Weddings No More Free Consultations!

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C

Capital Disc Jockeys

New DJ
Nov 5, 2006
1,202
4
55
Schenectady, NY
Yesterday was my last free consultation at someone's home. I only did it because the bride says via email *We want to meet with you, discuss your packages and book you*...

Well, we met. The bride and groom, and the mother. Mr. Hioty Tioty dad leaves the room after only his cell rings 30 seconds into the meeting. I was there 20 minutes.

He comes back into the room and says *I think we're going to look around*. I simply looked at him and said *So, where there any questions you had since you had left the room for most of the consultation*? Nope, I'm paying the tab. It's their decision of who they want..I reminded him of the email..They wanted our services.

I packed my stuff and thanked them and left...

Pissed...

Nope, no more free anything!!!!!
 
Consultation fee? Will you charge them for meeting you at your office? Sounds like an easy way to drive away prospects. I would not do it.
You need patients with some people.
 
Tim, I was just thinking about this today as I drove past a florist who we wanted a quote from for our wedding. When he said there was a $75 consultation feee, we said goodbye.

And then I wondered if any DJs charge consultation fees. And then I wondered if anybody would be crazy enough to pay them? I sure would not.
 
P Diddy..

Papa Deuce said:
Tim, I was just thinking about this today as I drove past a florist who we wanted a quote from for our wedding. When he said there was a $75 consultation feee, we said goodbye.

And then I wondered if any DJs charge consultation fees. And then I wondered if anybody would be crazy enough to pay them? I sure would not.
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Same thing today with the locksmith. We are changing the locks on our doors. He wanted a $200 fee just for coming out..
 
My thought is I would not pay someone that was wanting me to hire them. I look at it just like paying for advertising. In advertising you have to pay some money up front and hope you get some work. In a consultation meeting have to invest some time , and hope you get the work. Now I do limit how far I will drive for a meeting, but the time is an investment.
 
MBM said:
My thought is I would not pay someone that was wanting me to hire them. I look at it just like paying for advertising. In advertising you have to pay some money up front and hope you get some work. In a consultation meeting have to invest some time , and hope you get the work. Now I do limit how far I will drive for a meeting, but the time is an investment.
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I would pay a few.... but those people would need to do more than just talk to me.... like maybe a landscape designer creates a plan before a full consult... but not on first meetings.
 
My "we come to you" policy for the interview is what helps land the events. Many DJs around here require the prospect to come to them.
 
Nope, I will go to them. I won't go to homes that is why there is a Starbucks on every corner. I have though about an office but nah it's easier for me to drive to them.

I would never charge a fee it's part of doing business. I close about 90% of face to face meetings. I will eat the 10% that don't.
 
I agree that many prospects who want you to come to their homes are just tire kickers. They remind me of that old TV commercial where the guy is sitting in his easy chair, pulling a lever and watching cars roll by for review.

If it's any help we no longer do the in-home interview thing. We've done it and it's usually a waste of time. On a couple of occasions, the prospect had already booked a family member or friend to DJ and "forgot" to call me and cancel the meet. So I take time off from work and drive out to their house for nothing. Never again.

If the client absolutely must meet, I'll find time for treating 'em at a coffeehouse or diner. Way I figure, if they're serious about booking us they'll be serious enough to make arrangements to get to the coffeehouse or donut shop.

If they want to sit at home, play fashion show and see how many DJ company reps they can get to cross their welcome mat, more power to 'em. I've got better things to do. :)
 
STOP PANDERING!

Will the car dealer bring some cars to your house? Will the Home Depot people bring some washing machines? etc...

If someone "contacts me" and "wants my services", then they must come and shop me.
Either online, by phone or at my home.

The end.
 
Z-Man..

DJ Zac said:
Tim - You didn't want to work with "Dad-zilla" anyway...
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Honestly I found his attitiude appauling. I've got multi-millionaire clients, I write this because it was obvious they had $$. I'm sure he may be in this catagory, but what a dick..

Besids the B&G were in their early twenties. No, she didn't look preggers..I've moved on, but no more going to their home..

My home office is 95% there!!! (We just moved in 5 weeks ago and had to build some stuff)

New sign coming soon in front of the office..Great exposure, we were just approved last night from our Town Board!!
 
Request Line Productions said:
STOP PANDERING!
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Hank, you may call it pandering but I call it customer service. I am always impressed by the salesperson that will meet me on my own terms. You might say that this is old school but the person willing to come to me shows me that they are really interested in my business.

Now, Starbucks, Panera Bread, or whatever is another issue. I feel that coffee shops and retaurants tend to have too many distractions. That's just me. Meeting in their home makes them more comfortable.

"Tom, it was a pleasure meeting you the other day. You were the only one willing to come to us and that speaks volumes in regard to your customer service. We have made our decision. Please send us the contract."
 
I think the whole "home meeting" situation might be territorial. I've never had a client say "Please come to my home." Some people don't even know if they want to book with you yet...why would they invite you over?
 
I've made house calls...always preferred a Panera Bread, Starbucks, or local place to a house, though. I don't charge for consultations; in fact, I always say that there's no obligation for booking at the initial meeting. You can't win them all.
 
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