How much for a daytime set up?

[rob1963]

I'm currently looking at my fees for extras, especially the additional charge for daytime set ups.

At the moment I have a flat fee of £30, but I've decided this isn't enough, especially with recent increases in the cost of diesel.

I'm just after some ideas as to how much extra the rest of you charge for daytime set ups and/or whether you think my current charge should be increased, and to what figure.

Thanks in advance for your input.

:)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I charge an hourly rate of £50+vat for an early set up, which may sound a lot, but the company insurance says that gear cannot be left, so whoever the DJ is, will need to stay with the equipment.

Having said that, we do offer background music and radio mics FOC as an added extra.

[electricnite]

I set all my equipment up during the day anyway as to avoid any minor problems that may occur so dont add any extra's on

[Vectis]

Depends on travel time and time on site.

Gear's not left completely unattended which means roadie on-site as a minimum inbetween setup and party time.

Generally works out at around £50 for the actual setup plus £10/hr for the roadie to sit and read a magazine & sip a lemonade in the bar ;)

Having the gear on-site means we can offer music during meals, PA etc. if in the same room so the sitting time goes up to £20/hr.

[theoloyla]

£50.

[DJ INDIE]

this probably isnt much help, but i find out what time they want me set up for, what time they want me playing until and give a price for all of that combined, as i would have to be there all day anyway as sometimes it just isnt worth coming home to go back.

what i have started doing is offering afternoon/background music to justify the price rise (and its not a big effort).

I wouldnt be able to charge an hourly rate from say 2pm til 1am at my usual rate though - as it would just result in me losing the event to someone ready to undercut me.

i just weigh up each booking separately and quote as necessary. just make sure you are happy with the price as it can be a long day.

[CRAZY K]

I'm currently looking at my fees for extras, especially the additional charge for daytime set ups.

At the moment I have a flat fee of £30, but I've decided this isn't enough, especially with recent increases in the cost of diesel.

I'm just after some ideas as to how much extra the rest of you charge for daytime set ups and/or whether you think my current charge should be increased, and to what figure.

Thanks in advance for your input.

:)

As you work fairly locally and would be leaving the equipment and going home I assume for a few hours I would charge a flat £75 plus Petrol /Diesel costs.

I dont as I rarely work locally --but that hasnt been a problem for me--

CRAZY K

[soundmaster mobile disco]

I dont charge any extra for day time set up.When possible i go to the venue in the morning and set up,then i can relax and enjoy the afternoon to myself.

If i was to add an extra £30 to £50 for earlier set up time on top of my estimate i know that the customers will not pay that in my area.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I dont charge any extra for day time set up.When possible i go to the venue in the morning and set up,then i can relax and enjoy the afternoon to myself.

If i was to add an extra £30 to £50 for earlier set up time on top of my estimate i know that the customers will not pay that in my area.

Funny, others seem to in your area...

Twp people in this thread have said that the client wouldn't pay extra. Why? Do they expect it for free? I'd rather lose the booking.

[Excalibur]

Funny, others seem to in your area...

Twp people in this thread have said that the client wouldn't pay extra. Why? Do they expect it for free? I'd rather lose the booking.

Quite simply because people object to surcharges. If the same price had been quoted as an all-in price, then I suspect they'd have paid it. It's the add- on aspect which goes against the grain. They feel they're beiong fleeced.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Quite simply because people object to surcharges. If the same price had been quoted as an all-in price, then I suspect they'd have paid it. It's the add- on aspect which goes against the grain. They feel they're beiong fleeced.

It's not a surcharge though, is it?

If you set up in the afternoon, you need to travel to the venue twice, unless you are staying in which case you need to be paid for your time. It's extra time. Who works for free?

[Steve the DJ]

I usually charge from £100 to set up before the Wedding Breakfast but will play background music and supply mics for speeches as I have to remain on site.

I haven't yet seen an insurance policy (theft or PLI) that covers you if you leave your kit unattended at a venue so some of you appear to taking an amazing risk.


Who works for free?

Far too many DJs that's for sure...

We appear to work in the most generous industry in the world, but let's not go there again... :bang:

[Excalibur]

It's not a surcharge though, is it?

If you set up in the afternoon, you need to travel to the venue twice, unless you are staying in which case you need to be paid for your time. It's extra time. Who works for free?

Technically it is. It's a charge on top.
Your perception of this may differ from the punter's. What I'm saying is that it's wiewed as a surcharge, because the price quoted is A+B=C. Punter thinks " Hang on, I'm being fleeced". He's not, but it's what he perceives. If the quote was C , then he thinks you've gone the extra mile to make his day run easy, without charging him for it. It all depends where you're standing.

