You HAVE to laugh.....sometimes!

[Shakermaker Promotions]

It's happened twice over the past two weeks so I thought I'd mention it. A few years back I may have buckled and dropped my price but not these days. If it was quiet for me then maybe a slight discount....not sure?

First Scenario - Someone phones me up. They've been given my number by a works colleague who I have known for years and done a number of functions for (including their wedding). They praise me big time and say I come highly recommended = Good! They go on to say that they want to book me for a 40th Birthday party = Good! (seeing as they haven't even asked about pricing yet). Apparently, I am the DJ that they are looking for as they want an 'Alternative' theme to the evening = Good! Right up my street.

So, after a conversation that is really promising and enthusiastic, I end up with a provisional booking. I confirm all of the details during the call in an email and leave it at that. The following day I receive a reply which more or less says that they can't believe the price and it is double what they were expecting to pay for a DJ. They ask if there is anything I can do about the price. I politely inform them that the price quoted is the price it will stay. I've heard nothing back and have written it off.

Second Scenario - I get an email via the enquiry form on my website asking about pricing for an Alternative Wedding near Christmas. Apparently the person enquiring was present at a wedding I did a couple of months ago (I actually recall the girl asking me for a card and asking about availability). Same scenario really as the first one but the difference is that this girl has actually seen me do my thing as it were. Same outcome too. A few emails exchanged following a quotation and then nothing so I have written that off too.

The reason I have titled this "You HAVE to laugh...." is because I find it funny.
Firstly, it's all about the price obviously. I am not expensive at all. I'd say I am probably mid-range. I don't inflate my price just because these are specialised or specific music bookings.
The first enquiry came via a recommendation. You'd think that it would count for something? If you are looking around for a DJ that does something a little different from everyone else or specialises in a certain kind of music (ok, like Martin and Steve too), you'd think that if you found one, they were recommended and available, you'd book them as long as it's not TOO high a price (and mine isn't!). Just goes to show that there are still people out there that do not know about pricing etc...

Yes, I DID explain what they got for their money and although I don't think I HAVE to justify why I charge what I charge, I DID on both occasions because I felt the need to for some reason.

The second enquiry appears to be more laughable to me because the girl was actually at a wedding I was DJing at which had an Alternative theme. She came up more than once complimenting me on the music and asked for a card. She went out of her way to enquire yet my price is too expensive? Strange!

I KNOW we all get stuff like this from time to time and it's not a big deal. I just thought that 2 enquiries for Alternative Discos and both not going for it was worth mentioning. I must admit, most enquiries I get for Alternative stuff do end up booking me.

As I said, I've written them off. I do not save dates for people and I don't discount unless I really need to.
A lot has changed for me over the years.

[soundmaster mobile disco]

Its all very true what you are saying Gary. I have also came across the same situation before. I sometimes cannot understand why the price barrier when they can clearly see for themselves the excellent service and entertainment that we provide. Why would they go looking elsewhere if someone has recommended us, or even better if they have been at an event where we were providing the entertainment.

It is getting more and more difficult these days to convince an enquiry that we are worth our fee.

[HeartandSoul]

I guess you choose a price you think you are worth, rather than sell yourself short. Ultimately the market will dictate if this is sustainable. If you are busy at your price, then the market has indicated your marketing, price/service offering is ok. There will always be people in the market looking to get a deal, fair enough, I have also found a number of them are shopping only on price. Sometimes despite being wooed by all the extra benefits of choosing us over a competitor, it still comes down to how much they are willing to spend, and I suspect whatever your price point you are likely to get some of these customers. If you were charging £200 instead of £500 guaranteed there will be someone wanting to pay £150, and a dj out there who will do it for that.

Customer might get a surprise though when their cheap booking turns up......

[musicologydisco]

I agree. The time to think about your pricing is when they're saying you're too expensive and you're not getting any bookings.

[funkymook]

Even in our niche market Gary there's price shoppers - not so many as the mainstream market as the enquiries aren't as frequent and most of the people wanting us realise we're different from most mobile DJ's so are prepared to pay for us. But the more enquiries we get the more it's going to happen.

[DJ Jules]

...it gets funnier when they call up a week before the event to see if you're still available... :D

[Jim - Scotland's Party DJ]

You want HOW MUCH??? (after spending a months salary on a dress that will be worn once :muppet: )

You do have to laugh mate and I try not to let it bother me. Let them go and find some clown on Gumtree that gets a better offer the week before so let's them down.

It is annoying to think that this isn't just someone doing a bit of shopping around, you've come recommended and the other has actually seen you but there's not much you can do about it. We all have a price we think we're worth and happy to go out for, if someone doesn't see it the same as you then that's their problem.

