. I was amazed how fast it went by. They were not ready to stop still about 75 people dancing hard, then but the venue was. 7:00pm - 2:00am

Kyle could be right. The B&G may want you there for everything from the guests coming in for the ceremony 'til the janitor calls it a night after the last guest leaves the reception party. In between, there are all sorts of things they'll want you there for. It can make for a long day.

You never know 'til you ask. :)

"If you act quickly I can offer you up to 10 hours on a package price of $898.00 + $125.00 for lighting for a savings of over $200.00 off your original quote. This offer will expire in 3 days so act quickly."

Why would you devalue your business without the client even asking? You gave them a solid quote for 9 hours plus lights and travel. You then took your travel fee off, which was the right thing to do. So you add an hour of time and cut $200?

What if they wait you out? Will you drop your price again? I'm not picking on you, I'm just curious more than anything else.



Peace!

Dave

"If you act quickly I can offer you up to 10 hours on a package price of $898.00 + $125.00 for lighting for a savings of over $200.00 off your original quote. This offer will expire in 3 days so act quickly."

Why would you devalue your business without the client even asking? You gave them a solid quote for 9 hours plus lights and travel. You then took your travel fee off, which was the right thing to do. So you add an hour of time and cut $200?

What if they wait you out? Will you drop your price again? I'm not picking on you, I'm just curious more than anything else.



Peace!

Dave

It's not a devaluation at all... quite simply it's an enticement to book immediately hence the limit on time... after which the quote goes back to the original amount. If she takes the hook I book and still make a decent amount of money.... All I really did is combine what I charge for 4 hours with what I charge for 6 hours..... so more or less it's what I'd get if I did two shows in the same day... same value not a devalue.

Rob,

Thanks. What if she doesn't book quickly. Then I assume the deal is dead and you move on. What if she comes back in 5 days and asks for another $100 off your reduced offer if she books quickly? I'm more curious as to how you would handle her. I'm not sure what I would do.

Best,

Dave

Colleagues: Just as a contractual aside to all of this, if one mentions "numbers of hours" in their contract and a small but critical controlling phrase isn't there, considering adding "up to" in front of it.

In other words, if the contract with the client quotes $250.00 for 10 hours, change it to read $250.00 for up to 10 hours.

If the event ends at 7 hours or 9 hours or 2 hours, contractual grounds for the client requesting an unused time refund is dramatically reduced. This could prove to be a very practical contract verbiage application for those who receive final payments at the end of the event or post event invoicing.

I've done many a reception that has started at 5 p.m. - running to 1 a.m. Longest was 3 p.m. to 1 a.m., in a tent, in August

Longest even I've done is 8.5 and that was for Gypsy's...they would have gone 8 more...but b4 you continue even a second of OT, get the money upfront.

They are notorious for wanting to continue partying and will play "word games" with everyone including caterers, to get more time out of you without paying...so just a note..If you ever play..get the money upfront before continuing :)

Rob,

Thanks. What if she doesn't book quickly. Then I assume the deal is dead and you move on. What if she comes back in 5 days and asks for another $100 off your reduced offer if she books quickly? I'm more curious as to how you would handle her. I'm not sure what I would do.

Best,

Dave

No the deal isn't dead but the Packaged offer is.... meaning as I wrote the email if not acted upon in 3 days the quote goes back to the $1099.00 plus $125.00 for up to 9 hours....

No, I would not be discounting the packaged price any more than I already did.

Here is exactly what I emailed:

I see that you have recieved a quote for 9 hours of service... the first 6 hours are at our package rate of $499.00 with the additional 3 hours at $600.00. Plus the Lighting package at $125.00. Since your event is planed for Edwardsburg, MI I will waive the Travel Fee... so your total quote would be $1224.00 for 9 hours of service...



If you act quickly I can save you some money on the entire package price.... I can give you a 10 hour package at $898.00 plus $125.00 for lighting for a grand total of $1023.00 saving you over $200.00 off your entire package quote. This is a 3 day offer in order to take advantage of the savings I would need a retainer fee of $511.50 and a signed contract. Would you like me to email this contract to you?

Cap: Yes, the contract would read "UP TO" and not just say service for 10 hours... if I didn't I'd be shooting myself in the foot if we quite after 8 hours.

Colleagues: Just as a contractual aside to all of this, if one mentions "numbers of hours" in their contract and a small but critical controlling phrase isn't there, considering adding "up to" in front of it.

In other words, if the contract with the client quotes $250.00 for 10 hours, change it to read $250.00 for up to 10 hours.

