when People ring up???

[Have a disco]

found this comment on other forum and thought it very poinient a comment

"When someone rings up and their first question is "how much for the disco", I feel like just putting the phone down."

If someone rings me and that is their opening statement I know they are not my customer straight away, so the first thing I ask them is what date is their party, as soon as they tell me I say "sorry we are fully booked on that date" whether we are or not.

So is this guy right as I cant fault him!

But is he kicking himself in the teeth with a potential customer or is he wiping out a quote hunter in one go???? What are your views???

[Danno13]

I think he's shooting himself in the foot really...

I'd always take down details of the event - date/venue/times etc. and then provide a quote, if people don't like it I usually try and sell myself a bit and point them in the direction of my website (if its a yellow pages enquiry).

But sometimes people will just accept the quote, but then i might be operating in a different section of the market to the original poster though - I've just put my minimum up to £175 for a night, but mainly quoting £230+ now for weddings and longer events.

[reemicks disco]

Well we find, the first question asked is how much, so we just ask where are you holding the event, how many people etc ect, and give them a price if we are not booked, cant see the sence in telling people your booked if you are not. If i was booking a disco the first thing i would want to know is how much,

[Have a disco]

Looks like you looked at my site LOL My minimum for private non contractual work is now £175 snap I might get less work, but I never give out a price first. I fish first, as to speak, especially when the how much do you charge comes out first of all

[Wolfie]

have to say he has a point.

if they ring up saying "how much do you charge" as their 1st line of enquiry, you usually know from instinct they are usually a person on the ring around looking for the cheapest priced disco - good luck to them.. if they want to pay peanuts then as far as i'm concerned they can hire a monkey!

Either that or it's going to be another DJ calling you to find out your prices so he can try & undercut you.

[Danno13]

Looks like you looked at my site LOL My minimum for private non contractual work is now £175 snap I might get less work, but I never give out a price first. I fish first, as to speak, especially when the how much do you charge comes out first of all

LOL.. i just looked at your site now. I've put my prices up gradually over the last couple of weeks because i have so many bookings over the summer, i'd rather fill the few remaining dates with good payers, and when i'm already booked be able to take on gigs and take a comission whilst still paying another good DJ a decent rate.

Do you find people tend to go for your higher packages rather than just the bronze?? I have to say the bronze package does look very basic, i just take enough equipment to cope with the event i'm doing, and quote accordingly when i get an enquiry.

[Have a disco]

bronze is aimed at pub bookings or kids disco's etc etc... mainly easy in easy out
my silver aimed at birthdays
my gold is for the weddings
the platinium at high class large events

the others are self explaintary LOL

for contractual work Im willing to lower my price only a maximum of 20% I can earn the same for just DJing in a club it don't bother me either way

[A1DL]

if they ring up saying "how much do you charge" as their 1st line of enquiry, you usually know from instinct they are usually a person on the ring around looking for the cheapest priced disco - good luck to them.. if they want to pay peanuts then as far as i'm concerned they can hire a monkey!

Either that or it's going to be another DJ calling you to find out your prices so he can try & undercut you.

You're dead right Wolfie, matey.

Sadly, most people who start their enquiry with "how much" are interested in one thing only - PRICE

They don't appreciate the difference between good and bad, experienced or otherwise, and don't care less if some idiot turns up with a wallet of copied CDRs, a Homemix & Skytecs as opposed to an above board DJ with PAT, PLI, original music and a decent sound system.

Unfortunately that's the state of the market :omg:

[Danno13]

Thing is, its us that should be trying to educate the client as to what we can offer them that your homemix DJ can't.

This isn't going to happen if we just put the phone down on these people. I know some people are just a lost cause, but you don't know unless you at least try.. its only going to cost you an extra 5 minutes of your time on the phone.

[A1DL]

Thing is, its us that should be trying to educate the client as to what we can offer them that your homemix DJ can't.

