How much extra for this?

[rob1963]

Hi Folks.

I'm booked for a wedding reception with an early set up, and have just received an email from the bride.

She has asked if after setting up I can stay on site for the ceremony, which starts at noon in a room off the ballroom where the disco will be, and to play their entrance song, exit song & music while they're signing the register.

She's said the duration of this would be about 45 minutes, and would involve temporarily having one of my speakers on the end of a long cable in the ceremony room (about 15 metres from where the disco has been set up), and then moving it back to the ballroom after the ceremony ready for the evening reception.

If you were doing a disco with a daytime set up for £350 and received this request, how much extra would you charge?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts & opinions.

[Tony Scott]

If you're there anyway and got nothing better to do for an hour then do it for nothing. If I was to charge then an extra £30 would cover it. :)

[andyw]

i would charge her for the extra time it would involve,including setting up dismantling and moving the speaker back.so work out your hourly rate

[Charlie Brown]

I agree with Tony an extra £30 should cover it...but I reckon you could squeeze £50 out of them :D

[Vectis]

£25 per hour of part thereof

[deltic]

if the ceremony followed on from setting up i would hang around and do it at no extra cost.

[ppentertainments]

Next time you car/van is in the garage for a service ask if they will valet the inside and outside of the car for free, and see what reaction you get !!!.

Your is a similar scenario with different trades, the problem being the DJ trade is too soft compared to other trades and consequently we are expected to 'chuck things in for free'.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

£50+vat per hour.


Next time you car/van is in the garage for a service ask if they will valet the inside and outside of the car for free, and see what reaction you get !!!.

Your is a similar scenario with different trades, the problem being the DJ trade is too soft compared to other trades and consequently we are expected to 'chuck things in for free'.

Totally agree.

[Reminisce disco]

i'd do it for £50 :)

[PropellerHeadCase]

I think doing it at no charge would be a bad move - there is more importance placed on the music for the ceremony than there is for the dance so it can be quite a lot of hassle especially as your player (and thus the ability to press play) is out of line of sight from the ceremony (if I understand your description right).

Charge for the time from set-up to completion of ceremony (they may add a request for some background music for the first 15 minutes after the ceremony, too), so you'd be looking at the best part of two hours, all up, potentially.

[ppentertainments]

I think doing it at no charge would be a bad move - there is more importance placed on the music for the ceremony than there is for the dance so it can be quite a lot of hassle especially as your player (and thus the ability to press play) is out of line of sight from the ceremony (if I understand your description right).

Charge for the time from set-up to completion of ceremony (they may add a request for some background music for the first 15 minutes after the ceremony, too), so you'd be looking at the best part of two hours, all up, potentially.

I agree. I must admit I would be looking to use a very small pa system in the same room as opposed to 'stretching a speaker' into the room.

I have done this before in a small room simply using a speakezee speaker connected to a numark cd-mix.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Not that you should HAVE to justify your reasons but I would say £50.00 and if they are a bit funny with it I would say something like "I have another booking which I need to set up for aswell and will have to get someone to set that up for me as I won't be available".

[Penfold42]

£25 per hour of part thereof

:agree:

[rob1963]

Thanks for your replies on this.

I'm actually quite surprised on how low some of the suggestions are.

The extra time involved will be a minimum of one hour, but could be more, and I also need to factor in the cost of a 15 metre speaker lead.

I quoted the wrong initial price in my first post, as I forgot to add on the daytime set up cost, so the original price was actually £380 rather than the £350 stated.

Having ready your replies & given it some thought, I've decided to charge an extra £70 for this, partly because it brings the total price to a nice round £450, and I do love round figures!

I've just emailed the bride, and am now awaiting her response.

[Penfold42]

I've decided to charge an extra £70 for this, partly because it brings the total price to a nice round £450, and I do love round figures!

I think that's a very fair price.

[Tony Scott]

......
I've just emailed the bride, and am now awaiting her response.



My number is 01305 775579...make sure she gets it and tell her I'll do it all in for £300...;) :D

[Cowlinn]

Having ready your replies & given it some thought, I've decided to charge an extra £70 for this, partly because it brings the total price to a nice round £450, and I do love round figures!


70 Quid!!!:eek: For a speaker for an hour? Gosh!

[Penfold42]

PMSL......:D :D :D :D :D ....I'll do it for £250.....:eek: :D

[rob1963]

My number is 01305 775579...make sure she gets it and tell her I'll do it all in for £300...;) :D

Ahhh...but she didn't see you at another wedding last year & she didn't then decide she wanted you to do HER wedding!

:p

[ppentertainments]

Ahhh...but she didn't see you at another wedding last year & she didn't then decide she wanted you to do HER wedding!

:p

Must have been the only disco she has EVER been too :D :p :D :eek:

[Tony Scott]

Ahhh...but she didn't see you at another wedding last year & she didn't then decide she wanted you to do HER wedding!

:p

....she's seen you and still went with you, she must have been very drunk Rob! :D :D

[rob1963]

70 Quid!!!:eek: For a speaker for an hour? Gosh!

It's a bit more than just a speaker for an hour!


Must have been the only disco she has EVER been too :D :p :D :eek:


....she's seen you and still went with you, she must have been very drunk Rob! :D :D

:rofl:

[Charlie Brown]

I think that was a good move, let us know the outcome Rob :)

[rob1963]

I think that was a good move, let us know the outcome Rob :)

Will do, Charlie.

[Kernow]

Charge the full rate for a quiz :)

Questions to include:

"Do you take this woman ??....etc. etc. etc"

:D :D

[Babybob]

Yeah you could get another £400 for the quiz.;) ;)

[BeerFunk]

I think your price is very justified, Rob, very fair.

As a loose comparison, anyone who has dealt with solicitors will know how much you get for free :(

[Need4Sound]

Next time you car/van is in the garage for a service ask if they will valet the inside and outside of the car for free, and see what reaction you get !!!.

Your is a similar scenario with different trades, the problem being the DJ trade is too soft compared to other trades and consequently we are expected to 'chuck things in for free'.

Most main dealers wash and hoover your car, but you have already paid for it in the price. Backstreet garage will fix your car with no frills, wash and hoover will cost extra. Guess it depends if you think you're main dealer or backstreet??

For me, I'd throw it in for free and make sure they know I'm a great service provider. If you are honest, will it really take much effort and stop you earning money elsewhere? Sometimes a small freebie goes a long way, ;)

[ppentertainments]

Most main dealers wash and hoover your car, but you have already paid for it in the price. Backstreet garage will fix your car with no frills, wash and hoover will cost extra. Guess it depends if you think you're main dealer or backstreet??

For me, I'd throw it in for free and make sure they know I'm a great service provider. If you are honest, will it really take much effort and stop you earning money elsewhere? Sometimes a small freebie goes a long way, ;)

Buy you contradict yourself. Any extras are either included in the price (still charged for) or charged extra in the motor trade - so why should we be different ??

[rob1963]

For me, I'd throw it in for free and make sure they know I'm a great service provider.

I don't have a day job, so I decided to charge £70, and I'm sure she will STILL think I'm a great service provider!


If you are honest, will it really take much effort and stop you earning money elsewhere?

Not really.


Sometimes a small freebie goes a long way, ;)

And sometimes it doesn't!

[Cowlinn]

Charge the full rate for a quiz :)

Questions to include:

"Do you take this woman ??....etc. etc. etc"

:D :D

HAHAHA

[nigelwright7557]

I would do it for £15 if I wouldnt have normally been around at that time.
Otherwise I wouldnt charge.

[Kernow]

I guess it all depends on how you build your relationship with the client ?

On two occasions in 2008, I was invited to also attend the ceremonies & four-course Wedding Breakfasts, and considered it an honour to do so.
At the second I was even invited to take a dip in the Hotel pool with the B&G and their guests in the interim period before the evening guests arrived.

All of this before I'd even powered up the rig. :)

Had either of these couples asked for additional PA or playout, which neither did, I don't see in the circumstances that this could have been anything other than complimentary extras.

I realise that these are very much exceptions rather than the norm, but it is nice when it happens. :)

I should stress that neither couple is related in any way to me and, prior to the pre-event meetings were complete strangers (although obviously not to each other !! ;) )

[DeckstarDeluxe]

I guess it all depends on how you build your relationship with the client ?

