Craigs List

To many ads? Support ODJT and see no ads!
SemiRetired DJ

SemiRetired DJ

DJ Extraordinaire
Nov 22, 2010
1,189
155
65
Abingdon, MD 21009
www.goodknightentertainment.com
As some of you may know, I am now operating at one location only and only on Saturdays. I've ditched the formal dress and wear a black polo and black or khaki slacks. The venue is about ten minutes from where I live and most of my gear is already on site for events so it is just a matter of showing up and setting it up, which I can do the night before in most cases.

I've ditched all the advertising and most of the expenses that most of you guys have. The only expense I may go back to is a music subscription (I am currently using iTunes) and DJEP. If all goes well I'll also be picking the liability insurance back up.

With all that being said and with full preparation for naysayers, here's my Craig's List ad.
 
I'll play...Why can't you put on a sport coat, dress pants and shirt and tie for a formal event? You must own one.

"I can tell you that I have the cheapest prices in town but you need to let me do it my way and, for weddings, you need to make it casual."

Tom - I think you need to retire. You have this chip on your shoulder as of late; don't know why?
 
I would replace the word cheap with affordable. Cheap connotates lack of quality. I would also get rid of saying they have to make a few concessions. Try Elegant, Affordable or something like that. Good to see you back here Tom, you always make things interesting :)
 
Steve, even though we don't advertise it on our site, we have the same dress policy. Khakis and polo shirt. I see nothing wrong with this as long as the client knows upfront. Not every client wants their DJ in a tux or suit. Some prefer a much more relaxed and inviting atmosphere.
 
Sorry folks, but I would never wear a polo shirt and khaki's for a reception unless requested by the client.

While I don't wear a tux suit jacket, I still wear tux pants. a formal shirt, black vest and Jerry Garcia tie that comes close to the colors of the event.

It is a slap in the face of the formality and importance of the event and shows a lack of respect for same to wear anything less.

I cringe at what some guests wear at receptions - t-shirts, jeans, sneaker, ball caps.

Tommy, if you're gonna get back in, go all in or not at all. It sounds like you're lowering your personal standards and asking clients to accept them.

And that's not the Tommy I know.
 
dunlopj said:
Sorry folks, but I would never wear a polo shirt and khaki's for a reception unless requested by the client.

While I don't wear a tux suit jacket, I still wear tux pants. a formal shirt, black vest and Jerry Garcia tie that comes close to the colors of the event.

It is a slap in the face of the formality and importance of the event and shows a lack of respect for same to wear anything less.

I cringe at what some guests wear at receptions - t-shirts, jeans, sneaker, ball caps.

Tommy, if you're gonna get back in, go all in or not at all. It sounds like you're lowering your personal standards and asking clients to accept them.

And that's not the Tommy I know.
Click to expand...

You are aware that there are clients out there that do not want the super formal look you mention here right? There are times when a potential client will ask what we are at events, and when we tell them, we will sometimes get "can you wear a suit instead". As soon as we hear this we instantly tell them that we are most likely not the best company do go with for their event because we prefer a much more relaxed atmosphere. Others will reply "good, because most of the DJs we have talked to insisted on wearing a suit or tux".

Tommy is positioning his service exactly where ours in. Marketing to the mid price casual client who still wants professional value for their money.

It always amazes me that some people don't get their way is not the only way to do something.
 
I am sorry you decided to facilitate and bolster the "DJs" are worth less.

I wish your professional competition much success.
 
patrickrlewis said:
You are aware that there are clients out there that do not want the super formal look you mention here right? There are times when a potential client will ask what we are at events, and when we tell them, we will sometimes get "can you wear a suit instead". As soon as we hear this we instantly tell them that we are most likely not the best company do go with for their event because we prefer a much more relaxed atmosphere. Others will reply "good, because most of the DJs we have talked to insisted on wearing a suit or tux".

Tommy is positioning his service exactly where ours in. Marketing to the mid price casual client who still wants professional value for their money.

It always amazes me that some people don't get their way is not the only way to do something.
Click to expand...

Patrick - what would you wear to a reception (as a guest)?:tribiggrin:

I find it ridiculous that you would turn away a client because they asked you to wear a suit to their wedding....
 
Steve LeBlanc said:
Patrick - what would you wear to a reception (as a guest)?:tribiggrin:

I find it ridiculous that you would turn away a client because they asked you to wear a suit to their wedding....
Click to expand...

I have not owned a tie in 15 years.

If it is a "formal" event, it would be a polo shirt and and dress pants.

If people have a problem with that, I don't care and I would not want to be around people who just judge by what someone is wearing.
 
patrickrlewis said:
I have not owned a tie in 15 years.

If it is a "formal" event, it would be a polo shirt and and dress pants.