This isn't going to happen if we just put the phone down on these people. I know some people are just a lost cause, but you don't know unless you at least try.. its only going to cost you an extra 5 minutes of your time on the phone.

absolutely, there's no excuse for rudeness, and often when you quote a price, the customer can be pleasantly surprised - especially if they've been quoted something ridiculously high or been met with rudeness or no answer at the previous places they've called.

educate where you can indeed, although there are still too many people who are only looking for the lowest price.

[CRAZY K]

One of the reasons a lot of us want to hang up on the "how much is it" types is because at busy times you may be blocking a call from a genuine customer who is interested in quality and may well book you ---but phones and books someone else cos they cant get through to you.

Why spend time with them even though the chances are you will never get the booking?

I understand the business etiqutte thing --but experience must tell us its a wasted call--I tell Charities who phone up asking for a discount that I am very expensive and they cant afford me--sorry goodbye.

Yellow Pages enquiries-- I get em off the line as soon as I have given a quick quote --my biggest mistake in a long time--renewing my small Yellow Pages advert.

All is not lost--on Friday I took a call from someone, gave a quote and details and said, you can get a cheaper quote elsewhere but you wont get a better
evening from anyone else--fine they said we are not interested in the cheapest we want some quality!

Which is why I choose to hang up on the cheapskates--theres still people out there who want some quality!

CRAZY K

[reemicks disco]

We have just had a call today first question, how much, asked for details, Lady told us, we told her the price and got the booking on the spot. So we never hang up.

[Danno13]

I guess it all depends on the volume of calls you get.

To be honest about 70% of my work comes through my website, and in this case people usually use email as the first point of contact. Some do phone though, but after reading the website they know what they're getting more than people from the Yellow Pages, so aren't usually put off by the price. Not so many people ask about the price straight away, they're more interested in avaliability.

The other 30% is through the Yellow Pages and from other DJs. The Yellow Pages stuff tends to be Childrens parties alot of the time, or gigs in working mens clubs etc. so not the big payers.. but it still pays the bills!

[A1DL]

We have just had a call today first question, how much, asked for details, Lady told us, we told her the price and got the booking on the spot. So we never hang up.

Exactly, also unless you listen to each enquiry and take details, you won't get a true measure of the effectiveness of your advertising.

Our recent market research across a range of YP books recorded a surprisingly high level of either (a) no response and (b) poor telephone technique, which is madness when paying good money for advertising :omg:

[Wolfie]

Thing is, its us that should be trying to educate the client as to what we can offer them that your homemix DJ can't.

This isn't going to happen if we just put the phone down on these people. I know some people are just a lost cause, but you don't know unless you at least try.. its only going to cost you an extra 5 minutes of your time on the phone.

to be honest i never put the phone down on people..

if i think it's a rival DJ then i will give a ridiculous price to keep them guessing & then explain if they ask that i can't give an actual price without more details.. your average DJ will just hang up but a punter may stick around to listen.

even if it is they are touting for the lowest prices i will try to explain what they get & why i charge what i do as well as finding out things like Mick & Maree have stated (where the job is, how many people it's for etc etc), however sometimes you can't conduct a sermon to convert the converted & most of the time you just know they are not interested in anything apart from a low price & you can usually spot these people a mile off

For example I was passed a gig enquiry the other day but when the punter called us & asked for a price they hummed & ahh'd the price & said "I'll get back to you". What's the betting they will not be ringing back... instead they will ring around until they find some Chimpanzee of a DJ who will give them a price £70 less than mine & then they will book him instead. you just know with some people what there game is... your experience & ability counts for nothing.

People need to realise you can't get a Rolls Royce for the same price as a Skoda. It doesn't stop people trying to convince you to drop your prices because they can hire some homemix & Alba DJ with 25watts of raw power who is willing to work a 14 hour day for £50.

[Jiggles]

Im reading this thread and what you are all saying is because i use Skytec stuff im a cowboy.

[reemicks disco]

Im reading this thread and what you are all saying is because i use Skytec stuff im a cowboy.

