Optional extras at gigs?

[yourdj]

I'm wondering what optional extras (other than sound and light) you guys use or have always wanted to use at gigs, either to make more money or stand out from the rest? :)

[djsteve10]

Well i have

Bubble Machine
Haze Machine
Pyrotechnics - Confetti Cannons & Indoor Fireworks
Mood Lighting
Custom Gobos
Laser light show

[Penfold42]

Glowsticks, glowsticks, glowsticks.................:sofa:


Photographs - look at them on a laptop then place them on a disc.
Bosh - done!
Works quite well....:)

[yourdj]

Am considering getting led pars after reading promobile to dmx light a whole venue. I like the idea of the colour changing throughout the evening.

Did a fashion show last week and i had candles all around my decks, as well as mood lighting from pars and moving heads. looked really great. probably not too good in a busy disco environment though (fire hazard).

pics: http://your-dj-gallery.blogspot.com/

Are the pyrotechnic packs good? Been offered to buy one? How much do replacements cost?

[yourdj]

Glowstick, glowsticks, glowsticks.................:sofa:


Photographs - look at them on a laptop then place them on a disc.
Bosh - done!
Works quite well....:)

Im thinking of getting a video camera and marketing it as the alternative wedding video. ie people acting like prats on the dance floor?

[djsteve10]

I also do video Jockey work pllasma screens and projection screens,
As regards to the pyrotechnics i just lend them from a friend of mine as they are not worth the investment for useage they get, All i know is they are from La Maitre and they can cost around £400 to set up a decent pack for confetti cannons and fireworks.

[Paul James Promotions]

Our current extras are:-

LED Up lighters
10ft flames
Star cloth
Large screen photograph slideshow
Mirrorball

We also offer staging, PA for speeches, followspot, lectern (for the guestbook), bubble machine (client is required to sign for responsibility), and a few other bits and pieces.

Jamie

[wensleydale]

giant mirror ball
multi room sound
video projections
man dressed up in badger costume

http://www.seventieswatches.com/smallbadger.jpg

We did the badger at the last club night i did.

Not received too many requests for it yet, but I predict big things ahead.

[DazzyD]

I used to use bubble machines at weddings and kids parties with high-grade 'light' bubble fluid (bubbles used to burst in mid-air and not land on the floor making it slippery). My local supplier then stopped stocking this fluid and I tried regular stuff at a kids party. One little kid slipped on the floor where the bubbles were landing and burst his lip. Never felt so bad! His mother was very nice about it, tho, saying kids will be kids and accidents will happen.

Now, I only use bubbles by special request (ie for wedding first dances), the client signs a disclaimer form and we lay down an absorbent patch of carpet. This way, the wedding couple can have their dance while being showered in bubbles and the risk of slipping is gone. Makes for good wedding photos and videos!

We can also provide the kids favourites, GloSticks and GloBracelets as well as party poppers and cannons, streamers, silly string, kids whistles and all the other bits and pieces that cost very little but we can make a good return on.

Was looking into stage pyros but, thinking about it, no-one's ever asked for them in the last 9 years so could be a waste of money.

[yourdj]

Like the badger costume :D

Used to use bubbles in my underground dance club nights, until someone slipped up and hurt their back. :bang: Only use them outdoors now :)

[axeman]

the badger was a bit scary i thought,

anyhoo, I have bubbles (as mentioned in many previous threads), smoke, lasers, and flames, and use then as part of a normal disco, depending on the room size/shape, and I also offer options for
"Karaoke" and "play your cards right" too

[theoloyla]

Line Dance instruction.

[rob1963]

The only optional extra I can think of is a smoke machine...not that I've used it for at least 5 years!