On two occasions in 2008, I was invited to also attend the ceremonies & four-course Wedding Breakfasts, and considered it an honour to do so.
At the second I was even invited to take a dip in the Hotel pool with the B&G and their guests in the interim period before the evening guests arrived.

All of this before I'd even powered up the rig. :)

Had either of these couples asked for additional PA or playout, which neither did, I don't see in the circumstances that this could have been anything other than complimentary extras.

I realise that these are very much exceptions rather than the norm, but it is nice when it happens. :)

I should stress that neither couple is related in any way to me and, prior to the pre-event meetings were complete strangers (although obviously not to each other !! ;) )


Couldnt argee more!

[ppentertainments]

I guess it all depends on how you build your relationship with the client ?

On two occasions in 2008, I was invited to also attend the ceremonies & four-course Wedding Breakfasts, and considered it an honour to do so.
At the second I was even invited to take a dip in the Hotel pool with the B&G and their guests in the interim period before the evening guests arrived.

All of this before I'd even powered up the rig. :)

Had either of these couples asked for additional PA or playout, which neither did, I don't see in the circumstances that this could have been anything other than complimentary extras.

I realise that these are very much exceptions rather than the norm, but it is nice when it happens. :)

I should stress that neither couple is related in any way to me and, prior to the pre-event meetings were complete strangers (although obviously not to each other !! ;) )

Whilst it is nice to build up a good rapport with clients I always try to keep it strictly business. I have even been invited to stag nights before, but politely turned down the invitations. I have seen a lot of photographers who have built friendships with customers but then are put in an awkward position when it comes to charging - especially for extras.

[par6]

The extra time involved will be a minimum of one hour, but could be more, and I also need to factor in the cost of a 15 metre speaker lead
If you tried to charge me for the cost of a lead I'd cancel you totally and employ a real professional who had the required equipment.

[ppentertainments]

If you tried to charge me for the cost of a lead I'd cancel you totally and employ a real professional who had the required equipment.

In Rob's defence :eek: , he did say he would have to 'factor in' the cost not charge outright.

Again, this is where we differ to other trades. If you hired a tradesman to do a job and he needed to hire / source extra equipment you would be charged for it. I know it is extreme to charge for a lead, but if you don't have a lead and would be unlikely to use one again this has to be a consideration, you won't get much change out of £20 for one.

[rob1963]

The extra time involved will be a minimum of one hour, but could be more, and I also need to factor in the cost of a 15 metre speaker lead.


If you tried to charge me for the cost of a lead I'd cancel you totally and employ a real professional who had the required equipment.

With all due respect, I find your comment very insulting.

Firstly, I AM a real professional (in every sense of the word).

I know plenty of discos who've had to borrow, hire or buy stuff for a particular gig which they didn't already have, and in many cases have increased their charge accordingly. How on EARTH can that be unprofessional? In MY mind it's just common sense.

Secondly, if you were in the same situation as my client, you would NOT cancel me totally, because you wouldn't KNOW whether or not I had to buy & pass on the charge for a 15 metre speaker cable.

When I replied to my client, I simply gave her a total price for what she wanted, and made no mention of having to buy anything, as this is irrelevant. All she needs to know is if I can do what she requires, and my price for doing so. End of.

[par6]

Just hope they don't read this post, on a public forum :eek:
I can see the headlines now, "DJ who charges £450 for wedding disco doesn't even have a speaker lead long enough shocker" ;)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Just hope they don't read this post, on a public forum :eek:
I can see the headlines now, "DJ who charges £450 for wedding disco doesn't even have a speaker lead long enough shocker" ;)

Sorry, but what you are saying is complete rubbish. There has been times when I have factored in the cost of something extra, including extra long leads for a ceremony PA.

[rob1963]

Just hope they don't read this post, on a public forum :eek:
I can see the headlines now, "DJ who charges £450 for wedding disco doesn't even have a speaker lead long enough shocker" ;)


Sorry, but what you are saying is complete rubbish. There has been times when I have factored in the cost of something extra, including extra long leads for a ceremony PA.

There speaks the voice of reason.

Thank you, Darren. :thumbsup:

par6, please take note.

[Kernow]

Whilst it is nice to build up a good rapport with clients I always try to keep it strictly business. I have even been invited to stag nights before, but politely turned down the invitations. I have seen a lot of photographers who have built friendships with customers but then are put in an awkward position when it comes to charging - especially for extras.


Well I would certainly draw the line at being asked to be a bridesmaid or an invitation to the Honeymoon Suite :D (or even a Stag Night ;) ) but I try to build friendships with all my clients.

I find it makes for a much easier interaction on the night and a feeling of 'personal involvement' amongst all parties. It also facilitates trust, which in my experience makes the collection of fees etc. much smoother.

I don't seek to visit them for dinner, or become a godparent :confused: , but I find that it does increase the repeat business that results.
For example, I am already booked for the First Anniversary party for one of these couples, and the chief bridesmaid at the second is awaiting her date to get married, for which she has guaranteed me the gig.

I find it deeply personally satisfying that on both occasions, I will already be familiar with those present and know exactly where their expectations lie.

I have had to make no concessions in this but will ensure that everything required will be provided from within my existing inventory without extra charge.

:D :D

[rob1963]

I try to build friendships with all my clients.

For me, business & friendships are two different things.

I don't mix the two. I already have my friends, and there's no way I'd try to get all my business clients to become friends.

Out of interest, after the function, on what level do these clients become friends?

Do you go out drinking or to the cinema or a restaurant with them? and do you go on holiday with them? I'm just curious as to what you mean & how it works.

:shrug:

[Kernow]

For me, business & friendships are two different things.

I don't mix the two. I already have my friends, and there's no way I'd try to get my business clients to become friends.

Out of interest, after the function, on what level do these clients become frineds?

Do you go out drinking or to the cinema or a restaurant with them? and do you go on holiday with them? I'm just curious as to what you mean & how it works.

:shrug:

None of the above ;) , just see them at the next gig. :)

Surely it wouldn't be difficult to "factor in" a couple of these:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NL4MMX-Speakon-Disco-DJ-Band-Karaoke-Lead-Coupler_W0QQitemZ230327187081QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK _ConElec_LightingLEDsStrobes_RL?hash=item230327187 081&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1683%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C 240%3A1318

And they would be a very valuable addition to your versatility ?

[par6]

Sorry, but what you are saying is complete rubbish. There has been times when I have factored in the cost of something extra, including extra long leads for a ceremony PA.
So you have charged the client for something that you should have as a professional :confused: Did you then give the lead to the client after it was used as it was them who effectively purchased it?...........thought not.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

So you have charged the client for something that you should have as a professional :confused: Did you then give the lead to the client after it was used as it was them who effectively purchased it?...........thought not.

Have you no idea about running a business?

I had to buy some 25m leads, something that I do not hold in stock, so I factored them into the price.

Why would I give the client the lead? They hired the PA from me - they didn't buy it.

[par6]

so I factored them into the price
For " factored them into the price", read, "charged the client for something I really should have had" :(

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

For " factored them into the price", read, "charged the client for something I really should have had" :(

You obviously aren't reading my posts are you? I don't have 25m or 50m cables in stock as I don't generally use them.

And you obviously have no business sense whatsoever if you just give a client something that you had to buy in extra.

[rob1963]

I try to build friendships with all my clients.


For me, business & friendships are two different things.

I don't mix the two. I already have my friends, and there's no way I'd try to get all my business clients to become friends.

Out of interest, after the function, on what level do these clients become friends?

Do you go out drinking or to the cinema or a restaurant with them? and do you go on holiday with them? I'm just curious as to what you mean & how it works.

:shrug:


None of the above

Ahhhh...so you don't REALLY build friendships with clients at all! ;)


So you have charged the client for something that you should have as a professional.

Who is to say there's something you should have as a professional.....when you've never needed it before in 25 years in the business?


Did you then give the lead to the client after it was used as it was them who effectively purchased it?.

With all due respect, I've never heard anything so ridiculous.

What on EARTH would a bride want with a 15 metre speaker cable?


Have you no idea about running a business?

I had to buy some 25m leads, something that I do not hold in stock, so I factored them into the price.

Why would I give the client the lead? They hired the PA from me - they didn't buy it.

:agree:

[Kernow]

I don't understand why it is necessary to give a client an itemised breakdown of individual items & extras :confused:

Surely if we need to source something additional, which at times we all have to do, as experienced professionals we will have an approximate idea of the cost, and this will be included in a total figure at the time of quoting.

People will sometimes have afterthoughts about what they may require, but if enough effort is put in to the initial consultation to gain all the information needed there shouldn't be a problem.

[rob1963]

I don't understand why it is necessary to give a client an itemised breakdown of individual items & extras :confused:

Surely if we need to source something additional, which at times we all have to do, as experienced professionals we will have an approximate idea of the cost, and this will be included in a total figure at the time of quoting.


Exactly, and if the client later comes back to us requesting something extra, we will increase our original price if we feel this is appropriate, depending on what's involved.

[Babybob]

What on EARTH would a bride want with a 15 metre speaker cable?



She may want to tie up the DJ for charging her £1.50 for going 90 seconds over his allotted time.;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;)

[Kernow]

Ahhhh...so you don't REALLY build friendships with clients at all! ;)


Indeed I do :) , just not intimate relationships :p

[rob1963]

What on EARTH would a bride want with a 15 metre speaker cable?

She may want to tie up the DJ for charging her £1.50 for going 90 seconds over his allotted time.;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;)

:rofl:

[Kernow]

Exactly, and if the client later comes back to us requesting something extra, we will increase our original price if we feel this is appropriate, depending on what's involved.

Perfectly acceptable :thumbs_up:

Then it's easy to sell as "Well, that's very special....but if you really want it :) I'll get the best price possible for you"

:)

[par6]

You obviously aren't reading my posts are you? I don't have 25m or 50m cables in stock as I don't generally use them.

And you obviously have no business sense whatsoever if you just give a client something that you had to buy in extra.
If you charged them for it, give it to them, it's theirs not yours, don't steal it, or is that what you call "business sense" ?

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

If you charged them for it, give it to them, it's theirs not yours, don't steal it, or is that what you call "business sense" ?

I will say again, they did not buy anything, they hired it.

Please don't accuse me of stealing as you will be leaving this site very quickly.

[rob1963]

If you charged them for it, give it to them, it's theirs not yours, don't steal it, or is that what you call "business sense" ?

I despair.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I despair.

So do I.

[Kernow]

I will say again, they did not buy anything, they hired it.

Please don't accuse me of stealing as you will be leaving this site very quickly.

Especially for stealing his thunder !! ;)

:D :D

[Shakermaker Promotions]

At christmas in my local, I was DJing Christmas Eve, Boxing Day and New Years Eve. I said I would put sound in the other bar too so that everyone could get the same experience. When it came to connecting them all up to my amp, I realised that my leads weren't long enough.

Now, the boss didn't ask me to put extra sound in, I did it..I offered. I had to nip down to Dawsons in the town centre and get more leads...job done!
Did I charge the boss? NO
Did she offer to re-imburse me? YES
Did I take any extra cash off her? NO

The reason being, I said..."Well, I may well need them in the future" and low and behold, I did!
I did a wedding on December 28th and they were lighting chinese lanterns in the garden which was a fair bit away from the function room. They asked if I could place a speaker outside. Now, days before I wouldn't have been able to do that but now I could. They were very pleased and complimented me on that and I said that nothing was too much trouble.

Yes, ideally we should have the capacity to be able to do stuff like that but then again, I can see the other side too. I didn't charge extra because I guessed I would need them at some point and I was right. It just gave me the push the I needed to get them before it was too late....if that makes sense.

Par6, you may want to read your replies before you post them as they come across pretty aggressive.

[par6]

Especially for stealing his thunder !! ;)

:D :D
Exactly, the power of the moderator, hey :confused:

[rob1963]

At christmas in my local, I was DJing Christmas Eve, Boxing Day and New Years Eve. I said I would put sound in the other bar too so that everyone could get the same experience. When it came to connecting them all up to my amp, I realised that my leads weren't long enough.

Now, the boss didn't ask me to put extra sound in, I did it..I offered. I had to nip down to Dawsons in the town centre and get more leads...job done!
Did I charge the boss? NO
Did she offer to re-imburse me? YES
Did I take any extra cash off her? NO

The reason being, I said..."Well, I may well need them in the future" and low and behold, I did!
I did a wedding on December 28th and they were lighting chinese lanterns in the garden which was a fair bit away from the function room. They asked if I could place a speaker outside. Now, days before I wouldn't have been able to do that but now I could. They were very pleased and complimented me on that and I said that nothing was too much trouble.

Yes, ideally we should have the capacity to be able to do stuff like that but then again, I can see the other side too. I didn't charge extra because I guessed I would need them at some point and I was right. It just gave me the push the I needed to get them before it was too late....if that makes sense.

Par6, you may want to read your replies before you post them as they come across pretty aggressive.

The question is, Gary, is it feasible, sensible & cost effective to all the stuff that you might only use once in your disco career...if at all?

In MY case, the answer is no.

Firstly, I see it as a waste of money, and secondly I don't have the space.

I've never needed 15 metre speaker leads in 25 years, which is why I don't have any.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Again, I disagree (that's twice in one day now mate).
Once in 25 years for you then fair enough but twice in a week for me makes it worthwhile and also, knowing now what I can do with those makes it even more worthwhile.

[[email protected]]

At christmas in my local, I was DJing Christmas Eve, Boxing Day and New Years Eve. I said I would put sound in the other bar too so that everyone could get the same experience. When it came to connecting them all up to my amp, I realised that my leads weren't long enough.

Now, the boss didn't ask me to put extra sound in, I did it..I offered. I had to nip down to Dawsons in the town centre and get more leads...job done!
Did I charge the boss? NO
Did she offer to re-imburse me? YES
Did I take any extra cash off her? NO

The reason being, I said..."Well, I may well need them in the future" and low and behold, I did!
I did a wedding on December 28th and they were lighting chinese lanterns in the garden which was a fair bit away from the function room. They asked if I could place a speaker outside. Now, days before I wouldn't have been able to do that but now I could. They were very pleased and complimented me on that and I said that nothing was too much trouble.

Yes, ideally we should have the capacity to be able to do stuff like that but then again, I can see the other side too. I didn't charge extra because I guessed I would need them at some point and I was right. It just gave me the push the I needed to get them before it was too late....if that makes sense.

Par6, you may want to read your replies before you post them as they come across pretty aggressive.

Doing something above and beyond for a regular customer is IMO a little bit different than providing extra services for a one off customer, especially as it was brought into the job after it was agreed and contracted.

[yourdj]

£25 per hour if not too difficult work if your not doing anything else anyway.

[rob1963]

Again, I disagree (that's twice in one day now mate).

Steady on, Gary!


Once in 25 years for you then fair enough

Ahhh...so you don't really disagree at all! :D

[Kernow]

Mr James, have you perchance cut and pasted the phrase:
"Aahh so you don't really /insert random text here/ at all" ??
Since you have used it twice in this thread alone ;) :D

[Javlingames]

Hi Folks.

I'm booked for a wedding reception with an early set up, and have just received an email from the bride.

She has asked if after setting up I can stay on site for the ceremony, which starts at noon in a room off the ballroom where the disco will be, and to play their entrance song, exit song & music while they're signing the register.

She's said the duration of this would be about 45 minutes, and would involve temporarily having one of my speakers on the end of a long cable in the ceremony room (about 15 metres from where the disco has been set up), and then moving it back to the ballroom after the ceremony ready for the evening reception.

If you were doing a disco with a daytime set up for £350 and received this request, how much extra would you charge?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts & opinions.

Is the gig far from your house? would you normally set up then go home and come back later? If the answer is yes then you have to be on site all day, I would quote for an extra £150,

[rob1963]

Mr James, have you perchance cut and pasted the phrase:
"Aahh so you don't really /insert random text here/ at all" ??
Since you have used it twice in this thread alone ;) :D

I hadn't even noticed! :p


Is the gig far from your house? would you normally set up then go home and come back later? If the answer is yes then you have to be on site all day, I would quote for an extra £150,

Javlin,

It's probably about 15 miles away.

When I have an early set up in the AFTERNOON, I often stay at the venue, but at this is a morning set up & the disco doesn't start until 7.00pm, I was planning on coming home as soon as I'd set up.

It now looks like I'll have to stay on for an hour or two, although I'm still waiting for the bride to come back to me when she's spoken to the venue.

[PropellerHeadCase]

Firstly, I see it as a waste of money, and secondly I don't have the space.

I've never needed 15 metre speaker leads in 25 years, which is why I don't have any.

Then again, if you do what I do (a spare set of leads with barrel connectors) you could provide the lead and completely justify the cost.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Exactly, the power of the moderator, hey :confused:

It's got nothing to do with that. I will not have people accusing me of theft on my own forum.

[Babybob]

How do you all feel about leaving your gear at a venue for a few hours after you've set up. There are professional thieves around that would find it extremely easy to steal your equipment.
Let's say you set up with your very expensive RCF's or equivalent then go home for a couple of hours, a seasoned thief could then turn up with a cheap set of speakers carry them in and swap them, if questioned he would simply say that he was providing more suitable speakers. I know it may sound a bit far fetched to some but believe me there are people out there who operate on these grounds.

[Corabar Steve]

I've read some idiotic posts in my time on this forum, but some of the above really take the biscuit!

At the and of the day why should Rob have to absorb the expence of the new lead? Also time spent on site should be charged for. End of story.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I'll tell you what, I still can't believe the way some of you think and operate. Some of the posts in this thread are laughable and it's almost embarassing being associated with the industry because of them.

Rob, I totally understand that you went out of your way but :Censored: :Censored: Come on!!! It may be a simple lead and you may say that you haven't felt the need for a lead like that in the past 25 years BUT...it's a tool in order to help you do your job. You are a tradesman afterall.

Judging by some of the posts on this forum just lately, I get the impression that some people are far too anorak-ish and sometimes stingey about the whole thing. I apologise if that upsets a few people on here but there are some people that are on the wind up and that's obvious to see. There are also some that will (what seems like anyway), totally disagree or say the total opposite to what others say. I know it's a forum and everyone is entitled to their opinion etc etc etc...nothing wrong with that but I came on here in the first place to learn more (because even after 20 years I don't claim to know everything), and also to maybe help others. Just lately it seems that it's got really petty.

There are people on here that are blatantly prejudice, wind up merchants and know it all's and to be honest, I think I have learnt and said as much as I can now. I am not saying that I know everything whatsoever but I do think that a few people on here need to learn a lot.

The 'Charging by the minute' DJ does not post on here but it was interesting to hear what others thought and most people are doing the same thing by the looks of it. I even understood Rob's reasoning eventually and fair play.

From now on, I'll read the forum but I'll lay off the posting unless I really feel the need to post something productive and helpful. In the meantime I will keep doing what I am doing because it works for me.

[rob1963]

Rob, I totally understand that you went out of your way but :Censored: :Censored: Come on!!! It may be a simple lead and you may say that you haven't felt the need for a lead like that in the past 25 years BUT...it's a tool in order to help you do your job. You are a tradesman afterall.

I know it's a tool to help me do my job, Gary...but it's a tool I've never needed yet, which is why I've never bought one before.

If the client wants to go ahead with the music in the ceremony room, I will either borrow an appropriate lead or buy one.

Surely that's common sense?

[Cowlinn]

I'll tell you what, I still can't believe the way some of you think and operate. Some of the posts in this thread are laughable and it's almost embarassing being associated with the industry because of them.

Rob, I totally understand that you went out of your way but :Censored: :Censored: Come on!!! It may be a simple lead and you may say that you haven't felt the need for a lead like that in the past 25 years BUT...it's a tool in order to help you do your job. You are a tradesman afterall.

Judging by some of the posts on this forum just lately, I get the impression that some people are far too anorak-ish and sometimes stingey about the whole thing. I apologise if that upsets a few people on here but there are some people that are on the wind up and that's obvious to see. There are also some that will (what seems like anyway), totally disagree or say the total opposite to what others say. I know it's a forum and everyone is entitled to their opinion etc etc etc...nothing wrong with that but I came on here in the first place to learn more (because even after 20 years I don't claim to know everything), and also to maybe help others. Just lately it seems that it's got really petty.

There are people on here that are blatantly prejudice, wind up merchants and know it all's and to be honest, I think I have learnt and said as much as I can now. I am not saying that I know everything whatsoever but I do think that a few people on here need to learn a lot.

The 'Charging by the minute' DJ does not post on here but it was interesting to hear what others thought and most people are doing the same thing by the looks of it. I even understood Rob's reasoning eventually and fair play.

From now on, I'll read the forum but I'll lay off the posting unless I really feel the need to post something productive and helpful. In the meantime I will keep doing what I am doing because it works for me.


Agreed, Been wound up alot on this forum, only been here a few months! Going to lay off posting too...not that anyone will care lol.
Will still read and anything that i happen to know, i will post or answer.

EDIT: I was obvioulsy wrong about thinking it should be done for free, and Rob, i apolagise for saying "a speaker for an hour" i now realise its alot more work.

[wensleydale]

I know it's a tool to help me do my job, Gary...but it's a tool I've never needed yet, which is why I've never bought one before.

If the client wants to go ahead with the music in the ceremony room, I will either borrow an appropriate lead or buy one.

Surely that's common sense?

i think a bit of lateral thinking as touched on earlier is needed here- its not a 15m lead thats needed but 15m of lead- ie a 10m and a 5m connected.

Rob- do you have any spare speaker leads or can you connect your 2 usual ones together if you only need one speaker?
failing that take me up on my offer!

[rob1963]

i think a bit of lateral thinking as touched on earlier is needed here- its not a 15m lead thats needed but 15m of lead- ie a 10m and a 5m connected.

Rob- do you have any spare speaker leads or can you connect your 2 usual ones together if you only need one speaker?
failing that take me up on my offer!

Rich,

I do have a spare speaker lead, but it's only a short one.

I don't even know if I'll need the long lead yet, as I'm waiting to hear from the bride when she's spoken to the venue, but if it IS required, I may well take you up on your offer!

:beerchug:

[Danno13]

If anyone needs any longer speaker cables, I have about 3 or 4 40-50m ones that I could lend you, just pay the the postage :)

I bought them for an outdoor PA and, of course, added about £100 to cover the purchase of a couple of 100m reels and a load of speakon connectors & couplers!

[Charlie Brown]

This is all rather upsetting...I certainly don't like arguments. Everything was fine until a very rude member came along and had a go at Rob, who is a full time working professional...and Cowlin you came along with the biggest ego I have seen in my life, and lying about what equipment you use was the icing on the cake:confused:
Garry your one of the people on this forum who actually spend the time to write full interesting threads/posts that are enjoyable to read. You always have a valid reason and a good argument....don't let a 15m speaker lead ruin this..I will certainly miss the mini essays. How about we all leave it and drop it now...Rob asked for advice and he certainly got it. The price has been decided so lets wait and see what the outcome is. :)

(Sorry if I stepped out of line Mod's by saying this....sat at the kitchen table at home and felt I had to say it)

[par6]

At the and of the day why should Rob have to absorb the expence of the new lead? .
Because as a tradesman he SHOULD have the tools of the trade, and if he hasn't don't expect the client to effectively buy it for him.

[Charlie Brown]

Because as a tradesman he SHOULD have the tools of the trade, and if he hasn't don't expect the client to effectively buy it for him.

:bang: :bang: :bang: :bang: :bang: :bang: :bang: :bang: :bang:

I'm silly, blonde and not very intelligent....but your posts are something else. Seriously.

[Danno13]

Because as a tradesman he SHOULD have the tools of the trade, and if he hasn't don't expect the client to effectively buy it for him.

But owning a long speaker cable isn't a prerequisite for just providing a normal disco is it?

[par6]

But owning a long speaker cable isn't a prerequisite for just providing a normal disco is it?
Obviously in this case it is.

[Danno13]

But Rob's website doesn't say that the service he provides includes the use of longer speaker cables for additional services like background during the meal etc. nor has the client been led to beleive his prices include this.

So why shouldn't they expect to pay any more for it? Personally speaking, I think the speaker cable is the least of the extra cost, it's the extra time that should be charged for.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Right, Charlie and Cowlin, this is an official warning.

Take your arguments on to MSN and not here. I will not tell you again.

[Cowlinn]

Right, Charlie and Cowlin, this is an official warning.

Take your arguments on to MSN and not here. I will not tell you again.

You Deleted my posts?

[Jiggles]

Yes he did. Keep it off the forum end of!!

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

You Deleted my posts?

And I will continue to do so if you post non related childish arguments with Charlie.

[Cowlinn]

i bet rob wished he never asked!!!

[PropellerHeadCase]

But owning a long speaker cable isn't a prerequisite for just providing a normal disco is it?


Obviously in this case it is.

If it is "in this case" then it is, by definition, not normal.

[yourdj]

quite a lot of hassle especially as your player (and thus the ability to press play) is out of line of sight from the ceremony (if I understand your description right)..

Did on e of those and its a nightmare. I was inside and the ceremony was outside. I could not see anything. I had to provide music and PA and then move my gear to somewhere else after. you really need to be in front of the speakers in the main room.

Wireless senders (£30 from maplin) and some good small active speakers would be a good bet.

Its so much of a responsibility to get right.

[rob1963]

But Rob's website doesn't say that the service he provides includes the use of longer speaker cables for additional services like background during the meal etc. nor has the client been led to beleive his prices include this.

So why shouldn't they expect to pay any more for it? Personally speaking, I think the speaker cable is the least of the extra cost, it's the extra time that should be charged for.

Thank you Danno!

When I quoted £70 for the extra stuff she wanted, in my mind I was thinking about £60 of this would be for the extra time in playing the music and around a tenner towards the long lead.


i bet rob wished he never asked!!!

You're not wrong there, Cowlin!

That's one of the things I love about this forum...it's about as predictable as the British weather!

When I started the thread to ask how much to charge for playing music for 45 minutes in the ceremony room, little did I know it would receive 1,300 viewings & nearly 100 replies.

I also had no idea it would lead to various insults, accusations, people saying they'll stop posting, arguments about whether I should already own a long speaker lead, official warnings & posts being deleted.

All I wanted was peoples opinions on how much to charge...I'm sorry i've caused so much trouble. That was never my intention.

:cry:

[Vectis]

All I wanted was peoples opinions on how much to charge...I'm sorry i've caused so much trouble. That was never my intention.


Oh, Rob, you're SUCH a stirrer! :p :p :p :D :D :D

[rob1963]

Oh, Rob, you're SUCH a stirrer! :p :p :p :D :D :D

:sofa:

[DeckstarDeluxe]

It never fails to amaze me how differently people in the same industry view things like this as such. I will say Rob ideally you should own some long speaker leads because you "never know" but then again it really does depend how long does it need to be?

In all fairness your providing an extra service and if it means extra work why not quote extra for it. Weddings are stressful enough to do because if you do something wrong its not "just a party" its whats meant to be the most important day in at least two peoples lives that day.

[rob1963]

I will say Rob ideally you should own some long speaker leads because you "never know" but then again it really does depend how long does it need to be?

I appreciate your opinion, but I disagree that I should already have something which I've never needed in 25 years, and might not even need THIS time (depending on what the bride says when she comes back to me).

Out of interest, do you own a Le Maitre pyrotechnics system with some pods that give off green smoke for 30 seconds...just in case someone books you once in your life & requests this?

After all, as you said, you "never know".

:shrug:

[DeckstarDeluxe]

I appreciate your opinion, but I disagree that I should already have something which I've never needed in 25 years, and might not even need THIS time (depending on what the bride says when she comes back to me).

Out of interest, do you own a Le Maitre pyrotechnics system with some pods that give off green smoke for 30 seconds...just in case someone books you once in your life & requests this?

After all, as you said, you "never know".

:shrug:

thats abit different than an longer speaker cable which you use for every single disco you do isnt it.......

Dont you carry spares? why not buy an connecter to link?

[rob1963]

thats abit different than an longer speaker cable which you use for every single disco you do isnt it.......

But I DON'T use a longer speaker cable for every single disco.

I've only ever needed standard cables a few metres long for the 1,600 discos I've done so far.


Dont you carry spares?

Yes, but my spare speaker lead is only a few metres long.


why not buy an connecter to link?

Because the resulting lead wouldn't be anywhere NEAR long enough.

[rob1963]

I think doing it at no charge would be a bad move - there is more importance placed on the music for the ceremony than there is for the dance so it can be quite a lot of hassle especially as your player (and thus the ability to press play) is out of line of sight from the ceremony (if I understand your description right).

You're spot on with your assumption Al, and thanks for this, as it wasn't something I'd considered.

How will I know when to play things when I'm 15 meters away from the room where the ceremony is?

I've decided that if the bride goes for this, I'll suggest to her that I take my quiz console, as this is a stucco case containing a 250 watt mono mixer/amplifier & a mini disc player.

That way, I can be at the back of the room with the music on mini disc & one speaker on a tripod...and I won't even NEED the long speaker lead that has become the bain of my life since I started this thread.

Problem solved!

:D

[James]

many business's hire in outside contractors to hire certain equipment, i don't see what the need is for a 11 page thread

At the end of the day the guy in question can charge as little or as much as he wants, after all, it is his business

personaly, if it was me, i'd charge her by the half hour @ £25 per half hour, the cost of the leads i'd absorb into the price, they might come in handy sometime in the future.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

many business's hire in outside contractors to hire certain equipment, i don't see what the need is for a 11 page threade.

Maybe because it's a forum where things are debated.



At the end of the day the guy in question can charge as little or as much as he wants, after all, it is his business.

Is anyone disputing that then?


personally, if it was me, i'd charge her by the half hour @ £25 per half hour, the cost of the leads i'd absorb into the price, they might come in handy sometime in the future.

You don't see the need for an 11 page thread, and yet you have just posted your opinion? I think you have answered your own question.

[Corabar Steve]

Because as a tradesman he SHOULD have the tools of the trade, and if he hasn't don't expect the client to effectively buy it for him.That's a bit like saying a carpenter should have a soldering iron in his kit.


But owning a long speaker cable isn't a prerequisite for just providing a normal disco is it?


Obviously in this case it is.No it's not. Have you read the thread at all?? For the normal disco Rob's speakers will be no more than a few feet away from the rest of his kit. Rob doesn't usually supply satellite systems to provide music in rooms other than the one he is doing his main performance in, therefore there is no need to have a lead of that length & it would be a foolish waste of money to buy it until he actually needs it.

As it happens we have leads up to 40m long, but & it's a big but, we didn't buy them until we had a booking that the job required it. We then factored the cost of the leads into the cost of the booking via the extra work that the job entailed having satellite speakers in another room, cable runs & the extra time it took to set up the equipment. However on subsequent jobs that have required the same set up, the same charge (as the original job the leads were purchased for) was made. Effectively absorbing the cost of the original purchase.

As Rob doesn't offer the services that we do there is no reason why he shouldn't charge for a lead that he may very well never use again in his entire career.


Are you actually a DJ at all or as suggested in another thread just an Internet forum troll? Because you seem to be exhibiting far more troll like behaviour than DJ like behaviour at the moment.

[rob1963]

Have you read the thread at all?? For the normal disco Rob's speakers will be no more than a few feet away from the rest of his kit. [COLOR="Red"]Rob doesn't usually supply satellite systems to provide music in rooms other than the one he is doing his main performance in,[?COLOR] therefore there is no need to have a lead of that length & it would be a foolish waste of money to buy it until he actually needs it.

Just for the record, I NEVER supply satellite systems to provide music in other rooms. This has never been requested by a client before, which is why I don't already own the long lead in question.


As it happens we have leads up to 40m long, but & it's a big but, we didn't buy them until we had a booking that the job required it. We then factored the cost of the leads into the cost of the booking via the extra work that the job entailed having satellite speakers in another room, cable runs & the extra time it took to set up the equipment. However on subsequent jobs that have required the same set up, the same charge (as the original job the leads were purchased for) was made. Effectively absorbing the cost of the original purchase.

That makes perfect sense to me.


As Rob doesn't offer the services that we do there is no reason why he shouldn't charge for a lead that he may very well never use again in his entire career.

Indeed.

If I've never needed a lead of this length in 25 years, it's VERY unlikely I'll need one again in the few years before I retire.


Are you actually a DJ at all or as suggested in another thread just an Internet forum troll? Because you seem to be exhibiting far more troll like behaviour than DJ like behaviour at the moment.

I don't think you're far off the mark there.

[par6]

Are you two the same person ? serious question.

[rob1963]

Are you two the same person ? serious question.

Steve is 41, lives in London, joined the forum in June 2005 and is a forum admin.

I am 45, live in Surrey, joined the forum in February 2007 and am NOT an admin...or even a moderator here.

Armed with this information, see if you can work out the answer for yourself.

[Corabar Steve]

Either we are 2 different people or we are a schizophrenic who likes arguing with himself. You decide


Are you two the same person ? serious question.

Are you actually a DJ.......?
Serious question.


& I'm 41, not 40 Rob :sj:

[rob1963]

& I'm 41, not 40 Rob :sj:

Wow Steve...you're older than I thought!

Error corrected...apologies!

:D

[Kernow]

That way, I can be at the back of the room with the music on mini disc & one speaker on a tripod...and I won't even NEED the long speaker lead that has become the bain of my life since I started this thread.:D


Aahh, so you're not really in need of a lead at all ? ;)

:D :D :D

[rob1963]

Aahh, so you're not really in need of a lead at all ? ;) :D :D :D

Now where have I heard that before? :p

By the looks of things, even if the bride decides to go ahead, no.

:D :D :D

[Kernow]

Now where have I heard that before? :p

By the looks of things, even if the bride decides to go ahead, no.

:D :D :D

:beerchug: :beerchug: ;)

[ppentertainments]

Now where have I heard that before? :p

By the looks of things, even if the bride decides to go ahead, no.

:D :D :D
All this debate and you don't even need a lead now :eek: :eek:

[rob1963]

All this debate and you don't even need a lead now :eek: :eek:

Ahhh...but that's irrelevant, as I actually started this thread for advice on how much to charge for playing music in the room where the ceremony is for about 45 minutes.

All the toilet about the lead, whether I should already own one, whether to charge for it & whether to give it to the bride afterwards came later!

I think I'll nominate this thread for the "Unexpectedly high number of replies" award.

I think it will stand a very good chance of winnng. After all, 114 replies to a thread simply asking "How much should I charge for this..." has GOT to be a record!

:D :D :D

[Charlie Brown]

"How much should I charge for this..." has GOT to be a record!
:D :D :D

And I can tell Rob is rather proud of this big achievement...;)

[rob1963]

And I can tell Rob is rather proud of this big achievement...;)

Indeed I am, Charlie!

:D

[Tom]

Just gave this thread a 5 star rating to really make it stand out. lol.

[Shaun]

From now on, I'll read the forum but I'll lay off the posting unless I really feel the need to post something productive and helpful. In the meantime I will keep doing what I am doing because it works for me.

Why? Just becuase of a few 'wind up merchants'? You're one of my favourite posters on the forum. Ignore the idiots and carry on regardless. :) :beer1:

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Thanks Shaun.
I just don't like wannabe's or know it all's to be honest with you or people that come on to forums just to get everyone's backs up. I don't let anyone get to me in the real world so I should take the same stance when I am on a forum aswell shouldn't I. The thing is, it's hard because I am aware that people can view the forum and so I hold back from saying what I really want to say.
Thanks again for the comment. I will carry on posting when I feel I have something decent to contribute.

[wensleydale]

Thanks Shaun.
I just don't like wannabe's or know it all's to be honest with you or people that come on to forums just to get everyone's backs up. I don't let anyone get to me in the real world so I should take the same stance when I am on a forum aswell shouldn't I. The thing is, it's hard because I am aware that people can view the forum and so I hold back from saying what I really want to say.
Thanks again for the comment. I will carry on posting when I feel I have something decent to contribute.

although i did hear that the forums storage requirements and bandwidth usage has gone down significantly since you cut down on your posts!!!
;) ;)

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Aww...right Mr Cheese.
Thanks for informing me of that. I'll have to make sure I write another essay then especially for you.

[Shaun]

although i did hear that the forums storage requirements and bandwidth usage has gone down significantly since you cut down on your posts!!!
;) ;)

Nah, plenty of space. We moved to a dedicated server a while back. Right after Gary joined I think. :d

[Charlie Brown]

So, Yes or No Rob? After all of that, we still don't know if the lady was happy to pay the extra cash.

[rob1963]

So, Yes or No Rob? After all of that, we still don't know if the lady was happy to pay the extra cash.

I have no idea what's happening yet, Charlie, as I'm still waiting to hear from her...although I was expecting to have heard something by now.

I'll probably chase her up later this week, but as soon as I know what's happening, I'll update this thread.

:)

[Charlie Brown]

I'll update this thread.
:)

:approve:

[rob1963]

Just come home from work to an email from my client.

She has confirmed she wants to go ahead with the ceremony music for the extra £70 I quoted, and has given me the number of someone at the venue to ring & discuss this with.

As already mentioned, I'm planning on using my quiz console (which contains a 250 watt mixer amplifier & mini disc player) and having the necessary music on mini disc.

Then I can be in the ceremony room with the console & speaker, so I can see what is going on & take my cues more easily...and the long lead will no longer be needed.

:D

[Jiggles]

Success then Rob :D Good on ya!

[rob1963]

Success then Rob :D Good on ya!

Cheers Callum! :thumbsup:

[PropellerHeadCase]

As already mentioned, I'm planning on using my quiz console (which contains a 250 watt mixer amplifier & mini disc player) and having the necessary music on mini disc.

Then I can be in the ceremony room with the console & speaker, so I can see what is going on & take my cues more easily...and the long lead will no longer be needed.

You won't regret that decision Rob, it really is all but impossible to do a good job of the ceremony if it's going on out of line-of-sight and/or earshot.

[rob1963]

You won't regret that decision Rob, it really is all but impossible to do a good job of the ceremony if it's going on out of line-of-sight and/or earshot.

You're spot on, Al...and I appreciate you mentioning it earlier in this thread, as I hadn't even thought of that!

I spoke to someone at the venue (Wentworth) today, who agreed it was a much better idea for me to actually be in the ceremony room. I also said I'd contact her about a month before the function so I can visit the venue to see the ballroom & the ceremony room, as although I've worked at the venue before, I wasn't in the ballroom last time.

I also emailed the client suggesting I'm in the ceremony room itself with a small sound system as well as the speaker, and she emailed back thanking me & saying it was a brilliant idea.

Thanks again for thinking of something really obvious which I failed to notice!

:thumbsup:

[PropellerHeadCase]

No worries, mate, what is the forum for, after all?

[rob1963]

Just to tie up this thread, I did this gig last night and all went very well.

I arrived at Wentworth to set up at 9am (the ceremony wasn't until noon, but I wanted 90 minutes to cool off & dry off after setting up!). The disco was set up by just after 10am, then I simply took one of my disco speakers & its stand to the ceremony room and set up my quiz console (containing a mixer amp & mini disc player) on a keyboard type stand behind it.

I played the required music in the ceremony, and all went well. I realised that my job would have been completely impossible if I'd been outside the room with the speaker on a long lead, as it would have been impossible to see what was happening & take my cues.

After the ceremony, they went next door for drinks, and I removed my quiz console & put the speaker & stand back in place with the disco. I now had 6 hours to kill until the disco, but decided to remain on site. This is something I've started doing lately, partly because I don't like leaving my gear, partly to avoid doubling my travelling time & costs, and partly because it makes more sense to be sitting around at the venue than going home & sitting around there.

They were back in the room to eat at 4pm. and the staff arranged a meal for me in the bar area, which was nice. Before long, it was time for the disco, and after a slow start, things picked up & it went very well, as they were a lively crowd & there was lots of dancing. Midnight soon came, and I was on the way home by 12.40am.

I'm glad it's over, as it required more planning than most of my gigs and also involved a long day (I got up at 7am and I was there from 9am until 12.40am!), but it went very well.

I'm now looking forward to next Saturday's wedding, which will make up for last night, as it's only half the distance away, has no early set up and finishes at 11pm...lovely!

:D :D :D

[wensleydale]

I'm glad it's over, as it required more planning than most of my gigs and also involved a long day (I got up at 7am and I was there from 9am until 12.40am!), but it went very well.

I'm now looking forward to next Saturday's wedding, which will make up for last night, as it's only half the distance away, has no early set up and finishes at 11pm...lovely!

:D :D :D

Rob, isnt this a perfect example of where having fixed prices causes an issue given that you were there for 15 hours?

For this amount of time based on normal rates surely you should have charged £1000+?

[rob1963]

Rob, isnt this a perfect example of where having fixed prices causes an issue given that you were there for 15 hours?

For this amount of time based on normal rates surely you should have charged £1000+?

I guess it depends how you look at it, Rich.

Although I was there for over 15 hours, I was actually working for less than 6 hours.

I COULD have come home for 6 hours, but chose not to, so I don't see how I could charge an extra £500 or so for sitting at a venue doing absolutely nothing!

If I HAD come home, I'd only be sitting around & doing nothing, so what's the difference?

[wensleydale]

I guess it depends how you look at it, Rich.

Although I was there for over 15 hours, I was actually working for less than 6 hours.

I COULD have come home for 6 hours, but chose not to, so I don't see how I could charge an extra £500 or so for sitting at a venue & doing absolutely nothing!

If I HAD come home, I'd only be sitting around & doing nothing, so what's the difference?

I completely disagree with that - there are not many professions who would not factor being on site for 6 hours into the cost regardless of whether they told you or not.
Either way, theres still an additional 5 hours to a normal disco- at a place like Wentworth I would suggest you could have doubled your normal fee for this and think a lot of discos would have quoted 4 figures for the times you mention.

This specific example is just that- an example- my main point was that given you do this full time I sometime think you undersell yourself Rob- I genuinely think that you should charge more.

[rob1963]

I completely disagree with that - there are not many professions who would not factor being on site for 6 hours into the cost regardless of whether they told you or not.
Either way, theres still an additional 5 hours to a normal disco- at a place like Wentworth I would suggest you could have doubled your normal fee for this and think a lot of discos would have quoted 4 figures for the times you mention.

I appreciate your opinions, Rich.

I'm just wondering how the client would have reacted if I'd said "I'll go home after the ceremony and come back later for the disco, or for an extra £500 I'll stay all day & just sit around doing nothing between the ceremony & the disco"


my main point was that given you do this full time I sometime think you undersell yourself Rob- I genuinely think that you should charge more.

I appreciate your thoughts, but where do you draw the line between underselling yourself & providing excellent value for money, as I aim to do?

For me, it's not just about getting as much money out of each client as possible.

I've had a number of clients saying I offer very good value for money. Would they still say that if I charged several hundred pounds more? Possibly not.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I completely disagree with that - there are not many professions who would not factor being on site for 6 hours into the cost regardless of whether they told you or not.
Either way, theres still an additional 5 hours to a normal disco- at a place like Wentworth I would suggest you could have doubled your normal fee for this and think a lot of discos would have quoted 4 figures for the times you mention.

This specific example is just that- an example- my main point was that given you do this full time I sometime think you undersell yourself Rob- I genuinely think that you should charge more.

Doesn't happen often, but I totally agree with you Rich.

[rob1963]

My two aims with the discos are to provide an excellent service AND excellent value for money...rather than just trying to get as much as I can out of people.

No doubt I'd think differently if I had no other source of income, a family, a mortgage, a list of things I needed to buy, debts and no pension arrangements.

[wensleydale]

My two aims with the discos are to provide an excellent service AND excellent value for money...rather than just trying to get as much as I can out of people.

No doubt I'd think differently if I had no other source of income, a family, a mortgage, a list of things I needed to buy, debts and no pension arrangements.

theres no right or wrong rob but you seem to be seeing this through the clients eyes, which is fine, but you also need to look at it from your perspective.
value for money is important, but not generally the key thing when people are spending £20k on a wedding- they just want it to be "right".

from your perspective would you not rather work 2 nights at £450 rather than 3 at £300?
you also save on fuel, car wear and tear, equipment, etc etc.

I disagree with your comment about no other source of income etc- it's usually part timers (like me) who charge less- given that discos/quizes are your main source of income surely you should take this very seriously.

and anyway, does everyone always disagree with me??

[Steve the DJ]

Although I was there for over 15 hours, I was actually working for less than 6 hours.

Nor could you work anywhere else because you were there.



I COULD have come home for 6 hours, but chose not to, so I don't see how I could charge an extra £500 or so for sitting at a venue doing absolutely nothing!

Because you can't be doing something else and getting paid for it.



If I HAD come home, I'd only be sitting around & doing nothing, so what's the difference?

Having a sensible commercial viewpoint is the difference.

You are the most important component of your business, without you nothing else matters. The number one chargeable item is your time, people are buying you and your expertise and due to the nature of our work our time is precious on key dates.

All the time you are hanging around "just in case" you cannot be anywhere else offering your service and making money, therefore if you adopt a commercial viewpoint you charge for your time on site full stop.

If the client doesn't want to pay then don't stay! Even if you disagree with the amount proposed as a charge you should be charging something.

If £500 gives you goosebumps why not charge an hourly rate of £15 - £25? Something is better than nothing.

Of course the client thinks they are getting "great value for money", they know that the majority of firms would charge for the time and overall they are paying peanuts for a good service.

All that leads to is more people taking advantage...



No doubt I'd think differently if I had no other source of income, a family, a mortgage, a list of things I needed to buy, debts and no pension arrangements.

And there's the rub...

[rob1963]

I appreciate the comments, folks, and would just like to make two more points on this subject.

Firstly, many people on the forum charge less than myself, and although there a number who charge more, if you look at the equivilent hourly rate, many of those who APPEAR to charge more than me actually don't. This is due to the fact that many people spend a lot more time & money on each booking than myself. I'm referring to things like researching music, going to customer meetings, having telephone conversations and travelling for more than 30 minutes to gigs, all of which I rarely do.

Secondly, I've never been given anything, won anything or inherited anything, so everything I have has been gained through my own hard work...and I'll be retiring in a few years, despite not having the luxury of a daytime job, so maybe I'M not the one who needs to look at putting up their prices.

[Corabar Steve]

I completely disagree with that - there are not many professions who would not factor being on site for 6 hours into the cost regardless of whether they told you or not.
Either way, theres still an additional 5 hours to a normal disco- at a place like Wentworth I would suggest you could have doubled your normal fee for this and think a lot of discos would have quoted 4 figures for the times you mention.

This specific example is just that- an example- my main point was that given you do this full time I sometime think you undersell yourself Rob- I genuinely think that you should charge more.
Hell Yeah!

Friday's job, I was on site from 16:30, set up by 17:00 (no lights, but access was hampered by the AV company that was doing everything else)

I started DJing at 22:00 & finished at 23:45.

Did we charge for my time between 17:00 & 22:00?


Youbetcha!

[DeckstarDeluxe]

I appreciate the comments, folks, and would just like to make two more points on this subject.

Firstly, many people on the forum charge less than myself, and although there a number who charge more, if you look at the equivilent hourly rate, many of those who APPEAR to charge more than me actually don't. This is due to the fact that many people spend a lot more time & money on each booking than myself. I'm referring to things like researching music, going to customer meetings, having telephone conversations and travelling for more than 30 minutes to gigs, all of which I rarely do.

Secondly, I've never been given anything, won anything or inherited anything, so everything I have has been gained through my own hard work...and I'll be retiring in a few years, despite not having the luxury of a daytime job, so maybe I'M not the one who needs to look at putting up their prices.


Thats fair enough Rob after all like you said you have earnt a living from doing what you do.

I think are just trying to point out that you can earn more if you want to. If your happy with your current methods and it works then why fix it?

[rob1963]

Thats fair enough Rob after all like you said you have earnt a living from doing what you do.

Exactly!

One man bands who make a living from the entertainment business are in the minority on this forum, but I'm proud to be one of them.


I think are just trying to point out that you can earn more if you want to.

Fair enough, but needless to say that's something I'm already well aware of, but not interested in.


If your happy with your current methods and it works then why fix it?

Exactly.

I choose to provide a high level of service AND have very competitive prices. That's how I've decided to run my business. I'm aware of the other options, but aren't interested in them.

[theoloyla]

I fall between the two stools here. I charge a good fee for a small show and am rather like Rob in many practices and attitudes. If I am asked to extend my playing time at a gig my contract stipulates an extra fee of £50 per hour. If I have to set up unusually early but not actually do anything I do make a charge but not at the same rate.

[Charlie Brown]

Yeah, I'm with Rob on this one.

The clients never requested Rob to stay at the venue during the day. Rob made that decision himself as he deemed it easier and the most sensible/practical. If I worked in Asda and I was allocated a time shift. If I needed some extra money, I couldn't just turn up at Asda several hours before my shift is about to start and expect to get paid!

If the client requested Rob to setup early or too remain on site then I can understand.....but Rob deciding to stay on his own accord has nothing to do with client and should not effect how much they pay!

[rob1963]

If the client requested Rob to setup early or too remain on site then I can understand.....but Rob deciding to stay on his own accord has nothing to do with client and should not effect how much they pay!

Exactly, Charlie!

After all, what would you think of a plummer who said "I will come round in the morning to start the job, then I'll come back in the afternoon to finish it off, or if you like I can start the job in the morning, then sit around in your house doing nothing for 6 hours, then finish the job...but that will cost you an extra £500"?

At the end of the day I charged the client an extra £100 to be set up by 12 noon and to play 5 songs in the ceremony room. I was more than happy with that, especially as that made it my best paying gig EVER (excluding the millennium). After the ceremony, I wasn't working for the client again until the evening, so whether I decided to stay at the venue or go home is irrelevant.

If anything, maybe I should have charged the clients MORE if I HAD come home after the ceremony...as that would have doubled my travelling time & travelling expenses!

[Steve the DJ]

If the client requested Rob to setup early or too remain on site then I can understand.....but Rob deciding to stay on his own accord has nothing to do with client and should not effect how much they pay!

Of course it shouldn't, this isn't about the client who will take anything they can have for free, this is about the value of Rob's (or any other DJs) time in a commercial sense*.

I think many people also need to read the clauses in their PLI and other insurance documents because if you set up early and don't stay with the kit, you ain't covered. You should be charging on the basis you can't leave, there isn't actually a choice!

One last thing, the term "value for money" is erroneous in this discussion as far as I'm concerned because how much you pay is irrelevant to whether or not the client considers you offered good value for money.

I have had feedback from numerous clients who said I offered great "value for money" and they paid anywhere from £280 - £800+.

It's all about the client experience and their perceptions, not yours.

*Bearing in mind as I mentioned earlier that everyone's personal financial situation is different their commercial approach will also differ, but for me this isn't about how much you choose to charge, it's about the fact that you must. Nothing is ever free, there is always a cost to someone and it shouldn't be you if your serious about your business.

[Steve the DJ]

If I worked in Asda and I was allocated a time shift. If I needed some extra money, I couldn't just turn up at Asda several hours before my shift is about to start and expect to get paid!

To be fair, that's a rubbish analogy! :p

Rob is self employed and his "shift" starts the minute he leaves the house to go to the venue.

[rob1963]

this isn't about the client who will take anything they can have for free, this is about the value of Rob's (or any other DJs) time in a commercial sense*

Fair enough, but if I'd come home for four hours, I couldn't have been doing anything else to earn money during that time, so from a commercial point of view I don't see the difference between sitting around at the venue doing nothing or coming home & sitting around HERE doing nothing.

If anything, from a commercial point of view, I should have charged the clients MORE if I'd come home, as that would have doubled my travelling time & travelling costs!


I think many people also need to read the clauses in their PLI and other insurance documents because if you set up early and don't stay with the kit, you ain't covered. You should be charging on the basis you can't leave, there isn't actually a choice!

Whilst that may be true, in the real world I wonder how many DJs set up early and then remain at the venue?

It's something I've started doing, although that's nothing to do with my PLI. It's partly to keep an eye on my gear & stop people messing about with it & partly to avoid doubling my travelling time & travelling expenses...but I'm pretty sure I'm in the small minority in doing this.


how much you pay is irrelevant to whether or not the client considers you offered good value for money.

I disagree.


I have had feedback from numerous clients who said I offered great "value for money" and they paid anywhere from £280 - £800+.

And I'm sure you'd have even MORE feedback saying you offered great value for money if you charged ALL clients £280!


[SIZE="1"]*Bearing in mind as I mentioned earlier that everyone's personal financial situation is different their commercial approach will also differ

A very valid point, and I'm more fortunate than most here, so it's no surprise that I don't set out to get as much money out of people as possible. I don't NEED to, but there's absolutely nothing wrong with that.

[rob1963]

Rob is self employed and his "shift" starts the minute he leaves the house to go to the venue.

That's an interesting point of view, Steve, but it's not how I see things at all.

As far as I'm concerned, I did three "shifts" on Saturday.

The first started when I arrived at the venue to set up and ended when I'd finished setting up.

The second started when I began playing music in the ceremony room and finished when I'd played the last song in the ceremony room.

The third started when I played the first background song at the disco and finished when I left after packing away my kit.

:shrug:

[Steve the DJ]

Whilst that may be true, in the real world I wonder how many DJs set up early and then remain at the venue?

It's something I've started doing, although that's nothing to do with my PLI. It's partly to keep an eye on my gear & stop people messing about with it & partly to avoid doubling my travelling time & travelling expenses...but I'm pretty sure I'm in the small minority in doing this.

I try and do it wherever possible, there are so many benefits to both myself and the client it is my preferred way of working, but only if they pay... :D




I disagree.

And I'm sure you'd have even MORE feedback saying you offered great value for money if you charged ALL clients £280!

I disagree, because if I charged all clients £280 I would be out of business by now.

I can fill some extra dates at that sort of price, a bit of a "top up" if you like, but I cannot support my family at that price point and I genuinely believe (those who DJ part time excluded), that you are an exception to the rule due to your low cost base and considering you live in a similar area to me.



A very valid point, and I'm more fortunate than most here, so it's no surprise that I don't set out to get as much money out of people as possible. I don't NEED to, but there's absolutely nothing wrong with that.

Of course, which is what I am at pains to point out that at least you are charging something!

[Steve the DJ]

That's an interesting point of view, Steve, but it's not how I see things at all.

As far as I'm concerned, I did three "shifts" on Saturday.

The first started when I arrived at the venue to set up and ended when I'd finished setting up.

The second started when I began playing music in the ceremony room and finished when I'd played the last song in the ceremony room.

The third started when I played the first background song at the disco and finished when I left after packing away my kit.

:shrug:

Each to their own.

As far as I am concerned (and I like to keep things simple), the minute I tie up either myself or my tools at a job so I can't use them or my skills in any other capacity, then I am working and will charge for my time accordingly.

As a specialist Wedding DJ I have a limited amount of time to earn my weekly corn and must charge if I cannot physically earn money elsewhere.

[DeckstarDeluxe]

That's an interesting point of view, Steve, but it's not how I see things at all.

As far as I'm concerned, I did three "shifts" on Saturday.

The first started when I arrived at the venue to set up and ended when I'd finished setting up.

The second started when I began playing music in the ceremony room and finished when I'd played the last song in the ceremony room.

The third started when I played the first background song at the disco and finished when I left after packing away my kit.

:shrug:


I personally think its hard to put into "shift times" with this job. Can only speak for myself but Im never switching off despite being only part time. I spend alot of spare time on here researching music, new equipment etc.. You dont really do that with asda or many other times of jobs so hard to compare the two. When watching tv and I hear a song that interests me or would have some use in mobile disco use I research and find it.

Interesting about the PLI issue and early set up. I'll have to look into this.