:confused: Did not see anyone say anything about you :teeth:

[Corabar Steve]

It was infered that skytec users are cowboys although I'm sure that Callum doesn't fall into that category

[Jiggles]

"Few" just wiped the sweat off my fore head :teeth:

[Wolfie]

Im reading this thread and what you are all saying is because i use Skytec stuff im a cowboy.

i must be a cowboy as well as I've spent money on Skytronic kit. :D


skytec's not all bad you know.

there is a world of difference between the stuff you'd associate Skytec with as opposed to these beauties...

http://www.jpleisure.co.uk/usrimage/active%20speaker.jpg

which are actually a very good speaker system.

I clapped eyes on the Soundlab XA200 speakers a few days back... I was pleasently suprised. I don't know how they sound but they look more like Carlsbro's than Soundlabs
http://www.soundmastersdirect.co.uk/images/products/soundlabxa200.jpg

[Jiggles]

Coh they look expensive Wolfie

[Wolfie]

which the soundlabs or the skytecs?

the XA200 Soundlabs go for about £210 a pair.

the skytecs i've seen as as low as £200 & as high as £499 a pair. depending on which version you go for as they come in passive/active versions as well as different driver sizes & they also do matching subs.

[CRAZY K]

Just a point on telephone technique--well someone doing a Market Research call on me asking " how much" would get the response that a lifetime of taking these calls tell me--I aint getting the business!

I suppose I would be scored by Market Researchers as a muppet with no technique. the reality would be I know this is a time wasting call so I dont bother much.

I know this from years and years of trying different approaches--for MY particular business I know this---

When they ask how much--despite giving varying lengthy descriptions, offers of references, written quotes, brochures and all the rest--it doesnt work.

Keep away from jokers asking you to ring their mobile--doesnt work ( for me)
I delete them from the ansaphone--one booking in about 100 calls isnt cost effective :sad:

Sometimes I get very positive and ring a mobile--only to be disappointed again!

I guess everyone needs to assess these things over a period of years and then run their business based on their personal experience.

CRAZY K

[A1DL]

someone doing a Market Research call on me asking " how much" would get the response that a lifetime of taking these calls tell me--I aint getting the business!

I suppose I would be scored by Market Researchers as a muppet with no technique. the reality would be I know this is a time wasting call so I dont bother much.

CRAZY K

I guess that depends on the quality of the MR, if it were carried out by a professional company you would be blissfully unaware that it was an MR call as opposed to the next enquiry.

The results of a campaign become distorted and worthless if the competitors surveyed suspect the call is anything other than a genuine enquiry.

[leighinstoke]

If I get this kind of enquiry (much akin to the folks who ring when you're selling a car and ask stoopid questions), I try and find out "what, where, when and how long" and try and get plenty of info from them as this usual kind of enquiry can be the 'problem job'.

Once I've worked out what they want, I usually ring them back with a price within minutes (an engaged tone usually means they are on a masse ring-round) and then leave it to them to make the next move.

Usually by the time I've given them their reply, they've got one dirt-cheap so I'm just watering the wind and hope they get what they pay for.

(aka....."My mate can do it for fifty quid" - fine - let's hope he puts that fifty quid towards his PLI!)

Leigh....

[CRAZY K]

Fine guys, im just saying that you can work smarter by knowing from your experience which calls are likely to be worthwhile and which are not, then acting on them.

I am well past the stage of worrying whether the next "how much is it" type call was the one in a hundred that actually books me--I just get on with what I know works for me personally which is getting them off the phone quickly!!!

Then I can do useful things like dealing with people looking for quality and
get out in the sun and enjoy life now Summer is here : :teeth:

Hang on the suns gone in again! :sad:

CRAZY K

[djmark67]

i always say first let me get me diary see if im free that day looks good too but i do alots of kids discos and sometmes i could do 2 or 3 in one day depending sometimes i do a kids one in the daytime and maybe a adults one in the evening so i always say hold the line let me see if im avalible that day secondly i ask where they are i had calls as far as manchester lol how many people roughly and wat occasion is it then i give them the bst price i also find that they say ok i check with my husband /wife and get back to you then i let them check around cos that wat there going to do if they come back i take there details and send them the forms though they send back with there deposit and bingo disco is book but have to say alot of my work comes from word of mouth so i always keep check of the discos i do and i know who there are when they call me


mark
starlight discos

[BeerFunk]

I believe a professional application is required here, even though you know you are only going to convert maybe 1 in 20 of these calls!