[spin mobile disco]

I use on request the following.
smoke
haze
bubble machine or pair of same
uv lighting
led pars for moodlighting.
1 , 2, or 3 mirror balls
2 oil wheel effect lights.
Lasers twin green and one red
co2 type confetti cannons
flame and water effects
glowsticks
full colour matrix message board
and dont shoot me down but 2 light screens just for the 70's nights

[wensleydale]

am i the only one to offer the badger costume?
i am surprised.
thought they were "de rigeur"

[ppentertainments]

So would anyone say their optional extras are worth the investment ???
I offer photography, large screen slideshow etc which goes down well at presentation nights but apart from this not sure if worth venturing into optional extras. Have been looking at glow sticks etc but is the expense really worth it ???

[yourdj]

So would anyone say their optional extras are worth the investment ???
I offer photography, large screen slideshow etc which goes down well at presentation nights but apart from this not sure if worth venturing into optional extras. Have been looking at glow sticks etc but is the expense really worth it ???

Only unless people are prepared to pay for them, or it gives you an edge on you competition i recon?

I prefer the both options though. :rolleyes:

Definitely looking at moodlighting and video

[rob1963]

So would anyone say their optional extras are worth the investment ???

I guess that depends mainly on how many people want them, and also on what they will cost & how much extra you can charge for them.

I can't remember the last time a client enquired about something extra which I don't have, and I have no room for extra gear that will hardly get used, so in my case optional extras (apart from a smoke machine) are not necessary or feasible.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I guess
I can't remember the last time a client enquired about something extra which I don't have

But if you advertised the fact that you had something like uplighting for example then you might get more enquiries?

[UltraBeat Entertainment]

My optional extras include:
-Karaoke
-Smoke Machine
-2 Large Bubble Machines
-Projector
-Larger Sound System
-Prizes, Presents, Games, Glow sticks (for children's parties)

Have often fancied having a foam or snow machine and lasers but i know i have no need for them:( ...yet:)


and don't shoot me down but 2 light screens just for the 70's nights
I use 2 light screens at most of my shows :sofa: But i love em :D

But still no badger costume sorry to say. Could hire one tho:)

[Vectis]

I use most of my "optional extras" to upsell to the next package.

ie. VV Junior is just your basic rig

VV Premier is basic rig plus active sub(s), more lights, video panels/projector, customer meeting

VV Platinum is Premier rig plus moving heads, video recording, early setup, "proper" project management etc.


True "optional extras" with all packages are:

- low fog machine
- bubble machine
- confetti cannons
- glowsticks (by the tube, purchased by the organiser, not sold individually)
- anything else required on a per-case basis (ie uplighting, floors, bands etc.)

[rob1963]

But if you advertised the fact that you had something like uplighting for example then you might get more enquiries?

That's true, Darren, but as already stated I just don't have the room.

I'm also not sure if it's a good idea to start investing in more gear to offer as optional extras at a time when I'm only a few years away from retiring.

It would have made more sense 10 or 20 years ago.

[Richard Veal]

If you are a video disco the easy money is to take photo's over the shoulder of the offical photographer (it means your at the venue all day - but its worth it, read on)
Put these images together as a slide show and play it on the first dance.
An example is on my website.
This is then made into a DVD which you give to the wedding couple.

This is the best bit.

You sell copys of this to the guests for £10 each. Including P&P.

You see its often cheaper than ordering offical photos from the photographer.

My best so far was at a large wedding where I sold 81 copys. Hows that for an extra earning on your gig!

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

That's true, Darren, but as already stated I just don't have the room.

I'm also not sure if it's a good idea to start investing in more gear to offer as optional extras at a time when I'm only a few years away from retiring.

It would have made more sense 10 or 20 years ago.

But who says you have to own the gear though?

How do you think event management companies work? They rarely hold stock of anything.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

If you are a video disco the easy money is to take photo's over the shoulder of the offical photographer (it means your at the venue all day - but its worth it, read on)
Put these images together as a slide show and play it on the first dance.
An example is on my website.
This is then made into a DVD which you give to the wedding couple.

This is the best bit.

You sell copys of this to the guests for £10 each. Including P&P.

You see its often cheaper than ordering offical photos from the photographer.

