Price dropping

[Have a disco]

Just heard that a another local disco is taking drastic action in reducing the price of one of his residencies by £20 as business is not good for the landlord, as just to keep the regular work.

This is now setting a trend locally with all landlords virtually bullying disco's into a price of £100 per night wether disco or karaoke

Is this just a regional thing or are some others of you starting to be threatened with the loss of the residency if you dont lower your prices????

[theoloyla]

No. Why is it that you and Haverhill seem to always be so desparate?

[JAMdisco]

The landlord at my residency will only pay £80 whatever he has. I do a disco on Sat night (unless something els comes up) and I know he has karaoke on a Wednesday night and also pays £80 for this.

He keeps moaning about cutbacks and the staff are always complaining that he doesn't put enough staff behind the bar to cover the busy periods. He says it's the brewery but I think he's just a tight git. If I get the offer of a residency elsewhere I'd definately take it.

[Vectis]

Only you will know what it actually costs you to provide the service.

If the job doesn't warrant the resource, wear & tear, depreciation, travel, tax etc. then it's time to walk :cool: - you're not a charity.

Alternatively adjust the service to match the price, and if you can't/won't do this then you need to look at your marketing or look for a change of career!

[JAMdisco]

Only you will know what it actually costs you to provide the service.

If the job doesn't warrant the resource, wear & tear, depreciation, travel, tax etc. then it's time to walk :cool: - you're not a charity.

Alternatively adjust the service to match the price, and if you can't/won't do this then you need to look at your marketing or look for a change of career!

I know what you're saying and I agree, but the only consolation is the fact that it is a regular income every week, it's just that it'd be nicer if it were for more money. It's getting better as I only play there about twice a month now as I have much better paid disco's at private functions now.

[Corabar Steve]

Odd, we've just put our prices up, including our residency (which incidentally went up by £20) Haverhill must have it's own economy, independent to the rest of the country

[Vectis]

I know what you're saying and I agree, but the only consolation is the fact that it is a regular income every week, it's just that it'd be nicer if it were for more money. It's getting better as I only play there about twice a month now as I have much better paid disco's at private functions now.

It might be regular income, but if you're not making a profit...

[Daryl]

The landlord at my residency will only pay £80 whatever he has. I do a disco on Sat night (unless something els comes up) and I know he has karaoke on a Wednesday night and also pays £80 for this.

He keeps moaning about cutbacks and the staff are always complaining that he doesn't put enough staff behind the bar to cover the busy periods. He says it's the brewery but I think he's just a tight git. If I get the offer of a residency elsewhere I'd definately take it.

Try running a pub yourself. Our brewery charges us so much that we can hardly make a profit. A Pint here costs £2.80. How much of that do we get? 10p. The only thing we do make a decent profit on is bottled beer, soft drinks and spirits as we can buy these from where ever we please. With the smoking ban, rising water, gas, electricity costs and rent we are just about getting by. I only charge my parents £50 for a disco each Friday and Thursday, I still make a profit.

[Vectis]

I only charge my parents £50 for a disco each Friday and Thursday.

And if that covers your operating costs then :cool:

Question is... what difference does the disco make to your parents' balance sheet? £50 or less than £50? If it makes less than £50 difference then I'd suggest they re-evaluated. If it makes more, then you might have a case to discuss a rise... ;-)

[rob1963]

Odd, we've just put our prices up, including our residency (which incidentally went up by £20) Haverhill must have it's own economy, independent to the rest of the country

I'm about to do the same, as I've realised my prices have been the same for the last 4 or 5 years, so allowing for inflation, I've actually been earning less & less every year for the last few years.

Therefore, I've decided to increase the price of my standard disco by £25 (10%) and the deluxe disco by £50 (17%).

Problem solved!

:D :D :D

[CRAZY K]

I'm about to do the same, as I've realised my prices have been the same for the last 4 or 5 years, so allowing for inflation, I've actually been earning less & less every year for the last few years.

Therefore, I've decided to increase the price of my standard disco by £25 (10%) and the deluxe disco by £50 (17%).

Problem solved!

:D :D :D

ROB---JUST REMEMBER THE NEW SCRIPT ON ANSWERING THE PHONE--

Hello Rob James-if your calling from Yellow pages you DEFINITELY cant afford me on my new prices:D :D :D

CRAZY K

[JAMdisco]

Try running a pub yourself. Our brewery charges us so much that we can hardly make a profit. A Pint here costs £2.80. How much of that do we get? 10p. The only thing we do make a decent profit on is bottled beer, soft drinks and spirits as we can buy these from where ever we please. With the smoking ban, rising water, gas, electricity costs and rent we are just about getting by. I only charge my parents £50 for a disco each Friday and Thursday, I still make a profit.

I didn't say I don't make a profit, I do. But more profit is abviously better. That's why I always make the better paid disco's my priority.

[rob1963]

ROB---JUST REMEMBER THE NEW SCRIPT ON ANSWERING THE PHONE--

Hello Rob James-if your calling from Yellow pages you DEFINITELY cant afford me on my new prices:D :D :D

CRAZY K

Thanks for that, Crazy.

I've printed it out & stuck it to my telephone as a reminder!

:D :D :D :D :D

[Vectis]

What you need is a second phone line and put that number in your YP ads.

Then attach an answering machine with a recording of the laughing policeman from Blackpool Pleasure Beach :D

[Shaun]

What you need is a second phone line and put that number in your YP ads.

Then attach an answering machine with a recording of the laughing policeman from Blackpool Pleasure Beach :D

:lol: I like your way of thinking. :d

[pagan_flame]

25 miles away, over here in Cambridge --- I have vowed, this year, not to go out for less than £200 and have upped my residency price to that. Still got my residency and lots of other work, even into 2009.

But then I don't do pubs... ;)

[kilmeedyman]

The issue is actually around Pubs.
They are procaliming through various spokepeople that their margins have been eroded yet again by the rises in duty in the budget.
What with that and the smoking ban, it appears that a rather disturbing percentage of pubs will not be able to make it pay and may close.

At the same time, though, a good DJ should be able to turn a music evening into a popular evening and increase the customer levels thus justifying the extra cost to the landlord.

[rob1963]

a good DJ should be able to turn a music evening into a popular evening and increase the customer levels thus justifying the extra cost to the landlord.

Absolutely...and not just a DJ either.

I started my first pub quiz over 15 years ago at the landlord's suggestion, as Tuesday was a quiet night & he wanted to get more people in.

Within a few months, their takings on a Tuesday trebled - purely because of the quiz.

Job done!

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

And what are you doing on here Mr James? Shouldn't you be at one of your 5 nights a week quizzes?

[Penfold42]

I'm in the middle of a 'precise experiment', looking into this around the Lincolnshire area...........it's very interesting......:rolleyes:

I'll post it when i'm finished.......footy came 1st tonight, for what it was worth.....:(

[rob1963]

And what are you doing on here Mr James? Shouldn't you be at one of your 5 nights a week quizzes?

I WAS there, Darren.

Unfortunately, hardly anyone else was (probably due to a certain football match)...so after chatting to a couple of regulars & letting them buy me a drink, I packed up & came home.

It happens several times a year, but I'm not bothered, as I have 2 discos this weekend, which will more than make up for it!

:D

[axeman]

i had a similar thing last week, a local pub offered me a gig, then started haggling with me, trying to get my (already rock bottom) price down...., the lady said i could get regular work there if my price was right, i stuck to my guns, as i know my price is Right !!

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

i had a similar thing last week, a local pub offered me a gig, then started haggling with me, trying to get my (already rock bottom) price down...., the lady said i could get regular work there if my price was right, i stuck to my guns, as i know my price is Right !!

Good on you!

[wensleydale]

Try running a pub yourself. Our brewery charges us so much that we can hardly make a profit. A Pint here costs £2.80. How much of that do we get? 10p. The only thing we do make a decent profit on is bottled beer, soft drinks and spirits as we can buy these from where ever we please. With the smoking ban, rising water, gas, electricity costs and rent we are just about getting by. I only charge my parents £50 for a disco each Friday and Thursday, I still make a profit.
I dont agree with that- 10p profit on a pint is not right as the margin figures just dont stack up.

Like everything it has a point at which it is not worth doing it and 10p a pint is below that point unless you are using it as a loss leader for the other drinks. Which I dont think you would do.

on the subject of £20 drops in prices- its always happened and always has happened - you name your price at which you are willing to work.
I dont believe that there is any more competiton now than there has been in the past.

The key is explaining to customers why you are worth the price you are quoting.

[ppentertainments]

Good on you!

Totally agree, well done

[yourdj]

Did a last minute pub gig (a known client from my other business - booked on the same day!) the other week.

Was not worth the hassle although everyone truly enjoyed it as they had a better DJ and a better setup to what they were usually used too.

Just reminds me why I give other DJ's those gigs and do the weddings and corporate events.

Getting in a rut of doing the same things may lead to problems though. i like a challenge for maybe less money sometimes?? like weird charity gigs.

[Spirits High]

Pubs around the Chesterfield area are dire , hence why I dont / wont do them. You wont get more than 80 quid, some pubs are paying 30 because there "legit" dj is also claiming benefits so just needs a top up and playing off a laptop, (nuff said!)

I've had a lot of calls where "my dj has just cancelled" the night before a gig "can you help" usually the answer is no as there's just no money in it at the end of the day i'm a business not a charity!

I did do a pub gig on Xmas eve lastyear to help out a landord mate as he'd been dropped in it but I didn't get 80 Quid far from it:D

[rob1963]

The key is explaining to customers why you are worth the price you are quoting.

I can't.....because I'm NOT!

:rolleyes:

[Sam]

Try running a pub yourself. Our brewery charges us so much that we can hardly make a profit. A Pint here costs £2.80. How much of that do we get? 10p. The only thing we do make a decent profit on is bottled beer, soft drinks and spirits as we can buy these from where ever we please. With the smoking ban, rising water, gas, electricity costs and rent we are just about getting by. I only charge my parents £50 for a disco each Friday and Thursday, I still make a profit.

Interesting figures there.
Unless you order hardly any beer from your brewery and therefore the economies of scale are not in your favour - but if you did order a fair quanity per year (which you would expect) you should get further discounts on top - but it all depends on brewery and your amounts I suppose.


However I have just been looking into all of this and take the average barrel of beer.
£120 (and that is the price you can buy one privately for - but I accept yours may be different). generally 88 pints in that barrel.
120/88 = £1.36
Selling at 2.50 gives 1.14 = So are you saying 1.04 ish goes elsewhere? --- Didn't think it was that bad.