Oh, and djmark67 - punctuate?! ;)

[Corabar Entertainment]

I've always found that it's usually a little bit more that 'How much?' that dictates whether or not it's a worthwhile call.... it's their general manner of how they ask. Most calls will start with something about the price in their opening gambit, even if its "I'm interested in checking your availability and services and getting a quote".... still asking "How much", but nicely!

Like most of you have said, I go through and take more details from people, and whilst I'm doing that I'll explain why, and add in some information about us. If someone stays almost mute throughout the conversation, you more or less know that it's a waste of time, so I'll switch to the 'shortened' version! The other thing I do is try not to pressurize people. Some people will want to phone around and check out the competition no matter what you say.... after all, don't you check around when you are looking for something? I offer to send them information/make a no obligation provisional booking. Often, those who don't want to commit on the spot will take you up on this offer & I have found that around 75% of those do come back to us with a confirmed booking - so well worth while.

[Wolfie]

I've always found that it's usually a little bit more that 'How much?' that dictates whether or not it's a worthwhile call.... it's their general manner of how they ask. Most calls will start with something about the price in their opening gambit, even if its "I'm interested in checking your availability and services and getting a quote".... still asking "How much", but nicely!.

if it's a "genuine" enquiry the call usually goes like this.

"erm, yes, hello... this is <name of the person or venue>, I'm enquiring about disco prices."

where a tout for the cheap disco's will say "how much do you charge"

a tout will also hang up once or say "i'll get back to you" when they have a price where a genuine enquiry will stick around & maybe try to haggle the price or offer a bit more information.

[magicfm]

"how much do you charge" - that sentence boils my fecking blood. I then ask details- location, date, time and which floor (stairs = another 20%)? I then quote my decent price of £150.
At this stage the customer usually suck air in through their teeth and go "I'll get back to you"
Miserable gits but I know who the competition are and most are only worth their £80 quote. I'd rather do 1 £150 gig than the cowboy doing twice the work of 2 gigs for £160.

Then recently I've been hit by the charity line. "we couldn't afford that price son" I am no longer discounting for charity anymore due to the amount of them.

Next time I'll tell them what CrazyK tells charities. "i'm too expensive to hire for a charity" LOL, that's a good reply

(_8())

[Wolfie]

some good point made there.


I then ask details- location, date, time and which floor (stairs = another 20%)? I then quote my decent price of £150.
At this stage the customer usually suck air in through their teeth and go "I'll get back to you"

Asking the question "how much" is a bit like asking "what colour" to a blind bloke.

I'm guessing most of us will charge accordingly, adding or deducting money for the situation.

The common denominator is the fact..
the bigger the room - the more people - the bigger the sound system is required - a bigger sound show also needs a big light show.

so as far as i'm concerned if it's a midweek gig in the smaller room in a pub to 25 or so people then 2 speakers, a couple of mini moons & a 250w amp should do the job & that could fit in the back of an escort. they can pay £80 for that with pleasure.

but when i do a weekend big gig in a large hotel, well i'm sorry, but that takes up more time to set-up, more space to load in a vehicle so i need to use a bigger vehicle or rent a van & add to this it's probably going to be a late finish so i'm sorry, but the £80 disco price has gone out of the window as they are now paying for my time, the use of more equipment & the added out of pocket expenses i'm incuring.

Plus the fact it's weekend so it's unsociable hours... you try to find someone with any "normal" job who would go into work on a saturday night from 4pm til 2am for his normal pay... i know where they would tell you to go as well. (& what to do when you get there) they'd be asking for time & half or double time & a day in lieu.

if they want to me to work for £80, then i will turn up & give them £80 worth of show.. simple as that.



Miserable gits but I know who the competition are and most are only worth their £80 quote. I'd rather do 1 £150 gig than the cowboy doing twice the work of 2 gigs for £160.

twice the wear & tear, twice the cost... we could go on with this list all day but i think we pretty much all have got it in one what you are saying.