My best so far was at a large wedding where I sold 81 copys. Hows that for an extra earning on your gig!

Sorry, but you are the DJ and should be concentrating on that, not selling stuff to punters. I think it's particularly bad form to sell stuff when you are working let alone a wedding. It really does sound like a market stall.

[rob1963]

But who says you have to own the gear though?

How do you think event management companies work? They rarely hold stock of anything.

I accept that, but for simplicity I just prefer to work with equipment I already have, rather than offering a number of extras, but not actually having any of it, and then having to mess about trying to locate & hire in the stuff I need.

[theoloyla]

Sorry, but you are the DJ and should be concentrating on that, not selling stuff to punters. I think it's particularly bad form to sell stuff when you are working let alone a wedding. It really does sound like a market stall.
Ah but that how the rich (Elite says I cant use this word) get rich - by muscling in on everyone else's business which they have no expertise in but can make a quick buck from. Me? Why do you think I havent retired a millionaire after 42 years? I'm just a good Norfolk boy. (Coming up to Norwich for a few days on Thursday!)

[ppentertainments]

Sorry, but you are the DJ and should be concentrating on that, not selling stuff to punters. I think it's particularly bad form to sell stuff when you are working let alone a wedding. It really does sound like a market stall.

Agree !! Plus how will the photographer feel. Its a bit like a photographer turning up with an Ipod and a couple of lights to do the disco cheaper than you !!

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Agree !! Plus how will the photographer feel. Its a bit like a photographer turning up with an Ipod and a couple of lights to do the disco cheaper than you !!

Exactly.

[Richard Veal]

Sorry, but you are the DJ and should be concentrating on that, not selling stuff to punters. I think it's particularly bad form to sell stuff when you are working let alone a wedding. It really does sound like a market stall.

Nearly everyone who provides visual as well as audio entertainment will show slides of the wedding thus far (true or false)?

You are giving the bride and groom the DVD with your compliments.

if you notice i said £10 inc p&p its not like i say right I've got 30 orders sod the disco lets get burning.

My partner takes the orders and payment and issues the receipt. I mention after the first dance that the video is available for sale just once then i get on with the night as any other.

I cant belive you will justify selling glowsticks as acceptable but not this, Market stall indeed.

:boxer:

and was not the title of the thread Extras???????

[Richard Veal]

Agree !! Plus how will the photographer feel. Its a bit like a photographer turning up with an Ipod and a couple of lights to do the disco cheaper than you !!

I always introduce myself to the photographer to explain that this is for the first dance, a chance for evening guests to see what has been missed.

I would guess that most know me by now and are aware of what i do.

I never tell people not to book a photographer as i am not a professional but this service is not something i impose in fact nowerdays its one that is requested.

ps do you like my new show?

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I cant belive you will justify selling glowsticks as acceptable but not this, Market stall indeed.


I certainly do not think selling glowsticks is acceptable.

You are the DJ, you shouldn't be selling anything IMO.

It is tacky and I wouldn't be seen dead doing something like that.

[ppentertainments]

It's not the selling etc, but trying to take over from another proffessional. I know i am maybe biased as I am also a photographer but never like 'treading on other peoples toes'.

If doing photography AND disco I ALWAYS have a dj with me to do the disco as I don't believe it is possible to truly concentrate on more that one job at a time.

Yes do like the show!!! Looks impressive and your setup times are certainly good. Market, disco, photography, video - what next ???

[Richard Veal]

mobile lapdancing probably!

dont get the wrong impression either the photos are taken during the day after setup and before the breakfast.

[Vectis]

I offer videography as an option with my middle & top packages, BUT

- it's clearly stated in the Ts & Cs that this is not intended to replace professional photography/videography
- and that our main priority is the disco function and therefore we are liable to "miss bits"

In reality we set up one camera behind the rig on a tripod and let it fill its boots all night (HDD model) and then the roadie takes out another into the crowd at opportune moments.