If people have a problem with that, I don't care and I would not want to be around people who just judge by what someone is wearing.
Click to expand...
CAVEAT: Chuck is not allowed to participate in this part of the discussion.:triwink:
For the vast majority of "formal" events, would it be acceptable, to you, to wear clean shorts, clean t-shirt, and sandals? If not, why? If yes,...well, nevermind.



Simple Standard Courtesy for Wedding Guests :

We dress differently for birthday parties, holiday dinners, and graduations because these are special events, so we dress accordingly, in clothes that differ from our everyday clothes. The same holds true for weddings. The wedding is an extremely special event to the couple and their loved ones. Dress to respect that fact and to celebrate their union. Even if you are not close to the couple, it is important that your attire not negatively affect the atmosphere of their celebration.

This is not to say you can't dress however you deem appropriate, just know that regardless of your selfish opinions and without any other overwhelming evidence, others will properly judge your ability to behave appropriately and make intelligent decisions by the manner in which you present yourself, including your dress.
 
Though us folks out west dont wear colorful Hawaiian Shirts like Chuck we do wear a dressy version of such short sleeve colored untucked. Its a West Coast thing ask my pal Steve Milani ala Music Maestro. I will wear a vest and nice long sleeved shirt with slacks and bring a coat if requested.
 
I really don't get why you guys have such a problem with this concept. If the client knows before hand, and THEY MAKE THE CHOICE ABOUT WHAT THEY WANT, why does it matter?

Both Tom and I are experienced, professional DJs who simply choose to run our companies in a more casual fashion.
 
the only thing I see outside of to each his own is that Thom could do without half the detail. Why make certain things an issue. Most of my clients dont ask if Im going to wear a Tux. At our face to face they see me dressed pretty much similiar to my performing outfit. Which typically satisfies that concern without a comment. Much more important things can be discovered to confirm the proper fit. also the part about discounts and blah blah blah in this add is worthless garble for most that wont qualify. I get the rest of it and to each his own. Cheap as your lead in sounds well CHEAP!!! Regardless of what else you claim.
 
patrickrlewis said:
I really don't get why you guys have such a problem with this concept. If the client knows before hand, and THEY MAKE THE CHOICE ABOUT WHAT THEY WANT, why does it matter?

Both Tom and I are experienced, professional DJs who simply choose to run our companies in a more casual fashion.
Click to expand...
No one has any "BIG" deal or "problem" with it but it is fair game for discussion, especially since Tom made it part of his company's identity and you concurred and served up your practices for response and discussion.:triconfused:

But I notice you didn't answer my direct questions, therefore, assuming you simply missed them, I'll re-ask: For the vast majority of "formal" events, would it be acceptable, to you, to wear clean shorts, clean t-shirt, and sandals? If not, why?
 
Rox, as I have said before, I could care less what people think about how I dress, so to answer your question, absolutely I would (and have) worn that to "formal" events in the summer before.
 
patrickrlewis said:
Rox, as I have said before, I could care less what people think about how I dress, so to answer your question, absolutely I would (and have) worn that to "formal" events in the summer before.
Click to expand...
Really? You have chosen to wear shorts and a t-shirt to someone else's wedding reception where the theme was not "beach" or "white trash" or something else relatively thematic?
 
patrickrlewis said:
I have not owned a tie in 15 years.

If it is a "formal" event, it would be a polo shirt and and dress pants.

If people have a problem with that, I don't care and I would not want to be around people who just judge by what someone is wearing.
Click to expand...

Patrick - I don't think you're being judged by dressing with what the bulk of the folks are wearing; you will likely be judged by "under dressing".

Frankly, as pointed out by Rox, under dressing simply shows a lack of respect.

I don't wear a tie or sport jacket most times, I do wear a dark blue/black dress shirt, buttoned and black/dark blur dress pants with black shoes...

To me, its common courtesy
 
Steve LeBlanc said:
I'll play...Why can't you put on a sport coat, dress pants and shirt and tie for a formal event? You must own one.
Click to expand...

Steve:

Yes, I do own one but I've done enough of that formal stuff. I'm offering a casual service.

Steve LeBlanc said:
"I can tell you that I have the cheapest prices in town but you need to let me do it my way and, for weddings, you need to make it casual."
Click to expand...

Well, I have been thinking of changing that.

Steve LeBlanc said:
Tom - I think you need to retire. You have this chip on your shoulder as of late; don't know why?
Click to expand...

I'm trying not to have a chip. I am really only doing this to promote the lodge and if I get a few bucks then all is well.
 
dunlopj said:
Tommy, if you're gonna get back in, go all in or not at all. It sounds like you're lowering your personal standards and asking clients to accept them.

And that's not the Tommy I know.
Click to expand...

Jim:

This is more to promote the lodge.

I've done the dress up thing for too long. I'm relaxed an informal these days.

In general, more and more public facing business are going to the polo/docker style; even banks.

I never really bought in to the formality anyway. The last two weddings I did as a MDJ I wore a polo and they were kick ass events. I was relaxed and that helped in the performance.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom
Back