Then recently I've been hit by the charity line. "we couldn't afford that price son" I am no longer discounting for charity anymore due to the amount of them.

Next time I'll tell them what CrazyK tells charities. "i'm too expensive to hire for a charity" LOL, that's a good reply

I do a lot for charity as many already know, however sometimes with charities they can just take the ****, take for example some of the biggest charities (i'm not going to mention who) they employ full time fund raisers & can make an absolute fortune as they are able to organise large events & pay people to do it. so if they can pay a person a wage to work full time then as far as i'm concerned they can or should be able to afford to pay me to do a few hours here & there. Plus i think it's a bit unfair when they have hired a large trailer or venue for the day & actually pay people to hire equipment or provide services then try to skimp on paying a measly £100 or £150 for a DJ to compere & MC the whole day.. it's like with weddings, DJ's are usually the last think people think of booking & the cheapest thing for the day, yet without someone doing a disco or providing good memorable entertainment, the whole day can be a shambles.

If however it's a fundraiser where all the staff are dedicated volunteers & everything is going into the charity pot (besides the unavoidable costs of running the event such as paying for printing flyers & publicity banners), then i'm willing to allow a bit of flexibility & do the job for free or just to cover my out of pocket expenses.... plus often the publicity on the smaller jobs is a lot better, so you make a name for yourself quicker.



(_8())


@@@@@ 8(/)


:D

[Have a disco]

In regards to charity events I already do enough trying to raise funds for children in need (refer to MDA Footy challenge) and Tri-Border ferret welfare society on a yearly basis... any other charity begins at home.

If I did a charity function it would be at going rates... If they need a plumber do they ask for a discount rate No... we are a service they pay the going rate if they don't like it then tough.... they can afford to pay there local administrators and fundraisers over £20,000 they can afford to pay me £200 for a fundraiser

[djmark67]

can i ask any of you a quick question how much for a 4 hour disco please let me know lol and i get back to you whoops pmsl sorry

[Have a disco]

What date sir
what kind of disco are you after sir
and where are you holding the party sir

[Corabar Steve]

What date sir
what kind of disco are you after sir
and where are you holding the party sir
Patronising git! :teeth:

[Have a disco]

obviously maam with ladies LOL

better than what date init?
what kind of disco are you after mate?
where are you holding the party me ole slappa

manners maketh a man maam and sir add to the effect that they are still in control sort of??

[leighinstoke]

can i ask any of you a quick question how much for a 4 hour disco please let me know lol and i get back to you whoops pmsl sorry

£50 and I'll bring a 'FAL' wheels of steel system, rotating police lights, oil wheel and four of those simple spot chasers I got from Cash Covertors if that's ok?

:teeth:



Leigh.....

[Corabar Steve]

£50 and I'll bring a 'FAL' wheels of steel system, rotating police lights, oil wheel and four of those simple spot chasers I got from Cash Covertors if that's ok?

:teeth:



Leigh.....
You saying there's something wrong with oil wheels???????????????

I like oil wheels :teeth:

[djmark67]

why not just go to maplins im sure you can pick up some lights there for a cheap disco lol gosh i hate cheap rubbish everyone to themselfs i guess lol

[Corabar Steve]

Since when have Oil Wheel projectors been cheap??? :mad: I still like oil wheels :teeth:

[Corabar Entertainment]

why not just go to maplins im sure you can pick up some lights there for a cheap disco lol gosh i hate cheap rubbish everyone to themselfs i guess lolSteve has always liked the effect of oil wheels - always has, always will. Yes, everyone has got different tastes - that includes clients as well; which is why we try to carry a full range of different types of lights. However Mark, why infer that someone else is buying 'cheap rubbish' without knowing the full details? :mad: Oil Wheels are a style of light, and like most types of effects, you get both rubbish and quality versions. Would you say that Martin do cheap rubbish? I think not. Well they (amongst many other respected manufacturers) make oil wheels. You personally may like or dislike the effect, but your personal opinion does not make them 'cheap rubbish' or 'expensive quality'!! Rant over. :) :)


Since when have Oil Wheel projectors been cheap??? I still like oil wheels I know you like them - but no, you can't have one! :omg:

[Corabar Steve]

I know you like them - but no, you can't have one! :omg:Wot, not even for my birthday? :teeth:
Since when have Oil Wheel projectors been cheap??? :mad: I still like oil wheels :teeth:Must admit I've only looked at the price of the ones I like!