Client gets the best 30 minutes or so edited onto a DVD.

IF the client requests it, we put clips on the website and offer to sell copies of the DVD.

If they don't, we don't.

We certainly NEVER make mention of any of this at the gig. If the client wants to tell the guests how to access or purchase the content, that's up to them.

The take-up rate is about 70-80%. Currently only charging £50 a pop for this as I originally set it up to get some decent pics for the website! Intention is to run this for one more summer and check it is still a valid service, then to invest in some semi-pro HD gear and do a proper job of it for a proper price next year.

[yourdj]

The "alternative" reception video is a good idea i think as i get promo material too for my site. As you say it should not take any thing from the performance so Im going to do the tripod thing. Switch it on and forget about it.

How would you rate the sound in another room thing? Don't people go in to the other room to have a chat or change of scenery etc?

I would like to make more use of my spare sound gear. Apart from extra space and set up, this is a great bolt on if its required? Just need to get a longer cable!

[yourdj]

It has almost been a year since this thread was last closed

Times/technology have changed:

People being laid off (1 in 3 companies) and no one has any money so there may be more mobile djing competition which may mean we:

- drop prices (not the best option)
- increase marketing spend and sales pitch
- offer more for the money

Here is a short list of some optional extras i have thought of:

- led uplighting / moodlighting
- guest requests post or website
- glitter balls, lighting effects such as personalized gobos (where do you get these from?)
- banners / invitations
- sound in other room
- personalized viusals and displays
- karaoke/cabaret?
- meetings with clients
- 2 dj's with double equipment and experience and longer play time
- Mobile lapdancing

i have decided that selling/displaying/giving away video footage with music on is illegal even with produb so that it a no no for me. also smoke and bubbles is not allowed in most venues I play at or not really required.

Any other suggestions of things that have worked for you?

Thanks :D

[501damian501]

step up be the best from the rest, its all in the words :D

[ppentertainments]

step up be the best from the rest, its all in the words :D

So speaks the master :D :D
I have actually found that although money is tighter people are taking optional extras more than in the past.

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Ive found that, especially for weddings, an early set-up (i.e. the day before, venue permitting) is a winner with folk too.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I've found it too. Out of say 15 enquiries I have had and 15 confirmed bookings, 75% of them have opted for extras too. Of course, it could be their particular circumstances. For example: 3 of the weddings I have been booked for have gone for Photo Projection too because they are getting married abroad. Most have gone for Uplighting and some have gone for both. This means that I am earning more by providing more and the overall service is improved too.

What I mean by that is...
A lot of people come to me having been recommended by someone whose function I have done previously, that's good. I think it will improve further because of the extra services. Let's face it, the uplighting is great, it transforms the venue and gives a really nice feel to the function. I think that when people see it, they are genuinely impressed and when they find out that you can supply the disco and the uplighting etc...you are more or less 'nailed on' to get the job...(not always the case).

I had a call today from someone who was at one of the christmas parties I did at my hotel residency. She actually asked if the lighting was supplied by the hotel because she wasn't actually having her event at the hotel but somewhere else...I explained that it was an extra that I supplied and she went for it straight away...I sold it to her. It's all very well thinking of optional extras but you have to sell it to the customer.

[wensleydale]

i had the best request last week - a quote for a wedding in bristol- they've been to the club night i run.

they want a cheese raffle included, as well as strange projections and potentially...........the badger costume (see posts at start of the thread).
who'd of thought it.

[axeman]

wots a cheese raffle and strange projections ?

[wensleydale]

wots a cheese raffle and strange projections ?

a cheese raffle is where you raffle off a giant cheese- like meat raffles you get in wmc's.

strange projections are just that- projections onto the walls of random pics- giant pieces of cheese etc, or the famous wensleydale mosaic.....this pic is actually a mosaic one of my mates made- about a metre wide by 75cm tall

http://www.seventieswatches.com/jk1e.jpg

[yourdj]

I sold it to her. It's all very well thinking of optional extras but you have to sell it to the customer.

