Place with no name or customer.

[Penfold42]

I have a small problem; I took a booking back in February ’08 for a gig in September.
Sent the booking form and received a deposit and contract signed but the information on the booking / contract form contained no name or address even more….no venue name.

As the initial enquiry was made through e-mail, I have been sending an e-mail and keep sending mails to ask for the rest of the information, but get no reply.

My concern is if they do not get in touch to firm this function up I might get tarred with being a (dare I say) cowboy DJ who just takes the money and runs….

Should I just let time run and the event date loom thinking they may get back to me or am I worrying a bit too early.

I just like to forward plan as much as possible and cover all the spots.:)

Thanks.

[KaraokeDJ]

Oh dear Tony...!!!
:claphands:

Where did you post the booking form to? Perhaps you could send them a letter asking them to contact you.

Is the emaila ddress the ONLY contact you've got?

[Penfold42]

Is the emaila ddress the ONLY contact you've got?

I send everything by e-mail......:o

[UltraBeat Entertainment]

So I'm guessing no phone numbers either???

[CRAZY K]

:eek:
I have a small problem; I took a booking back in February ’08 for a gig in September.
Sent the booking form and received a deposit and contract signed but the information on the booking / contract form contained no name or address even more….no venue name.

As the initial enquiry was made through e-mail, I have been sending an e-mail and keep sending mails to ask for the rest of the information, but get no reply.

My concern is if they do not get in touch to firm this function up I might get tarred with being a (dare I say) cowboy DJ who just takes the money and runs….

Should I just let time run and the event date loom thinking they may get back to me or am I worrying a bit too early.

I just like to forward plan as much as possible and cover all the spots.:)

Thanks.

Tony, this is a bit late now BUT if I deal by email or post I will not email out or send a contract until I have--

Name and address including Postcode

Contact Phone numbers

Venue details.

Playing times

Then the information is entered by ME --I never leave blanks.

Client either prints off the Contract and sends back with NON REFUNDABLE BOOKING FEE

or paper version is returned by post with NRBF

No booking until Contract and NRBF received.

If you have postal address go for recorded delivery letter and send a warning.

Otherwise your k.....d and can only cancel the booking and ask for an address to return the fee by email several times.

Keep copies of all correspondence.

I would start now as September is looking extremely busy.

You dont want to lose out.

CRAZY K

[Penfold42]

So I'm guessing no phone numbers either???
Errr...no....:o

:eek:

Tony, this is a bit late now BUT if I deal by email or post I will not email out or send a contract until I have--

Name and address including Postcode

Contact Phone numbers

Venue details.

Playing times

Then the information is entered by ME --I never leave blanks.

Client either prints off the Contract and sends back with NON REFUNDABLE BOOKING FEE


I now do this because of this......and ask for copies to be sent back...but sorry some people need to be spoon feed.:bang:

And I'm sorry but I don't care who reads this....;) :)

[Jiggles]

Your up that famous creek with out that paddle!

[Penfold42]

Your up that famous creek with out that paddle!

Thanks for you help Callum.....I feel better already.....:D :D :D :D :D :D

[Jiggles]

Thats why im here :d

[soundtracker]

Try googling the e-mail address it may throw something up!

[Penfold42]

Try googling the e-mail address it may throw something up!

Nice idea and thanks....:)

...but zitch....:(

[DazzyD]

Tony. If I was in this situation, I would contact the email provider (this is quite easy to find out) and ask them to forward a message for you. They should have the customers physical address details but they wouldn't be allowed to give them to you under data protection rules. They might pass on a message though as I'm sure this would be appreciated by the customer.

If you don't know how to find out the email provider, pm the domain name and TLD to me (ie. <ignore>@<Domain name>.<TLD> and I'll find it for you.

Can't guarantee the email service provider will co-operate but it's worth a try.

[CRAZY K]

Tony. If I was in this situation, I would contact the email provider (this is quite easy to find out) and ask them to forward a message for you. They should have the customers physical address details but they wouldn't be allowed to give them to you under data protection rules. They might pass on a message though as I'm sure this would be appreciated by the customer.

If you don't know how to find out the email provider, pm the domain name and TLD to me (ie. <ignore>@<Domain name>.<TLD> and I'll find it for you.

Can't guarantee the email service provider will co-operate but it's worth a try.

You can say that again--when Yahoo "lost" a load of my emails for a month I emailed them to complain ...k all response :eek: :eek: :eek:

Worth a go as its free:D

CRAZY K

[Penfold42]

Tony. If I was in this situation, I would contact the email provider (this is quite easy to find out) and ask them to forward a message for you. They should have the customers physical address details but they wouldn't be allowed to give them to you under data protection rules. They might pass on a message though as I'm sure this would be appreciated by the customer.

If you don't know how to find out the email provider, pm the domain name and TLD to me (ie. <ignore>@<Domain name>.<TLD> and I'll find it for you.

Can't guarantee the email service provider will co-operate but it's worth a try.

Thanks Dazzy.....you have given me an idea......:beer1:

[DazzyD]

Thanks Dazzy.....you have given me an idea......:beer1:

No problem Tony. Happy to help as always!

My other suggestion is to see if there is a readable name in the email address (ie. tjackson@hotmail@com) then get checking the Phone Book for possible matches. This is pretty labour intensive if the name is Smith or Jones but if all else fails... ;)

[Ace DJ]

This is where keeping proper records is paramount.
Working totaly by email is not enough. This just doesn't make business sense. You must always keep paper records.

With me.
Every inquiry via my Website inquiry forms are printed off
then given a quote ref No.
The quote is sent via email (printed copy kept )
if the client responds
the details are taken down
agreement sent by post (printed copy kept)
agreement signed and returned with advance payment ( copies kept)
all transactions logged on a Excel spreadsheet with clients bank details addresses telephone etc.
Each job is foldered with all copies and details. Therefore everything is backed up.
Ace

[DazzyD]

Tone - How did you take the deposit? If it was a cheque then you could request a copy from your bank and get the name off that. Again, the bank might pass on a message. Likewise, if it was a credit card the credit card company will have the customers details.

Just a thought!


This is where keeping proper records is paramount.
Working totaly by email is not enough. This just doesn't make business sense. You must always keep paper records.

With me.
Every inquiry via my Website inquiry forms are printed off
then given a quote ref No.
The quote is sent via email (printed copy kept )
if the client responds
the details are taken down
agreement sent by post (printed copy kept)
agreement signed and returned with advance payment ( copies kept)
all transactions logged on a Excel spreadsheet with clients bank details addresses telephone etc.
Each job is foldered with all copies and details. Therefore everything is backed up.
Ace

With all due respect, it's okay giving advice like this but what Tone really needs is help to correct this bad situation otherwise the client is going to be let down and Tone doesn't come across as someone who would do that.

My booking system uses a three-generation back-up system with masters kept on CD and HD in a fireproof safe. Back-ups are scheduled to be taken once a week on a Wednesday with older generations updated monthly. However, this didn't help me when my data file failed to load on a Monday night earlier this year. I still lost 3 booking records (fortunately, the details came in on the returned contracts) so even my system is not fool-proof. I now keep brief contact details in a diary but I should really keep a back-up diary just in case.

Hopefully Tone will get this one sorted and then it's time for him to rethink his booking procedures! ;)

[Penfold42]

This is where keeping proper records is paramount.
Working totaly by email is not enough. This just doesn't make business sense. You must always keep paper records.

With me.
Every inquiry via my Website inquiry forms are printed off
then given a quote ref No.
The quote is sent via email (printed copy kept )
if the client responds
the details are taken down
agreement sent by post (printed copy kept)
agreement signed and returned with advance payment ( copies kept)
all transactions logged on a Excel spreadsheet with clients bank details addresses telephone etc.
Each job is foldered with all copies and details. Therefore everything is backed up.
Ace
Some good pointers there...but don't you get wrapped up in paperwork......:)

With all due respect, it's okay giving advice like this but what Tone really needs is help to correct this bad situation otherwise the client is going to be let down and Tone doesn't come across as someone who would do that.
Have'nt lost a customer yet and don't intend to start that game.....:)

Hopefully Tone will get this one sorted and then it's time for him to rethink his booking procedures! ;)
We are on the case.....and yes my booking arrangements have changed since this happened along with my T&C's. :)...although i still use e-mails as the main source of tracing paperwork.....:)

[Ace DJ]

If you don't turn up on the night you could end up being sued for the clients loss on the night. This could run into thousands.
Do it right in the first place or dont do it at all is what it is all about.
Ace

[Penfold42]

If you don't turn up on the night
Never said that...:confused:

you could end up being sued for the clients loss on the night. This could run into thousands.
I'm hoping it's not going to go that way....i'm keeping all e-mails sent...

Do it right in the first place or dont do it at all is what it is all about.
Thanks for that very helpful tip......

...where do you live then 'Ivory Towers Drive'....Crystal Ball Lane....

[rob1963]

This is where keeping proper records is paramount.
Working totaly by email is not enough. This just doesn't make business sense. You must always keep paper records.

With me.
Every inquiry via my Website inquiry forms are printed off
then given a quote ref No.
The quote is sent via email (printed copy kept )
if the client responds
the details are taken down
agreement sent by post (printed copy kept)
agreement signed and returned with advance payment ( copies kept)
all transactions logged on a Excel spreadsheet with clients bank details addresses telephone etc.
Each job is foldered with all copies and details. Therefore everything is backed up.
Ace

Good back up there, Ace.....

.....And what would you do if you came home one day to find your house had burned down?

[CRAZY K]

Tone - How did you take the deposit? If it was a cheque then you could request a copy from your bank and get the name off that. Again, the bank might pass on a message. Likewise, if it was a credit card the credit card company will have the customers details.

Just a thought!



With all due respect, it's okay giving advice like this but what Tone really needs is help to correct this bad situation otherwise the client is going to be let down and Tone doesn't come across as someone who would do that.

My booking system uses a three-generation back-up system with masters kept on CD and HD in a fireproof safe. Back-ups are scheduled to be taken once a week on a Wednesday with older generations updated monthly. However, this didn't help me when my data file failed to load on a Monday night earlier this year. I still lost 3 booking records (fortunately, the details came in on the returned contracts) so even my system is not fool-proof. I now keep brief contact details in a diary but I should really keep a back-up diary just in case.

Hopefully Tone will get this one sorted and then it's time for him to rethink his booking procedures! ;)

Just to say Tony good idea from Dazzy about the cheque--thought of it earlier but guessed it might involve a large service fee from the bank?

Even with a name --where do you go from there--the bank certainly wont help--

At least if you refund the deposit by bank transfer you might stop arguments
later.

CRAZY K

[rob1963]

Just to say Tony good idea from Dazzy about the cheque--thought of it earlier but guessed it might involve a large service fee from the bank?

Once you have a copy of the cheque, it will have their bank's name & address at the top.

You can then write to the person care of their bank.

:)

[501damian501]

if you have no venue details, or concact details, how the hell do they expect you to turn up lol, just send emails everyday to them, and let time tick, dont let it worry you, they was the ones who messed up not you...

[Penfold42]

if you have no venue details, or concact details, how the hell do they expect you to turn up lol, just send emails everyday to them, and let time tick, dont let it worry you, they was the ones who messed up not you...

That's all very well and good...but half the blame is down to me.....:o

I'm not worring too much over it as i've got a little time on my hand.
I posted this originally to get some ideas on how to get round this situation and i've been given some good leads....so thanks to those who have helped me.

I can't sit back and wait.....I do have a reputation to keep.....after all...
"Do it right in the first place or dont do it at all is what it is all about."


Just to say Tony good idea from Dazzy about the cheque--thought of it earlier but guessed it might involve a large service fee from the bank?

Even with a name --where do you go from there--the bank certainly wont help--

At least if you refund the deposit by bank transfer you might stop arguments
later.

CRAZY K


Once you have a copy of the cheque, it will have their bank's name & address at the top.

You can then write to the person care of their bank.

:)

Again thanks Allan and Rob.....:beer1:

[Dragonfly]

I can't sit back and wait.....I do have a reputation to keep.....after all...
:

Don't worry about that Tony mate rest assured everyone will still think you're crap :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :beer1: :beer1: :beer1: :beer1:

your reputation will be intact.

[CRAZY K]

Once you have a copy of the cheque, it will have their bank's name & address at the top.

You can then write to the person care of their bank.

:)

Sounds good---long as the account isnt closed!

How much is it Rob to get the copy cheque though?

CRAZY K

[theoloyla]

Get onto your local radio station/newspapers. It would make a good story and some good publicity for you.

[Penfold42]

Don't worry about that Tony mate rest assured everyone will still think you're crap :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :beer1: :beer1: :beer1: :beer1:

your reputation will be intact.
:eek: :eek: ....:moon:
:D


Get onto your local radio station/newspapers. It would make a good story and some good publicity for you.

Now I like that......:)

[DazzyD]

Sounds good---long as the account isnt closed!

How much is it Rob to get the copy cheque though?

CRAZY K

Not quite sure why the account would be closed. If that's the case it would seem a bit dodgy, really.

We got a copy of a cheque from Barclays just a couple of weeks ago and they didn't charge us at all!


Get onto your local radio station/newspapers. It would make a good story and some good publicity for you.

Now this is a good idea! Very pro-active and a bit of free publicity at the same time. Well done, Theo! Wait a sec, though, some might think Tone is publicising his "less than perfect" booking procedures. Tone - if you do this make sure you make it clear to the paper that you've tightened up your procedures!

BTW Tone, do you know what type of function the booking was for and the date it was for? This would be a big help.

[Penfold42]

BTW Tone, do you know what type of function the booking was for and the date it was for? This would be a big help.

Yep know that.......things have moved on a bit......

http://www.schutzhundk9.com/images/Joe_training_tracking_with_Blood_Hound_Elly_Mae.jp g

:D

[DazzyD]

Or if that fails, maybe you could try one of these two? :D :D :D

[Dragonfly]

have you got a number for that second one???? ........ just incase i lose something in future.

[rob1963]

Or if that fails, maybe you could try one of these two? :D :D :D

I'd definately go for the second one! :P

[DazzyD]

have you got a number for that second one???? ........ just incase i lose something in future.

Sorry, mate, she was just advertising the outfit for a fancy dress company.

Mind you, she does have a lovely.....













Wait for it....
























Magnifying glass!!! :D :D :D :D :D

[Penfold42]

Or if that fails, maybe you could try one of these two? :D :D :D

I know here...is that the picture out the Smiffy's product.....:D


I'm on the case....will give you update as soon as....:)

[DazzyD]

I know here...is that the picture out the Smiffy's product.....:D


I'm on the case....will give you update as soon as....:)

In all honesty, I don't know where it's come from. I simply did a Google Image search for "Sherlock"!