I'm not saying that what you say isn't the truth - i am just interested to know how it works out :-)

[wensleydale]

Interesting figures there.
Unless you order hardly any beer from your brewery and therefore the economies of scale are not in your favour - but if you did order a fair quanity per year (which you would expect) you should get further discounts on top - but it all depends on brewery and your amounts I suppose.


However I have just been looking into all of this and take the average barrel of beer.
£120 (and that is the price you can buy one privately for - but I accept yours may be different). generally 88 pints in that barrel.
120/88 = £1.36
Selling at 2.50 gives 1.14 = So are you saying 1.04 ish goes elsewhere? --- Didn't think it was that bad.

I'm not saying that what you say isn't the truth - i am just interested to know how it works out :-)
theres a lot more in it than that sam in that if you are tied to a brewery you have to buy from them and they can charge more than the price you quote, however not everyone is tied.

I still dont agree with the 10p per pint figure- at that point you couldnt risk it as you could easily slip into making a loss on each pint.

[yourdj]

Yea, all you need is some dappy tart on the bar with her hands in the till! :D

[Dragonfly]

or his :D :D :D :D

[yourdj]

Yes you are right, did think of that after posting.

[sleah]

I dont believe that there is any more competiton now than there has been in the past.

That depends on your definition of past.
<old git>
I started out about 3 years before CD's became common place and almost affordable to the common man.
Therefore there weren't pirate or cowboy DJ's in the same way we have now, i.e. using copied music. Before CD-r came along it was impossible (bar cassette) to copy music. When CD-r first appeared it was stoopidly expensive, so it was actually far cheaper to buy your music.
Even when CD-r became affordable, downloads didn't exist, in fact digital music was a CD, so the only way to copy music was to borrow some else's collection. Yeah right! - here take my £1000's worth of CD's / records to copy....
Also DJ gear was very expensive, and most would make do with second-hand or home built kit. Buying new wasn't about to happen for newbies.
</old git>

Nowadays kit is cheaper than a reasonable hifi system, and readily available to anyone, and of course music can be copied from t'internet and piracy is rife.

So I'd say there is some more competition from genuine DJ's due to kit being cheaper, although music costs haven't changed that significantly, if anything it's cheaper, but there is significantly more competition if you take into account the cowboys and pirates, and to an extent bedroom wannabe DJ's.

I'm talking a period of 20 years where music media and recording/playback technologies have changed beyond recognition.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Great post Simon and it provoked a lot of thoughts here.

[KaraokeDJ]

my prices have been the same for the last 4 or 5 years

Time to whack them prices up!!!

[rob1963]

Great post Simon and it provoked a lot of thoughts here.

Agreed. Same here.

The other thing to mention is that these days the "pirates" dont need to worry about getting any kind of decks, as many of them already own a laptop before they even think about working as a "dj"


Time to whack them prices up!!!

Indeed...and that's what I'm about to do, by a fairly sizeable percentage!

:D :D :D

[CRAZY K]

That depends on your definition of past.
<old git>
I started out about 3 years before CD's became common place and almost affordable to the common man.
Therefore there weren't pirate or cowboy DJ's in the same way we have now, i.e. using copied music. Before CD-r came along it was impossible (bar cassette) to copy music. When CD-r first appeared it was stoopidly expensive, so it was actually far cheaper to buy your music.
Even when CD-r became affordable, downloads didn't exist, in fact digital music was a CD, so the only way to copy music was to borrow some else's collection. Yeah right! - here take my £1000's worth of CD's / records to copy....
Also DJ gear was very expensive, and most would make do with second-hand or home built kit. Buying new wasn't about to happen for newbies.
</old git>

Nowadays kit is cheaper than a reasonable hifi system, and readily available to anyone, and of course music can be copied from t'internet and piracy is rife.

So I'd say there is some more competition from genuine DJ's due to kit being cheaper, although music costs haven't changed that significantly, if anything it's cheaper, but there is significantly more competition if you take into account the cowboys and pirates, and to an extent bedroom wannabe DJ's.

I'm talking a period of 20 years where music media and recording/playback technologies have changed beyond recognition.

The only time I have had annoying pricing issues is in Yorkshire recently--no offence to Peter and JD :D :D :D

People there appear to be telling DJs/ Barn Dance callers how much they ought to be charging:eek:

CRAZY K

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Indeed...and that's what I'm about to do, by a fairly sizeable percentage!

:D :D :D

What happened to "I have enough money to live on" etc? :p

[rob1963]

What happened to "I have enough money to live on" etc? :p

Nothing happened to "I have enough money to live on" Darren!

Even without putting my prices up, I'd still be earning 4 times what I need to live on, BUT...

...it occurred to me that allowing for inflation, I've been earning less money per gig each year than the previous year.

I can't have that...so I'm doing something about it!

:D :D :D

[JAMdisco]

The only time I have had annoying pricing issues is in Yorkshire recently--no offence to Peter and JD :D :D :D

Non taken.


People there appear to be telling DJs/ Barn Dance callers how much they ought to be charging:eek:

CRAZY K

Wierd! Apart from my (fairly low paid) residency, I always name my own prices when the calls come in. I've never haggled once I've given them the price and after a (sometimes lengthy) chat most of them agree.

[Excalibur]

The only time I have had annoying pricing issues is in Yorkshire recently--no offence to Peter and JD :D :D :D

People there appear to be telling DJs/ Barn Dance callers how much they ought to be charging:eek:

CRAZY K

Well I for one am offended! :p :D :D £3.70 for a ( small)bottle of beer in my hotel? No wonder you lot are on £500 just to load the kit in the vehicle!!!!!

[CRAZY K]

Non taken.



Wierd! Apart from my (fairly low paid) residency, I always name my own prices when the calls come in. I've never haggled once I've given them the price and after a (sometimes lengthy) chat most of them agree.

Ah I see--they need a lengthy chat. Fair enough--note for the future:)

We get a lot of enquiries e mailed over the internet so that makes it harder.

CRAZY K

[Have a disco]

No. Why is it that you and Haverhill seem to always be so desparate?

a bit harsh theoloyla but Haverhill is a tough town you cant prise certain disco's out of residencies for love, money or even a crow bar. In a sense I could say Haverhill is you classic example of a town with alot of rivalry for business. with approxiamately 16 seperate disco business owners at last count. Landlords do not like to admit that a change is needed sometimes. So they stick with whom they know??

sleah is right too many laptop DJ's out there with pirated music which is not helping.

Sam, Lager in haverhill varies in price pub to pub £2.75 - £3.00 for a Stella and the pinch has hit most pubs in town no smoking and last tax budget not helping things at all. But 10p profit per pint is a tad low an estimate about 50p is more like it in well run premises even the lowest priced pint in town £2.00 still manages this level of profit

I have had more enquiries for house parties this year than ever before even karaoke nights at home are popular

[theoloyla]

a bit harsh theoloyla but Haverhill is a tough town you cant prise certain disco's out of residencies for love, money or even a crow bar. In a sense I could say Haverhill is you classic example of a town with alot of rivalry for business. with approxiamately 16 seperate disco business owners at last count. Landlords do not like to admit that a change is needed sometimes. So they stick with whom they know??

sleah is right too many laptop DJ's out there with pirated music which is not helping.

Sam, Lager in haverhill varies in price pub to pub £2.75 - £3.00 for a Stella and the pinch has hit most pubs in town no smoking and last tax budget not helping things at all. But 10p profit per pint is a tad low an estimate about 50p is more like it in well run premises even the lowest priced pint in town £2.00 still manages this level of profit

I have had more enquiries for house parties this year than ever before even karaoke nights at home are popular
Sorry if you thought it was harsh Badger but it does seem that it always happens to you. Your life seems to be one gloom laden crisis after another. Out of interest I drove through Haverhill on my way back from Norwich (my home city) last weekend. It looks like a bloomin boomtown with houses and commercial development going on plus the property in the rural area is highly desirable. Something is wrong here. Either you are targetting the wrong market or you just aint no good.
On the subject of "You cant prise certain discos out of their residencies" - obviously they are doing a good job and are popular with their employers and customers. Creating a successful business is not about stealing someone else's. It is about doing something different or better. Business professionals call it a USP - unique selling point. What's yours? Ability to moan for England?

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

What's yours? Ability to moan for England?

And you've only just worked that out? :p :D

[theoloyla]

And you've only just worked that out? :p :D
Yes. I havent been on this forum for as long as you and I approached with an open mind.

[Corabar Steve]

a bit harsh theoloyla but Haverhill is a tough town you cant prise certain disco's out of residencies for love, money or even a crow bar.
Isn't that a bit unethical anyway?

[Have a disco]

thats not nice you guys my USP is not moaning for England, Prehaps because Im not willing to go out for 1989 prices than a reasonable 2008 rate does not help. I was doing disco's for £150 in 1989 when I started, it seems we are very much in a price freeze in this small town. infact the general publics view in regards to hiring a disco is very un-nerving especially in the current economic climate... Even residencies have not moved with the times price wise. Ever noticed they are more than willing to pay out £400+ for a band but not a disco??? a band thats bad never comes back but disco's are a different kettle of fish

[theoloyla]

thats not nice you guys my USP is not moaning for England, Prehaps because Im not willing to go out for 1989 prices than a reasonable 2008 rate does not help. I was doing disco's for £150 in 1989 when I started, it seems we are very much in a price freeze in this small town. infact the general publics view in regards to hiring a disco is very un-nerving especially in the current economic climate... Even residencies have not moved with the times price wise. Ever noticed they are more than willing to pay out £400+ for a band but not a disco??? a band thats bad never comes back but disco's are a different kettle of fish
Sorry do not find that at all. I live in Thanet but rarely work there because the market prices that people pay round here are much lower than other areas of Kent because of economic conditions BUT they have still increased over the years.

[rob1963]

I was doing disco's for £150 in 1989 when I started

Wow...I envy you!

I started a few years before you (1984), and in those days I did the discos with a friend, so we had to split the income 50-50.

Our price for a disco in those days?

About £60, or £30 for each of us!