I have been thinking about that. what is the best way to sell extras?

- I am mentioning certain things when they book?
- was going to put it on the website, but the problem is only some of my dj's provide certain services and some non at all.
- also as a printed/illustrated list when sending certin forms to gigs i know i will be able to cover
- or as a nicely laid out email after they have paid the booking fee and you know what to expect?

Or all (about 10) :confused:

[ppentertainments]

If I get the opportunity I offer other services on the first enquiry stage. If not I have a letter I include with the booking forms. The letter in booking forms work the best for me.

[sleah]

i have decided that selling/displaying/giving away video footage with music on is illegal even with produb so that it a no no for me.


Nope not illegal, as such. Produb has no bearing whatsoever on it.
However, it is perfectly legal with the correct license from our friends at the mcps;)

http://www.prsformusic.com/musicforproducts/LM/Pages/LM.aspx

Not expensive, you soon cover the cost:)

I've bought the license to cover copyright when selling videos of Fashion Shows at work.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Ive found that, especially for weddings, an early set-up (i.e. the day before, venue permitting) is a winner with folk too.

How would you be insured though?

[Dynamic Entertainment]

How would you be insured though?

Insurance isnt an issue. The condition is that the room is locked or very limited access, that way its secure as far as theft is concerned. I also wont set up if the area is readily available to the public through the day, that way im covered for the PLI. Most of the venues of done this for have seperate stage areas, or curtained/temporary walles sections which the entertainment sets up behind.

I did get a request earlier on this week to set uop the day before in a well known venue, so i said initially said yes. They then said the disco was in a marquee so i had do explain i cant. Luckily i can get round the back and load straight through a wall, out of the way and right into teh corner im setting up in, so it can be done with little fuss and away from guests. I hate lugging stuff through guests and sound checking infront of them.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

YourDJ - I always tell them once I have the booking confirmed. In other words, when I send them a confirmation email of everything I have told them in the conversation, I let them know about the other services. If possible I get it in there on the phone too but I like to keep the calls down to a minimum. Saying that though, the call the other day lasted nearly 30 minutes as the guy wanted to know everything about everything...it was worth it though as he booked both services (Projection and Uplighting).

The people I saw this evening at a consultation actually said that they were interested in the Uplighting originally and were going to get a 'friend of a friend' to do the Disco. When they saw that I did both and how I explained everything on the phone, they decided to get it altogeather so that they weren't using different people. I think that's a big plus point.

[yourdj]

If I get the opportunity I offer other services on the first enquiry stage. If not I have a letter I include with the booking forms. The letter in booking forms work the best for me.

Thanks i think i will add a "limited availability" caption on the stuff some dj's do not do.


Nope not illegal, as such. Produb has no bearing whatsoever on it.
However, it is perfectly legal with the correct license from our friends at the mcps;)

http://www.prsformusic.com/musicforproducts/LM/Pages/LM.aspx

Not expensive, you soon cover the cost:)

I've bought the license to cover copyright when selling videos of Fashion Shows at work.

Brilliant, thanks. My neighbour is a videographer i should have asked him ages ago.

[rob1963]

On the subject of optional extras, I wonder how many discos try to persuade clients they either need optional extras or would be better off booking the next package up from the one they were enquiring about?.

Being an old cynic, I'm sure most people would deny this, and those who admit to it will probably say something like these optional extras will make it a better experience for the client.

I'm sure it has nothing to do with trying to get more money out of them! ;)

[DJ INDIE]

I have started offering uplighting recently, but still need to take some good quality photos - in a classy looking room, for maximum effect.

Id like to do the photo projection option in the future.

I do offer an 'alternative photos' option where my roadie will take pics of people being daft on the dancefloor or people sat down chilling out - ie everything a professional photographer wouldnt!

I have also teamed up with my brother in law who is a professional photographer by trade which hopefully will help throw gigs each others way too.

