The economy strikes again!

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S

So Cal Hugh

DJ Extraordinaire
Mar 8, 2008
3,111
308
59
Cheyenne, WY
www.anewsong.com
Since last summer, every repeat customer I have had has canceled. The last one just sent me a cancelattion letter this morning. EVERYONE!!! This sucks. That is about $5k or so for me so far.

WWYD?

On this last one I sent an e-mail back and told them I was proud of my relationship with them, understood the financial situation they were in, and wanted to explore the possibilities we have to still work together on this event.

I set up two rooms of sound and work both rooms. I also am the auctioneer. It's a lot of work and I already give them a huge discount because it is a non-profit private school, and in Feb.

I hate this economy!
 
Well will you book another event in that time. To maintain that relationship in this down economy, you may do it as freebie. Help them out, what goes around comes back to you many times over. I know that I will get flamed for saying that, but sowing seed for the right reasons will create growth in your life. Just pray over it first, sow the seed, and watch it grow. Create your own good economy.
 
Thanks, Hugh. It's good to know we're not alone. :)

There's not much we can do about the economy but we can maintain good relations with our repeat clientele. Utilize Send Out Cards or other methods to keep in touch with them. Repeat clients are very important in this biz.

Something to consider: Cancellations may (and often do) mean the cancellation of the event in entirety, not just canceling the entertainment. If the event is canceled there may not be much to be done for it. If it's a matter of not having the money for your services, offer to work on a barter arrangement.

The economy will pick up eventually. Keeping tabs on your regular clients will pay off in the long run. :)
 
Fred Stewart said:
Thanks, Hugh. It's good to know we're not alone. :)

There's not much we can do about the economy but we can maintain good relations with our repeat clientele. Utilize Send Out Cards or other methods to keep in touch with them. Repeat clients are very important in this biz.

Something to consider: Cancellations may (and often do) mean the cancellation of the event in entirety, not just canceling the entertainment. If the event is canceled there may not be much to be done for it. If it's a matter of not having the money for your services, offer to work on a barter arrangement.

The economy will pick up eventually. Keeping tabs on your regular clients will pay off in the long run. :)
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They did not cancel the event, but got the services donated by my biggest competition.

I sent her an e-mail telling her that based on our relationship of mutual benefit there are times when they need to receive from me. So, I offered them the same services I gave them the last few years, but for free this year. I told them that I understood, and wanted to be there for them through thick and thin.

I'll let you know. Thanks all.
 
Frankly the offer to match the other service with a free event smacks of DESPERATION.


I'd let them rot with the inferior service.......NEXT YEAR they will be back crawling on their knees!
 
DJMC said:
Frankly the offer to match the other service with a free event smacks of DESPERATION.


I'd let them rot with the inferior service.......NEXT YEAR they will be back crawling on their knees!
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I thought of that, but thought that the non-response approach would be worse.
 
Yeah, especially if we get out of this recession and next year they call your competitor and sign a long term contract with them because they were so good to them in the lean times.

Mike
 
Boy I'm so glad that I'm bad and don't look forward to reapet customers.



In all seriousness most of my clients are 1 and done. I really only do 2 or 3 company type things a year. The chances I had for repeat business are generally ruined by the fact I am booked for the date they call.



That's a bummer, sorry to hear about your lost business. I'm sure you can still fill the date.
 
Some will claim Glory, some will just speak about the economy.

This is something I've learned, just do whatever necessary for your business, I know desperation will kick in, look around you as see what gaps you can fill in that no one else is. Open your own doors.

Best of luck my friend.
 
I just turned a gig away yesterday........

Grand opening of a Mexican Furniture Store (apparently they are the "Mexican IKEA") in Sacramento.

Feb 7 & 8, Saturday & Sunday -- 10 hours on Saturday; 8 hours on Sunday.

The amount they are offering for this 18 hour gig? $800 for 2 days!

Sorry folks, I'm already booked with a private party (6 hrs for $899) on Saturday.

What's really sad is they already found some loser from Stockton to do this event.

He will have to drive 1 hour each way, spend 4 hours setting up and tearing down both days. (8 hours of travel, setup & teardown).

18 + 8 = 26 hours for $800 --- or approximately $30 per hour
 
DJMC said:
... What's really sad is they already found some loser from Stockton to do this event.

He will have to drive 1 hour each way, spend 4 hours setting up and tearing down both days. (8 hours of travel, setup & teardown).

18 + 8 = 26 hours for $800 --- or approximately $30 per hour
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I think it's safe to presume he won't be so eager to do it again. :D
 
Maybe it's my boyish good looks and cheesy smile (see picture at left :D )

But not a single cancellation in 3 years for me. But then, weddings are all I do.
 
DJMC said:
Frankly the offer to match the other service with a free event smacks of DESPERATION.
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SMACKS. It is nothing but...and clients/people/humans will use whatever ploys they can to get something for nothing . And when otherwise intelligent businessmen submit, they reinforce the unfortunate benefits of greed and selfish expectations.

Hugh, your competitor has won on all counts. He gets to look like a "good" guy and he has his competition giving away their service.

How you gonna make that deposit on Monday?:sqerr:

Does your bank take "Attaboys!" in lieu of cash?:sqconfused:

That client not only revealed how little they think of you, by getting or expecting you to work for no compensation, but they as much as said, by their actions, that you are worth ZERO. :sqmad:

No friend of mine would want me to work for nothing nor would I them.

I would dread working for such clients.

It is not the economy at all, it is behavior that leads to such actions and you are complicit by submitting.
 
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