[soundmaster mobile disco]

So when asked for a quote do you give them a breakdown of the charges or is it just one price you give then which includes your afternoon set up fee?

Example 1
Price quote £200


Example 2
Price quote £200
This includes my travel to and from the venue and charges for setting up and spltting down my equipment along with the 7.30 till midnight disco.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Technically it is. It's a charge on top.
Your perception of this may differ from the punter's. What I'm saying is that it's wiewed as a surcharge, because the price quoted is A+B=C. Punter thinks " Hang on, I'm being fleeced". He's not, but it's what he perceives. If the quote was C , then he thinks you've gone the extra mile to make his day run easy, without charging him for it. It all depends where you're standing.

I disagree.

Why on earth would someone think they are being fleeced if they are asking you to provide an extra service which involved extra time? :confused:


You have given someone a price based on a set of facts, eg: how many hours the function is etc etc, so if they want it for more hours then you charge more money. It has nothing to do with a surcharge.

If you booked a plane flight to Spain and then when you got there wanted to go to somewhere else, you need to pay for another ticket, not a surcharge.

[DJ INDIE]

So when asked for a quote do you give them a breakdown of the charges or is it just one price you give then which includes your afternoon set up fee?

Example 1
Price quote £200


Example 2
Price quote £200
This includes my travel to and from the venue and charges for setting up and spltting down my equipment along with the 7.30 till midnight disco.


i tend to give them one price and explain that that includes everything (then list your days work and selling points - ie early set up, request list, lighting, disco and anything else youve agreed) i think personally youre more likely to get a £500 booking on that basis than saying 'it will be £50 an hour and i'll be there for 10 hours'.

its exactly the same amount of work and price and service. its just how the customer perceives the hourly rate. £50 an hour for 'waiting' (in the eyes of the client - not me!) or 'all in' for £500.

its just whatever works for you.

definitely around my area quoting a flat rate per hour would put off 90% of people with early daytime set ups - its just because the general public dont understand how difficult and time consuming it is at events like these, they think you just set up in 10 minutes then wait 3 hours - and therefore wont pay you £50 an hour for doing that.

[Excalibur]

I disagree.

Why on earth would someone think they are being fleeced if they are asking you to provide an extra service which involved extra time? :confused:


You have given someone a price based on a set of facts, eg: how many hours the function is etc etc, so if they want it for more hours then you charge more money. It has nothing to do with a surcharge.

If you booked a plane flight to Spain and then when you got there wanted to go to somewhere else, you need to pay for another ticket, not a surcharge.

You're missing the point Darren. I keep using the word " perception". It has nothing to do with fact, which you are dealing in cold hard economical ones of. The punter only sees an agreed price rising in front of his eyes, like when I find a website offering a power too; at a bargain price, only to find that when p & p and carriage are added, it's actually dearer than my normal supplier. :bang: Stand where the punter stands, before I accuse you of being obtuse. ;)

Edit: DJ Indie is bang on.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

You're missing the point Darren. I keep using the word " perception". It has nothing to do with fact, which you are dealing in cold hard economical ones of. The punter only sees an agreed price rising in front of his eyes, like when I find a website offering a power too; at a bargain price, only to find that when p & p and carriage are added, it's actually dearer than my normal supplier. :bang: Stand where the punter stands, before I accuse you of being obtuse. ;)

I am not being obtuse (goes to look it up...) :D

I totally disagree with what you are saying and find it complete waffle, sorry Peter.

If I asked a painter to paint my front room, he would give me a price and complete the job. If I then asked him to paint the bedroom, do you think I'd be upset to find out it cost more? Of course not. He wouldn't be doing it for the same price as it is more work and more of his time. Where is the rip off and why wouldn't a client understand? I think your punters are cleverer than you make out Peter.

Once again, this comes down to business and the fact that so many people out there do not know how to treat this job as a business.

[Steve the DJ]

So how exactly does the way you sell it/price it/dress it up matter in the context of this thread?

The question is how much should the OP charge for setting up early.

Edit: Darren beat me to it.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

...and how many more people are going to post "around here, people won't pay that etc etc"

For gawds sake....

[soundmaster mobile disco]

i tend to give them one price and explain that that includes everything (then list your days work and selling points - ie early set up, request list, lighting, disco and anything else youve agreed) i think personally youre more likely to get a £500 booking on that basis than saying 'it will be £50 an hour and i'll be there for 10 hours'.

its exactly the same amount of work and price and service. its just how the customer perceives the hourly rate. £50 an hour for 'waiting' (in the eyes of the client - not me!) or 'all in' for £500.

its just whatever works for you.

definitely around my area quoting a flat rate per hour would put off 90% of people with early daytime set ups - its just because the general public dont understand how difficult and time consuming it is at events like these, they think you just set up in 10 minutes then wait 3 hours - and therefore wont pay you £50 an hour for doing that.


Well said!

[Excalibur]

I am not being obtuse (goes to look it up...) :D

I totally disagree with what you are saying and find it complete waffle, sorry Peter.

If I asked a painter to paint my front room, he would give me a price and complete the job. If I then asked him to paint the bedroom, do you think I'd be upset to find out it cost more? Of course not. He wouldn't be doing it for the same price as it is more work and more of his time. Where is the rip off and why wouldn't a client understand? I think your punters are cleverer than you make out Peter.

Once again, this comes down to business and the fact that so many people out there do not know how to treat this job as a business.

But you're only doing ONE disco not two, to use your analogy. And if my punters were that clever, they wouldn't be booking me! :D

Obtuse: Deliberately missing the point which is staring them in the face.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Good debate this - anyone else got an opinion?

[Excalibur]

Good debate this - anyone else got an opinion?

Should I take that as a retraction? :confused:

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Should I take that as a retraction? :confused:

Of what?

[soundmaster mobile disco]

Lets look at this debate from another point of view.

I said that i will not charge extra for an early set up,I go and set up early for myself.I feel that it gives me the rest of the day to relax.

If the customer ASKS me can you come and set up early then i probably will charge for this.

The difference is i have been ASKED

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Lets look at this debate from another point of view.

I said that i will not charge extra for an early set up,I go and set up early for myself.I feel that it gives me the rest of the day to relax.



So you have to go to the venue twice which actually takes more of your time. How does it give you the rest of the day to relax - surely you still have to leave around the same time, maybe you might save half an hour?

[Excalibur]

Of what?
An obviously erroneous point of view, which you now regret even posting. :D


Lets look at this debate from another point of view.

I said that i will not charge extra for an early set up,I go and set up early for myself.I feel that it gives me the rest of the day to relax.

If the customer ASKS me can you come and set up early then i probably will charge for this.

The difference is i have been ASKED

While I am happy to set up early for the same reason, can nobody see that IN THE EYES OF THE PUNTER it's a SURCHARGE, which leaves a bad taste in the mouth? :bang: If you quoted the standard price plus surcharge as your quote, they'd be happier. Look at post #16, it's absolutely spot on. :bang: :bang:


So you have to go to the venue twice which actually takes more of your time. How does it give you the rest of the day to relax - surely you still have to leave around the same time, maybe you might save half an hour?

Sometimes I think you play Devil's Advocate on purpose. ;) Simply because you cn walk in, safe in the knowledge that everything is ready to go. And I can't set up in half an hour. It takes me that long just to get the speakers in! :D :D

[Steve the DJ]

I said that i will not charge extra for an early set up,I go and set up early for myself.I feel that it gives me the rest of the day to relax.

If the customer ASKS me can you come and set up early then i probably will charge for this.

The difference is i have been ASKED

I find this statement simply incredible, in fact I am so angered by it I can't reply further for fear of being banned...:Censored:

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

While I am happy to set up early for the same reason, can nobody see that IN THE EYES OF THE PUNTER it's a SURCHARGE, which leaves a bad taste in the mouth?

It is not a surcharge. It is a charge based on a completely different set of facts, not just an evening disco.

And Peter, if you limited the use of your flowery language, it might be better for some to understand what you are saying. :)

[Excalibur]

It is not a surcharge. It is a charge based on a completely different set of facts, not just an evening disco.

It IS a surcharge. You are saying it is justified, which I am not disputing. What I cannot convey to you is that the punter may not see it that way, but would cheerfully pay the same amount, if given it as an all-in price.

And Peter,
if you limited the use of your flowery language, it might be better for some to understand what you are saying. :)

Darren I don't know what you mean. :confused: I always call a spade a manually operated soil inverting implement. :p

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

It IS a surcharge.

We are going to agree to disagree then. I don't see it as a surcharge at all, but a different costing for more hours and work involved.

[DazzyD]

I do very few daytime setups but, if asked, it would be £30 per hour including travel time. However, for the reasons Peter (and some others) have stated, I always get all of the booking details before giving a price then I quote a single price based on the whole package. Chatting to the customer also helps to build rapport and is a vital tool for successful sales.

[soundmaster mobile disco]

Ok guys most of my venues are only within a 10 mile radius of my house.
so its no big deal to return to the venue a second time at night.

When i have to travel further i do not bother going to the venue twice,i will go along about 90 minutes before starting time.

[DJ INDIE]

It is not a surcharge. It is a charge based on a completely different set of facts, not just an evening disco.

again, i dont think Excalibur is saying its an unjustified extra charge more than the client ("usually") sees 2 things and 2 prices;

disco - £300

disco with early set up - £500 (ie - early set up £200)


if the client isnt neccessarily flush with money, that £200 is going to seem a hell of a lot of money for what he sees as 'just turning up early' - he/she may have to work a week to earn that much money?


but we know different - we know its worth every penny, and the background work needed.


maybe good advice for rob and a few others who set up early maybe to offer or supply other services to justify this charge 'in the eyes of the client' - like a few of us do - supply mics for speeches/background music etc etc - you are there anyway, so take the chance to earn a bit more (sometimes double) your money for supplying other services you may not have considered.

if the client refuses the services, then youre still in a good position as you can come down in price a little if you wish and that may seem a good (or better) price to your client (and originally more than you were going to charge).

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

again, i dont think Excalibur is saying it is a surcharge

Are you sure? :p


It IS a surcharge.


it's a SURCHARGE, which leaves a bad taste in the mouth

:D

[DJ INDIE]

Are you sure? :p





:D

ha ha!! i wrote and posted that then saw the post "it IS a surcharge" and scurred off quickly to change it and save face...................but it didnt work!! :) :)

[Excalibur]

It IS a surcharge. You are saying it is justified, which I am not disputing.


We are going to agree to disagree then. I don't see it as a surcharge at all, but a different costing for more hours and work involved.

Diffrent words, same total price.

I do very few daytime setups but, if asked, it would be £30 per hour including travel time. However, for the reasons Peter (and some others) have stated, I always get all of the booking details before giving a price then I quote a single price based on the whole package. Chatting to the customer also helps to build rapport and is a vital tool for successful sales.

Absolutely. At least one person on here can understand. ;)

again, i dont think Excalibur is saying its an unjustified extra charge more than the client ("usually") sees 2 things and 2 prices;

disco - £300

disco with early set up - £500 (ie - early set up £200)


if the client isnt neccessarily flush with money, that £200 is going to seem a hell of a lot of money for what he sees as 'just turning up early' - he/she may have to work a week to earn that much money?


but we know different - we know its worth every penny, and the background work needed.


maybe good advice for rob and a few others who set up early maybe to offer or supply other services to justify this charge 'in the eyes of the client' - like a few of us do - supply mics for speeches/background music etc etc - you are there anyway, so take the chance to earn a bit more (sometimes double) your money for supplying other services you may not have considered.

if the client refuses the services, then youre still in a good position as you can come down in price a little if you wish and that may seem a good (or better) price to your client (and originally more than you were going to charge).


It IS a surcharge. You are saying it is justified, which I am not disputing.



Are you sure? :p





:D

Yes I'm sure! Read what I actually post, not what you think I post!

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Yes I'm sure! Read what I actually post, not what you think I post!

Perhaps you should read who I am replying to then dear boy. That reply was not to you.

[Excalibur]

Perhaps you should read who I am replying to then dear boy. That reply was not to you.

Please accept my public and grovelling apology Darren. I was totally in the wrong. :o :o :o :o

[DJ INDIE]

......(emerges from hiding behind the lamp post...) ;)

it was my fault, i got all confused and posted that i didnt think that you were saying it neccesarily was a surcharge...but then remembered you were.....and had already posted .....my head was spinning and confused! ;)

i thought id edited it in time for no one to see ......hence its a bit mixed up!

but darren caught me, and didnt let me off the hook! ha ha - doh!

[Excalibur]

......(emerges from hiding behind the lamp post...) ;)

it was my fault, i got all confused and posted that i didnt think that you were saying it neccesarily was a surcharge...but then remembered you were.....and had already posted .....my head was spinning and confused! ;)

i thought id edited it in time for no one to see ......hence its a bit mixed up!

but darren caught me, and didnt let me off the hook! ha ha - doh!

Me too! ( Hangs head in shame :o :o :o :o )

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Me too! ( Hangs head in shame :o :o :o :o )

Enough already. Get back to argue-mode. :D

[Excalibur]

Enough already. Get back to argue-mode. :D

Since you put it that way-
Charge the same price. Quote it upfront. Customer thinks you're being accomodating, rather than a money-grabbing, pernickety jobsworth. Good business surely? :confused: If it isn't then I'm missing something bigtime! :confused: :confused:

[theoloyla]

My time is precious. If I have a gig I arrive in plenty of time to set up and be prepared to entertain. If circumstances require that I need to be there early then that will incur an extra charge. End of story.

[rob1963]

Whoaaaa...I've just got back from work & caught up with this thread, and I'm amazed at the heated arguments that have come out of such a simple thread, which was basically asking "How much do you think I should charge for a daytime set up?"

From the relevant replies so far, I'm thinking of increasing my daytime set up charge from the current £30 to either £40 or £50, but I'll see if I get a few more replies before making my final decision.

:)

[Excalibur]

Whoaaaa...I've just got back from work & caught up with this thread, and I'm amazed at the heated arguments that have come out of such a simple thread, which was basically asking "How much do you think I should charge for a daytime set up?"

From the relevant replies so far, I'm thinking of increasing my daytime set up charge from the current £30 to either £40 or £50, but I'll see if I get a few more replies before making my final decision.

:)

You can't justify it Rob. We all know you do naff all in the daytime. :p :D :D

[rob1963]

You can't justify it Rob. We all know you do naff all in the daytime. :p :D :D

Steady on!

I only do naff all in the daytime from Sunday to Friday.

Oh.....and also on about 48 Saturdays each year.

...and you think I can't justify it!

4180

[soundmaster mobile disco]

My time is precious. If I have a gig I arrive in plenty of time to set up and be prepared to entertain. If circumstances require that I need to be there early then that will incur an extra charge. End of story.



So you will not go and set up early if you dont have to and no extra cost to your customer then


But if you are asked to come and set up early then you will add an extra charge to the customer.

This is what i was trying to say in my earlier post,if i dont have to go and set up early then there will be no extra charge.,but if the customer ASKS me to come and set up early and say its a venue far away yes i will charge for early set up.

I think some of you missed my point.

[Excalibur]

So you will not go and set up early if you dont have to and no extra cost to your customer then


But if you are asked to come and set up early then you will add an extra charge to the customer.

This is what i was trying to say in my earlier post,if i dont have to go and set up early then there will be no extra charge.,but if the customer ASKS me to come and set up early and say its a venue far away yes i will charge for early set up.

I think some of you missed my point.

Some? No matter what I did, EVERYBODY missed mine! :eek: :bang: :bang:

[Shaun]

I dont charge any extra for day time set up.When possible i go to the venue in the morning and set up,then i can relax and enjoy the afternoon to myself.

If i was to add an extra £30 to £50 for earlier set up time on top of my estimate i know that the customers will not pay that in my area.

I disagree, Gary. I regularly charge customers in our area if they request an early setup. Locally I'll charge a flat fee as I'll be able to go home after setup. If it's out of the area I charge an hourly fee as I'll stay on-site.


So you will not go and set up early if you dont have to and no extra cost to your customer then


But if you are asked to come and set up early then you will add an extra charge to the customer.

This is what i was trying to say in my earlier post,if i dont have to go and set up early then there will be no extra charge.,but if the customer ASKS me to come and set up early and say its a venue far away yes i will charge for early set up.

I think some of you missed my point.


I got your post. :)

I too have been known to occasionally set up early in the day in local venues. The decision is mine, so no extra charge to the client. I only charge when (for whatever reason) the client insists on an early setup.

[soundmaster mobile disco]

I think i will look into introducing the early set up fee when asked.


How do you know if the customer is willing to pay the extra charge though?

[rob1963]

I think i will look into introducing the early set up fee when asked.

How do you know if the customer is willing to pay the extra charge though?

Presumably if they don't cancel the booking, then it's safe to assume they're willing to pay the extra charge!

[Shaun]

How do you know if the customer is willing to pay the extra charge though?

You don't. All you can do is give them the cost with early setup and the cost without, and let them choose which they want.

Most of the time people want early set-ups from me are when they have a band booked as well. I always explain that although there are extra costs involved in setting up early, it'll allow a smoother transition instead of waiting for the band to dismantle, then waiting for me to set-up. Once explained, they usually opt to pay the extra.

[JAMdisco]

You don't. All you can do is give them the cost with early setup and the cost without, and let them choose which they want.

Most of the time people want early set-ups from me are when they have a band booked as well. I always explain that although there are extra costs involved in setting up early, it'll allow a smoother transition instead of waiting for the band to dismantle, then waiting for me to set-up. Once explained, they usually opt to pay the extra.

Same here usually, however, I quoted for a disco a while back with a band, when I told the woman the costs to arrive at 5pm and play from 9 til 1am she was a little shocked. When I explained why, she put the band outside in a marquee so I could set up at 7:30-8:00 and she paid less.

[theoloyla]

As a couple of people have said I too get all the facts about the gig and then quote a price. If that involves a morning or early afternoon set up then I will take that into account when quoting. The only time there is an extra charge so to speak is when I've agreed the booking and they ring up and say "Oh can you come early and set up?" Then I tell them that there is an extra charge for that.

[kilmeedyman]

At both weddings I did Friday and Saturday I was asked to stay on later and the clients both offered to pay for the additional hours as made clear to them when they booked. One was just one hour extra, the other was four!

As long as your fees are made clear to the client up front, there should be no problem in asking for the amount you are due for the work.

If you are not confident at selling or are nervous in some way about the value for money you offer you may try to 'hide' additional fees by quoting an inclusive price. A fixed price contract is what this is called and in almost every instance will be to the benefit of the client and not to you (the supplier).

My opinion, be confident about the service to price ratio you are quoting. Be confident that your potential client understands the value of your service. Don't be afraid to charge additional fees for additional work. The client will actually expect it.

One beef I have is that one agent I work for sets the additional hours fee at less than the hourly fee charged for the main gig and I cannot understand why I should be paid more before midnight and less after. Needless to say, I will broach this subject shortly with the offending agent.

[soundmaster mobile disco]

You don't. All you can do is give them the cost with early setup and the cost without, and let them choose which they want.

Most of the time people want early set-ups from me are when they have a band booked as well. I always explain that although there are extra costs involved in setting up early, it'll allow a smoother transition instead of waiting for the band to dismantle, then waiting for me to set-up. Once explained, they usually opt to pay the extra.


true.

I think that i will start doing just that

[Excalibur]

As a couple of people have said I too get all the facts about the gig and then quote a price. If that involves a morning or early afternoon set up then I will take that into account when quoting. The only time there is an extra charge so to speak is when I've agreed the booking and they ring up and say "Oh can you come early and set up?" Then I tell them that there is an extra charge for that.

Hallelujah! Exactly my point. Now if you can explain that to Darren please Theo, I can stop banging my head against this monitor. :D

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

No mention of surcharge though....

[Excalibur]

As a couple of people have said I too get all the facts about the gig and then quote a price. If that involves a morning or early afternoon set up then I will take that into account when quoting. The only time there is an extra charge so to speak is when I've agreed the booking and they ring up and say "Oh can you come early and set up?" Then I tell them that there is an extra charge for that.


Hallelujah! Exactly my point. Now if you can explain that to Darren please Theo, I can stop banging my head against this monitor. :D


No mention of surcharge though....

Darren. For the purposes of this post, we may assume that an "extra charge" is the same thing as a "surcharge". ;) :D

OK, we're going on holiday. In the words of the song "We're going to Barbados". ;) :D We're flying. We have the choice of two airlines, one which we know is good, has the best looking flight attendants, and very nice complimentary tea and biscuits during the flight. They want £250 per ticket. A search on the Internet has revealed that another airline with ugly attendants and no biscuits only want £200. £50 is £50, so we book with them. We arrive at checkout, hand over our tickets, and are told that if we want to get to Barbados, we must pay £20 baggage handling charge, £20 Airport tax, and £10 hire of the steps to board the plane. Doesn't the second airline leave a bad taste in our mouths? :confused: ;) ;) ;)

[kilmeedyman]

Darren. For the purposes of this post, we may assume that an "extra charge" is the same thing as a "surcharge". ;) :D

OK, we're going on holiday. In the words of the song "We're going to Barbados". ;) :D We're flying. We have the choice of two airlines, one which we know is good, has the best looking flight attendants, and very nice complimentary tea and biscuits during the flight. They want £250 per ticket. A search on the Internet has revealed that another airline with ugly attendants and no biscuits only want £200. £50 is £50, so we book with them. We arrive at checkout, hand over our tickets, and are told that if we want to get to Barbados, we must pay £20 baggage handling charge, £20 Airport tax, and £10 hire of the steps to board the plane. Doesn't the second airline leave a bad taste in our mouths? :confused: ;) ;) ;)

You obviously didn't read the terms properly and therefore didn't compare like with like. You just chose the cheapest option without thought for what you were getting for your money.

[Excalibur]

You obviously didn't read the terms properly and therefore didn't compare like with like. You just chose the cheapest option without thought for what you were getting for your money.

But they're identical :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: ( Apart from the attendants, and the biscuits). :D Can nobody understand that? I'm losing the will to live here. :bang: :bang:

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

But they're identical :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: ( Apart from the attendants, and the biscuits). :D Can nobody understand that? I'm losing the will to live here. :bang: :bang:

Still, never mind...:D

[DazzyD]

As a couple of people have said I too get all the facts about the gig and then quote a price. If that involves a morning or early afternoon set up then I will take that into account when quoting. The only time there is an extra charge so to speak is when I've agreed the booking and they ring up and say "Oh can you come early and set up?" Then I tell them that there is an extra charge for that.

Our T&Cs clearly state that changes requested after the booking is confirmed may attract additional charges and goes on to give some examples including earlier setups. So, the client should be aware of this as they've already signed on the dotted line.


One beef I have is that one agent I work for sets the additional hours fee at less than the hourly fee charged for the main gig and I cannot understand why I should be paid more before midnight and less after. Needless to say, I will broach this subject shortly with the offending agent.

I've never heard such a poor pricing policy. Clients can request extensions to performance and, if we haven't got to be elsewhere which is sometimes the case, we may agree but the fee is our regular rate plus between 25-50% extra per hour depending on the length of the extension and the finishing time. And yes people are often prepared to pay this much for an extra hour or two when they're enjoying themselves!

[kilmeedyman]

But they're identical :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: ( Apart from the attendants, and the biscuits). :D Can nobody understand that? I'm losing the will to live here. :bang: :bang:

Well from what you just said above they're not!

One would suppose that using your logic, the other airline would also charge:


£20 baggage handling charge, £20 Airport tax, and £10 hire of the steps to board the plane.
Therefore, what you end up with is paying £50 extra for:


the best looking flight attendants, and very nice complimentary tea and biscuits during the flight.

So please tell me how they are the same?
You chose what you hoped to be the cheap option knowing that components of the service were not as good.

Oh, who gives a @!$* :D

[Excalibur]

Darren. For the purposes of this post, we may assume that an "extra charge" is the same thing as a "surcharge". ;) :D

OK, we're going on holiday. In the words of the song "We're going to Barbados". ;) :D We're flying. We have the choice of two airlines, one which we know is good, has the best looking flight attendants, and very nice complimentary tea and biscuits during the flight. They want £250 per ticket. A search on the Internet has revealed that another airline with ugly attendants and no biscuits only want £200. £50 is £50, so we book with them. We arrive at checkout, hand over our tickets, and are told that if we want to get to Barbados, we must pay £20 baggage handling charge, £20 Airport tax, and £10 hire of the steps to board the plane. Doesn't the second airline leave a bad taste in our mouths? :confused: ;) ;) ;)


Well from what you just said above they're not!

One would suppose that using your logic, the other airline would also charge:

Therefore, what you end up with is paying £50 extra for:


So please tell me how they are the same?
You chose what you hoped to be the cheap option knowing that components of the service were not as good.

Oh, who gives a @!$* :D


The whole point of the post was that the first one gives an all-inclusive price, which doesn't alter, because they have factored in all relevant costs. The second one adds on loads of charges, thus raising the price to EXACTLY THE SAME PRICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Give me strength. :bang:

[rob1963]

Thanks for the replies, folks.

Taking into account the increases in diesel costs & the amounts some of you charge, I've decided to increase my daytime set up charge from £30 to £40 for the time being, and I'll review it again next year.

I actually do very few daytime set ups, as these mostly seem to be the norm for marquee gigs (of which I only do a couple a year) rather than hotel functions...which account for the vast majority of my work.

[theoloyla]

I'll give you strength. You are missing the point. I charge more for a morning or early afternoon set up because it is extraordinary. Paying for your bags, airport taxes and boarding is necessary to all flights; so therefore the "cheapo ugly airline" is a rip off. If you ask the airline if you can use their VIP lounge and get free champagne and extras you will be asked for a surcharge and will have to pay it. You have not been ripped off (unless it is poor value) you have chosen an extra service and paid for it.

[rob1963]

I'll give you strength. You are missing the point. I charge more for a morning or early afternoon set up because it is extraordinary. Paying for your bags, airport taxes and boarding is necessary to all flights; so therefore the "cheapo ugly airline" is a rip off. If you ask the airline if you can use their VIP lounge and get free champagne and extras you will be asked for a surcharge and will have to pay it. You have not been ripped off (unless it is poor value) you have chosen an extra service and paid for it.

Theo,

I know it doesn't hapen too often, but on this occasion I completely agree with you!

:thumbsup:

[theoloyla]

Theo,

I know it doesn't hapen too often, but on this occasion I completely agree with you!

:thumbsup:
Why thankyou! I just hope Excalibur does.

[CRAZY K]

as these mostly seem to be the norm for marquee gigs



Rob, I do a lot of Marquees (and blow up Churches) in the summer and actually dont find that to be the case.

My gig in 2 weeks in a Marquee is specifically NOT an early set up as the venue dont like having piles of DJs equipment in their Marquee during the Wedding Breakfast---so I was told by the B and G last night!

I wasnt even going to charge for the early set up either:bang: :bang: :bang:

CRAZY K

[Excalibur]

I'll give you strength. You are missing the point. I charge more for a morning or early afternoon set up because it is extraordinary. Paying for your bags, airport taxes and boarding is necessary to all flights; so therefore the "cheapo ugly airline" is a rip off. If you ask the airline if you can use their VIP lounge and get free champagne and extras you will be asked for a surcharge and will have to pay it. You have not been ripped off (unless it is poor value) you have chosen an extra service and paid for it.

WHY? :confused: THEY'RE EXACTLY THE SAME :Censored: PRICE!:bang: :bang: :bang:

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I don't charge any extra (at the moment). If I can set up early then it makes it easier for me and gives me the rest of the day to do other stuff but more importantly, I don't feel all hot and sweaty before I start the night. It also gives me a good go at soundchecking and making sure everything is working as it should. I always make sure in advance that the room or hall where I am setting up is going to be locked and secure. If it is a wedding and my gear is going to be on show whilst the guests have their meals etc, I will unplug all leads and the mic etc and also remove my Denon.

All this comes in with the price as it makes life easier for me but I will charge extra if they want me to be there playing background music etc

[Excalibur]

I don't charge any extra (at the moment). If I can set up early then it makes it easier for me and gives me the rest of the day to do other stuff but more importantly, I don't feel all hot and sweaty before I start the night. It also gives me a good go at soundchecking and making sure everything is working as it should. I always make sure in advance that the room or hall where I am setting up is going to be locked and secure. If it is a wedding and my gear is going to be on show whilst the guests have their meals etc, I will unplug all leads and the mic etc and also remove my Denon.

All this comes in with the price as it makes life easier for me but I will charge extra if they want me to be there playing background music etc

I think that's three so far. :D

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Excuse me?

[Excalibur]

Excuse me?

Those who have seen the light. ;) :D

[theoloyla]

WHY? :confused: THEY'RE EXACTLY THE SAME :Censored: PRICE!:bang: :bang: :bang:
No they are not exactly the same after you have added the charges for baggage, boarding etc. One is a lovely airline you said with attractive staff etc whilst the other one was cheap, nasty and ugly.

[Excalibur]

No they are not exactly the same after you have added the charges for baggage, boarding etc. One is a lovely airline you said with attractive staff etc whilst the other one was cheap, nasty and ugly.

Theo, you're just being mischievous now! ;) :D You know full well you missede out the word " price" ;)

[theoloyla]

With the surcharges they are the same price; so you are gonna go with the one with the ugly stewardesses?

[Excalibur]

With the surcharges they are the same price; so you are gonna go with the one with the ugly stewardesses?

Now you're being sexist! :D I always said flight attendants. ;) :D :D :D

[theoloyla]

You got me there!:) I always was a sucker for a pretty girl.:p

[Excalibur]

You got me there!:) I always was a sucker for a pretty girl.:p

And as for a pretty girl in a uniform................................;) :D :D

[theoloyla]

Stop it immediately!

[theoloyla]

I was responsible for the disco promotion of Billy Connolly's "In the Brownies". Does anyone still have a copy? Or a photo of Billy in a brownie's costume. You couldnt do it nowadays - you'd be arrested!

[One Vision]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtSbnql66j8

[theoloyla]

Karl I take my hat off to you.

[Tom]

I watch that video and I just see Corabar Steve. :sofa:

[theoloyla]

I watch that video and I just see Corabar Steve. :sofa:
Oooooooh another one in sooo much trouble!:) :eek: .................................................. .................................................. .........so did I!!!!

[Corabar Steve]

I got drummed out of the brownies

[Tom]

Oooooooh another one in sooo much trouble!:) :eek: .................................................. .................................................. .........so did I!!!!

Who else is in trouble then???