I also do the band and we get DJ bookings off that too and vice versa.

I have a mate who is a graphic designer who I wanted to do wedding invitations - but after he did his own and his sisters he said he never wants to see another invitation ever again - too much hard everwork for the money!

[DeckstarDeluxe]

On the subject of optional extras, I wonder how many discos try to persuade clients they either need optional extras or would be better off booking the next package up from the one they were enquiring about?.

Being an old cynic, I'm sure most people would deny this, and those who admit to it will probably say something like these optional extras will make it a better experience for the client.

I'm sure it has nothing to do with trying to get more money out of them! ;)

I remember a thread some time ago when i said i do extras and a few people couldnt belive that i offered different packages for different packages!

Different people have different budgets and i think its being flexiable rather than trying to "milk them" for more money.

[PropellerHeadCase]

I'm just wondering if some of the people taking up the 'optional extras' would previously have hired more expensive DJs who provide a lot of stuff as standard or even a full on production company install but are no scaling down a bit? Just a thought.

[rob1963]

Different people have different budgets and i think its being flexiable rather than trying to "milk them" for more money.

If that's true & it's all about being flexible, I wonder how many discos ever DOWNSELL?

In other words, client phones up about a particular package & gets told a cheaper package would better suit their needs.

I think not!

:shrug:

[DeckstarDeluxe]

If that's true & it's all about being flexible, I wonder how many discos ever DOWNSELL?

In other words, client phones up about a particular package & gets told a cheaper package would better suit their needs.

I think not!

:shrug:

I can only speak for myself but i dont do this for the money. Ive been doing this for two years and still got things i need to buy but cant because i havent broken even!

I have an enquiries page which customers can enter a budget to which i suit up the best i can for that price. Naturally for guys who do this for a living why should they downsell you would not get this in any other line of business?

[Dynamic Entertainment]

If that's true & it's all about being flexible, I wonder how many discos ever DOWNSELL?

In other words, client phones up about a particular package & gets told a cheaper package would better suit their needs.

I think not!

:shrug:


I have, a few times. Especially in a few of the members clubs round here where theres only room for the basic package.

Whats the point in carting around a huge rig if you know there isnt the space to set it up?

[rob1963]

If that's true & it's all about being flexible, I wonder how many discos ever DOWNSELL?

In other words, client phones up about a particular package & gets told a cheaper package would better suit their needs.

I think not!

:shrug:


I have, a few times. Especially in a few of the members clubs round here where theres only room for the basic package.


I believe you.

However, I think for every client who gets downsold, there will be 9 more (at least) who are upsold.

Funny how about 90% of clients "need" more than they think, but only about 10% need less!

The old cynic in me is coming out again!

[wensleydale]

If that's true & it's all about being flexible, I wonder how many discos ever DOWNSELL?

In other words, client phones up about a particular package & gets told a cheaper package would better suit their needs.

I think not!

:shrug:

you cant upsell or downsell if you only have one package!
no one has ever complained about my package before.

[ppentertainments]

I believe you.

However, I think for every client who gets downsold, there will be 9 more (at least) who are upsold.



I don't know, I think this must be one of the worst trades for people with 'business sense'. I would include myself in this, and is something I am adressing quickly.

[yourdj]

I have started offering uplighting recently, but still need to take some good quality photos - in a classy looking room, for maximum effect.

Id like to do the photo projection option in the future.

I do offer an 'alternative photos' option where my roadie will take pics of people being daft on the dancefloor or people sat down chilling out - ie everything a professional photographer wouldnt!

I have a mate who is a graphic designer who I wanted to do wedding invitations - but after he did his own and his sisters he said he never wants to see another invitation ever again - too much hard everwork for the money!

I own a design and print company and was thinking about invites. too much hassle. better for a self employed housewife who has the time and attention to detail.

photo projection is a great way to entertain the guests early on in the party, especially with funny captions.

