Should rates be in e-mail reply?

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mikemerlin said:
Not a good analogy. There are way more variables to a lawsuit. divorce, etc than doing a wedding. If you were to fill out a "quote generator" for a divorce proceeding it would be hundreds of pages. Same with a lawsuit. A wedding only has so many variables. Duration, travel, etc...so that analogy doesn't work.
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Well, actually, it is a very good analogy.

While some divorces can involve factors that make it unique and costly, most don't. That is why you see ads hawking "Simple Divorces - $199" and "Standard Chapter 7 Bancruptcy - $399."

Just like our service, the simple, standard weddings are relatively identical and the variables are known thus allowing a safe one size fits all pricing structure.

However, just like the more complex or special divorce circumstances, a limited but substantial number of brides want non-standard and unique celebrations.

Weird how this analogy is completely wedding related, huh?

mikemerlin said:
I'm assuming you don't post your prices because if you did the stickershock would drive away most people.
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When you choose to service a specific segment, you are dealing with clients that would be more shocked if the fee was too low!
 
mikemerlin said:
Wow do DJ's really use powerpoint presentations? LOL By presenting I meant doing exactly that sitting down and convincing people of the value you offer :)
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CONVINCE? No convincing. When we sit down to meet I don't 'convince' them of my ability to do the job they're hiring me for. I don't need to 'convince' them I'm going to do a good job or that they're going to get far more than they're paying for. If they didn't already think that I wouldn't be meeting with them. ;) But that's a common misconception too. ;)

djrox said:
However, just like the more complex or special divorce circumstances, a limited but substantial number of brides want non-standard and unique celebrations.
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This is part of it. Not everyone wants a 'routine'. But justifying price because of 'non-standard' and 'unique' offering is but a stepping stone to realizing the true potential you have as a DJ.

djrox said:
When you choose to service a specific segment, you are dealing with clients that would be more shocked if the fee was too low!
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If you haven't read it, I highly recommend 'Million Dollar Consulting' by Alan Weiss. It's a GREAT book.

Even though I'm one of the highest priced DJ's in my market, there are people who won't hire me because I'm too 'cheap'. We had a call for a birthday party the other day. We weren't available, though we would have been happy to do it - for about $950. This particular lady was looking for a DJ and was expecting to pay $600-$700 for a BIRTHDAY PARTY. Just a basic birthday party (not a sweet 16, Quincierra, or Mitzvah). She had already talked to SIX, yes, a full half dozen DJ's when she called us. She was frustrated because most were quoting her prices in the $150 to $250 range!

Trust me... There are lots of DJ's who loose business because their prices are too low. They just don't know it, and assume that it's because their prices are too high!
 
MusicMeister said:
As my friend Jim Horn says...'If it works, then keep doing what you're doing!
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I agree MM. It's nice to see how others do things, but it's only for comparison. Just like Albany and his 3 million people. How in the world could we run our business the same way. We all live in different worlds (especially Rick)...and we do what we think is best for our demo.
 
Abbey Lane said:
In the past when someone sent me an email about services I told the "facts" about hiring our service and didn't mention price. Most people never contacted me back.

This year I've decided to include my rates in the e-mail reply.

Comments?
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As long as I have enough info to give them a good price, then I do.

Mike
 
This is our standard response to an email inquiry that comes through our availibility checker:

Hello XX,

Thank you for considering Sights and Sounds for your special day. We strive to make sure you and your guests have a memorable time for years to come.

We currently do have XXX open and available for booking. Based on the information in your email, you would like our services for 4 hours. The cost would be $550 for this time frame. This cost is all inclusive. We can handle all your introductions, all your music, all your dances, and even help with your cake cutting. If you choose, we can also provide a small lighting package, to give your reception a more party atmosphere later in the evening. This is completely optional and is provided at no additional charge.

I would also like to tell you about our video service. This service includes us providing you with a DVD of your complete reception, from your grand entrance through your last dance. This service is a very affordable $200.

Please let me know if you have any questions about our service. If you would like to book, we do require a $100 non-refundable deposit to hold the date for you. This deposit can either be returned with the contract for our services, or can be paid through Paypal. The reminder of the balance will be due 10 days prior to your event.

Thank you for your consideration and we look forward to working with your to make your special day the best it can be.

Patrick Lewis
Music Director
Sights and Sounds DJ and Video
 
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