Deal killers

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Galager

Galager

DJ Extraordinaire
Feb 5, 2016
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Other than price or distance, what would cause you to walk away from bidding on a gig or even taking a gig if offered?

Here are some of my reasons:

If they want Latin or Rap music. I don't speak Spanish and I can't stand rap.

Stairs. My back's too old and my subs too heavy.

People that want their own play list played or want a lot of control over what is played.

Traffic. Maybe I'm too picky but if it is a weekday gig and I know the traffic is going to be heavy... nope.

Sunday gig. Sunday is my family and church day. Some things are more important to me than DJing.

Outdoor gigs. I am starting to steer away from them. I'm still bidding on them but ONLY if it looks like an amazing fit for me.

Granted, I have the luxury of not NEEDING to take every possible gig because this is not my sole source of income. I would imagine those for whom it is are a lot less picky than myself.
 
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Just a few that I can think of right now would be, wanting Spanish Music, or Country( meaning only Country music), distance, certain dates through out the year. I know there is more, but thats all for now.
 
#1) Venue. Only 2, I am aware of, that I will not work with.
#2) Dangerous area/neighborhood/vicinity.
#3) Clients or causes to/with whom/which I have or discover I have a personal objection/opposition.
 
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There are several reasons why I would pass on a gig. Most have been listed in one way or another.
But I never put it together as a list, I just put all of the pieces in order....
and if it doesn't feel right, I will pass.

But it's not set in stone.
I have a venue I always swear I will never play at again, due to the load in.
I have two weddings booked there this year.
I conceded because the money was good enough that I can pay someone to help me load in...
but I do know of a way to "beat the system"...if I can get away with it.
But, if those clients were also not a right fit for whatever reason,
then it's TWO STRIKES, and I would NOT have taken the gigs.
 
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1) Stairs - I've punted a few because of this, but not many.

2) People that want their own play list - On rare occasion I've punted this, but it's probably been more because I had the hunch they would be a PITA. I usually tell them that I recommend strongly against pre-set playlists, but if that's what they want, it's their day.

3) Outdoor gigs - If I have another option, I'll go with the indoor event and farm these out.

My main reason for punting a gig is when the bells are going off that this client is going to be a PITA. If it's a hard to book date, I'll obviously take on more pain. If it's a popular date, just like the recent flame-war thread regarding the lawyer prospect, I'll punt it in a heartbeat. Life is too short to willingly take on more stress than is necessary.
 
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Venue/client must be pro-Patriots and pro-Yankees .. or at least Patriot/Yankee tolerant. :) Everything else is minutia.
 
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As others have said, RAP music is a no-no. Stairs are a maybe, but they only get my small system if stairs are the only way to access the venue. Outdoor events??... I've done one, but I was on a covered patio, so it wasn't too bad. However, it WAS hot, so I'm not sure I would do it again, unless I could dress accordingly. Tuxedos and hot summer days don't go together.:nod:
I haven't run into this yet, but I've read where several of the guys on this forum in big northeastern cities have to deal with this; distant parking and/or no loading/unloading zones. That would be a problem for me, and could be a deal breaker.
 
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tunes4046 said:
I also will not do stairs not even 1 step, If I can't roll in, I am not playing
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WOW!!!:laugh: What about a curb??? Do you do curbs? I've had a venue where there were four steps to get up to the front entrance, and I was able to get my rack up those steps OK. It was like going up the curb four times. It did have a nice portico, so unloading was very easy.
 
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DJ Bobcat said:
WOW!!!:laugh: What about a curb??? Do you do curbs? I've had a venue where there were four steps to get up to the front entrance, and I was able to get my rack up those steps OK. It was like going up the curb four times. It did have a nice portico, so unloading was very easy.
Click to expand...
90% of the venues I play at are handicap accessible I do carry a 6 foot folding wheelchair ramp for extreme case
 
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tunes4046 said:
90% of the venues I play at are handicap accessible I do carry a 6 foot folding wheelchair ramp for extreme case
Click to expand...

I didn't know such a thing existed...

Really the only reason I'll turn down a gig is if they are going to be a PITA. I've never had anyone ask for all rap or all metal. I'm pretty familiar, although no expert, in both genres so I would entertain a discussion about it. I've done all country on several occasions

As I get older I don't like a hard load in but in those cases I charge considerably more so I can pay someone else to help and it's worth my while. I don't negotiate this price it's a take it or leave it

I live in a much less urban area that alot of you so travel is pretty common. It's not unusual to go 50+ miles for a gig. My longest last year was 200 miles or so from home. I charge a premium when I have to travel

I would entertain the idea of their playlist but depending I may turn it down

I have younger kids so I wouldn't work Christmas day but other than that any day is open
 
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OK... here's a noob question. What is a PITA other than some guy that doesn't wear leather, whos a vegetarian, and throws fake blood on people who wear fur?
 
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