Out of interest how much do people charge for uplighting as i offer four cans on my set up for free. previously people have been starting at £95 for four. considering they can now cost about £50 each that seems a bit steep considering the client is paying for half the unit cost. It only then takes about 10 mins to set up.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

If that's true & it's all about being flexible, I wonder how many discos ever DOWNSELL?

In other words, client phones up about a particular package & gets told a cheaper package would better suit their needs.

I think not!

:shrug:

I think you're wrong there Rob.

There are people I know that do this. Start with a very expensive all singing all dancing package which is very expensive and then start knocking things off until they arrive at their normal price which the client is then happy with.

[Corabar Steve]

Agreed, it is possible to downsell until you get to your standard rate, as Darren says. As long as you don't then drop lower than normal you're OK

[rob1963]

you cant upsell or downsell if you only have one package!
no one has ever complained about my package before.

Surely you have SOME extras which you charge more for, Rich?

What about things like an early set up, or playing until 2am, or working in a venue 100 miles away?

I only have two set packages, but even I charge extra for those things!


If that's true & it's all about being flexible, I wonder how many discos ever DOWNSELL?

In other words, client phones up about a particular package & gets told a cheaper package would better suit their needs.

I think not!

:shrug:


I think you're wrong there Rob.

There are people I know that do this. Start with a very expensive all singing all dancing package which is very expensive and then start knocking things off until they arrive at their normal price which the client is then happy with.

I think we need to separate the fake downselling from the genuine downselling, Darren.

The fake downselling being someone who charges £300 for an average disco getting a phone call from a potential client & saying something like "We charge £375 for a disco, but as your function is off-season, I'll knock off £75 if you book today"

My opinion about most discos upselling but very few downselling may be wrong as you suggest, but it was purely formed from what I've read on this forum over the last couple of years.

I can think of many people who have talked about preferring to get enquiries by pgone rather than email, as it gives them the opportunity to upsell...but I don't think I'd ever seen the word downsell on this forum until yesterday.

[Corabar Steve]

I know a number of guys who start off with you get the disco, x lights, video projection, & uplighting for£XXXXX, or you can have it without the video for £XXXX, or without the video or uplighting for £XXX, or just the basic disco & lights for £XX.

There's nothing wrong with this as long as the customer gets what they want, for a price they're happy with & the disco isn't dropping below their usual cost for whichever option the customer goes for.

[Javlingames]

no one has ever complained about my package before.[/QUOTE]


Oooh Matron

I wish I could quote properly

[Corabar Steve]

1970s here we come

[flatliners]

[Admin Note]

Content deleted due to TEXT SPEAK.

Some people never learn

[wensleydale]

Surely you have SOME extras which you charge more for, Rich?

What about things like an early set up, or playing until 2am, or working in a venue 100 miles away?

I only have two set packages, but even I charge extra for those things!



Yes- lots of extras but only one package- the normal package.
I dont do Bronze, Silver or Gold and such like, but I will gladly create a bespoke rig for people.

[yourdj]

Agreed, it is possible to downsell until you get to your standard rate, as Darren says. As long as you don't then drop lower than normal you're OK

Do you or have you done this for Yellow Pages calls. I have had three today and all they wanted was a cheap price and that was it. No conversation no info pack through the post nothing. I just get the feeling they are looking at the next ad and want to go on!

To be honest they would not be my ideal events if you know what i mean.

It's different if your ringing around for a plumber but you would want to find out more or look on the net for a party DJ?

Never really had that before. people always moan on here about tyre kickers but most calls have been quite nice :)

[Corabar Steve]

You can usually tell when all they're interested in is the price. In those cases it's a bit pointless.

It can (& does) work in situations when they are after a quality entertainer, but the all in price is a bit steep for them.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I think the old psychological thing works wonders. If customers believe that they are getting a good deal, discounts etc then they will generally book (in my experience). If someone calls up and says that they are looking for a Disco (not the "How cheap are you"? posse!), then I will give them a price after asking the usual questions regarding Duration, Location etc... It's then that I inform them of the extra services. If they sound interested but I get the feeling that they need a bit more convincing or discount then I will say something like "I can add that to your package at a discounted price" etc..