I got an Amp DJ enquiry in a few weeks ago which went: looking for a DJ for my engagement party. Had one for £160 once and he was terrible so looking to spend £120-140. Somehow this guys thought process is: well it's going to be :Censored::Censored::Censored::Censored: but I'll have saved myself a few quid instead of thinking maybe that £160 bloke was cheap for a reason.

I sent him an e-mail trying not to be sarcy or anything just explaining that he'll really struggle to get a quality DJ for those kinds of prices. He's probably read it, thought I was a prat and deleted.

[lazersounds]

You want HOW MUCH??? (after spending a months salary on a dress that will be worn once :muppet: )

You do have to laugh mate and I try not to let it bother me. Let them go and find some clown on Gumtree that gets a better offer the week before so let's them down.

It is annoying to think that this isn't just someone doing a bit of shopping around, you've come recommended and the other has actually seen you but there's not much you can do about it. We all have a price we think we're worth and happy to go out for, if someone doesn't see it the same as you then that's their problem.

I got an Amp DJ enquiry in a few weeks ago which went: looking for a DJ for my engagement party. Had one for £160 once and he was terrible so looking to spend £120-140. Somehow this guys thought process is: well it's going to be :Censored::Censored::Censored::Censored: but I'll have saved myself a few quid instead of thinking maybe that £160 bloke was cheap for a reason.

I sent him an e-mail trying not to be sarcy or anything just explaining that he'll really struggle to get a quality DJ for those kinds of prices. He's probably read it, thought I was a prat and deleted.

And the DJ he got was probably just as bad, can't win them all.

I often get calls saying Ive been quoted £100, can you beat it. I reply with then why are you ringing me! :)

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I'm adding to this thread again as it's happened again yesterday.
Customer enquiring about a wedding booking that is predominantly Alternative. Praising me for the fact that I am doing something different and pleased (again) that I have availability for the date they require.
Quotation sent and instant reply saying words to the effect of.... "You sound like our perfect DJ and we would love to book you. The only problem is the price as our budget is limited".
I offered a discount on this occasion as the wedding is only a few weeks away and I've had a cancellation for that date but it is a bit out of my way.
They've come back again quickly and asked if I could reduce the price a bit more. I've said unfortunately I am unable to discount it further as it would not be viable for me to do so.

I have a feeling they might book me but we'll see.

[Jim - Scotland's Party DJ]

I'm adding to this thread again as it's happened again yesterday.
Customer enquiring about a wedding booking that is predominantly Alternative. Praising me for the fact that I am doing something different and pleased (again) that I have availability for the date they require.
Quotation sent and instant reply saying words to the effect of.... "You sound like our perfect DJ and we would love to book you. The only problem is the price as our budget is limited".
I offered a discount on this occasion as the wedding is only a few weeks away and I've had a cancellation for that date but it is a bit out of my way.
They've come back again quickly and asked if I could reduce the price a bit more. I've said unfortunately I am unable to discount it further as it would not be viable for me to do so.

I have a feeling they might book me but we'll see.

That REALLY gets me.

You're doing your best to help them out and come to some sort of compromise and they're still trying to haggle you down more. Unless you're a large multi-op, every quid you drop your price comes directly out of your pocket, do people not realise this?

The last time this happened it was actually through a friend of my girlfriends. I'd given them a really good price because I was going to be at the party anyway and might as well be there making a bit of dough :o

She asked if I'd drop it which I did then came back and asked if I'd drop it any more because "I've found this DJ George guy who'll do it for £150"

Cue DJ George's website which is literally a picture of him on a night out in a pub (I mean he's actually sitting at a table surrounded by people with a drink in his hand) :confused: and DJ George - for all your DJing needs, phone this number xxx-xxxx

I told her there's a reason why he's charging that and my price was set. She booked me but I still felt a bit put out that she was trying to get me to compete with this clown when I'd done her a turn in the first place.

[DJ Jules]

Cue DJ George's website which is literally a picture of him on a night out in a pub (I mean he's actually sitting at a table surrounded by people with a drink in his hand) :confused: and DJ George - for all your DJing needs, phone this number xxx-xxxx

I told her there's a reason why he's charging that and my price was set. She booked me but I still felt a bit put out that she was trying to get me to compete with this clown when I'd done her a turn in the first place.

I think this is the point where my feelings toward the client would have turned to the point where I would have declined the booking. I tend to work on the principle that on the night I have to feel like I want to do the best for the client, and there's some who take the mick to the point where I would have a hard time feeling like I would want to buy them a pint, never mind DJ at their party...

Julian

[Jim - Scotland's Party DJ]

I think this is the point where my feelings toward the client would have turned to the point where I would have declined the booking. I tend to work on the principle that on the night I have to feel like I want to do the best for the client, and there's some who take the mick to the point where I would have a hard time feeling like I would want to buy them a pint, never mind DJ at their party...

Julian

She paid what I'd asked her to pay in the end and I went out for a price I was happy with. It was more the fact she'd tried to get me to price match this DJ George clown (who by the looks of his site wasn't even worth £150) that annoyed me.

I suppose on the flipside she might have been looking at it from the point of view that how many times have you been to a party where it's a mate of someone or other DJing and it's been a total nightmare so she was apprehensive about booking me through the missus.

She did make a comment about not expecting me to have such a nice set up and so on when I was loading in and at the end of the night said she didn't realise I'd have been so good...

[funkymook]

I often get calls saying Ive been quoted £100, can you beat it. I reply with then why are you ringing me! :)

Yep - I can beat it by at least £250.....

[lazersounds]

Yep - I can beat it by at least £250.....

:like:

[Serious Sounds]

I guess you choose a price you think you are worth, rather than sell yourself short. Ultimately the market will dictate if this is sustainable. If you are busy at your price, then the market has indicated your marketing, price/service offering is ok. There will always be people in the market looking to get a deal, fair enough, I have also found a number of them are shopping only on price. Sometimes despite being wooed by all the extra benefits of choosing us over a competitor, it still comes down to how much they are willing to spend, and I suspect whatever your price point you are likely to get some of these customers. If you were charging £200 instead of £500 guaranteed there will be someone wanting to pay £150, and a dj out there who will do it for that.

Customer might get a surprise though when their cheap booking turns up......

Well said! I agree with this!

[PlaySomethingGood]

Don't let me relative newbie status fool you, I've been in and out the game for many years.

I think the problem is that, unless it's something they particularly care about, people will often farm services out to the lowest bidder. Seeing as the bride normally controls the purse strings at weddings this can cause a problem. Most brides (and I'm sure there are exceptions) in my experience CARE about their dress, their venue, flowers, table settings etc. It seems like the disco is, so often, treated as an after-thought.

In my experience as well, thanks to some of the 'bottom-feeders' in our industry, mobile DJs have got themselves a bit of a bad reputation and I'm sure the brides mentality ends up being something along the lines of "I don't want a disco but I guess I should book one" and they end up booking on price.

Just my inane ramblings on the subject.

[DazzyD]

Don't let me relative newbie status fool you, I've been in and out the game for many years.

I think the problem is that, unless it's something they particularly care about, people will often farm services out to the lowest bidder. Seeing as the bride normally controls the purse strings at weddings this can cause a problem. Most brides (and I'm sure there are exceptions) in my experience CARE about their dress, their venue, flowers, table settings etc. It seems like the disco is, so often, treated as an after-thought.

In my experience as well, thanks to some of the 'bottom-feeders' in our industry, mobile DJs have got themselves a bit of a bad reputation and I'm sure the brides mentality ends up being something along the lines of "I don't want a disco but I guess I should book one" and they end up booking on price.

Just my inane ramblings on the subject.

I've approved your first post as I think you make some valid points and I'm sure a lot of DJs share your views on the subject. However, as you are a "newbie" would you mind just checking out this link and click through to introduce yourself? You'll find you get increased kudos and our members will more forthcoming to share their views, tips and tricks with you! Thanks

New-to-the-forum (http://www.forum.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/showthread.php?11711-New-to-the-forum)

[PlaySomethingGood]

Sorry, I didn't post an intro sooner (although I'm sure I wrote an introduction but must have forgotten to click 'post'...that's age for you!)

I have introduced myself properly in the newbie section but, to keep it brief. I'm Phil, DJ'd on-and-off for 12 years, retired and now I'm back (pretty much by accident).

Thanks for approving my post :)

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Couple of updates on this one to save me starting another thread.

Firstly, one of the 2 enquiries that came in has eventually got back to me and decided that they would like to go ahead and book me. Luckily I am still available when they want me so that's ok.

I may have also mentioned (can't remember, sorry) that a local venue had asked me about christmas parties etc. I provided them with a quotation and decided to chase it up today to see if they'd made a decision.
This next example is a classic case of why I titled the thread "You HAVE to laugh..." because you do.
I've done a number of functions at this particular venue which is slightly out of town and have always had great nights there. Last year I was in the same scenario as I was asked to provide a quotation for christmas then too. In the end the venue went with someone else (fair enough).

When I spoke to the lady on the phone she told me that the venue were not happy with the provider they had decided on and that they'd received some complaints too, hence her asking me to provide a quote which I did. She asked if I could do anything more with the price and I discounted it further. The idea being that one of my DJ's could take care of the dates I couldn't do due to being contracted elsewhere at christmas. I would only be making a small amount on each one but overall it would be worth it. It looked promising. I told the DJ to mark the dates in the diary and they were happy with what they were going to get out of it as they work full time too.

Today I received a reply to my chase up email which said (rather embarassingly it seems), that the 'powers that be' (directors) had decided to stick with the same provider they had last year!!!??? This is despite not being happy and receiving complaints!!
What is going on with some people?
I got a call this afternoon from the lady at the venue who like I said, seemed to be a bit embarassed. I was more or less told that the other provider is doing it so cheap, they want to stick with it. This is a nice venue too. Obviously down to price and all that and from what I can make out, it's stupidly, stupidly cheap!

[Jim - Scotland's Party DJ]

Couple of updates on this one to save me starting another thread.

Firstly, one of the 2 enquiries that came in has eventually got back to me and decided that they would like to go ahead and book me. Luckily I am still available when they want me so that's ok.

I may have also mentioned (can't remember, sorry) that a local venue had asked me about christmas parties etc. I provided them with a quotation and decided to chase it up today to see if they'd made a decision.
This next example is a classic case of why I titled the thread "You HAVE to laugh..." because you do.
I've done a number of functions at this particular venue which is slightly out of town and have always had great nights there. Last year I was in the same scenario as I was asked to provide a quotation for christmas then too. In the end the venue went with someone else (fair enough).

When I spoke to the lady on the phone she told me that the venue were not happy with the provider they had decided on and that they'd received some complaints too, hence her asking me to provide a quote which I did. She asked if I could do anything more with the price and I discounted it further. The idea being that one of my DJ's could take care of the dates I couldn't do due to being contracted elsewhere at christmas. I would only be making a small amount on each one but overall it would be worth it. It looked promising. I told the DJ to mark the dates in the diary and they were happy with what they were going to get out of it as they work full time too.

Today I received a reply to my chase up email which said (rather embarassingly it seems), that the 'powers that be' (directors) had decided to stick with the same provider they had last year!!!??? This is despite not being happy and receiving complaints!!
What is going on with some people?
I got a call this afternoon from the lady at the venue who like I said, seemed to be a bit embarassed. I was more or less told that the other provider is doing it so cheap, they want to stick with it. This is a nice venue too. Obviously down to price and all that and from what I can make out, it's stupidly, stupidly cheap!

:D

I call that Saudi syndrome because you came across it constantly when I lived out there - always looking at the short term "how much can I make on this" rather than the long term ramifications of cheaping out. Very frustrating and incredibly stupid way to do business.

A big hotel that does roaring trade in hen party nights and the like did the same thing. A few months back on the Friday I got a call from a mate putting me onto them as their DJ (who is a notorious waste of space cowboy in every sense) had just not bothered to show up. I phoned them and they'd managed to get someone in, she said the exact same thing, they hated this no show guy but the powers that be kept him in work because he was cheap. She took my details and said they'd be looking for a new DJ.

A week later and Johnny Gumtree is back there with his :Censored::Censored::Censored::Censored: rig, terrible sounding snide tunes and cheap as chips rate!!!

[ukpartydj]

I've had it a couple of times now from Pub/ community centres where I've been booked by somebody unrelated to the venue and the venue has called asking for a quote giving me compliments to doing a quick U-turn when I mention the price ... "we normally only pay £150 for a DJ" I've asked my friends how much they think a disco for the evening would cost and most of them said £200ish so I can see why some less educated people might think £300+ is robbery.

[sweetie]

I too specialise in the indie/alternative side of the market over here in Ireland and recently fulfilled a booking for a full wedding where I was to play from 9 - 3am. Most weddings here have music till 2am and after initially quoting my price they were reticient to book due to thinking it was too high. I sold myself on the fact that I would know the music they like/want, was recommended by their caterer (not cheap btw) and knew their venue (also not cheap) and after agreeing to do the last hour (2-3am) free we confirmed the booking. A few weeks before they contacted me to say the Bride would be singing a couple of songs after the first dance, I said no problem and that I would have a few mics with me.

Roll on arriving at the venue a couple of weeks ago to find a massive rental pa which I would say cost at least 2-300 euro and a three peice rock band who the bride used to play with and that they would be doing a half hour set! Having initally tried to patch into the desk to save space I then had to setup mine anyway which of course would have sufficed for the band if they had informed me of their proper plans.

Due to this I didnt start djing until 11 and the gig went well until about 2.30 when the combination of heat, tiredness etc meant the last half hour was pretty sparse inside the hall and the end of the gig a little devoid of the usual crescendo. I was a bit disappointed and felt I'd let them down somehow until I got the following email a few days later:

"Hi Ian,

Thanks again for Saturday night, you certainly lived up to and exceeded expectations! A great night was had all round!

Andy and Ruth"

Just goes to show!