potential client said:
At least she replied to me but jeez why do people shop for DJs then goto the cousin card.... why waste time?
my reply said:
Honestly I don't care if that sounds harsh.... but my point was made...
Thoughts?
I hate these types...
- Thread starter jokerswild
- Start date
At least she replied to me but jeez why do people shop for DJs then goto the cousin card.... why waste time?
Honestly I don't care if that sounds harsh.... but my point was made...
Thoughts?
Rob Whatever. Likely it will appear you dont think the cousin can do this gig properly. Sorry its gone but Joker isn't wild for this 0ne.
Agreed.... just want to put that out there for her as food for thought.. I know that she's gone and will do whatever she likes but hopefully she is smarter for the experience.... and has something to chew on.
Probably get ignored anyway....
And yeah my intent was to inform and give warning....
Cousins can do a great job... problem is those cousins are usually far and few between.... most likely he'll be just as drunk as the rest of the guests.... or he will do a job that would make Randy Bartlett stand up and go hmmmmmm....
Either way I hope she has the best reception ever...
Next!
What's really buggin me right now is not necessarily this particular person is the lack of being able to close a deal...
I've had at least 5 inquiries with 4 that have responded, 1 you just read about, 2 that have to wait until after the holiday's (of those 2 only one has told me as such the other isn't responding, probably a lost cause too), and 1 that is mulling things over and I should hopefully hear from this week.... all in all a crappy start.
I just keep getting the same excuse, "we have a friend that's a DJ thanks for your quick response!" or all I get is silence...
Just agravating that's all.
Last year gigs just seemed to fall into my lap with hardly any work... so far this year nothing.
I've had at least 5 inquiries with 4 that have responded, 1 you just read about, 2 that have to wait until after the holiday's (of those 2 only one has told me as such the other isn't responding, probably a lost cause too), and 1 that is mulling things over and I should hopefully hear from this week.... all in all a crappy start.
I just keep getting the same excuse, "we have a friend that's a DJ thanks for your quick response!" or all I get is silence...
Just agravating that's all.
Last year gigs just seemed to fall into my lap with hardly any work... so far this year nothing.
G
Guest
Guest
Rob, while I agree that going with a family member is usually a mistake, I must say the email you sent back with the "qualifications" for a DJ was a little un called for.
I was never a member of any local professional business organization, so does that mean it was just a hobby for me? I found these organizations to be a complete waste of time and money, which could be better spent cultivating relationships with people I could actually get jobs from (florists, banquet halls and other industry businesses).
"You should never have to provide your own music unless it is an unpublished piece"? I was not aware this was a rule. How many times have all of us met with a prospective client, and told "oh don't worry if you don't have that song, because we have the CD." So does that mean you run out and but it if you did not already have it even though you know that they already have it?
"On average for a customized event most DJs will spend at least 15-20 hours just on the preparation for your event including meetings with you the client, phone calls to you and other vendors, music selection, event planners, time lines, emcee practice..."
I would love to know where you got this stat from, because I have some of the biggest weddings I can think of (including the daughter of the Vice President of Sony Music Group) and NEVER have I spent 15 hours in prep time. Guess that means I was not a professional and the event wasn't successful.
I was never a member of any local professional business organization, so does that mean it was just a hobby for me? I found these organizations to be a complete waste of time and money, which could be better spent cultivating relationships with people I could actually get jobs from (florists, banquet halls and other industry businesses).
"You should never have to provide your own music unless it is an unpublished piece"? I was not aware this was a rule. How many times have all of us met with a prospective client, and told "oh don't worry if you don't have that song, because we have the CD." So does that mean you run out and but it if you did not already have it even though you know that they already have it?
"On average for a customized event most DJs will spend at least 15-20 hours just on the preparation for your event including meetings with you the client, phone calls to you and other vendors, music selection, event planners, time lines, emcee practice..."
I would love to know where you got this stat from, because I have some of the biggest weddings I can think of (including the daughter of the Vice President of Sony Music Group) and NEVER have I spent 15 hours in prep time. Guess that means I was not a professional and the event wasn't successful.
Brother Rob,
If it's any help, you're not alone. We've been receiving fewer and fewer responses to inquiries lately. This has been going on for over a year now and we haven't seen the last of it.
Agreed ~ the cousin is family and yas all know the old adage about blood being thicker than water.
Thoughts?
If it's any help, you're not alone. We've been receiving fewer and fewer responses to inquiries lately. This has been going on for over a year now and we haven't seen the last of it.
Agreed ~ the cousin is family and yas all know the old adage about blood being thicker than water.
Translated, this should read:
Thoughts?
G
Guest
Guest
Brother Rob,
If it's any help, you're not alone. We've been receiving fewer and fewer responses to inquiries lately. This has been going on for over a year now and we haven't seen the last of it.
Agreed ~ the cousin is family and yas all know the old adage about blood being thicker than water. Translated, this should read:
Thoughts?
I am always weary of the "we have a family member that will do it" responses because my question would be: why isn't this family member invited to the wedding? If you trust him/her enough to provide this service for you, then wouldn't you be close enough to them to have them actually be a guest at the wedding instead?
I agree, Pat.
Thing is, many B&Gs today are all about squeezing a nickel 'til they get seven cents out of it. It isn't the entertainment only... other service vendors hear the same song and dance. Some people have it in their heads that they're supposed to get something for nothing.
It's possible that the cousin would've been invited anyhow and by DJing the wedding reception, he gets out of buying a gift for the B&G.
I've seen this before when I was living in VA. Some people don't care about professional reception entertainment. They don't care about professional photography/videography nor professional catering nor florists. They will part with a dollar only if they absolutely have to.
Just my convoluted thinkin' here... but I'm gonna presume from reading Rob's comments that this B&G had no intention of paying for professional services from the git go. That's why they're price shopping.
Thoughts?
Thing is, many B&Gs today are all about squeezing a nickel 'til they get seven cents out of it. It isn't the entertainment only... other service vendors hear the same song and dance. Some people have it in their heads that they're supposed to get something for nothing.
It's possible that the cousin would've been invited anyhow and by DJing the wedding reception, he gets out of buying a gift for the B&G.
I've seen this before when I was living in VA. Some people don't care about professional reception entertainment. They don't care about professional photography/videography nor professional catering nor florists. They will part with a dollar only if they absolutely have to.
Just my convoluted thinkin' here... but I'm gonna presume from reading Rob's comments that this B&G had no intention of paying for professional services from the git go. That's why they're price shopping.
Thoughts?
Patrick & Fred:
Thank you for your responses... yes my email was a bit of a knee jerk reaction... and maybe a little out of line... I guess it was just a little frustration comming out aimed the wrong way on many factors that have been bugging me lately... this one just was the straw that broke the camels back so to speak... I'll be more careful in my responses next time...
If it's price why not come out and say so... at least then I know where I stand and can then better negotiate with folks, but no instead I get excuses... and I think Fred's translation was probably spot on.
The email I got from one other bride said... "Yes, we are still interested in DJ services but since the holidays we don't have the money right now, we will let you know when we are ready or if we decide to go another way with our entertainment."
Translation: "We are still shopping..."
Which is fine but at least tell me honestly what is going on... maybe they really are in a financial situation... that can be worked with...
I'm dieing here.... my wife is about to kill me... this is my 3rd year and we are still very much in the red...
Thank you for your responses... yes my email was a bit of a knee jerk reaction... and maybe a little out of line... I guess it was just a little frustration comming out aimed the wrong way on many factors that have been bugging me lately... this one just was the straw that broke the camels back so to speak... I'll be more careful in my responses next time...
If it's price why not come out and say so... at least then I know where I stand and can then better negotiate with folks, but no instead I get excuses... and I think Fred's translation was probably spot on.
The email I got from one other bride said... "Yes, we are still interested in DJ services but since the holidays we don't have the money right now, we will let you know when we are ready or if we decide to go another way with our entertainment."
Translation: "We are still shopping..."
Which is fine but at least tell me honestly what is going on... maybe they really are in a financial situation... that can be worked with...
I'm dieing here.... my wife is about to kill me... this is my 3rd year and we are still very much in the red...
G
Guest
Guest
Rob,
Shoot me over your email and I will try to dig up the presentation I did about 4 years ago to the CPDJA on how to cultivate and maintain new business. May be helpful to you going into the New Year.
Shoot me over your email and I will try to dig up the presentation I did about 4 years ago to the CPDJA on how to cultivate and maintain new business. May be helpful to you going into the New Year.
Hey Rob, I don't blame you one bit for being fustrated.
I can understand B&Gs not having a big budget for reception entertainment. What I can't understand is why they refuse to just say that upfront and be done with it.
This stuff just irritates me to no end. Sometimes I want to tell these people "Let's make it easy for both of us... you tell me what you're REALLY able to spend and I'll tell you if you've got the right DJ."
It's like those WeddingWire brides ~ they post a budget of $600.00 but what they really want is someone who will be dickered with. It don't seem to matter about experience, professionalism nor business references. They're shopping for the lowest bidder.
They'll all say they want the best DJ... but what they really want is the cheapest DJ. I gave up on attempting to "educate" people long ago.
Let someone come along who'll do the show for less and they're all over it.
Let someone else come along who will do the show for even less still and they'll drop the first guy like he's got the plague.
And these are the same people who gripe and moan about DJs bailing out on 'em at the 11th hour. Gimme a friggin' break, already... you'll never get more than you pay for.
Fustrated? You'd better believe I am. I have better things to do with my time than be jacked around by price shoppers.
I can understand B&Gs not having a big budget for reception entertainment. What I can't understand is why they refuse to just say that upfront and be done with it.
This stuff just irritates me to no end. Sometimes I want to tell these people "Let's make it easy for both of us... you tell me what you're REALLY able to spend and I'll tell you if you've got the right DJ."
It's like those WeddingWire brides ~ they post a budget of $600.00 but what they really want is someone who will be dickered with. It don't seem to matter about experience, professionalism nor business references. They're shopping for the lowest bidder.
They'll all say they want the best DJ... but what they really want is the cheapest DJ. I gave up on attempting to "educate" people long ago.
Let someone come along who'll do the show for less and they're all over it.
Let someone else come along who will do the show for even less still and they'll drop the first guy like he's got the plague.
And these are the same people who gripe and moan about DJs bailing out on 'em at the 11th hour. Gimme a friggin' break, already... you'll never get more than you pay for.
Fustrated? You'd better believe I am. I have better things to do with my time than be jacked around by price shoppers.
Agreed...
But, what is a person to do, really?
People are people no matter what we do or say they are going to keep doing this because it's in our nature... We have been conditioned to look for the bigger better deal.... and the cheapest one at that!
Believe me I would much rather have a person come out and say, I have X to spend and not a penny more... fine... but we need XX and not a penny less...
I hate to say it but I've bugged Ben about priceing not to haggle him down but I feel like I bug him when I ask even though I can't buy...
I was going to get a new Amp from him, great price... but the deal I had going fell thru and I needed something else sooner and before I knew it there was no way I was going to be able to get the new amp... boy my back would have liked it though.... now I'm sure it's gone.
But, I have to deal with that and when I am booked for that brides date and she calls cryin cause cousin Jon got too drunk at the batchler party and he can't come cause he puked all over his RS mixer (I put that in for you Fred) and now it's fried.... sorry but you had your chance I'm now booked, good luck.
But, what is a person to do, really?
People are people no matter what we do or say they are going to keep doing this because it's in our nature... We have been conditioned to look for the bigger better deal.... and the cheapest one at that!
Believe me I would much rather have a person come out and say, I have X to spend and not a penny more... fine... but we need XX and not a penny less...
I hate to say it but I've bugged Ben about priceing not to haggle him down but I feel like I bug him when I ask even though I can't buy...
I was going to get a new Amp from him, great price... but the deal I had going fell thru and I needed something else sooner and before I knew it there was no way I was going to be able to get the new amp... boy my back would have liked it though.... now I'm sure it's gone.
But, I have to deal with that and when I am booked for that brides date and she calls cryin cause cousin Jon got too drunk at the batchler party and he can't come cause he puked all over his RS mixer (I put that in for you Fred) and now it's fried.... sorry but you had your chance I'm now booked, good luck.
Ill have you know I wasnt Hung over. It was food poisoning I stake my life on it as sure as my name is JON it was a legit excuse LOL. Thanks for including me Rob.
In addition to shopping for the cheapest DJ, Brides sometimes use meetings as a way to gather free information on how to do the reception.
You explain the itinerary and how to make the evening flow well, how this will be done, how that will be done, yadda yadda; and they tell you they are still shopping while compiling all that free information to give to their cousin.
You explain the itinerary and how to make the evening flow well, how this will be done, how that will be done, yadda yadda; and they tell you they are still shopping while compiling all that free information to give to their cousin.
Glad I didn't give away the show.... yeah I've even heard of a potential bride sitting with what the DJ thought was the fiance.... but low and behold as they start to get a head of steam going that he finds out he's actually another DJ.... d'oh! Who is new and is trying to learn the biz....
Rob :
[rant]
Dear xxxx,
Thank you for your kind consideration of my entertainment services and best of success with all your decisions.
Might I remind you the current national divorce rate is nearly 60% for first marriages. It is wise to get your starter marriage out of the way as cheaply as possible. When you're ready to do it right the second time, I'll be here for you.
Love and kisses,
[/rant]
Sigh. One cannot educate today's internet bombers (not boomers) because they know it all. Perhaps it is time to revert to strong visual "this" or "that" scenarios. As many of you are experiencing and struggling with shotgunned email requests for services, it's driving me nuts too. Trying to go with the flow is wearing energy thin. You're not alone, Rob.
[rant]
Dear xxxx,
Thank you for your kind consideration of my entertainment services and best of success with all your decisions.
Might I remind you the current national divorce rate is nearly 60% for first marriages. It is wise to get your starter marriage out of the way as cheaply as possible. When you're ready to do it right the second time, I'll be here for you.
Love and kisses,
[/rant]
Sigh. One cannot educate today's internet bombers (not boomers) because they know it all. Perhaps it is time to revert to strong visual "this" or "that" scenarios. As many of you are experiencing and struggling with shotgunned email requests for services, it's driving me nuts too. Trying to go with the flow is wearing energy thin. You're not alone, Rob.