Just of late they seem to be going for it. I went to see another customer last night for a wedding on August bank holiday sunday. The forms had already been done and price agreed for the Disco but whilst I was there I told them about the projection and uplighting. They didn't like the idea of the projection as they said that they are both shy and embarassed easily but they liked the uplighting idea. I ended up coming away with the Uplighting as an extra. I offered them 25% off the price of the Uplighting and they liked the idea.

[DeckstarDeluxe]

I think weddings you got alot more chance of succesfully offering extras as its an "once in a liftime" event for them.

I find extras great too because it can be a deal breaker. My imoves/mircaled light show is classed as my nightclub lighting (til further upgrades) and that succesfully sells

[yourdj]

II ended up coming away with the Uplighting as an extra. I offered them 25% off the price of the Uplighting and they liked the idea.

It is so much easier to upsell when you have met them at the venue and shown your worth. I do stuggle on the phone, but emails seem to work well as you have pics with them.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Saying that, they were actually on the laptop when I got there so later on I showed them my site and some of the pictures, which to be honest, could be vastly improved.

When I saw the other people on monday night I actually took a unit with me and they loved it. They are so small that it's easy to do. I just get a bit paranoid sometimes that I may come across as some kind of dodgy salesman, you know...get out the suitcase and show them the tea towels and all that.

[yourdj]

Saying that, they were actually on the laptop when I got there so later on I showed them my site and some of the pictures, which to be honest, could be vastly improved.

When I saw the other people on monday night I actually took a unit with me and they loved it. They are so small that it's easy to do. I just get a bit paranoid sometimes that I may come across as some kind of dodgy salesman, you know...get out the suitcase and show them the tea towels and all that.

What unit? do you mean laptop? Dont think you would compare as a salesman as it is a hot lead and your just offering your advice. Its up to them if they take it.

Can anyone think of a good way of upselling at meetings. obviously good dress, arrive before them and act relaxed but professional. Powerpoint presentation ready for them (maybe not) :D

i have quite a few meetings booked for this year and have been thinking of demo of lighting Bring one par, glitter ball, projector etc.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

When I said "One Unit", I meant that I took one of the LEDJ's with me to show them.

[501damian501]

Saying that, they were actually on the laptop when I got there so later on I showed them my site and some of the pictures, which to be honest, could be vastly improved.

When I saw the other people on monday night I actually took a unit with me and they loved it. They are so small that it's easy to do. I just get a bit paranoid sometimes that I may come across as some kind of dodgy salesman, you know...get out the suitcase and show them the tea towels and all that.

when my mother had her pvc windows put in, a sales person she had round brought a nice small window, so she could see the glass and pvc and beading ect ect they use for the job, so why not take a moving head or sumthing along with you and show them the gobos and colours they can do or even make a nice video of them, sumthing abit like this person has done for youtube of the imove 5s YouTube - ACME IM-5S - ZONADEEJAY

to be honest your not being a salesman or being pushy, your showing them what your services has to offer them and the gobos and colours they can select or you can select ect ect.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

As I said above Damo, I DID take a unit with me and I set it up and they liked it.

[501damian501]

As I said above Damo, I DID take a unit with me and I set it up and they liked it.

yeah i know, so why not make afew videos like stated in my above post or have you already done this ?

[Excalibur]

As I said above Damo, I DID take a unit with me and I set it up and they liked it.

Yeah, but did you sell them the Tea Towel upgrade? :confused: :confused:

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Damo, the video thing has been on the cards for a while but it's getting the time to do it. It's easy to take a laptop along and let people get an idea of what they are getting for their money. I think it's a good thing to go and see them in the first place so that you can meet them in advance so it's not that hard to take a few things along too.

[501damian501]

ADMIN NOTE: Text speak is not permitted & Damian should know this by now