[Shaun]

thats not nice you guys my USP is not moaning for England, Prehaps because Im not willing to go out for 1989 prices than a reasonable 2008 rate does not help. I was doing disco's for £150 in 1989 when I started, it seems we are very much in a price freeze in this small town. infact the general publics view in regards to hiring a disco is very un-nerving especially in the current economic climate... Even residencies have not moved with the times price wise. Ever noticed they are more than willing to pay out £400+ for a band but not a disco??? a band thats bad never comes back but disco's are a different kettle of fish

Do you honestly think that your town is the only town that has discos going out for crazy cheap prices?. I'd say the same goes for the majority of the people on this forum, and throughout the country. You don't hear the rest of them going on and on and on blaming everyone but themselves. It's maybe time to re-look at your marketing strategy and/or figure out where you are going wrong.

I'm forever hearing the same thing from local DJs. That it's not possible to get a higher fee because the area is saturated with "60 quid Sid's". They perceive there's not a market for higher paying work so they keep charging low prices. In my area the average price is £100 - £140. My fee differs by a huge margin compared to most, despite being told it's not possible to get more. To be honest, I'm actually glad so many DJs think it's not possible. It means I'm able to tap into the higher paying market without any real competition for my services. In all markets and ALL areas there are people that will be willing to paying a higher fee for a higher level of service. Those that don't believe that, and are unwilling to believe that, are missing out.

[soundtracker]

Do you honestly think that your town is the only town that has discos going out for crazy cheap prices?. I'd say the same goes for the majority of the people on this forum, and throughout the country. You don't hear the rest of them going on and on and on blaming everyone but themselves. It's maybe time to re-look at your marketing strategy and/or figure out where you are going wrong.

I'm forever hearing the same thing from local DJs. That it's not possible to get a higher fee because the area is saturated with "60 quid Sid's". They perceive there's not a market for higher paying work so they keep charging low prices. In my area the average price is £100 - £140. My fee differs by a huge margin compared to most, despite being told it's not possible to get more. To be honest, I'm actually glad so many DJs think it's not possible. It means I'm able to tap into the higher paying market without any real competition for my services. In all markets and ALL areas there are people that will be willing to paying a higher fee for a higher level of service. Those that don't believe that, and are unwilling to believe that, are missing out.

SPOT ON!

[Penfold42]

Do you honestly think that your town is the only town that has discos going out for crazy cheap prices?. I'd say the same goes for the majority of the people on this forum, and throughout the country. You don't hear the rest of them going on and on and on blaming everyone but themselves. It's maybe time to re-look at your marketing strategy and/or figure out where you are going wrong.

I'm forever hearing the same thing from local DJs. That it's not possible to get a higher fee because the area is saturated with "60 quid Sid's". They perceive there's not a market for higher paying work so they keep charging low prices. In my area the average price is £100 - £140. My fee differs by a huge margin compared to most, despite being told it's not possible to get more. To be honest, I'm actually glad so many DJs think it's not possible. It means I'm able to tap into the higher paying market without any real competition for my services. In all markets and ALL areas there are people that will be willing to paying a higher fee for a higher level of service. Those that don't believe that, and are unwilling to believe that, are missing out.

Well put sir.....

[rob1963]

SPOT ON!


Well put sir.....

Thirded...you're 100% correct, Shaun.

:D

[reemicks disco]

Well we live in East Anglia, and work is coming in great now, even now got all the wedding's at a hotel in Great Yarmouth, we live in Mudesley, but never hardly work here, we are a MOBILE disco, so we travel to get the good money, the work and the money is here in East Anglia, you just have to travel.:)

[theoloyla]

Do you honestly think that your town is the only town that has discos going out for crazy cheap prices?. I'd say the same goes for the majority of the people on this forum, and throughout the country. You don't hear the rest of them going on and on and on blaming everyone but themselves. It's maybe time to re-look at your marketing strategy and/or figure out where you are going wrong.

I'm forever hearing the same thing from local DJs. That it's not possible to get a higher fee because the area is saturated with "60 quid Sid's". They perceive there's not a market for higher paying work so they keep charging low prices. In my area the average price is £100 - £140. My fee differs by a huge margin compared to most, despite being told it's not possible to get more. To be honest, I'm actually glad so many DJs think it's not possible. It means I'm able to tap into the higher paying market without any real competition for my services. In all markets and ALL areas there are people that will be willing to paying a higher fee for a higher level of service. Those that don't believe that, and are unwilling to believe that, are missing out.
Maybe that is the problem for Badger. He has to do cheap pub work because he cant provide a higher standard of service to justify the higher fees.

[Have a disco]

Maybe that is the problem for Badger. He has to do cheap pub work because he cant provide a higher standard of service to justify the higher fees.

Not so Theoloyla. I can do everything most of you guys do but I am trying to get myself established locally which is harder than doing it online advertising in the papers is a waste of time. Most of my reall quality paying work is all out of town bookings.

Im NOT blaming everyone else except myelf but it is time you guys started passing down some of the tricks of the trade, as I have done many trial and error things to boost my trade ( and most of this before, during and after a relationship breakdown which has distracted me ) the last year has been a re-invigouration of my website upgrading of many other forms of my advertising. I have even sent letters to hotels within my region without success. but more money is going out to than coming in? I sometimes wonder why I went more professional as I was making more money being a pirate show????

[Shaun]

Im NOT blaming everyone else except myelf

I guess that's the closest we'll get to hearing you admit that you are the reasons for your problems.




but it is time you guys started passing down some of the tricks of the trade,

So now it's everyone else's fault for not divulging their business practices?.

There's no tricks involved - no big secrets up the sleeves.

Here's some basic info for free, use it as you wish: Deliver more than you promise. Find your unique selling point. Believe in your worth.

How you put these into practice is down to yourself. Nobody can advise you on how to run and progress your business, that can only be done by yourself.

[Have a disco]

I guess that's the closest we'll get to hearing you admit that you are the reasons for your problems.



So now it's everyone else's fault for not divulging their business practices?. .

Never said that Elite!!! what is it that I have to do to ask just to get helpful answers around here, seems its to much to ask of some of you guys without getting a mouthful of ATTITUDE back and you guys think my attitude stinks wake up smell the coffee guys.


Here's some basic info for free, use it as you wish: Deliver more than you promise. Find your unique selling point. Believe in your worth. .

A; why should I deliver more than I promise??? Im a service not a charity big business dont give things away unless it gets them more work. I already offer a discount on production of my business cards or referal cards or flyers, so even there I match them

B; I have many USP's refer to my website are there anymore USP's I need in this day and age I am already a diversive business and a multi skilled a DJ

C; I believe in my worth, its the customers whom want everything on the cheap


How you put these into practice is down to yourself. Nobody can advise you on how to run and progress your business, that can only be done by yourself.

I already have put these in practice ages ago

[Shaun]

A; why should I deliver more than I promise??? Im a service not a charity big business dont give things away unless it gets them more work. I already offer a discount on production of my business cards or referal cards or flyers, so even there I match them


You've completely missed the point.

I'm not talking about tangible items or discounts. Deliver a level of service higher than what they expected. The "trick" is making your clients feel that their expectations where exceeded. If you do that, then it makes no difference if your fee is higher than others. As long as the client feels the service as 'value for money' it's a win win situation for all. It's simple logic really...


Never said that Elite!!! what is it that I have to do to ask just to get helpful answers around here, seems its to much to ask of some of you guys without getting a mouthful of ATTITUDE back and you guys think my attitude stinks wake up smell the coffee guys.





I'm sorry if this is going to come across as harsh, but It's your attitude here on the forum that makes me reluctant to help you at all. That's just me though, I can't speak for others. You come across as if the world is against you, when in reality you are your own worst enemy. I don't expect you to agree with me, but it's an honest opinion. Sorry.

[Have a disco]

so take out 20 lights instead of 10??? play more music in the alloted time than possible I knew what you meant elite I always take more do more but even this sometimes does not get the results I need.

Everyone says I present a good show, that they have had a great disco, and that Im a great DJ but I have seemed to hit a brick wall as could be said, regular bookings locally.

Dont worry elite, Im thick skinned I can handle the comments no offense is taken, but I sometimes feel that there is sometimes a closed shop mentality within this website

[Shaun]

so take out 20 lights instead of 10??? play more music in the alloted time than possible I knew what you meant elite I always take more do more but even this sometimes does not get the results I need.




WHOOOOOSH!

You've completely missed the point again. I'm not talking about more lights, extra time or anything related. I'm talking about the overall service you provide.

Do you honestly think that the guys that command a higher fee do so because they offer more equipment?. They command a higher fee because they're clients feel that the level of service they provide is worth paying more for.

I'm going round in circles here. I'll leave you to figure out your own business plan. I'm done.



but I sometimes feel that there is sometimes a closed shop mentality within this website

You're entitled to that opinion. This forum may not be to everyone's tastes, and no-one is forced to post here. You always have the option of not using this website if you feel that way. On the other hand, I know a great deal of members feel they get a lot more out of the website than they put in (myself included). It's the members that make any forum what it is. When you say there is a "closed shop mentality", that is as much of a 'put down' to all the members that contribute, as it is to the people that help maintain it.

Maybe this forum's not for you Badger.

[TonyB]

Hi Badger, you seem to be biting off the hand that could feed you! Networking is a good way to get extra work but a lot depends how you come across. You say that you don't care what others think of you but thats probably losing you work because no one will offer you a gig if it comes up in your area and they can't cover it.

I done quite a few gigs in Suffolk last year that paid quite nicely and some were passed to me by other DJ's. Its not always what you know or how you do it (although that helps) but who you know and how well you know them that gets you on.

I would love to have all my work local in my home town of Witham but in reality I can't see that happening. I have to get off me butt and go to where the work is.

[wensleydale]

in fairness to mr badger i think some people have also been a little short in their replies.

building on what has been said time and time before, and will always continue to be said- people will always be willing to do a disco cheaper than you, me, or the next man.

like everything in life, you tend to get what you pay for....

[Shaun]

in fairness to mr badger i think some people have also been a little short in their replies.


In all fairness, Badger just seems to post the same nonsense time and time and time again. It's the same old story, the fault always lies with others and not himself. If I seemed short with him it;s only because we appear to be going over the same old ground time and time again. I've said it before and I'll say it again.....Badger is his own worst enemy.

[CRAZY K]

in fairness to mr badger i think some people have also been a little short in their replies.

building on what has been said time and time before, and will always continue to be said- people will always be willing to do a disco cheaper than you, me, or the next man.

like everything in life, you tend to get what you pay for....

Absolutely agree--however when I told someone in Yorkshire that truth last week they accused me of being rude--me--I ask you ????Would I ????