Go on Angela you know you want to really :rose: :teeth:

[CRAZY K]

Steve-answer--Since I bought one in a job lot from a guy from MDJOL for next to nothing!!!

Works fine as a bit of extra fill in effect on the ceiling!

Do you prefer 15/40 or 5/40? :teeth:

Back on the original thread--its idiot week--must be the heat!

Typical questions--Q and A style---
Q.Why does it cost as much for one or two hours as 4 hours?
A.Does any Contractor arriving at your home with a lot of heavy equipment and expertise charge peanuts if they only stay for an hour or two?

On a serious note im going to have to put something on the website about this to stop timewasters ringing up.

Q. Well I just dont have the funds for that price--what do I do?
A. Nothing-- you cant hold the function!

Message-- We are cancelling because we cant sell tickets and you only sent us one email.
Answer-We asked you for full information in the email so we could send you our contract--you didnt reply!

Never mind good news/ bad news---

Good News. One of the " how much is it" brigade actually made a booking.

Bad News. In a weak moment I phoned someone on a mobile--and had my time totally wasted ( as per usual )

So how is it for you guys this week on people ringing up---its only Tuesday!!!

CRAZY K

[Shaun]

Going back to the original discussion in this topic:

Price is usually the first thing asked because the vast majority of people ringing up have never booked a disco before. They don't know what they should be asking, and asking for the "price" is an initial dialouge that's within their comfort zone.

If they ask for a price I give them one.

I normally ask if they're just looking for the lowest priced disco at this point or if they wish to hear more about our service. If they show interest in hearing more I continue. If they say they're just "price shopping" I thank them for calling.

To some people getting the lowest price is their only concern...they are not my customers. There's so many dj's out there working "under the radar" for crazy low prices.... I won't compete on price, I only compete on quality.

[soundtracker]

I'm about to buy myself a new oil wheel Martin Mania EF series- seen them demonstrated at NADJ local meeting.

[Wolfie]

just going back to oilwheels, I'd love to get hold of one of the old oilwheel projectors, the only thing that puts me off is tracking down the wheels....the machines are easy enough to get but the wheels are more a speciality item.

Steve, have you got one of the projectors with the interchangeable wheels??

You can get some really cool oilwheels for the interchangable ones, some with tattoo like pictures & not just random patterns created from blobs of coloured oil pressed between 2 sheets of perspex. They can look really good if you are projecting pictures of devils & warlocks on the wall at a hallowe'en gig.

There is even a special attachment that can project a clock on the wall, that looks really cool. the oilwheel that rotates is actually acting as the second hand as it's geared to rotate at 1 RPM & the rest of the clock face appears by backlighting 2 clock hands that are on a spindle on the front of the wheel. I remember doing an install in a bar & fitting one of them... was a bit of a pain as the "clock" had to be permanently powered to keep the correct time, so i had to fit a remote switch wired to the bulb in the projector so they could turn off the light when the place was closed.

[djmark67]

mr corabar i think you mis understood what i was saying i dont know about oil wheel iv never had one and never will i have a fantastic light show but i only have that cos most of my discos are mainly children wat i said earlier was i dont like maplin gear as i find it cheap and nasty and wont last long and also as for martin they do some great light so the chap who has the oil wheel no offence i was not aiming anythink at you

im here to learn from other djs and not out for rows so if i offended anyone im truly sorry didnt mean to raise ya sideburns

mark

starlight

[Danno13]

Its been a good week for enquiries. About 7 email enquiries, three of which have booked and a phone call for a school disco too - quoted £140 (hour and a half gig).. not heard back from them yet though. And almost forgot, some dodgy DJ in Hereford rang me about a gig too :D

[wensleydale]

you can still get them- the solar 250s are expensive but you can get oil wheels on ebay for £50

[Have a disco]

Optikinetics SOLAR 250


Now these are the daddies of oil projectors with all there attachments were better than some modern day scanners

[Danno13]

I have a source magma oil wheel thing.. ok its only 150w but still pretty bright and the wheel is changable, only cost me £35 in an auction too.. nice polished chrome version.

