If you have to cancel ??

[ppentertainments]

I was nearly in a very unfortunate situtation on Thursday evening which got me thinking about what I would do if I ever had to cancel a gig.

The night in question was a Race Night and Disco for a corporate client. We received a phone call late in the afternoon (about 2 hours before setting off) to say my Mother-In-Law had suffered serious heart problems (she is still V unwell but in the mend slowly). She lives about 2 1/2 hours drive north of us and the race night was 2 Hours south. Obviously my wife was distraught and in no fit state to drive that distance.

Obviously, family come first, and I immediately thought 'I have no other choice but to cancel'. Without gong into detail, everything worked out so I could do the gig still.

I had an idea of what to offer as 'compensation' should I have been forced to cancel, which I believe would be over and above expectations. There was no-one available to cover, especially being a race night.

My question is - what would you offer as compensation if forced to cancel. Would you stick to yout T&C ??, have you ever had to cancel ??

I will say later what I decided upon, but would rather get feedback first.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Firstly, glad to hear all is well (or getting better)...

On my Terms & Conditions, I state that IF I have to cancel for whatever reason, the client will get any money that they have paid returned to them within 7 days.

[rob1963]

My question is - what would you offer as compensation if forced to cancel. Would you stick to yout T&C ??, have you ever had to cancel ??

I will say later what I decided upon, but would rather get feedback first.


Firstly, glad to hear all is well (or getting better)...

Same here.


On my Terms & Conditions, I state that IF I have to cancel for whatever reason, the client will get any money that they have paid returned to them within 7 days.

I'm similar, and would return all money they had paid.

I might also give them something extra as a gesture of good will.

Fortunately I've never had to cancel, and there was only one occasion when I had to send my colleague to cover the gig due to me being very ill. However, I only do mobile discos & quiz nights, and I know lots of people who do the same, so it's extremely unlikely that I wouldn't be able to find cover.

[Excalibur]

Chris, first glad to hear things are looking OK family wise.
Second, my suggestion would be refund of monies paid, and possibly a free replacement as and when, depending on circumstances. Expect a PM from me on a not unconnected matter soon.

[ppentertainments]

Chris, first glad to hear things are looking OK family wise.
Second, my suggestion would be refund of monies paid, and possibly a free replacement as and when, depending on circumstances. Expect a PM from me on a not unconnected matter soon.

That was my thoughts. I was going to offer a refund AND a FREE race night later in the year or early next year.

[rob1963]

That was my thoughts. I was going to offer a refund AND a FREE race night later in the year or early next year.

I think that's a very good idea.

:thumbsup:

[Vectis]

Ts & Cs state All monies paid plus up to £100 maximum liability if another entertainer is substituted.

I'll always do my best to find a replacement, and to this end I keep in touch with a couple of local jocks plus an entertainments agency who are primarily bands but who have details on hand for another dozen or so DJs.

Conscience would probably offer a free future gig if the original was a) not a wedding, b) was cancelled or c) had a poor substitute, but of course this isn't written down anywhere.

Luckily I've only once had a no-show in 25 years and that was due to being involved in a car accident on the way to the gig (not my fault I might add) but it rendered my trailer (and roadie) useless so that was that. After ringing the police my second phone call went to an agent and the gig was covered, if a little late starting.

Hope MiL is better soon.

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Can only echo whats been said....i would refund all money, and keep a freebie in mind for them.

Luckily ive never had to cancel due to illness or other...and tocuh wood.

Glad the mother-in-law is on the mend :)

[soundmaster mobile disco]

This is where "networking" with other djs in your own area comes in very handy.

after all how many times have we heard the story,the djs not turned up can you help me.

I know this is a genuine family reason and i would feel sorry for anyone put in that position.

[Shaun]

There's only ever been one occasion where I came close to cancelling (2 years ago). I had 2 gigs booked for the weekend in question. A few days before the gigs my Dad died in a car crash. I managed get cover for one of the gigs (birthday party), but had no luck finding cover for the Saturdays wedding. There's no way I'd let a bride down a few days before her wedding, so I put a brave face on did the gig. I'd have done the Fridays birthday party too if I couldn't arrange cover.


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Chris, good to hear your Mother in Law is on the mend.

[christoph]

I've never had to cancel, but do have a clause that says the client is limited to claim back any deposit money paid only, and that I'm not liable for any other costs hat they have incurred in organising their event.

Just to be on the safe side, otherwise you might be getting a bill for room hire and all other types off stuff.

[PropellerHeadCase]

My first ever gig for the company I ended up working for for 10 years was a mere three weeks after my father died (leukaemia), so I feel for you, Shaun.

[Jays karaoke]

I once had to cancel for the same reason, i gave the client a refund on all moneys paid and i paid for the family to have a nice meal out.
Once again it all about keeping your good reputation so if it costs you, and you keep your good name then it's all worth it.
the best thing is i have done another two gigs for the client since. It's how you handle things that matters.

[DazzyD]

We have this covered in our T&Cs (PM me if you want further info).

If it's disco and/or karaoke and you have trouble covering at the last minute give me a shout and I maybe (more often than not) be able to help. My phone number is on my profile page (I think) if not on our website.

Unfortunately, can't do race nights at the moment but it's something we're looking in to.

We have a network of local DJs/disco companies nearby so we've always got a great chance of getting work covered if needs be.