If the event ends at 7 hours or 9 hours or 2 hours, contractual grounds for the client requesting an unused time refund is dramatically reduced. This could prove to be a very practical contract verbiage application for those who receive final payments at the end of the event or post event invoicing.

Cap: In that light I added this to my contract....

Any package purchased with additional hours or overtime the Company will only be obligated to perform up to the time allotted. If for any reason the event should end prior to the allotted time the event is considered complete and the Company will have no further liability or responsibility under this agreement.

jokerswild : If this gives you a warm and comfy: Any package purchased with additional hours or overtime the Company will only be obligated to perform up to the time allotted. If for any reason the event should end prior to the allotted time the event is considered complete and the Company will have no further liability or responsibility under this agreement. then by all means use it.

"Up to" says almost the same thing yet by avoiding the Perry Mason-like details keeps it open to, um, er, ah, useful DJ interpretation in those rare times of client/vendor misunderstandings concerning clock management.

I have a 8.5 hour this year. Longest ever in my books with Photo Montage and deluxe lighting this one is bringing in $1500.

My highest priced wedding ever. It's at a fire hall.

Cam
that is one for the record books an 8.5 hour job $1500 at the FIRE HALL. Im wondering did they tell you the venue before or after you quoted and, when you heard fire hall were you worried?

kyle

jokerswild : If this gives you a warm and comfy: then by all means use it.

"Up to" says almost the same thing yet by avoiding the Perry Mason-like details keeps it open to, um, er, ah, useful DJ interpretation in those rare times of client/vendor misunderstandings concerning clock management.

Please explain what you mean... wouldn't that cover me?

Example: Client books my 6 hour package which reads "DJ Service for up to 6 hours... yada yada... (Additional Hours or Overtime at $XXX.XX per hour)

and they book an additional 3 hours for the $XXX.XX per hour extra....

Wouldn't the extra provision in the Terms Of Service cover the additional hours as an Up To like the package detail?

Therefore, if the client should say ok we are done at say hour 7 wouldn't that then preclude the Company from any further obligation and be considered as completing the contact?

Cam
that is one for the record books an 8.5 hour job $1500 at the FIRE HALL. Im wondering did they tell you the venue before or after you quoted and, when you heard fire hall were you worried?

kyle


They knew they wanted me as a DJ prior to booking. They were not worried about cost, and added every extra. There thoughts "We rather spend money on a good DJ than a fancy hall"

I have a 9 hour wedding on 5/10 @ a private mansion on Anna Maria Island (3 sound systems) of course I offer an unlimited all inclusive package that includes everything we got and upto 9 hours of entertainment for $1799.00. should be a fun day

There is a family that I did a new year's eve party for a few years ago at a decked out mansion. they said they wanted a quote for 8pm to 4am. I gave them the quote for the 8 hours, they accepted it. however, I didn't think people would still be at 4 am....i was wrong. They were lots of fun too.

I did a 11 hour wedding last year for their daughter....and am doing one for their son this August.
the weddings are 3pm to 2 am. ceremony at the house starting at 430

for the wedding, i had an assistant come out and run some music for a while so i could go rest for a few hours because I thought standing for 11 hours might do me in. i slept great for 2 hours and it really helped a lot.

They knew they wanted me as a DJ prior to booking. They were not worried about cost, and added every extra. There thoughts "We rather spend money on a good DJ than a fancy hall"

And that my friend is what it's all about. :sqbiggrin:

Anyone done an Afghani wedding??? Phew....

I like Asian weddings - quick Bossa Nova and all go home LOL

Well.... just a little update:

Apparently she miss took the 9 key for a 6 key and really was looking for a quote for 6 hours of DJ service.... I sent her a contract so we will see.

Our standard wedding reception is usualy 7 hours, toss in a ceremony, and 10-12 hours isnt all that uncommon.....

FUN FUN FUN... oh my feet geet sooooooo sore

Normally we get the typical 5 hour wedding in Joisey unless it's a backyard wedding. I had one on the fourth of July that was like the enigizer bunny it kept going. Everytime I was ready to say this is the last song they came up and I had to say the Host & Hostess would like you to stay another hour. Parents took kids inside where they setup in the basement a babysitting service with movies, games and sleeping bags. It started at 11:00am and when I left at midnight there were still about 100 people there. They had 2 cooks cooking everything imagineable. We had a lyp sync contest, belly flop contest basketball. I thik I played every game I knew. Thank god I had a 2nd person.
I drove right to the softball field for my morning game. It was easier than going home

Wow...

I’ve got a question for all of you that are doing 4-5 hour weddings? Does that include Dinner and Speeches?? How much time are you playing DANCE MUSIC??? Usually we put on a 3-4-5 hour dance set after dinner and speeches.