Here it is in use lighting up the drapes in a marquee - http://www.revolution-discos.co.uk/gallery/getpic.php?image=06.05.06/dancing4.jpg&size=600

[soundtracker]

And almost forgot, some dodgy DJ in Hereford rang me about a gig too :D
What else can you do when ,some gobby kid rings you up for a disco- book 'em in with a gobby kid!!!! :teeth:

[Danno13]

:D Much appreciated of course :thumbs_up

[soundtracker]

Your welcome matey!!

[Wolfie]

Optikinetics

them are the ones..

if you are going to have an oil wheel projector, get one of them. They are the ones that also have the picture wheels & the clock feature.

Anyway, enough talk of Oilwheels & projectors, we can start a new thread to talk about those, this thread is about people who phone up.

http://www.stokebikeruns.co.uk/html/forums/images/smiles/elepolling.gif

[Have a disco]

Please Do Get Back On Thread

[Corabar Steve]

Please Do Get Back On Thread

I guess not then :sj:



Still haven't got my oil wheel projector http://planetsmilies.net/vicious-smiley-1765.gif (http://planetsmilies.net)

[Penfold42]

I guess not then :sj:



Still haven't got my oil wheel projector http://planetsmilies.net/vicious-smiley-1765.gif (http://planetsmilies.net)

Talking of gear....still looking for a strobe.............:zip: :D :D :D :D

[BeerFunk]

Ummm... this was bumped... why?? :confused:

[Corabar Steve]

Wasn't bumped. I came across it while looking for something else & remembered the oil wheel projector

[Corabar Steve]

Talking of gear....still looking for a strobe.............:zip: :D :D :D :D

I've still got 8 :sj:

[Penfold42]

I've still got 8 :sj:

8 man......you'll go blind........strobes boy, strobes!!:D :D :D

[Corabar Steve]

I'll have a look tomorrow.

[Penfold42]

I'll have a look tomorrow.

:beer1:

[PropellerHeadCase]

Price is usually the first thing asked because the vast majority of people ringing up have never booked a disco before. They don't know what they should be asking, and asking for the "price" is an initial dialouge that's within their comfort zone.

I'm amazed that it took until post #45 for this answer to come up.

[rob1963]

Price is usually the first thing asked

Unless they are contacting those of us who already have prices on our websites, in which case they usually just ask about availability.

[Alex - Cream Ents]

As previously mentioned, ascertain more information from potential client - date / venue / size & length of event, and then quote accordingly. The worst outcome of this basic, yet professional approach is that you might have wasted around 2 minutes on the phone.

I find that most people would much rather pay a reasonable rate to someone who comes across as professional and helpful on the phone rather than opting for the cheapest quote.

If not then good luck to them...!

[Mayhem 1]

Morning Folks, here is my ten peneth!!!

Ring ring

Me - Hello good evening, bumble b Roadshow, how can I help you

Him - ow much do you charge?

Me - how much do I charge for what sir

Him - A disco

Me - I need to know a few things sir before I can give you a quote

Him - like what for goodness sake

Me - Details like when, where and type of function etc

Him - God you wanna know a lot don’t you

Me - Yes I do sir, it will enable me to give you a fair quote

Him - all I wanna know is ow much do you charge - I am looking for the cheapest disco possible

Me - well with respect sir, if you are putting cheapness above experience and the enjoyment of your party guests the I am not the disco you are looking for,

Him - Don’t bother, I know someone whos son has got a big stereo, I will have him to do my wedding reception,

Me - Ok, thank you for your call and I hope you have a pleasant event

Him - Ahhhh yes but you have lost a booking

Me - Again sir with respect, it is not me who has lost out it will be both you, your fiancée and your guests on the night,

Him - Why is that? I have heard him practicing in his spare room at home and he is good, so good in fact he should be in a night club,

Me - Ok, Best wishes for your wedding

Him - Ha ha - you lost the booking

Call ended.

Crazy world we live in

regards

Mayhem 1

[Corabar Steve]

& I'm not exactly hard up for work sir.

[PropellerHeadCase]

Him - Ahhhh yes but you have lost a booking

With all due respect, sir, I never had the booking, you are not looking for the service that I provide.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Morning
Him - Ha ha - you lost the booking



"Sod off you complete idiot" :D

[Penfold42]

"Sod off you complete idiot" :D

Was thinking that myself.....followed by the - something that aids a ship to stay still in the water.............:rolleyes: ;) :D

[Corabar Entertainment]

something that aids a ship to stay still in the water.............:rolleyes: ;) :D:doh: Slow today... I had to read it twice before I got it! :Embarassed:

[Penfold42]

:doh: Slow today... I had to read it twice before I got it! :Embarassed:

Not like you......and of course not said but thought........:D :D :D

[Dragonfly]

why would you call someone an anchor??? were they in the navy??

[Penfold42]

why would you call someone an anchor??? were they in the navy??

Anchor.......now i am confused.......:confused:

I meant lead weight.......or dead weight......as in dead beat..............:confused:

Anchor.......where did that come from.......:rolleyes:

[Corabar Steve]

:offtopic:

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Ahem...anyway..once again, back on topic.
I had 2 calls today that were so different from eachother that they are worth adding to this topic.

The first call actually woke me up this morning. My phone rang at 8.00am and it was someone asking for a price for a disco. I did my usual bit and asked when the date was and also what was the occasion and they put the phone down on me!! Charming!!

The second call was about 2 hours ago and was totally different. The person asked if I did Discos (er yes..) and was I available on such and such a date? I checked the diary and I was actually free (a thursday night in January)...so my next words were "Ok, how can I help?"...It's a leaving do for someone as someone is retiring. I asked all of the usual questions, got the information and then gave the lady a quote. "That's great" she said.."Can I book you now?"...I replied "Of course" and then asked my usual questions..."Can I ask how you found me?"...."Have you called other companies?"... Her answers were that I was the first person she had called and that I had been recommended so she was well happy. A meeting has been arranged and I will go and see her next week.

Now, I'm never rude on the phone but I am suspicious sometimes following a few prank calls from (I assume) other DJ's and also plain and simply put 'idiots'. I'll go along with the call and be polite as possible but I can usually suss someone out straight away. As someone said earlier in this topic, if someone is looking for something cheap and cheerful then I am not for them. I go for quality and sometimes I have DJ'd for people that (in the nicest possible way) didn't have a lot of dosh by the looks of it and the venues that their wedding was held at were pretty low end but at the end of the day, they didn't scrimp on the Disco entertainment for their big day and had a great time. It doesn't matter how many times you tell someone that the cheapest or most expensive doesn't necessarily mean that they are the worst or best...they don't listen.

[leighinstoke]

A lot of my work come from my 'semi-res' place (semi as people booking have the option of bringing their own disco in though I'm cheaper as part of the booking package....) and the rest are often from recommendations or returning clients - but I still advertise in the Yellow and one the www as it's daft not to for free.

Most cold callers are pleasant - I can tell who is interested and willing to pay the price and also those, who being told the price, will say the old "£100 quid" line and try to talk me down. Often I'll tell them why they should consider me, what my price is made up of (hourly rate), etc, and leave it with them.

Some call back, some don't.

I'm busy enough (as I want wish to be) over the next few months, so any bookings that do come my way are a bonus.

Leigh....

[PropellerHeadCase]

why would you call someone an anchor??? were they in the navy??

I thought he was calling them something that rhymes with 'anchor' ;)

[Corabar Steve]

:offtopic: AGAIN!