Leaving Your Equipment

[DJMaxG]

I read earlier about Twinspin's incident with the RCF Cab blown due to someone taking the Microphone and waving it around etc, and it got me thinking

What happens when you have to visit the bar or the toilet etc,
Do you leave loose CDs out or laptops unattended?

I'm aware that the client is automatically responsible for any acidental damage caused by intoxicated or non-intoxicated guests.

If your main playout is a laptop, then it would obviously cut out, but not if it's left there for backup.

How do you deal with thefts, do they easily occur?

[NKR]

We have the benefit of two of us so its never left unattended appart from buffet attendance. If anyone was to be found messing with or attempting to pilfer anything then I would no be a happy bunny (pilfering would result in blood being spilt)

[Dynamic Entertainment]

In the past...when i was doing the "rougher" gigs, i would loose an odd CD. To that end, i started taking copies out and leaving the originals at home. Wrong, and breaking the law i now know....but i was told at the time that a DJ was allowed to make a single copy so the original was kept in good condition.

[Larry B Entertainment]

I have never left my gear unattended as I aways have an assistant of some kind with me so there is always someone keeping watch.
I dont think I have ever lost a cd or anything, normally my assistant takes the requests so the punters dont get near my gear or cd's. I have a budget mic which I give to people if they want to make a speech or something so woudnt be the end of the world if the dropped it or broke it.

[Steve the DJ]

I'm aware that the client is automatically responsible for any acidental damage caused by intoxicated or non-intoxicated guests.

Are they?

[NKR]

Wouldn't have thought so!

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Good god,a sensible thread from Max.

(Goes off for a lie down)

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Good god,a sensible thread from Max.

(Goes off for a lie down)

Must be rubbing off on him Daz :D

[Chris1984]

Its one thing i am paranoid about if i'm on my own, but like most people i normally have some help so the kit is never unattended.

[rob1963]

I read earlier about Twinspin's incident with the RCF Cab blown due to someone taking the Microphone and waving it around etc, and it got me thinking

What happens when you have to visit the bar or the toilet etc,
Do you leave loose CDs out or laptops unattended?

I'm aware that the client is automatically responsible for any acidental damage caused by intoxicated or non-intoxicated guests.

If your main playout is a laptop, then it would obviously cut out, but not if it's left there for backup.

How do you deal with thefts, do they easily occur?

Hi Max,

I work alone, but I virtually never leave the gear unattended.

This applies to daytime set ups, where I now always stay on site, even though this occasionally means sitting with the gear for up to about 8 hours. This is partly for security & insurance reasons, and partly because in the old days where I set up & left the gear, I'd sometimes come back & find the faders, gain controls etc had been moved, so kids or someone had obviously messing about with my gear, and I'm VERY funny about people touching my gear, especially when I'm not there.

As far as leaving the gear unattended during the function itself, I don't do that either (apart from a quick visit to the loo just before I start). I don't drink for several hours before a gig, as I find that I can then get through the gig without needing the loo. I always take a bottle of water with me, so I never need to visit the bar either.

On the subject of thefts etc, they are less likely in the environments I work in anyway, as these tend to be weddings in nice hotels rather than pub gigs, and there are usually quite a few staff around.

[NKR]

Worst time for kit is when is packed down and being loaded. Some items require a two man lift, so some gear is left in the venue with drunken people.

Only recently I returned from starting loading to have an arguement with two drunken women using one of the wheeled road trunks to whizz round the dance floor. Needless to say they ruined an otherwise good evening as the customer also couldn't see what my issue was. Couple of thousand pounds worth of lights in it may have been why I was a little upset about it flying round the dance floor!

[DJNutter]

Good topic, I always have an assistant, but there is always the 2 man lift situation at the end of the night, that’s when I get a little concerned about the kit.:confused:
Inside and outside!:eek:
Weddings have never been a concern, however, on the 'odd job' where you may not feel 100% comfortable leaving kit alone then I will ask bar staff to assist and they never seem to mind.:)
I like to keep them happy and always BIG up the venue staff during the night for a great job well done etc. This helps enormously when packing up.;)
Worst case scenario (Not happened to me yet) my plan is to wait as long as it takes before I start leaving kit on its own. I hope that day never comes though.
Hope those few pointers help keep YOUR kit safe.:)
Nutter

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Must be rubbing off on him Daz :D

Saucy lol

Its a risk I have to take. If you need to go you need to go. I thankfully have moved away pricing wise from the places you would have a higher chance of something happeaning.

[Penfold42]

Listen with your ears.
If the music stops.......something is happening....pull it up and rush back! :eek:

[Vectis]

Listen with your ears.
If the music stops.......something is happening....pull it up and rush back! :eek:

Just not too quickly... :o

[Penfold42]

Just not too quickly... :o

:lol:

[DJMaxG]

Darren is obviously in deep shock that I have posted a thread related to something of his particular interest for once :p


Are they?

According to a large percentage of Entertainment Contracts, Yes, as far as I'm aware.



Only recently I returned from starting loading to have an arguement with two drunken women using one of the wheeled road trunks to whizz round the dance floor

:eek:



Needless to say they ruined an otherwise good evening as the customer also couldn't see what my issue was

That is Outrageous, People probably aren't aware of the cost of equipment,
EVEN if it is a metal box with a motar, mirror, spotlight, discs, and a self contained chip board in it.

[NKR]

That is Outrageous, People probably aren't aware of the cost of equipment,
EVEN if it is a metal box with a motar, mirror, spotlight, discs, and a self contained chip board in it.

I know I was not a happy bunny and it got quite heated when they wouldn't stop it and its no help when the customer thinks its funny and you are just being mardy. The venue were no help whatsoever and left us stranded to sort it out ourselves. As a result we have refused to work there again.

Its very rare but I have seen behaviour this year that I haven't come accross in 12 years doing this job.

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Its very rare but I have seen behaviour this year that I haven't come accross in 12 years doing this job.

Im completely behind you on that one.

Im sure that there was a thread not too long ago discussing how this years weddings seem to have a shift in behaviour with the guests.

In previous years, yes you got the odd one or two that got hammered, but this year every wedding bar one, has involved stupidly drunk people/dancing on tables/throwing up.....its just not the way i would behave, or expect others to behave, at a wedding.

The yob/lout brigade weve heard of for the last few years look like they are starting to tie the knot ;)

[NKR]

[QUOTE=Dynamic Entertainment;379092]
Im sure that there was a thread not too long ago discussing how this years weddings seem to have a shift in behaviour with the guests.
[QUOTE]

That was me who started that thread. It was after a couple of incidents this year the one above being a prime example.

[rob1963]

I'm aware that the client is automatically responsible for any acidental damage caused by intoxicated or non-intoxicated guests.


Are they?


According to a large percentage of Entertainment Contracts, Yes, as far as I'm aware.

Correct, Max.

When I was looking at other discos' terms & conditions to get ideas on the things I should be including, I frequently came across this, and I looked at dozens & dozens of sites.

I therefore have "The client will ensure there is adequate supervision of guests, customers and staff at the venue, and will be liable for any loss of, or damage to, our equipment, vehicles or personal belongings, whether caused by the client, guests, customers or staff."

No client has queried it yet (or any of my other t&c come to that), and I've never had to enforce it...although I think that's unlikely with the kind of functions & venues I play at.


Listen with your ears.

Good advice, Tony...in fact I rarely listen with anything else!

:D

[Steve the DJ]

According to a large percentage of Entertainment Contracts, Yes, as far as I'm aware.

I think it is in mine as well, but I am highly sceptical that it is enforceable in a court of law.

You are much safer with an insurance policy that covers accidental damage and more likely to get vital equipment back quicker than pursuing a claim for damage through the courts.

If you threw a party and a drunken cousin knocked over and smashed a speaker would you hand over the cash just because it said so in some terms and conditions that you probably never read or are you more likely to deny liability?

[ppentertainments]

Im completely behind you on that one.

Im sure that there was a thread not too long ago discussing how this years weddings seem to have a shift in behaviour with the guests.

In previous years, yes you got the odd one or two that got hammered, but this year every wedding bar one, has involved stupidly drunk people/dancing on tables/throwing up.....its just not the way i would behave, or expect others to behave, at a wedding.

The yob/lout brigade weve heard of for the last few years look like they are starting to tie the knot ;)

I have noticed a similar trend and the venue you are playing at no longer dictates the type of client or guests attending.

I know of a lot of venues who have reduced their rates considerably and have also noticed people in turn are prepared to spend a bit extra on their wedding.

The only times I have encountered problems is when setting up early and leaving the equipment. I used to do this free of charge but now charge for this service and ensure someone (normally my wife :D ) sits with the equipment. In all honesty unless essential I now never suggest an early setup.

[Jonathan Ford]

I've been thinking about this a lot lately, as I'm going digital. However, if your laptop is playing the music, I suppose it's unlikely to be nicked, as the thief would be very conspicuous when the music stopped.

Year ago, I used to get the odd CD nicked when at the loo, but I suppose CDs are less valuable these days with downloads etc.

[spin mobile disco]

I always thought laptops are one of the most nickable items from a DJ's point of view. They can be used for many things. Unlike dedicated playout devices like decks, cd players and digital controllers that only have one use.
I always stay with my gear until end of night then pack down into the road cases. The whole lot is packed into quite large cases that are difficult to lift. This means 6 loads out with a trolley and all my gear is out into the van. If there are lots of roudy people I may stay with it and wait before loadout for security.

[Goodfellows Discos]

I think someone else on here has already said about CD's getting nicked, but a couple of years ago, a CD or more was stolen on 80% of the times I played, even when placed behind me. Since picking up my colleague who joined the business half a year ago, that figure has dropped to 0% :cool:.

I would defo recommend putting all your CD's in steel briefcases though - they can be locked or at least closed when not looking for a CD. On many of the occasions I have played in pubs or house parties, people are so intoxicated that they take these things without even realising it - majority of the times they have left them lying around somewhere after they have left.

[DJMaxG]

I think someone else on here has already said about CD's getting nicked, but a couple of years ago, a CD or more was stolen on 80% of the times I played, even when placed behind me. Since picking up my colleague who joined the business half a year ago, that figure has dropped to 0% :cool:

Sounds Good, It's kinda like stealing something out of a shop right under the Security Guard's nose.


I would defo recommend putting all your CD's in steel briefcases though - they can be locked or at least closed when not looking for a CD. On many of the occasions I have played in pubs or house parties, people are so intoxicated that they take these things without even realising it - majority of the times they have left them lying around somewhere after they have left.

Yep totally, as most DJs will notice, the keys for the DJ CD Flightcases Are universal, so not high security, but they'll more than likely prevent the oppertunist theif from entering.

Going Digital almost prevents that as everything is on one large HDD generally speaking, so the music would cut out :beer1:

My Sister's Friend's Mobile Handset was stolen from a private house party, so it just goes to show, these days anything will be a target.

[Twinspin]

On that night when that happened. My roadie at the time was not supposed to leave the equipment. I had to go to the bar to sort out something with the manager by the bar and got the drinks whilst there.

I wasnt too impressed when what happened, happened.

In the end i did end up getting the money back for a repair

[sleah]

Unfortunately security of gear is one of the main dark sides of mobile DJing that we all face.
Generally, gear theft insurance is hardly worth the papers it's printed on:(
Read the small print and you'll find the only time they will pay up is the only time you are actually stood WITH the kit, i.e. it's not going to be stolen by a chancer, only by force.:bang:
Go for a P and you're gear is likely to be uninsured if it's not guarded by a trusted (not drunk!) person.
I'd bet accidental insurance won't pay if you're not actually with the gear when it's damaged, so again reducing it's value.

There will be insurance that will cover the above, but it will cost a King's Ransom:(

[theoloyla]

Are they?

Yes if you use the SEDA standard approved contract.

I agree about the small print on insurance policies.

I have had bits stolen in the past from gigs (mostly cd's or records) and have had damage on several occasions caused by drunks falling into equipment or knocking it over.

I have nearly always worked with a partner, roadie, girlfriend, wife etc which does help. I agree that end of the evening whilst loading is the most vulnerable time and like Rob if I have to do an early setup then I usually stay with the gear.

Another thing with the SEDA contract states that if the equipment is to be left at the venue then the promoter is responsible for it.

[NKR]

There is about zero chance of enforcing an action against the person that booked you if someone damages your kit on the night.

Prove it. 100 people who all know the person that booked the do versus your word. Impossible civil action unless they have CCTV in the function room and that is likely to be next to useless with all those flashing lights.

Sorry to be defeatest.

[Creature]

I never leave my equipment unattended either by me or a trusted roadie/helper