Im only quoting South of Watford now
:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

CRAZY K

[Excalibur]

Absolutely agree--however when I told someone in Yorkshire that truth last week they accused me of being rude--me--I ask you ????Would I ????

Im only quoting South of Watford now
:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

CRAZY K

A good idea. We don't want your sort up here!:p :D :D

[pdarnett]

aaah that's yorkshire for you !

The work is there if you want to work for it, its not about how many lights, how many watts of music power its about the level of service you give, hell i take less gear out now than i ever did and am having my best year ever, because I go out and meet the client beforehand, visit the venue, design the music and setup beforehand and discuss it with the client and by the time the gig is due the client has already had value for money and the gig is a bonus !!

People will realise that the £60 boys will let them down, have crap gear, not get involved in the organisation before the event etc. It may take them to let down on their wedding day to realise this, and as you know, everyone you speak to has a dj "horror" story to tell, do the legwork and not become one of their anecdotes.

[ppentertainments]

aaah that's yorkshire for you !

The work is there if you want to work for it, its not about how many lights, how many watts of music power its about the level of service you give, hell i take less gear out now than i ever did and am having my best year ever, because I go out and meet the client beforehand, visit the venue, design the music and setup beforehand and discuss it with the client and by the time the gig is due the client has already had value for money and the gig is a bonus !!

People will realise that the £60 boys will let them down, have crap gear, not get involved in the organisation before the event etc. It may take them to let down on their wedding day to realise this, and as you know, everyone you speak to has a dj "horror" story to tell, do the legwork and not become one of their anecdotes.

Could not have put it better myself :D :beer1:

[CRAZY K]

A good idea. We don't want your sort up here!:p :D :D

Mind you Belton Woods is North of Watford and Watford Gap as well!!!!

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D


CRAZY K

[Excalibur]

Mind you Belton Woods is North of Watford and Watford Gap as well!!!!

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D


CRAZY K

That's Scotland to Darren then!:D :D :D :D :D :D :D

[Shaun]

aaah that's yorkshire for you !

The work is there if you want to work for it, its not about how many lights, how many watts of music power its about the level of service you give, hell i take less gear out now than i ever did and am having my best year ever, because I go out and meet the client beforehand, visit the venue, design the music and setup beforehand and discuss it with the client and by the time the gig is due the client has already had value for money and the gig is a bonus !!

People will realise that the £60 boys will let them down, have crap gear, not get involved in the organisation before the event etc. It may take them to let down on their wedding day to realise this, and as you know, everyone you speak to has a dj "horror" story to tell, do the legwork and not become one of their anecdotes.

Exactly. Good post.

[Creature]

round here fighting idiots going out for 30 - 40 pounds :(:( making things hard here but im still picking up some local work even tho have upped price from £99.00 to £120.00 (for me small rig less tahn 5 miles from home).

[Paul James Promotions]

A; why should I deliver more than promise???


ADD VALUE.

As an example, I did an event in December for a big local company. They needed two pro radio microphones for their presentation. Usually I would have charged for this, but I own the mics, i'm already at the event standing around, it probably costs me £2 in batteries, out of a £500 gig, so I agreed to provide them FOC. Result = repeat business.

Jamie

[theoloyla]

Thing with Badger is he appears to hate his daytime job and want desparately to be a full time dj. Unfortunately the sad fact is that out of the thousands and thousands of dj's in this country very few are actually full time pro and making a decent living. Rob does his quizzes, I teach line dancing, others install equipment etc etc. There have been periods in my life when I have been fully occupied (and making money) being a full timer but that is not the norm for most dj's. Do the job coz you enjoy it. Dont sell yourself short. Work for sensible money. The profit you make is a bonus. Some want to be footballers, some want to be rock stars, some want to be gigolos. It isnt likely! I have been very lucky in my life - sure I'm good at what I do - but so are plenty of others! If you get the chance take it but dont spend your life destroying yourself because you are not rich and famous.

[Dimension Videotheque]

A; why should I deliver more than I promise??? Im a service not a charity big business dont give things away unless it gets them more work. I already offer a discount on production of my business cards or referal cards or flyers, so even there I match them

B; I have many USP's refer to my website are there anymore USP's I need in this day and age I am already a diversive business and a multi skilled a DJ

C; I believe in my worth, its the customers whom want everything on the cheap

I already have put these in practice ages ago

I have read this whole thread this evening and Have A Disco does seem to take constructive critism rather poorly. Your answers above have not been well thought out. By delivering more than you promise is a real obvious 'usp'. I'm not even going to bother explaining why because previous advice has gone over your head. Rather than get defensive, listen to the real message from the advice given.

Your answer 'C' probably sums up your attitude towards being a DJ and the relationship with people, maybe a change in career / interest that doesn't involve the public may be a better choice.

Are you just as obstructive with prospective clients BTW?

[Have a disco]

Thing with Badger is he appears to hate his daytime job and want desparately to be a full time dj. Unfortunately the sad fact is that out of the thousands and thousands of dj's in this country very few are actually full time pro and making a decent living. Rob does his quizzes, I teach line dancing, others install equipment etc etc. There have been periods in my life when I have been fully occupied (and making money) being a full timer but that is not the norm for most dj's. Do the job coz you enjoy it. Dont sell yourself short. Work for sensible money. The profit you make is a bonus. Some want to be footballers, some want to be rock stars, some want to be gigolos. It isnt likely! I have been very lucky in my life - sure I'm good at what I do - but so are plenty of others! If you get the chance take it but dont spend your life destroying yourself because you are not rich and famous.

Gigalo how did you guess my daytime job LOL Too be honest I really need help with networking skills, and join more clubs to get a social life more than I have currently. Seems its not what I know but whom I know needs to be dealt with improving myself to the general publics eyes. So next week I may get tempted to get 5000 cheap flyers and give them to the locals in town high street as they pass???

And yes I want to be doing what I do well, than the dayjob. I am determined to succeed

[adilowes]

The service you provide can be related to anything you buy.
For example you see a lighting effect you like. You can shop around to get the best price possible for that effect. You will get slight differing services. An internet based shop will probably insist you pay postage for returning if something goes wrong but other than that you will probably get the same product within a certain price range. However you can go for a cheaper immitation product that looks similar but probably isn't as good.

The moral is you get what you pay for. Clued up customers know that and respect that. I have a number of customers who arrange events and they always come back to me. I give them a little discount but they can get cheaper. They don't because they know what they get for their money.
It takes time to build a reputation.

[theoloyla]

The moral is you get what you pay for. Clued up customers know that and respect that. I have a number of customers who arrange events and they always come back to me. I give them a little discount but they can get cheaper. They don't because they know what they get for their money.
It takes time to build a reputation.
Indeed it does - years. Trouble is some people get impatient.

[Tony Scott]

Try running a pub yourself. Our brewery charges us so much that we can hardly make a profit........

The answer is to drink more beer surely, support your local hard done by Landlord then he'll be able to pay more. Talk to Al Murray, he'll put you straight! :beer1: :beer1: :beer1:

[DazzyD]

Gigalo how did you guess my daytime job LOL Too be honest I really need help with networking skills, and join more clubs to get a social life more than I have currently. Seems its not what I know but whom I know needs to be dealt with improving myself to the general publics eyes. So next week I may get tempted to get 5000 cheap flyers and give them to the locals in town high street as they pass???

And yes I want to be doing what I do well, than the dayjob. I am determined to succeed

Well, I'm glad you've calmed down a bit, Cliff. I've been observing this thread and it did seem to get a bit heated.

If you want help, just ask for it. BUT be open and responsive, not defensive, to the answers you receive. Up until your last post, everything you've posted seems to defensive to the point of aggressive. Ask your questions, get answers and take them on board. Don't let attitude spoil it for you.

My experience of this forum (or community as I prefer to think of it) is that's it's certainly not closed to anyone. There have been a few idiots come on shouting but they generally go home with their tails between their legs (or in the huff!). Don't be like them.

I feel that you could really benefit from the help and advice people here could give you. I've been thanked by several forum members for the advice I have given and, basically, I'll help anyone whenever I can. I've been doing the job for the last 9 years (in it's current form - I was a rock-night DJ for 5 years before that). I've built up a good reputation and I don't work for peanuts. I've no special secrets. I've simply decided on my target audience and worked hard to reach my goals. Anyone can do it but I'm so confident of my own ability that I'll happily give help to anyone who asks for it. Shaun, Darren, Tony, Steve, Chris, Mikee, Rob, Theo and everyone else on here give their time and help for free and they all know what they're talking about so your best bet is, probably, is to apologise for getting off on the wrong foot and say that any advice given would be gratefully received.

Good luck!

[Penfold42]

Well, I'm glad you've calmed down a bit, Cliff. I've been observing this thread and it did seem to get a bit heated.

If you want help, just ask for it. BUT be open and responsive, not defensive, to the answers you receive. Up until your last post, everything you've posted seems to defensive to the point of aggressive. Ask your questions, get answers and take them on board. Don't let attitude spoil it for you.

My experience of this forum (or community as I prefer to think of it) is that's it's certainly not closed to anyone. There have been a few idiots come on shouting but they generally go home with their tails between their legs (or in the huff!). Don't be like them.

I feel that you could really benefit from the help and advice people here could give you. I've been thanked by several forum members for the advice I have given and, basically, I'll help anyone whenever I can. I've been doing the job for the last 9 years (in it's current form - I was a rock-night DJ for 5 years before that). I've built up a good reputation and I don't work for peanuts. I've no special secrets. I've simply decided on my target audience and worked hard to reach my goals. Anyone can do it but I'm so confident of my own ability that I'll happily give help to anyone who asks for it. Shaun, Darren, Tony, Steve, Chris, Mikee, Rob, Theo and everyone else on here give their time and help for free and they all know what they're talking about so your best bet is, probably, is to apologise for getting off on the wrong foot and say that any advice given would be gratefully received.

Good luck!

Good post! :)

[DazzyD]

Good post! :)

Well thank you, kind Sir! :Embarassed:

Seriously, though, Tony. If Cliff gets one piece of good advice that he takes on board then I'm sure his opinion of the forum will change.

I've been part of several online communities and none can ever hope to come close to this one for top class advice and a feeling of belonging. We're all in the same boat (or there abouts!) on here and if we follows Darrens advice of "taking our shoes off and being polite" then everyone will benefit.

What's more, from Cliffs last post I get the feeling that he really wants some help and is ready to listen. Nowhere else on this planet will he get such good advice as from the good folk on here. And yes, I really do believe that! :)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Seriously, though, Tony. If Cliff gets one piece of good advice that he takes on board then I'm sure his opinion of the forum will change.



While your advice is well intentioned Dazzy, Badger has been a member on here for a long time and these types of threads have also been happening for a long time.

[Penfold42]

While your advice is well intentioned Dazzy, Badger has been a member on here for a long time and these types of threads have also been happening for a long time.

I would agree with you there Daz.
Sorry to say...

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I would agree with you there Daz.
Sorry to say...

The only reason I posted that is because I get the impression that Dazzy thinks that Badger is fairly new to the site and will take a well intentioned bit of advise on board.

[Penfold42]

The only reason I posted that is because I get the impression that Dazzy thinks that Badger is fairly new to the site and will take a well intentioned bit of advise on board.

No i agree Daz....as said.
Sorry to say....

[DazzyD]

I see what you're saying, Darren and Tony, but I did realise that Badger had been posting for a long time as I noticed his post count. I just got the impression he was going through a bad patch and was getting frustrated and in need of some sound advice which I know he'd find here.

I didn't know about other threads in this vein, though. I just saw that things were getting a bit heated and thought a bit of common sense might calm things down. That's the kind of guy I am! (note to self - should really try for that job at the Samaritans!)

[Shaun]

I just saw that things were getting a bit heated and thought a bit of common sense might calm things down. That's the kind of guy I am!

Nothing wrong with that at all. All good advice. :)

[Penfold42]

I see what you're saying, Darren and Tony, but I did realise that Badger had been posting for a long time as I noticed his post count. I just got the impression he was going through a bad patch and was getting frustrated and in need of some sound advice which I know he'd find here.

I agree until a point!

Most of the hardship Badger goes on about is, what every DJ goes though.
Cowboys, lack of buisness.....blah, blah, blah........

Sorry to say but.....:Sleeping: :Sleeping: :Sleeping: :Sleeping:

Nothing wrong with that at all. All good advice. :)

...and what he say's....:)

[Richard Veal]

This is now setting a trend locally with all landlords virtually bullying disco's into a price of £100 per night wether disco or karaoke

You/They could just say no!

Found this one late as well - havn't I (still only now have i had a spare half hour to get through it)

[Candybeatdiscos]

someone in this thread said "Try running your own pub" well i have, and i can advise your calculations are so way off, my mother still runs the hotel, and the hotel is tied to the brewery, the costs of a keg is £90 - £100 approx, however other pubs have to pay £120 - £140 per keg, however they get back a kickback discount after selling x amount of beer which is in a cheque format, this then allows the beer to be priced on par with ours.

We charged £2.25 per pint which rose to £2.50 with the new licensing laws, budget and brewery increases.

Anyway back onto topic, yes the pub DJ will become a thing of the past, yes times have changed and its harder to run a pub and make a profit, so when a DJ is charging more than £150, then you tend to use them sparingly. It cost me £375 for a professional national hypnotist, so if i am spending £300-£400 on erntertainment then i am as well as booking a comedian one week, DJ the following, Hypnotist the following, Singer the following etc etc, but beginning and end of the month is good for trade, middle is not as good.

Face it guys, professional (not Cowboys) DJ's are now treated as cabaret acts, and as a result the pub disco is a dying trend, this is where the cowboys are getting thier foot in the door, as they get maximum exposure and people tend to think that thier standard is the norm.

[DazzyD]

Anyway back onto topic, yes the pub DJ will become a thing of the past, yes times have changed and its harder to run a pub and make a profit, so when a DJ is charging more than £150, then you tend to use them sparingly. It cost me £375 for a professional national hypnotist, so if i am spending £300-£400 on erntertainment then i am as well as booking a comedian one week, DJ the following, Hypnotist the following, Singer the following etc etc, but beginning and end of the month is good for trade, middle is not as good.

Face it guys, professional (not Cowboys) DJ's are now treated as cabaret acts, and as a result the pub disco is a dying trend, this is where the cowboys are getting thier foot in the door, as they get maximum exposure and people tend to think that thier standard is the norm.

I can certainly see where you're coming from, Garry. There are a few pubs where we do regular karaoke but they're trying their hand at a varied entertainments programme like that which you've described. It works for us, though, cos we can do a karaoke every week, albeit at a different venue, with prices of £120-£150 each so the work is there. It also seems to work for the venues as they're bringing in customers who wouldn't have gone in otherwise.

At the same time, however, we've done a number of shows where we've supported the cabaret (one memorable event was supporting a duo drag act - but that's another story!).

[Have a disco]

Right guys the disco I was talking about update news as well as cutting his prices he is having to cut his hours as well instead of an 8pm start he now has to start at 9pm and could finish at an early 12pm but the placed is licenced to stay open til 1am if the place is busy enough. So not only is he having to cut his price he is also losing money for doing possibly less hours just to fit in with the Hotels various opening hours. The disco concerned is just happy to hold onto the residency (in his eyes better regular money than no bookings) So us as an industry is getting shafted by the licenced industry suffering from all corners. Yep smoking ban as well as a major drop in trade for other reasons like beer prices or budget decisions all controlled by the government ie loss of 10p tax bracket (the biggest arguement at the moment)

[DJWayne]

Why the big debate about pub bookings?

i only take them as a last resort if i have nothing better to do and if i know its a decent pub. The wages are generally low for pub work but the hours are generally short. I work for one agency that pays £100 for 8-11 on a brewery contract after commission and i do the odd one or two for them.

If you want to make any decent money hotels and weddings are where you can make an impression, better class of people and better wages.

Irrelevant of the price of beer , the smoking ban etc etc people are still having birthdays , engagements , weddings and other functions and that is the best target market for a good disco / karaoke. :)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Why the big debate about pub bookings?

i only take them as a last resort if i have nothing better to do and if i know its a decent pub. The wages are generally low for pub work but the hours are generally short. I work for one agency that pays £100 for 8-11 on a brewery contract after commission and i do the odd one or two for them.

If you want to make any decent money hotels and weddings are where you can make an impression, better class of people and better wages.

Irrelevant of the price of beer , the smoking ban etc etc people are still having birthdays , engagements , weddings and other functions and that is the best target market for a good disco / karaoke. :)

Good post and I agree.

[rob1963]

Good post and I agree.

So do I!

:D

[ppentertainments]

So do I!

:D

Me too ;)

[theoloyla]

Why the big debate about pub bookings?


Coz that is where Badger can play his Bassline anthems!

[Have a disco]

Why the big debate about pub bookings?

i only take them as a last resort if i have nothing better to do and if i know its a decent pub. The wages are generally low for pub work but the hours are generally short. I work for one agency that pays £100 for 8-11 on a brewery contract after commission and i do the odd one or two for them.

If you want to make any decent money hotels and weddings are where you can make an impression, better class of people and better wages.

Irrelevant of the price of beer , the smoking ban etc etc people are still having birthdays , engagements , weddings and other functions and that is the best target market for a good disco / karaoke. :)

I would agree with this comment if Haverhill had more than 5 large Hotels but we do not, in reality we have 2 real hotels with 10 rooms max each and then a bed and breakfast or 2 plus new addition of a travel lodge style place which has killed any local hotels businesses to a trickle. We have a real lack of good large venues in haverhill that have licenced bars. so the town is controlled by the public houses as such and these are all really suffering economically. No one can afford the functions you mention like they did 2 or 3 years ago

PS theo behave

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I would agree with this comment if Haverhill had more than 5 large Hotels but we do not, in reality we have 2 real hotels with 10 rooms max each

So work elsewhere. There are plenty of other places in the country apart from Haverhill....:rolleyes:

[Danno13]

You're not all that far from Cambridge.. please don't tell us there are no hotels and/or money there!

[Have a disco]

Trying to get into cambridge is like walking into a closed house ITS all tied up and not through lack of trying trust me. I cant afford to go out for silly money anymore especially when cambridge crews are willing to cut prices to silly unreasonable prices to hold onto there own areas business.

To be honest its cut throat in these times

PS I was just stating another rival having to cut his prices and hours just to hold onto a venue residency and he was not the only one its happening to in the local area. Its happening on a wider area including Cambridge

In reality prices have NOT risen in the Havehill area for over 20 years which is digusting in real terms, yet every other business has seen a marked increase in certain entertainment skills.? DJ / Disco work is as always being pegged to the hilt and we are continually having to soak up the costs

[soundtracker]

The greater Cambridge Area (where Haverhill is situated) has a population of 750,000 - Herefordshire has a population of 177,000 -GET OVER YOURSELF!

[Have a disco]

here we go a statistic arguement OK in Cambridge about 20% of these are college students another 33% are retired OAPs???? 25% are children thats lost you 78 of your customer base leaving 22% 165,000 of which maybe 1% are thinking of having a disco possibly 1,650 potential customers between approximately 3000+ disco's in the cambridge region alone. Half of them will not go ahead with a booking if your lucky due to cost alone

I could go on figurewise and on, but if people are not having or booking parties week in or week out and people are NOT going out to the PH venues something is going wrong at a NATIONAL level. People are since the last budget are panicing and are also losing out because of constant GOVERNMENT desisions to force us to tighten our purse strings, and to make things worse the has been a credit crunch in the banking world which is a worldwide issue. I have spoken to american counterparts and there has also been a MAJOR downturn in business in the mobile disco industry as a whole

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

1,650 potential customers between approximately 3000+ disco's in the cambridge region alone.

Where do you get these figures from Badger?

3000 discos sounds very high.

[rob1963]

OK in Cambridge about 20% of these are college students another 33% are retired OAPs???? 25% are children thats lost you 78 of your customer base leaving 22% 165,000 of which maybe 1% are thinking of having a disco

Don't college students, retired people or children ever have discos then?

:shrug:

[soundtracker]

and of course no other area has oaps and children!

[Spirits High]

I would agree with this comment if Haverhill had more than 5 large Hotels but we do not, in reality we have 2 real hotels with 10 rooms max each and then a bed and breakfast or 2 plus new addition of a travel lodge style place which has killed any local hotels businesses to a trickle. We have a real lack of good large venues in haverhill that have licenced bars. so the town is controlled by the public houses as such and these are all really suffering economically. No one can afford the functions you mention like they did 2 or 3 years ago


You should try getting in to Chesterfield! :eek:


So work elsewhere. There are plenty of other places in the country apart from Haverhill....:rolleyes:

:agree: Are we not "mobile" disco /dj's :confused:


here we go a statistic arguement OK in Cambridge about 20% of these are college students another 33% are retired OAPs???? 25% are children thats lost you 78 of your customer base leaving 22% 165,000 of which maybe 1% are thinking of having a disco possibly 1,650 potential customers between approximately 3000+ disco's in the cambridge region alone. Half of them will not go ahead with a booking if your lucky due to cost alone

I could go on figurewise and on, but if people are not having or booking parties week in or week out and people are NOT going out to the PH venues something is going wrong at a NATIONAL level. People are since the last budget are panicing and are also losing out because of constant GOVERNMENT desisions to force us to tighten our purse strings, and to make things worse the has been a credit crunch in the banking world which is a worldwide issue. I have spoken to american counterparts and there has also been a MAJOR downturn in business in the mobile disco industry as a whole

:Sleeping: :Sleeping: :Sleeping: :Sleeping: :Sleeping: Now Badger we've never met but sometimes.......:bang: you make it out that the world is against Badger and all he believes in. And before youget on your high horse remember it's all about opinions.....and that's mine;)

[Vectis]

The seemingly daft numbers above led me to do a few sums.

Here on the IoW I'm limited to 132,731 folks of which approx. 7,000 are 6 or under (I don't do toddler parties) and 22,262 are 70 or above (can't remember the last time I did a party for anyone over 60) leaving just over 100,000 to go at.

Yellow Pages shows a grand total of 20 mobile discos in my area and the vast majority are solo ops. Let's assume that (like me) some don't use YP so there are maybe 40 actual DJs in operation.

In FY2007/08 I played 97 gigs. This year I'm on target for about 110. Again, let's be conservative and say I'm pulling 100 gigs a year as a part-timer.

Assuming 75% of the 40 DJs are also part-timers, and are pulling the same number of gigs as me, thats 3000 parties. Then for the other 25% full-timers let's assume they're pulling 150 gigs, that's another 1500.

So a population of 100,000 supports 4,000 gigs per annum. Or 1 in 25. Actually now I've done the maths that's an incredibly high number!!

Hang on... possible explanation. Of my 97 gigs, 18 were for folks visiting from the north island. ie. almost 20%. If that's the case across the board, then the population of 100,000 actually only supports 3,200 gigs per annum. Or 1 in about 30. Still an unbelievably high number.

So... back to the diary. Of the (97 - 18 = 79) gigs, 46 were for companies rather than individuals. That leaves 33 gigs performed for private individuals who live on the island. In other words, 34% of my total gigs.

So of the 4500 gigs, applying the 34% factor results in 1,530 private gigs per annum for the "active" island population of 100,000 = 1 in 65 residents between the ages of 6 and 70 book one disco per annum.

Wow! That's rather high :confused: Maybe I'm getting more than my fair share of gigs :)

[Richard Veal]

IOW - Party Capitol of the british isles!!! :) Maybe its because you have a fab website, I only wish mine was as good - hint hint

Interestingly i dont advertise in cambridge and i've got 2 there this summer, 1 of which came in today so cant be that hard to get in cause i'm rubbish ;)

Been doing quite abit on the borders of cambridge recently though and picked up work from guests of thoes functions, must be how i've ended up with work there.

I do know a BIG Hotel in Cambridge looking for a resident right now!!!!! but a low payout of £250 per gig. Had a wedding there on last Tuesday and got offered it on the spot, If I don't accept (good 90mins away from me) would you like the details ...Mr B

[DJWayne]

Trying to get into cambridge is like walking into a closed house ITS all tied up and not through lack of trying trust me. I cant afford to go out for silly money anymore especially when cambridge crews are willing to cut prices to silly unreasonable prices to hold onto there own areas business.

To be honest its cut throat in these times

PS I was just stating another rival having to cut his prices and hours just to hold onto a venue residency and he was not the only one its happening to in the local area. Its happening on a wider area including Cambridge

In reality prices have NOT risen in the Havehill area for over 20 years which is digusting in real terms, yet every other business has seen a marked increase in certain entertainment skills.? DJ / Disco work is as always being pegged to the hilt and we are continually having to soak up the costs


Seems to me you have just given up your attitude on your posts is so negative as if nothing anyone suggests will help and you are doomed.

There are ways to get work but you have to get off your rear end and go find them.

Here are some ideas for you

Ring a few entertainment agencies and get your name on their books. Individually they may not give you a lot of work but if you are registered with a few then you can do fairly well and a lot of big companies and venues will ring an agency before they will ring a DJ directly.

Look at the area you are working in and how far you are prepared to travel i work in Cardiff and will travel up to 50 miles if the money is right. If haverhill is not producing the work look elsewhere.

Network with other DJ's you would be suprised how many times there are bookings that cant be covered due to illness or double booking or lack of availablility. If you put on a good show other DJ's will ring and ask if you can cover dates for them to help out.

Stop feeling sorry for yourself the only person who can solve this problem is you. If you are expecting someone to wave a magic wand and your diary will be full with £500 a night bookings then you are dreaming. The only success you will get in this business is what you make for yourself nobody else will do it for you.

Forget what everyone else charges it doesnt matter they are not doing the booking you are if customers want £50 Sid then they will book him. I get a lot of phone calls for work from the yellow pages where people are just looking for the cheapest price out of 10 calls i may do 1 booking from there but from that 1 i can generate a lot more once they see the show i put on.

Target your advertising at the type of clients you want. I have an advert on the back of the dress fitting appointment card from the local bridal shop and i know any enquiries i get from these adverts are going to be weddings which pay pretty good money.

There are a few pointers for you but i doubt it will be long before you are telling me that none of these thing will work for you / in haverhill etc etc or are you going to take the collective advice of all the people on here who are TRYING to help you and learn something ;)

[Have a disco]

Thank you DJ wayne for your advise some of which I already have done before you have mentioned it. I am taking and using collective advise from the site but without wheels of my own (a car) it does not make canvassing for work very easy. Before anyone mentions about how I do DJing / disco's I hire my van for weekends it is in use during the week days.

I have already overspent the budget in advertising terms this year and in honesty want some payback for money outlaid

[Spirits High]

Seems to me you have just given up your attitude on your posts is so negative as if nothing anyone suggests will help and you are doomed.

There are ways to get work but you have to get off your rear end and go find them.

Here are some ideas for you

Ring a few entertainment agencies and get your name on their books. Individually they may not give you a lot of work but if you are registered with a few then you can do fairly well and a lot of big companies and venues will ring an agency before they will ring a DJ directly.

Look at the area you are working in and how far you are prepared to travel i work in Cardiff and will travel up to 50 miles if the money is right. If haverhill is not producing the work look elsewhere.

Network with other DJ's you would be suprised how many times there are bookings that cant be covered due to illness or double booking or lack of availablility. If you put on a good show other DJ's will ring and ask if you can cover dates for them to help out.

Stop feeling sorry for yourself the only person who can solve this problem is you. If you are expecting someone to wave a magic wand and your diary will be full with £500 a night bookings then you are dreaming. The only success you will get in this business is what you make for yourself nobody else will do it for you.

Forget what everyone else charges it doesnt matter they are not doing the booking you are if customers want £50 Sid then they will book him. I get a lot of phone calls for work from the yellow pages where people are just looking for the cheapest price out of 10 calls i may do 1 booking from there but from that 1 i can generate a lot more once they see the show i put on.

Target your advertising at the type of clients you want. I have an advert on the back of the dress fitting appointment card from the local bridal shop and i know any enquiries i get from these adverts are going to be weddings which pay pretty good money.

There are a few pointers for you but i doubt it will be long before you are telling me that none of these thing will work for you / in haverhill etc etc or are you going to take the collective advice of all the people on here who are TRYING to help you and learn something ;)


Wayne, that's a top post, well done you.........

Let's just hope he reads it :D :D


Seems Badger has !!!!!

[Corabar Steve]

So work elsewhere. There are plenty of other places in the country apart from Haverhill....:rolleyes:But they're a bit far to get to when you only use a handcart


Trying to get into cambridge is like walking into a closed house ITS all tied up and not through lack of trying trust me.
To be honest its cut throat in these times
So how come we've done numerous gigs there?

Half of them will not go ahead with a booking if your lucky due to cost alone
See last comment.

Interestingly i dont advertise in cambridge
Neither do we & yet......

Can you see a pattern emerging here?

[soundtracker]

It may be deja-vu, but I'm sure we went through all of this over 12 months ago, and then decided we were wasting our time as someone didn't listen!

[Have a disco]

OK guys you are successfull in pulling in work why dont you for all members sakes have a dummies or idiots guide to getting successful CONSTANT well paid work

I have tried everything within my means to encourage work in my direction from Yellow pages to the internet web page and free directory sites to handing out flyers on a street corner and I finally have to admit that Im stumped as I am selling myself and doing a good job when booked as a DJ or hired out as a disco. Its no good coming out with comments like the one above. I do listen but Im not the only person out here struggling to get work or just to be established and recognised in my area, the further I travel the more I would have to charge to make a decent profit none of you whom travelled to cambridge did it cheap I gaurantee. I am targeting people as to gain work and I do network with other disco's in my region for work but they would rather employ my DJ skills than me and all my own gear. Its there way of keeping the small guys down and them not turning bookings away???

[Vectis]

What's your USP? Or P's?

Work out what yours is/are and exploit it/them.

You've got a nice enough website - sure there are things I'd personally change but this isn't a critique thread - but it (and it's content) looks just like many others.

Promote the USP(s) and if it's something people actually want, the better-paid bookings will magically arrive on the back on it/them.

[Have a disco]

To be honest I am multi talented and a great DJ in many fiels but too nail down a single USP is proving hard to suss out

I supose the main USP is I do a great party in the sense of party music??? but this is hardly a USP as we all play party music??

Im also an upfront DJ as well as a blinding 80's DJ musically I would stump most guys in this region for 80's tracks in the same essence I also out gun most DJ's around here for new music and upfront sounds

So yes it would be nice to have a unique USP but Im a jack of all trades around DJing???

[Vectis]

To be honest I am multi talented and a great DJ in many fiels but too nail down a single USP is proving hard to suss out

I supose the main USP is I do a great party in the sense of party music??? but this is hardly a USP as we all play party music??

Im also an upfront DJ as well as a blinding 80's DJ musically I would stump most guys in this region for 80's tracks in the same essence I also out gun most DJ's around here for new music and upfront sounds

So yes it would be nice to have a unique USP but Im a jack of all trades around DJing???


As, I suspect, many of us are :o My personal weakness is non-mainstream music from about 1995-2005 as I kinda lost interest for a while. Which is OK for the wedding scene, but when I get a 30th I sometimes struggle a bit. Hence my son/roadie plugs the gap. Other than that I can cope with pretty much anything.

Have you tried branding yourself as an 80s specialist? Make a play of those "retro" lightboxes! :handbag: You don't have to use the "have-a-disco" brand, you could reinvent yourself under a different name and see how it goes?

One tip on the website content - think about who you're selling to. Joe Public or a bunch of other DJs? There have been many debates on here about "kit lists" and "rig shots" etc. and I think I've arrived at a happy medium. The basic info is there should the customer want it, but it's not rubbed in their face and it's not OTT.

Compare This (http://www.have-a-disco.co.uk/equipment.htm) with This (http://www.vectisvibe.com/pages/lighting.php) for example. Not saying mine's the dog's, but it gets my point across.

[Corabar Steve]

OK guys you are successfull in pulling in work why dont you for all members sakes have a dummies or idiots guide to getting successful CONSTANT well paid work There isn't one, just do what you're good at. Word of mouth is the best advertising you can get. Repeat bookings & referals account for around 50- 60 % of our work now
none of you whom travelled to cambridge did it cheap I gaurantee. No more so for the same length of gig in Hertfordshire, Essex or Buckinghamshire (our 3 main markets)


I supose the main USP is I do a great party in the sense of party music??? but this is hardly a USP as we all play party music???
No, that is most definitely not unique. It covers most if not all on here.

[Richard Veal]

To be honest I am multi talented and a great DJ in many fiels but too nail down a single USP is proving hard to suss out

I supose the main USP is I do a great party in the sense of party music??? but this is hardly a USP as we all play party music??

Im also an upfront DJ as well as a blinding 80's DJ musically I would stump most guys in this region for 80's tracks in the same essence I also out gun most DJ's around here for new music and upfront sounds

So yes it would be nice to have a unique USP but Im a jack of all trades around DJing???


I think you know where the saying goes with this one, There has to be something that you could offer that nobody locally currently does.

here's an idea you can have free of charge - dont laugh it does work.

Get yourself some dance lessons tango/quickstep/foxtrot - pick your poison.
With the recent re-birth of Strictly come dancing this stuff is very popular.

At first dont increase your price - but when you meet B&G's offer to teach them a proper dance to amaze their family/friends after the first dance or buffet.
Soon word will get about, and you can make up the cost in your fees all its likely to cost you is 3 or 4 home visits to teach them the basics.

Crazy/silly but you would be amazed how often I get asked for this.

Rich

[Have a disco]

Hehehe a dancing badger now that does sound funny LOL

may take this undr consideration????

[BeerFunk]

I don't believe you have to offer something different from the rest - in terms of music at least. All people are looking for is a friendly, reliable DJ, who plays good tunes without gaps and pauses (ie. keeps the flow), and has a decent sound with some flashing lights. You'd be surprised how many DJs can't even tick all of these boxes!

[Corabar Steve]

Indeed

[Vectis]

friendly


reliable


plays good tunes without gaps and pauses


decent sound

That's 4 possible USPs in one sentence :o Now go sell them! :)

[rob1963]

I don't believe you have to offer something different from the rest - in terms of music at least. All people are looking for is a friendly, reliable DJ, who plays good tunes without gaps and pauses (ie. keeps the flow), and has a decent sound with some flashing lights. You'd be surprised how many DJs can't even tick all of these boxes!

I completely agree.

Personally, I think USPs are over-rated. A USP is a unique selling point, which is something you have or offer which the others don't. If the others don't have it or offer it, maybe that's because they don't NEED to, as it's not something clients have ever asked about.

Even if you DO come up with a USP, it won't necessarily help you, as by definition it just makes you DIFFERENT from the others...but not BETTER.

Given the choice, I think clients would rather have a disco that was BETTER than most of the others, rather than just having one particular aspect of their business that's different.

Also, you could plaster your USP all over your website, only for another disco to come along & nick the idea, meaning it's no longer a USP!

Bearing in mind the bad image our business has, simply providing a good quality & reliable service will already put you way ahead of many others.

[Shaun]

Going back to what I said earlier in this thread about "Delivering more than you promise". Here's one example of what I do occasionally... Badger, this tip/idea is for free. ;)

I have my roadie spend a large part of the evening taking pictures at the event. After the gig I'll put together a dvd photo montage of the evening, and design a nice elegant custom DVD cover for it, I'll then pop it in the post to them a few weeks after the gig.

It's great for referrals as the customer is getting something they didn't know about, and wasn't expecting.

Most of us take photos at our gigs, so this is something that can be easily offered. It takes up little time and is always appreciated by the client. Give it a try... ;)

[Penfold42]

I have my roadie spend a large part of the evening taking pictures at the event. After the gig I'll put together a dvd photo montage of the evening, and design a nice elegant custom DVD cover for it, I'll then pop it in the post to them a few weeks after the gig.

I do this but not as DVD just photos.....and i always make sure to get one with the rig and telephone number on it.......;) :)

[Spirits High]

I do this but not as DVD just photos.....and i always make sure to get one with the rig and telephone number on it.......;) :)


I think most of us do this, if you dont , you should ;)

[theoloyla]

I completely agree.

Personally, I think USPs are over-rated. A USP is a unique selling point, which is something you have or offer which the others don't. If the others don't have it or offer it, maybe that's because they don't NEED to, as it's not something clients have ever asked about.

Even if you DO come up with a USP, it won't necessarily help you, as by definition it just makes you DIFFERENT from the others...but not BETTER.

Given the choice, I think clients would rather have a disco that was BETTER than most of the others, rather than just having one particular aspect of their business that's different.

Also, you could plaster your USP all over your website, only for another disco to come along & nick the idea, meaning it's no longer a USP!

Bearing in mind the bad image our business has, simply providing a good quality & reliable service will already put you way ahead of many others.
That is very astute Rob.

[rob1963]

That is very astute Rob.

Thank you, Theo!

:)

[DazzyD]

I completely agree.

Personally, I think USPs are over-rated. A USP is a unique selling point, which is something you have or offer which the others don't. If the others don't have it or offer it, maybe that's because they don't NEED to, as it's not something clients have ever asked about.

Even if you DO come up with a USP, it won't necessarily help you, as by definition it just makes you DIFFERENT from the others...but not BETTER.

Given the choice, I think clients would rather have a disco that was BETTER than most of the others, rather than just having one particular aspect of their business that's different.

Also, you could plaster your USP all over your website, only for another disco to come along & nick the idea, meaning it's no longer a USP!

Bearing in mind the bad image our business has, simply providing a good quality & reliable service will already put you way ahead of many others.

I think you're right, Rob.

USP's are generally something that can be protected. The biggest example is probably James Dyson when he patented the bagless cyclonic vacuum cleaner. This was Dysons USP which he protected fiercely.

What can a disco have a USP? Is there really anything that no-one else is doing in this industry? That no-one else has thought of? I don't think so.

I think the best thing, like you said, is to keep on doing what we're doing but strive to do it better - to be the best (and not the cheapest!). That's how we work, anyway, and we seem to be doing ok this year.

Just my opinion.

[BeerFunk]

I'm not so sure, I think there's room for some sort of difference in your service, perhaps unique isn't the word.

For example, after our friend's appearance on Watchdog, maybe there are a lot of potentially worried customers hesitant about booking a disco, and unsure who to go for? Who can they trust, does anyone offer a guarantee? Maybe they're unsure of exactly what they're going to get - can they see the full disco set up and working beforehand?

That's just an example of a different pre-sales service a customer might like, but I don't think there would be many discos offering that, and most certainly not the rogue operators!

[rob1963]

I'm not so sure, I think there's room for some sort of difference in your service, perhaps unique isn't the word.

For example, after our friend's appearance on Watchdog, maybe there are a lot of potentially worried customers hesitant about booking a disco, and unsure who to go for? Who can they trust, does anyone offer a guarantee? Maybe they're unsure of exactly what they're going to get - can they see the full disco set up and working beforehand?

That's just an example of a different pre-sales service a customer might like, but I don't think there would be many discos offering that, and most certainly not the rogue operators!

Sorry Beerfunk, but I disagree.

As for not knowing who to go for or who to trust, they could ask people they know for recommendations...just like people do with many other types of businesses & tradesmen.

Secondly, what exactly do you mean by offering a guarantee? I remember someone here having a guarantee on their website that a full refund would be given if clients were not 100% pleased with the service given. A number of people pointed out how this could be abused by people wanting a free disco. Just imagine if you had to give a full refund each time a client came up with the smallest negative comment.

If you think a guarantee is a good idea, do YOU offer one? and if not, why not?

As for your final suggestion of seeing the disco set up & working, I assume you mean prospective clients coming along to one of your gigs, but there are two massive problems with this. Firstly, it is unprofessional to invite prospective clients along to a private function you're working at.

Secondly, if they come along & see you playing a load of cheese (or indie, R&B or anything else), they might decide not to book you if they don't like that type of music...without appreciating that the music you're playing is exactly what your client has requested!

[CRAZY K]

Sorry Beerfunk, but I disagree.

As for not knowing who to go for or who to trust, they could ask people they know for recommendations...just like people do with many other types of businesses & tradesmen.

Secondly, what exactly do you mean by offering a guarantee? I remember someone here having a guarantee on their website that a full refund would be given if clients were not 100% pleased with the service given. A number of people pointed out how this could be abused by people wanting a free disco. Just imagine if you had to give a full refund each time a client came up with the smallest negative comment.

If you think a guarantee is a good idea, do YOU offer one? and if not, why not?

As for your final suggestion of seeing the disco set up & working, I assume you mean prospective clients coming along to one of your gigs, but there are two massive problems with this. Firstly, it is unprofessional to invite prospective clients along to a private function you're working at.

Secondly, if they come along & see you playing a load of cheese (or indie, R&B or anything else), they might decide not to book you if they don't like that type of music...without appreciating that the music you're playing is exactly what your client has requested!

In the past I have secured bookings by customers attending my gigs--in view of the problems this can create--like someone last year couldnt find the venue down a country lane--and subsequently booked anyway and NOW has cancelled :eek: I am using vid clips of events to show whats on offer.

This seems to help although I dont think pictures of lights and speakers are the thing you need--plenty of people having a good time and a contact person to ring for a recommendation would be my suggestion.

I dont give a guarantee but for Barn Dances ( not Weddings ) I get paid at the end as im confident it will be successful--theres always the photos of people enjoying themselves to prduce if theres a problem==HEY look heres a photo of your friends having a ball--:D

CRAZY K

[TonyB]

We all have a USP and that is us as individuals. No two people are the same. We all have different personalities, attitudes and styles. We could all have the same gear and play the same music but if you give off bad vibes, then the punters won't enjoy themselves as much and the client is unlikely to book you again.

If you don't come across as someone the client likes at the point of initial enquiry then you won't get the booking.

The way you speak to people who come up to you during a gig for a request or whatever, the way you talk to the punters over the mic, the atmosphere you create projecting your personality to the punters during the function are all unique.

In another thread I listed in order of priority what I thought was most important and I put the DJ as number one and music as number two. Someone else said they would put music as number one and the DJ as number two. But who decides what music to play, what order they are going to play it in, when they are gong to play particular tacks and how they are going to blend or mix the tracks? - the DJ

Who decides what lights to use, when they are going to be used and how they are set up? - the DJ

Who decides how much interaction there will be with the punters, how much chat there will be over the mic and what is going to be said? - the DJ

Sure you can play music back to back all night, not say a word apart from "buffet ready", hide behind the fortress of gear you have set up in front of you and everyone will have a good time which I'm sure most DJ's can do. Its down to the DJ to assess if thats what is needed at the function.

But if the function needs a bit of interaction, if you need to speak to punters to get them going, if you need to come out from behind your fortress to interact, if you want to create an atmosphere that feels unique for that function and leave everyone gagging for more at the end, how would you fare then?

We all do it differently and are all unique in our own way.

[rob1963]

In another thread I listed in order of priority what I thought was most important and I put the DJ as number one and music as number two. Someone else said they would put music as number one and the DJ as number two.

That would be me! :D


But who decides what music to play, what order they are going to play it in, when they are gong to play particular tacks and how they are going to blend or mix the tracks? - the DJ

To be honest, I think "the client" is a more accurate answer to these questions than "the DJ"...but I can only speak for myself.

[TonyB]

That would be me! :D



To be honest, I think "the client" is a more accurate answer to these questions than "the DJ"...but I can only speak for myself.

Yes sorry Rob, too lazy to go back to the thread to see who it was:D

Even if the client does supply a list, the DJ can still decide what order to play them in and how they mix/blend them. If they are not so good tracks, can try and inject a bit of humour and understanding from the punters. The DJ can also use their expertise to try and persuade the client if its not a good idea to play a track.

Part of the interaction is getting a feel for the clients needs and allowing them to have some input in the way they want things to go. Then doing your best to comply with what they they want and still keep everyone happy.

[rob1963]

Yes sorry Rob, too lazy to go back to the thread to see who it was:D

Even if the client does supply a list, the DJ can still decide what order to play them in and how they mix/blend them. If they are not so good tracks, can try and inject a bit of humour and understanding from the punters. The DJ can also use their expertise to try and persuade the client if its not a good idea to play a track.

I can't argue with any of that, Tony.

:)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I can't argue with any of that, Tony.

:)

Blimey, is that a first? :D

[rob1963]

Blimey, is that a first? :D

Cheeky! :p

[BeerFunk]

Sorry Beerfunk, but I disagree.Never! :)

Firstly, it was really a general example, not a final idea.


As for not knowing who to go for or who to trust, they could ask people they know for recommendations...just like people do with many other types of businesses & tradesmen.They may not know anyone to ask, or the people they ask have lost the number etc.


Secondly, what exactly do you mean by offering a guarantee? I remember someone here having a guarantee on their website that a full refund would be given if clients were not 100% pleased with the service given. A number of people pointed out how this could be abused by people wanting a free disco. Just imagine if you had to give a full refund each time a client came up with the smallest negative comment.I meant more of a guarantee that you would definitely be there, on time. They could be guaranteed a part refund if you were late, as another example.


If you think a guarantee is a good idea, do YOU offer one? and if not, why not?I don't but I don't think I need one. I generally get mobile bookings through word of mouth and venue recommendations, and it is all based upon my reputation. I've never let anyone down, and never will, so long as it is within my own hands.

I would be happy to offer a guarantee that I will be there, but as you say, anything else is open to exploitation (for want of a better word).


As for your final suggestion of seeing the disco set up & working, I assume you mean prospective clients coming along to one of your gigs, but there are two massive problems with this. Firstly, it is unprofessional to invite prospective clients along to a private function you're working at.

Secondly, if they come along & see you playing a load of cheese (or indie, R&B or anything else), they might decide not to book you if they don't like that type of music...without appreciating that the music you're playing is exactly what your client has requested!I didn't really mean that, and I'm aware of all of these things as it has been discussed on these forums many times. I wouldn't personally want them coming along to another function, even if I had asked the person who booked it (as they may agree, but are too soft/polite to say they would rather not). A visit before any of the guests arrive isn't a bad idea though.

Again, it was a general idea, which could be investigated further.

Maybe the best thing is to have promo videos, as most DJs use. Although that wouldn't be unique! However, I don't think I've ever seen a promo video with the DJ actually on shot presenting the disco, and saying a few words about the service?

[rob1963]

I meant more of a guarantee that you would definitely be there, on time. They could be guaranteed a part refund if you were late, as another example.

I don't see it myself.

I cant imagine many prospective clients saying "We'll book this disco, because if they don't turn up & ruin our wedding day, at least we'll get a partial refund"

:rolleyes:

[Richard Veal]

As part of the T&C our guarantee as such is
" should the artist fail to show he shall be liable for compensation to the management for no more than the amount of the original fee"

Was added to T&C's to give confidence that we will at least turn up

[Have a disco]

Ditto richard

my T&C's are very agency based and the simular wording covers my rear

[BeerFunk]

I don't see it myself.

I cant imagine many prospective clients saying "We'll book this disco, because if they don't turn up & ruin our wedding day, at least we'll get a partial refund"

:rolleyes:Rob, do you deliberately mis-quote, in an attempt to ridicule my example?

The point is, if you offer some form of guarantee, it may convince some people to book you.

[rob1963]

The point is, if you offer some form of guarantee, it may convince some people to book you.

Yes Beerfunk, there is a chance that it MAY...

...but I'm just not convinced, that's all.

[theoloyla]

The guarantee that you will turn up is your contract for the booking. If you dont turn up they can and will sue you!

[BeerFunk]

The guarantee that you will turn up is your contract for the booking. If you dont turn up they can and will sue you!True, but I think it may be a case of easier said than done - if you look at the case of our friend on Watchdog, who should really be bankrupt on this theory.

[DazzyD]

True, but I think it may be a case of easier said than done - if you look at the case of our friend on Watchdog, who should really be bankrupt on this theory.

Who do people on here keep referring to A+ as "our friend"? Anyone who discredits our industry in any way, never mind to the extent that he has done, is no friend of mine. :mad:

Anyway, our contract does include something similar but we're so confident of our reliability that it states "In the event of The Company having to cancel a booking, in situations excluding Acts Of God, then the Client may seek recompense to a value not exceeding two times the original fee.". In nine years, we've never had a claim against us.

I can see where you're coming from, Rob, but I find potential clients see it more as a case of us enforcing our belief in the reliability of the service that we provide rather than "Oh great. If they don't turn up I can make some money!". I think it also helps the booking contract to be a little less one-sided.

[Vectis]

Has anyone thought about Professional Indemnity Insurance as a way of covering clients in case you mess up? If such insurance was held (and was valid in our field) then this could be held up as a guarantee? :confused:

[DazzyD]

That's an area which I've looked in to before but was unable to find a suitable policy. I wanted to take out a specialist custom policy for wedding bookings to give the bride and groom that extra peace of mind. Maybe it's because our industry has a somewhat unreliable image that companies think they'd lose a fortune.

It's time us professional, reliable operators got together and come up with a way to show the world our industry in a good light. "Up The Revolution!"

[rob1963]

Rob, do you deliberately mis-quote, in an attempt to ridicule my example?

With all due respect, Beerfunk, I didn't mis-quote at all.

If you look back at my post you were moaning about, you'll see I pasted an exact copy, word for word of something you said, and then added my own comments.

I am at a loss to understand why you think that was a mis-quote.

:shrug:

[Corabar Steve]

You did however, twist his words.

[rob1963]

You did however, twist his words.

Not as far as I'm aware...or maybe I just mis-understood what he was saying in the first place.

[CRAZY K]

Has anyone thought about Professional Indemnity Insurance as a way of covering clients in case you mess up? If such insurance was held (and was valid in our field) then this could be held up as a guarantee? :confused:

Martin, from my previous life in the Insurance Business I would say--

1. I dont think its available.

2.IF IT WAS WOULD BE SUBJECT TO A MASSIVE MINIMUM PREMIUM OF £500 TO £1000:eek: :eek: :eek:

CRAZY K

[Vectis]

Martin, from my previous life in the Insurance Business I would say--

1. I dont think its available.

2.IF IT WAS WOULD BE SUBJECT TO A MASSIVE MINIMUM PREMIUM OF £500 TO £1000:eek: :eek: :eek:

CRAZY K

Probably.

But maybe if it was made available through an umbrella organisation (example being the NADJ PLI policy) then it might be more palatable (sp?)

Worthy of a bit more digging methinks (if/when I get time)

[Have a disco]

Bit off subject but hey ho dont it be said I dont get a good thread going LOL

[Penfold42]

...let....:D

[CRAZY K]

Probably.

But maybe if it was made available through an umbrella organisation (example being the NADJ PLI policy) then it might be more palatable (sp?)

Worthy of a bit more digging methinks (if/when I get time)

Having dealt with "affinity group" Insurance arrangements in the past unless you get a big take up rate --and no one wants to commit unless you know the cost--I think you would find this quite difficult--

NADJ may have a decent size memebership--but unless you get a large proportion of people to join the scheme its a non starter with insurance Underwriters.

OR YOU BUILD IT IN AUTOMATICALLY IN THE COST OF MEMBERSHIP

That could make membership quite expensive:eek:

This is not particularly attractive business for Underwriters (in my opinion)

Dont let me stop you though--:D

CRAZY K