Must be all of the Canadian Beer? :sqerr:

I’ve got a question for all of you that are doing 4-5 hour weddings? Does that include Dinner and Speeches?? How much time are you playing DANCE MUSIC??? Usually we put on a 3-4-5 hour dance set after dinner and speeches.

Must be all of the Canadian Beer? :sqerr:

Typical reception 6 hours.... including dinner speeches and all that a reception entails with dancing at the end.... most of the traditional items such as 1st dance, garter toss, bouquet toss... etc. are done bang, bang, bang.... leaving usually almost 3 hours for dance...

I’ve got a question for all of you that are doing 4-5 hour weddings? Does that include Dinner and Speeches?? How much time are you playing DANCE MUSIC??? Usually we put on a 3-4-5 hour dance set after dinner and speeches.

Must be all of the Canadian Beer? :sqerr:

Since you are in Canada, are you doing the MC work?

For the record, most around here are 4-5 hours including cocktails, dinner, and dancing. 2 hours of dancing solid would be the maximum. We are doing the MC work as well as the behind the scenes coordination.

Most Americans can't hold their liquor like you Canucks, at least based on the Canadian weddings that I have done. In fact, one banquet manager said he had never seen folks who could hold their liquor so well! :occasion14:

Well, Canadians are trained to hold Liquor at a earlier age... 19 years of age here. :sqerr:

Im actually a trans plant.. I’m American, living here in the land of high taxes and free medical. I chased a cute girl back here to Vancouver 19 years ago, talked her into marrying me, and have never looked back.

As for MC.... see my posting here: http://www.ourdjtalk.com/showthread.php?t=11728&page=2

I’ve got a question for all of you that are doing 4-5 hour weddings? Does that include Dinner and Speeches?? How much time are you playing DANCE MUSIC??? Usually we put on a 3-4-5 hour dance set after dinner and speeches.

Must be all of the Canadian Beer? :sqerr:

Here in Canada's #1 vacation destination sunny Florida we are looking at a 4-5 hour average.

Not to diss the great Sunshine State but my experience shows Mexico and other foreign Beach getaways as the real Canadians choices.:sqwink:Here in Canada's #1 vacation destination sunny Florida we are looking at a 4-5 hour average.

Not to diss the great Sunshine State but my experience shows Mexico and other foreign Beach getaways as the real Canadians choices.:sqwink:

It must be because the Mexican beer is almost as good as Canadian Beer :sqwink:

Speaking of.... hurry up Jon, lets go to lunch!

Im leaving now see you soon I have to stop off at Maestro's first.

My weddings are 8 hours and up, any other gigs are minimum 7 hours.
You guys down south don't know how to party:sqlaugh:

No, we just know how to party efficiently! :D

.

I actually just received 2 inquiries about 9 hour receptions. I didnt book either one. I am pretty sure I know why...price. I wont come down on price cuz they are booking a really long event. In my eyes ..I dont want to work a nine hour event and still have driving time, set-up time and tear down time.

Everything is very far away around here, so after an hour drive, 1 1/2 hour set-up time and an hour tear down with another hour driving home added to the 9 hour reception, you are looking at 13 1/2 hours. Thats too much for me to think of it as a reason to give them a deal....lol. I should get hazard pay for that long of an event. If you work overtime at a regular job you get time and a half or double time. I think anything over 6 hours should be even more expensive, but I just live in my own little world sometimes..lol

Anyway I quoted prices starting at $1150 for 9 hours with no lights and thats a small system. For my big system and lights, they got quoted $1650 for the 9 hour gig. I am guessing that they found a much cheaper dj around here. ( Gainesville = home of the $200 dj )

Heck I much rather do a 4 hour reception for $650-$1200 and not have to worry about being on my feet for 13 hours.

-Puma-

.

I had a "w" tattoo'ed on each cheek of my bum......everytime I bend over WoW ;)

hold on here. All my packages are like 7 hours. I've noticed alot of guys here from the US are only booking 4-5 hours weddings. how the hell do you do that????
do you set up in the middle of dinner???
receptions start at 6pm and go until 1am when the hall closes.
Its obvious its different in some areas, what are the usual start and end times for you out there?

althought 9-10 hours seems a bit long

4-6 hours here, including the dinner music.

People down here just don't party like the "olden" days....:sqembarrassed:

Was talking to another local DJ and he did a reception where he was booked for 4 hours and by the time they did all the formalities, eating...etc. there was only 45 minutes for "open dancing.":sqeek: