Annoying potential customers

[rob1963]

I rarely get annoying potential customers, but I've has two this week, so I thought I'd share the details.

The first was an email enquiry about an 80th birthday party at a fairly local venue (but not one I know) in late September.

I replied to confirm I was free & gave the price. We then exchanged half a dozen emails where she was asking various questions. This concluded with her saying she wanted to go ahead with the booking. We also arranged to meet at the venue one evening early next month, so I could familiarize myself with it. I asked for her address, then printed off the paperwork & posted it that afternoon.

A couple of hours later, she sent me an email to say she'd just been told by a family member that a disco was no longer needed for this event.

I thought "Why couldn't you have checked that before wasting my time?"

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

The second was an enquiry about a wedding next summer. They wanted to know if I was available & also whether I send out song lists.

I confirmed that I was available, and said that I send clients a list of my most requested songs to help with their music selection, but stated that I don't usually send out a full music list as it's not really necessary because I hold a wide variety of songs & always enveavour to obtain any advance requests which are not aready held.

She came back asking if I could send the full list in the post as she wanted to check that there was the right kind of material for them & not just the usual classic wedding material to choose from. She also said if this was okay, they would be happy to book as I am familiar with the venue.

I printed off my entire music list & posted this the same day (probably at a total cost of about £10 to myself) with a note asking them to let me know when they'd received it.

That was on Monday, and I hadn't heard anything by yesterday, so I sent an email asking whether they'd received the list & also for their feedback. I still haven't heard a thing.

I have a very wide range of music from the 1930s right through to virtually all of the current top 40, so I have no idea why they've not come back to book.

After the time & money I spent printing & sending them the list, I'd have thought they could at least have the decency to confirm receiving it & let me know that they'd decided not to go ahead (assuming that's the case) along with the reason why.

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

Rant over.

Lets hope I have a better week NEXT week!

:shrug:

[DJ Davy]

No luck Rob.... if it males you feel any better over the past 2 weeks I have had 3 cancelations. through no fault of mine. Also, every phone call I have had in the past 3 weeks have been inquiries about dates I already have filled! Still, got a wedding fayre on sunday 30th... hopefully get some work from that.

[rob1963]

Things might be looking up.

I've just received an email enquiry about a 40th birthday party for the same date in September when the 80th birthday was going to be (the one who booked, arranged to meet me at the venue & cancelled just after I'd got back from posting the paperwork).

Fingers crossed it's second time lucky!

:shrug:

[DJWilson]

Things might be looking up.

I've just received an email enquiry about a 40th birthday party for the same date in September when the 80th birthday was going to be (the one who booked, arranged to meet me at the venue & cancelled just after I'd got back from posting the paperwork).

Fingers crossed it's second time lucky!

:shrug:


One door closes, One door opens:)

[rob1963]

One door closes, One door opens:)

Very true!

:D :D :D

[[email protected]]

Primo pdf might be worthwhile, for an enquiry like this.

It's a free pdf generator, so you can print your list to a file and give them the option to receive by email & send onto them.

http://www.primopdf.com/

Hope you find it useful.

:)

[rob1963]

Primo pdf might be worthwhile, for an enquiry like this.

It's a free pdf generator, so you can print your list to a file and give them the option to receive by email & send onto them.

http://www.primopdf.com/

Hope you find it useful.

:)

Thanks Alan.

I'll take a look at that.

:thumbsup:

[Charlie Brown]

Oh dear Rob! Sounds like a serious of unfortunate events! I don't think I would of sent the whole music list mind....what good is that to them? Surely it would have been more sensible for them to request a few tunes for the night.....

[DJWilson]

As im on CD I wouldnt be willing to type up each CD tracklisting 1 by 1 then print it!

[rob1963]

Oh dear Rob! Sounds like a serious of unfortunate events! I don't think I would of sent the whole music list mind....what good is that to them? Surely it would have been more sensible for them to request a few tunes for the night.....

I did go out of my way to explain that it shouldn't be necessary for them to see the full list, partly because all clients get the list of my most requested songs to assist with their music selection, partly because I have about 9,000 songs covering all genres from the last 70 years, partly because all clients receive a request form in advance and partly because I always endeavour to obtain any advance requests which I don't already hold.

I decided to go ahead & satisfy their request (despite the time & cost involved) as they said they would be happy to book if the list seemed okay, and I had no reason to think they WOULDN'T find the list okay.

I guess I'll never know what they didn't like about it, due to them not having the decency to come back to me.

:shrug:

[Steve the DJ]

I've just received an email enquiry about a 40th birthday party for the same date in September when the 80th birthday was going to be...

The 26th by any chance?

[DJMaxG]

They wanted to know if I was available & also whether I send out song lists.

Song lists is a tad over the top, a blank playlist maybe ...



it's not really necessary because I hold a wide variety of songs & always enveavour to obtain any advance requests which are not aready held. Correct :approve:



She came back asking if I could send the full list in the post as she wanted to check that there was the right kind of material for them & not just the usual classic wedding material to choose from.

But Surely if you're a Professional with decades of experience, you'd have a nice wide variety of tracks.



I printed off my entire music list & posted this the same day (probably at a total cost of about £10 to myself) with a note asking them to let me know when they'd received it.

Why did it cost a tenna, was that ink and paper costs?
do you use expensive HP Stuff or something?



Lets hope I have a better week NEXT week

Fingers Crossed :p


One door closes, One door opens:)
I bet you've got that phrase glued to your forehead :o


As im on CD I wouldnt be willing to type up each CD tracklisting 1 by 1 then print it!

Damn right, It is bad enough tagging music for Digital DJing, let alone typing it up. You can get softwares though to archive, tag, and do everything for you.


The 26th by any chance?

:eek: :sofa: :eek:

What are you Hiding?
(Perhaps FDDJ is doing the gig, after cancelling Rob)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

That was on Monday, and I hadn't heard anything by yesterday, so I sent an email asking whether they'd received the list & also for their feedback. I still haven't heard a thing.


To be fair Rob, that's not even a week. Perhaps they haven't got round to anything. People do have lives to lead...

If they don't book, I'd ask them to send the list back. ;)

[rob1963]

I've just received an email enquiry about a 40th birthday party for the same date in September.


The 26th by any chance?

That's the one!

Did you get the same enquiry? or maybe even the gig? :eek:


But Surely if you're a Professional with decades of experience, you'd have a nice wide variety of tracks.

Correct, and I went out of my way to explain this, but they still said they'd like to see my full music list.


Why did it cost a tenna, was that ink and paper costs?

Most of the cost was the ink, and there was also the paper & postage costs.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Oh, and shut up Max....:sj:

[rob1963]

To be fair Rob, that's not even a week. Perhaps they haven't got round to anything. People do have lives to lead

Sorry, but that doesn't wash with me.

Even if they'd not had time to look through the list, they could have still sent me an email to let me know it had arrived (like I'd asked them to).

After all, they were very quick to respond to my emails when they were making the booking enquiry, so I don't see why they should have a problem finding 30 seconds to send an email confirming the list had arrived & thanking me for sending it.


If they don't book, I'd ask them to send the list back. ;)

I may well do that, although I can't see them returning it.

[NKR]

We have started taking a view on enquiries. If they ask for allsorts of random things like your entire music list, etc then we just back away from it as it is generally going to be more work than its worth.

If they are being random at the outset from experience they are never going to satisfied and its just not worth the time you would have to put into it.

[Tony Scott]

...She came back asking if I could send the full list in the post as she wanted to check that there was the right kind of material for them & not just the usual classic wedding material to choose from....

...printed off my entire music list & posted this the same day (probably at a total cost of about £10 to myself) with a note asking them to let me know when they'd received it....

I wouldn't jump through hoops like that. Like you rob I regularly send out my 'Top 100 requested' list and copies of the last couple of lists I've been sent but that's where it ends. I've also directed potential clients to Wedding music sites for inspiration before.

If they want something different they should be doing the legwork, I don't see how sending your full music list to them would help, offering to get hold of anything you don't already have should be good enough IMO. :)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Sorry, but that doesn't wash with me.



So all your customers reply to your emails and book within a certain time scale then? I think you live on another planet sometimes Rob!

[rob1963]

So all your customers reply to your emails and book within a certain time scale then?

Of course not, but if they were able to respond to my emails within an hour or two, I don't see why they'd have a problem finding 30 seconds to send me an email sometime between last Tuesday (when the list would have probably arrived) and today.

I've had a similar situation earlier in the year where I sent out the full list & never heard anything again, so I'm taking Tony Scott's advice.

Sending out my full music list is a service I'll no longer be offering, and that's what I'll be telling anyone who asks for it in future.

I might not get the booking, but at least I won't be a tenner down.

:shrug:

[wensleydale]

Of course not, but if they were able to respond to my emails within an hour or two, I don't see why they'd have a problem finding 30 seconds to send me an email sometime between last Tuesday (when the list would have probably arrived) and today.

I've had a similar situation earlier in the year where I sent out the full list & never heard anything again, so I'm taking Tony Scott's advice.

Sending out my full music list is a service I'll no longer be offering, and that's what I'll be telling anyone who asks for it in future.

I might not get the booking, but at least I won't be a tenner down.

:shrug:

why not just email it?

[DazzyD]

I use CutePDF for creating PDFs to email.

Don't want to sound negative, Rob, but I don't think there's a booking to be had with the wedding enquiry. I've had this type of enquiry before and it's turned out to be other operators checking out the competition. I'm sure the 80th was cocher but the wedding sounds very suspect to me.

[Steve the DJ]

That's the one!

Did you get the same enquiry? or maybe even the gig? :eek:

If it is in Weybridge then yes but I am already booked on that date. ;)

[rob1963]

We have started taking a view on enquiries. If they ask for allsorts of random things like your entire music list, etc then we just back away from it as it is generally going to be more work than its worth.

If they are being random at the outset from experience they are never going to satisfied and its just not worth the time you would have to put into it.

:agree:


Don't want to sound negative, Rob, but I don't think there's a booking to be had with the wedding enquiry. I've had this type of enquiry before and it's turned out to be other operators checking out the competition.

I'm not so sure, as they gave me quite a few of the details.

If it was the competition checking me out, I'd have expected them to be a bit more vague (like Darren was when he sent out a number of enquiries a while back).

Either way, I won't be wasting my time or money on these kinds of enquiries in future.


If it is in Weybridge then yes but I am already booked on that date. ;)

No...it wasn't in Weybridge.

[Starlight]

Rob,

In regard to your costs for sending out your entire music library lists, why don't you compile a library list on your computer and just email a link for them to download a list of your entire music library? Cuts out shipping and other expenses, effectively.

Neil M.

[amplified]

If it was me and they said they wanted to see what other music you had apart from the usual wedding stuff then they must of had a perticular genre or genres in mind so why didnt they state this

By the sounds of it they were proberly just been awkward or like dazzyD said a other operator cheaking out the competition.

least now you have learnt the lesson not to do it again

[rob1963]

Rob,

In regard to your costs for sending out your entire music library lists, why don't you compile a library list on your computer and just email a link for them to download a list of your entire music library? Cuts out shipping and other expenses, effectively.

Neil M.

Thanks for the advice, Neil...but the more I think about it the more I realise that it's completely unnecessary for ANY clients to need to see my full music list...whether in the form of a paper version or online.

I already send my top 120 most requested song list to all clients, I ask for their requests in advance & I do everything I can to get hold of any requests I don't already have...so bearing all that in mind, why on earth would they need to see my entire list? It's completely pointless, which is why I will take the advice of several people and in future refuse to offer this service.

If they come back to me & say they aren't prepared to book me without seeing my full list, that's fine with me. I'm more than happy to lose the booking...as well as the extra costs & hassle that go with it!


By the sounds of it they were proberly just been awkward or like dazzyD said a other operator cheaking out the competition.

least now you have learnt the lesson not to do it again

Indeed.

The next person who asks for my full music list will be told that's not a service I offer. Needless to say, they'll also get a polite explanation of why the list is not available.

[Shaun]

The next person who asks for my full music list will be told that's not a service I offer.

Do many people ask for a list? It's something I've never encountered.

[rob1963]

Do many people ask for a list? It's something I've never encountered.

Not many, Shaun...probably two or three a year, which is a very small percentage in the grand scheme of things.

I must admit that until a few months ago I had something on my home page saying I could send out a full music list if required. However, that was soon removed when it occurred to me that in most cases I never heard from the people again.

Having read peoples comments in this thread, I've now decided to take it one stage further & to not offer this service, even if requested...less expense, less hassle & less wasted time being the big benefits.

If I lose the odd booking, so be it. I'd rather not do discos for those kinds of people anyway!

:D

[wensleydale]

If I lose the odd booking, so be it. I'd rather not do discos for those kinds of people anyway!

:D

Isnt that a bit of a generalisation- what exactly is the type of person who asks for a list of songs?

I've had it a few times and if you actually take the time to explain to them that sending a list of 10000 plus songs doesnt really help them they often realise that a list of most requested songs is what they really want.

Either way, sending an excel/pdf of either is not actually that much hassle at all- surely its just an email?

[rob1963]

Isnt that a bit of a generalisation - what exactly is the type of person who asks for a list of songs?

In my experience it's the type who doesn't go on to book me...making it a waste of my time & money.


I've had it a few times and if you actually take the time to explain to them that sending a list of 10000 plus songs doesnt really help them they often realise that a list of most requested songs is what they really want.

That's exactly what I'll be doing in future...telling them I don't send full music lists & explaining why it's not necessary.


Either way, sending an excel/pdf of either is not actually that much hassle at all- surely its just an email?

I agree it would not be much hassle, but in my book that fact that something's not much hassle isn't a good enough reason for doing it. As has been mentioned earlier in this thread, do I want these kinds of people as customers? The answer is a definate no.

If I was desperate for the bookings & the money, I might think differently, but fortunately that couldn't be further from the truth.

[Twinspin]

Anything to do with music i will keep closed other than asking them what kind of music they want. and ill give them some ideas of what we can do but not on any form of paperwork.

For music requests and that kind of thing i use DJ Intelligence for that on my website and i wont give people access to that without a deposit either.

some people do have such information of their websites as a general idea which could be worth looking at.

[rob1963]

Well, I take it all back...as I've just had an email back from the people I sent the music list to last week.

They said the list looks quite good, but that they're still waiting for a couple of other quotes. This is a bit naughty, because their previous email said that if the list looked okay they would be happy to go ahead and book me as I know the venue.

They also asked me how old I am and how long I've been DJing for...two questions I've not been asked for ages.

I get the feeling this client doesn't fall into the category of "easy gigs with no hassle" that I'm looking for, so I've emailed back to answer their questions, but certainly won't be jumping through any hoops for them.

This potential booking is for a Saturday next June, so if they don't book me, someone else almost certainly will, and if they don't, I'll enjoy a night off!

The ball is now in their court, so I'll wait & see if I hear fom them again, although I won't be holding my breath!

:shrug:

[Excalibur]

This potential booking is for a Saturday next June, so if they don't book me, someone else almost certainly will, and if they don't, I'll enjoy a night off!

The ball is now in their court, so I'll wait & see if I hear fom them again, although I won't be holding my breath!

:shrug:

Well my rash friend, you know what the next question wil be , don't you? ;)

May we see you working? :D

[WWDJ]

They also asked me how old I am and how long I've been DJing for...two questions I've not been asked for ages.


Perhaps you should put it in your FAQ's :rofl: .... actually your experience is already there :)

[rob1963]

Well my rash friend, you know what the next question will be, don't you? ;)

May we see you working? :D

I wouldn't be surprised...

...and you know what my reply will be, don't you? ;)

:eek: :D :D :D


Perhaps you should put it in your FAQ's :rofl: .... actually your experience is already there :)

Indeed it is...along with just about everything else I've ever been asked!

:D

[Excalibur]

Well my rash friend, you know what the next question wil be , don't you? ;)

May we see you working? :D


I wouldn't be surprised...

...and you know what my reply will be, don't you? ;)





Sure do, cos if they see you in action first, you've got no chance of getting the gig. :p :D :D :D

[rob1963]

Sure do, cos if they see you in action first, you've got no chance of getting the gig. :p :D :D :D

Exactly!

:rofl:

[wensleydale]

I get the feeling this client doesn't fall into the category of "easy gigs with no hassle" that I'm looking for, so I've emailed back to answer their questions, but certainly won't be jumping through any hoops for them.

This potential booking is for a Saturday next June, so if they don't book me, someone else almost certainly will, and if they don't, I'll enjoy a night off!

The ball is now in their court, so I'll wait & see if I hear fom them again, although I won't be holding my breath!

:shrug:

I love your style of customer relations sometimes Rob.
It's like taking disco tips from Victor Meldrew.
;)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I love your style of customer relations sometimes Rob.
It's like taking disco tips from Victor Meldrew.
;)

:lol:

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I had an annoying enquiry today. One of those when I think "Do I really want to do this if they confirm" type scenario's. I totally understand about people wanting to shop around, get value for money etc etc etc and that's even more relevant in this current economic doo dah BUT I actually felt as if I was being grilled and turned inside out. I went through the usual stuff and told him about the Uplighting etc which he found interesting. I even said that if he books with me this side of christmas, I will offer a discount etc...

It's for a wedding next year at a venue that I have played at a number of times. The guy there (bless him) has recommended me a number of times and this enquiry has come via him again. You would think (in an ideal world), that if someone has recommended you then you would take notice of it. I am not the cheapest but also by no means the most expensive. I gave the guy the final total (Disco 7-30pm - Midnight plus Uplighting) and he said "Can you come down some more on that and I will confirm now?"... I didn't actually because as the conversation went on longer and longer, I got more narked with him (although obviously, I didn't show that). I took his details and emailed him confirmation of what I had quoted him over the phone. At the end of the day, he more or less wanted the Uplighting and Disco for cheaper than I would normally charge just for the Disco! I wasn't having that so I stuck to my guns.

I think he'll be back but it's one of those 'Grin and bear it' situations if he does. The main thing that stuck in my head was that he said "I want to know what I am getting for my money" and that, to be honest is a totally fair (but obvious) comment. Still...not to worry...I have had 5 enquiries this week and 4 have confirmed and they are all for next year.

[DazzyD]

I love your style of customer relations sometimes Rob.
It's like taking disco tips from Victor Meldrew.
;)

I don't believe it! :D



...I have had 5 enquiries this week and 4 have confirmed and they are all for next year.

Want to come and work for me a salesman? I've had three enquiries in the past week and not converted one! :( I think I'm losing my touch!

[rob1963]

I love your style of customer relations sometimes Rob.
It's like taking disco tips from Victor Meldrew.
;)

Sorry Rich, but you probably heard the whoosh as that one went over my head.

Victor Meldrew clearly knows nothing whatsoever about mobile discos, as he's not in that business, and I know you can't be suggesting that I also know nothing about mobile discos...so you might want to enlighten me as to what you mean?

It's all very well to talk about customer relations, but surely you can't HAVE customer relations until somebody actually BECOMES your customer, which this enquirer has not...hence my confusion.

Also, how can you comment on my customer relations when you haven't even seen the emails I've sent to them?

:shrug:

[rob1963]

Rich,

Having thought about this some more, it seems you're getting confused between my actual customer relations and the way I talk on this forum about about annoying enquirers.

The two are very different...surely I don't have to tell you that?

:confused:

[Russell H]

It's all very well to talk about customer relations, but surely you can't HAVE customer relations until somebody actually BECOMES your customer, which this enquirer has not...hence my confusion.


I would use customer relations to refer to interaction with potential customers as well as actual customers.

[rob1963]

I would use customer relations to refer to interaction with potential customers as well as actual customers.

Fair enough, but I still don't understand how anybody on this forum can talk about my customer relations when they have no idea what was in the emails I sent to this potential customer or how I worded them.

After all, as I've already said, the way we talk about potential customers on here will probably be very different to the way we address them in emails or on the phone.

For example, just because somebody talks about an enquirer on here & calls them an idiot (not that I have), that has nothing to do with their customer relations, unless of course they also call the person an idiot in their reply to the enquiry.

:shrug:

[juice]

Perhaps you were one of many the client looked at! It happens.

[rob1963]

Perhaps you were one of many the client looked at! It happens.

Probably...not that I'm bothered either way!

:shrug:

[wensleydale]

Rich,

Having thought about this some more, it seems you're getting confused between my actual customer relations and the way I talk on this forum about about annoying enquirers.

The two are very different...surely I don't have to tell you that?

:confused:

It was partly meant as a joke but there was a serious point somewhere in there- it's solely directed at you because its something I see on the forum a fair bit.

The business we're is about people, personalities, special events etc, but it never fails to amaze me how often you hear people saying "I had a customer who asked this" or "they wanted this".

If people want a list of all the songs you have let them have it. If they want a night of Eagles songs let them have them.

The way I look at is that they are the boss and they are paying me- they therefore get what they want.
I almost encourage strange requests or specific guidance because when they get married I want it to be as close to perfect as it can possibly be- and therefore nothing should be too much trouble- whatever it is.

Don't get me wrong- if it takes more time or requires more gear then I will price accordingly, but that's not the point, because I am doing what I can to give them their perfect evening.

That means a happier B&G, which means a better night for me and more chance of the B&G passing my details on to friends.

So going back to your comment Rob- you're right- I dont know how you deal with customers directly, however I can only go on what you post on the forum - but those posts give me an idea of what I think it's like.

[rob1963]

The business we're is about people, personalities, special events etc, but it never fails to amaze me how often you hear people saying "I had a customer who asked this" or "they wanted this".

If people want a list of all the songs you have let them have it. If they want a night of Eagles songs let them have them.

Rich,

You will hear people in EVERY business moaning about some of their customers for various reasons, so I really don't know why you're amazed that it also happens in OUR industry.

If people want a list of all the songs they can NOT have it, and judging from the replies in that thread I'm not the only one who thinks like this.

As far as wanting a night of specific music goes, I will comply with that as long as I feel happy about it, will enjoy it and think I can do an excellent job.

However, if they wanted a night of drum & bass, for example, I would turn down the booking, as I don't like the music, don't have much of it & know nothing about it. It therefore makes more sense for them to book someone else who is better equipped to do what they require.


The way I look at is that they are the boss and they are paying me - they therefore get what they want.
I almost encourage strange requests or specific guidance because when they get married I want it to be as close to perfect as it can possibly be - and therefore nothing should be too much trouble- whatever it is.

Yes, they are the boss & they are paying me, so I aim to do EXACTLY what they want...as long as it's something I feel comfortable doing.

For example, last night I had 50 requests from the bride & groom. I played every single one. They also gave me a number of dedications to read out & requests to play for certain people at certain times. Every single one was done within 30 seconds of the time stated.


Don't get me wrong- if it takes more time or requires more gear then I will price accordingly, but that's not the point, because I am doing what I can to give them their perfect evening.

Depending on what they want, sometimes I feel there are other people who could do a better job than myself at giving them the perfect evening, and in those cases I will turn down the booking, as I think that's the best possible customer service.

In my opinion, people probably have an inflated opinion of themselves if they think they have the ability to ALWAYS give the clients the perfect night, even when it involves doing something they've never done before.


That means a happier B&G, which means a better night for me and more chance of the B&G passing my details on to friends.

Believe me, by clients could hardly be happier.

Every year I'm getting more & more unsolicited feedback in the form of emails, cards & phone calls, all of which is VERY positive. It's now got to the stage where I'm getting too much to be able to put it all on the website. This year the figure is up to 41%. Nobody I know has anything like this level.

I've been wanting to do a poll to see how this compares to others on this forum, but there's no point, because people with low unsolicited feedback levels wouldn't vote, and being the cynic I am, I'm sure many of the others would inflate the actual figure...which would invalidate the poll.


So going back to your comment Rob- you're right- I dont know how you deal with customers directly, however I can only go on what you post on the forum - but those posts give me an idea of what I think it's like.

Believe me, Rich, my customer service is second to none. I say again, please do not make a link between the way I speak to others in the business on this forum & the way I speak to & deal with customers.

At the start of your post, you mentioned something which never fails to amaze you. Now it's MY turn.

It never fails to amaze me how you only ever seem to comment on my posts to disagree with me. I can't believe we have different opinions on every single aspect of the business, and yet not once have you ever said anything positive about any of my posts, comments, thoughts or ideas.

I can't work out whether you have a very low opinion of me or are just trying to wind me up, not that I'll lose any sleep over it either way.

:shrug:

[wensleydale]

Rich,


It never fails to amaze me how you only ever seem to comment on my posts to disagree with me. I can't believe we have different opinions on every single aspect of the business, and yet not once have you ever said anything positive about any of my posts, comments, thoughts or ideas.

I can't work out whether you have a very low opinion of me or are just trying to wind me up, not that I'll lose any sleep over it either way.

:shrug:
I just think we have very different opinions on lots of things- nothing personal- and I know that the way I do things is frowned upon by many so I'm not having a go.

I also tried to make the last post as general as possible as it's not just you that does it, however as you post more than most I often end up replying to you.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

It never fails to make me laugh that people say they would do exactly as the B&G wanted as they are the customer.

What about using judgement and gentle guidance?

[wensleydale]

It never fails to make me laugh that people say they would do exactly as the B&G wanted as they are the customer.

What about using judgement and gentle guidance?

Yes- but if someone wanted something that I disagreed with I would still do it- but give a little warning first.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Yes- but if someone wanted something that I disagreed with I would still do it- but give a little warning first.

But your whole ethos is the same, you do exactly as the client asks. How would you take referrals from that? The B&G might give your number out, but I should imagine that most of their friends were already there and might not like what you did if it was too specialist.

How many times have you heard "The DJ was **** because he played a load of stuff we didn't know or didn't use the mic etc etc.

It's all very well personalising evenings, but people do need to know that you aren't some clueless idiot and do have ideas and experience of your own, otherwise you'll never gain repeat business.

[rob1963]

I just think we have very different opinions on lots of things

Yes, we have very different opinions on lots of things...but not on EVERYTHING!

Here's a challenge for you, Rich. I know it will involve breaking the habit of a lifetime, but next time I say something you agree with, why not post to say you agree with me, just for a change?

Stranger things have happened on this forum...although not often!

:D

[rob1963]

Yes- but if someone wanted something that I disagreed with I would still do it- but give a little warning first.

A few posts back you suggested that you go out of your way to encourage all sorts of weird & wonderful requirements from your clients and that you always do exactly what they want...now you've said that when they DO come out with all these weird requirements you give them a warning about it!

I'm confused!

:shrug:

[wensleydale]

A few posts back you suggested that you go out of your way to encourage all sorts of weird & wonderful requirements from your clients and that you always do exactly what they want...now you've said that when they DO come out with all these weird requirements you give them a warning about it!

I'm confused!

:shrug:

if there was something I disagred with I would highlight it, but probably end up doing it.
I dont think its too confusing.

[rob1963]

if there was something I disagred with I would highlight it, but probably end up doing it.

So it's NOT a case of "The customer is paying, so they always get exactly what they want" like you said earlier, but more a case of "The customer is paying, so they PROBABLY get what they want"

There's a difference...and that's what confused me.

[wensleydale]

So it's NOT a case of "The customer is paying, so they always get exactly what they want" like you said earlier, but more a case of "The customer is paying, so they PROBABLY get what they want"

There's a difference...and that's what confused me.
No. It's not.
If they still wanted it then they get it.

[rob1963]

Update time.

I've just had an email back from these people saying "We THINK we will go ahead with the booking if you are still free that day"

They went on to say they were thinking of starting the music early while people are eating, then taking a break for the speeches, then starting the disco around 8.00pm-8.30pm, and they asked if this was something I could accommodate within the price quoted.

:bang: :bang: :bang:

I sent a polite reply explaining that my prices cover discos for up to 5 hours, which includes the initial background music, and that it sounds like their request would go over the 5 hours, in which case there would be an additional fee.

I then asked if they could give me specific times as to when they wanted the background music to start and when the disco is to finish, and said that when I had this information I would be able to give them an accurate quote.

:shrug: