Different Setups

[ppentertainments]

Currently I use a rig that I see fit for the venue, occasion and customers requirements. In all honesty this entails an ultimax stand, S&H Booth, speakers, 4 par cans, 2 firebird lights, a Kam Swingfire, cluster laser and 2 acme dynamo. The overhead bar is prewired so I tend to go out with all these lights (not overkill by any stretch of the imagination).

I have been mentioned on a couple of wedding forums and have gained a number of bookings through them. On one thread I noticed a comment by someone who booked me (not negative), that I don't do a choice of setups.

This has been bugging me since reading it. I will admit that I basically use a 'one setup fits all'. However this works well for me and have never had negative comments. It is all pre-wired so takes minutes to set up and looks neat.

I do offer other services (uplighting, photo projection etc) as an add-on.

I think the comment is justified and correct but I cannot think on how to offer different setups, or indeed if I want to. Obviously for non-wedding I do reduce things.

Any suggestions or am I bugging myself over nothing ??

[JDB Entertainment]

Out of interest could you pm me a list of these forums?

I would be interested to read them to see if there is any comments on my service.

[andyw]

we basically use the same set up everytime but change the ovrhead lighting to suit the event, can i ask you about using 2 dynamos are they the 100 watt version or 250w and do you use them on there own or at the same time as other lights,sorry the question is off topic

[Daryll]

I also have a "one size fits all rig" , and like you , its pre-wired.
however I am thinking about the smaller ultimax cross peices , say the 4" `s , along with a smaller overhead truss , this in effect would be a second rig.
Daryll

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Just do what i do Chris and add/subtract lighting to suit. My smallest variation is between Bronze and silver 9other than the sound system) is loosing the dynamos.

[Vectis]

Not sure if it helps, but here's how I do things.

I have the Ultimax Powerlite overhead bar, prewired with lots (too many) IECs, DMX patch-thru's etc, such that I can hang ANY effects that I choose almost on a whim. I have DMX programs for every effect that I possess and each device has it's own unique DMX patch range so I don't have to think about this aspect.

Now, when I have my consultation meeting with the B&G/Customer, I mention that we have a wide range of lighting and tell them, based on what I already know about their event, what I'd recommend but at least give them the chance to tell me if they want it low-key or if they'd like lots of lasers, for example.

90% of the time they don't care, and I "sell" them a "variety of effects suitable for different styles of music" or, in other words, the same config I generally use anyway ;) But at least by asking, I'm showing willing and thus avoiding issues like yours.

:beer1:

[ppentertainments]

Just do what i do Chris and add/subtract lighting to suit. My smallest variation is between Bronze and silver 9other than the sound system) is loosing the dynamos.

Problem with that though is, and I have to say it, even though people will pay a lot for a good DJ they will still skimp where they can (round here anyway :sofa: ). From feedback from other DJ's in the region, if I offer 'packages', most of the time they will go for the cheapest. At present I 'tell' them what they need and charge accordingly which seems to work.

My other fear with packages is that if they were to book a 'bronze' package for a humungous hall which required a lot more, I would end up providing more. Wrong I know but that's how I work.


Not sure if it helps, but here's how I do things.

I have the Ultimax Powerlite overhead bar, prewired with lots (too many) IECs, DMX patch-thru's etc, such that I can hang ANY effects that I choose almost on a whim. I have DMX programs for every effect that I possess and each device has it's own unique DMX patch range so I don't have to think about this aspect.

Now, when I have my consultation meeting with the B&G/Customer, I mention that we have a wide range of lighting and tell them, based on what I already know about their event, what I'd recommend but at least give them the chance to tell me if they want it low-key or if they'd like lots of lasers, for example.

90% of the time they don't care, and I "sell" them a "variety of effects suitable for different styles of music" or, in other words, the same config I generally use anyway ;) But at least by asking, I'm showing willing and thus avoiding issues like yours.

:beer1:

This could be what I need to do (minus DMX :D ).
:beer1:

[ppentertainments]

Out of interest could you pm me a list of these forums?

I would be interested to read them to see if there is any comments on my service.

Thought I would post here for all to see ;)

www.youandyourwedding.co.uk
www.hitched.co.uk
www.confetti.co.uk
www.weddingchaos.co.uk/wedding-forum/

There are others, these are just a few I browse. I never participate as some of the comments towards DJ's, and other service providers, can often be off hand and do not want to get 'carried away'

I browse these forums to pick up ideas and market research for what brides are looking for. TBH though most of them on the forums are bridezilla's, and like every forum you can hide behind a keyboard and pretend.

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Problem with that though is, and I have to say it, even though people will pay a lot for a good DJ they will still skimp where they can (round here anyway :sofa: ). From feedback from other DJ's in the region, if I offer 'packages', of the time they will go for the cheapest. At present I 'tell' them what they need and charge accordingly which seems to work.

My other fear with packages is that if they were to book a 'bronze' package for a humungous hall which required a lot more, I would end up providing more. Wrong I know but that's how I work.


This could be what I need to do (minus DMX :D ).
:beer1:

Thats an issue that ive nearly had crop up in the past. But it had been avoided by tailoring the package slightly to their needs. Good one that springs to mind was a B&G who were after the Bronze option because it kept the lighting strictly on the dance floor. I explained that that was fine, but that the sound system wouldnt cope with the size of room and number of guests, which they understood and went for the larger sound system with the smaller lighting rig and a bespoke (somewhere in the middle) price.

I think that the people having a whine about you not offering packages are only doing so because they feel that it doesnt give them the chance to book you slightly cheaper. In reality chucking away 2 dynamos and your par cans and calling it bronze (out there at the same price you currently charging btw ;) ) may well mean you get more "Silver" set-ups at a slightly higher rate :D

[ppentertainments]

Thats an issue that ive nearly had crop up in the past. But it had been avoided by tailoring the package slightly to their needs. Good one that springs to mind was a B&G who were after the Bronze option because it kept the lighting strictly on the dance floor. I explained that that was fine, but that the sound system wouldnt cope with the size of room and number of guests, which they understood and went for the larger sound system with the smaller lighting rig and a bespoke (somewhere in the middle) price.

I think that the people having a whine about you not offering packages are only doing so because they feel that it doesnt give them the chance to book you slightly cheaper. In reality chucking away 2 dynamos and your par cans and calling it bronze (out there at the same price you currently charging btw ;) ) may well mean you get more "Silver" set-ups at a slightly higher rate :D

I can see where your coming from, but for me I prefer offering 'bespoke packages'. (Well bespoke as long as they use what I say :D :p ). Just sounds posher and works for me.

BTW Steve need to ring you about something - you in on Mon night (I am busy all weekend),

[rob1963]

Currently I use a rig that I see fit for the venue, occasion and customers requirements. In all honesty this entails an ultimax stand, S&H Booth, speakers, 4 par cans, 2 firebird lights, a Kam Swingfire, cluster laser and 2 acme dynamo. The overhead bar is prewired so I tend to go out with all these lights (not overkill by any stretch of the imagination).

I have been mentioned on a couple of wedding forums and have gained a number of bookings through them. On one thread I noticed a comment by someone who booked me (not negative), that I don't do a choice of setups.

This has been bugging me since reading it. I will admit that I basically use a 'one setup fits all'. However this works well for me and have never had negative comments. It is all pre-wired so takes minutes to set up and looks neat.

I do offer other services (uplighting, photo projection etc) as an add-on.

I think the comment is justified and correct but I cannot think on how to offer different setups, or indeed if I want to. Obviously for non-wedding I do reduce things.

Any suggestions or am I bugging myself over nothing ??

I can understand why some people might be aware of the fact that you don't offer a choice of set ups.

I offer two different set ups, and they can choose the best one for their number of guests & budget, but I STILL think this is a little restricting...as I've seen many discos that offer three or more set ups, but I've decided to stick with what I have...although I've added something to my home page & email response along the lines of "we tailor our service to your exact requirements" which hopefully gets across the message about being flexible within the set packages.

[DJMaxG]

I'm not really a fan of packages from any point of view, why should a customer pay extra for a laser, for example.

I base the above opinion on Weddings and most parties, not the same with equipment hire, clearly.

What I'd like to know, is How does the commentor know that you haven't got a choice of packages. Have they been to several of your events and seen them, or just taken a sneaky peak at the website, and decided for themselves that there aren't a choice?

[Vectis]

I'm not really a fan of packages from any point of view, why should a customer pay extra for a laser, for example.

I base the above opinion on Weddings and most parties, not the same with equipment hire, clearly.

OMG :eek: I'm actually agreeing with Max on this statement :daft:

I used to sell packages based primarily on the level of equipment and service proferred but was sick of trying to justify the extra cost to those who just wanted to book a disco.

So I moved away from what was Junior, Premier and Platinum and now simply have VectisVibe Kids & Teens, VectisVibe for my Party! and VectisVibe for my Wedding. Within each package there is scope for varying the equipment to fit the venue, musical requirements or customer need.

Then I have a range of optional extras which can be added to any package and of course I do state that we can customise anything and everything to suit - the packages are just the baselines.

This has been a major leap forward for me - the customer knows which "box" they're in before they make contact. Previously they'd make contact unsure of which package we'd try to sell them - obviously hoping for Platinum service at Junior price :p

[rob1963]

I'm not really a fan of packages from any point of view, why should a customer pay extra for a laser, for example.

Are you saying a DJ should charge the same for a small set up with 2 speakers & a couple of lighting effects as they would for a large show with 4 tops, subs, smoke, lasers & 10 other lighting effects?

The larger show would take a lot longer to carry in & set up, and presumably we charge for our time, in which case shouldn't we charge more?

:shrug:

[DJMaxG]

The larger show would take a lot longer to carry in & set up, and presumably we charge for our time, in which case shouldn't we charge more?

If I was providing Mobile Disco Services, then I would quote based on :
1. Room Size / Type (eg Marquee)
2. Number of Guests
3. Number of hours playing for
4. Amount of time required to set up
5. Location of Event (distance travelling)
6. Time of day [Possibly]

May Charge For - Unsure
1. Uplighting
2. Video System
3. DVD Slideshow
4. Extra PA System (in another room)

Probably wouldn't charge for
1. Single flight of stairs
2. Extra couple of lights
3. Smoke machine
4. Bubble machine
5. Confetti cannon
6. Pyrotechnics
7. Radio microphone(s) for clients use
8. Background music (*If I was in the room anyway)

[flatliners]

If I was providing Mobile Disco Services, then I would quote based on :
1. Room Size / Type (eg Marquee)
2. Number of Guests
3. Number of hours playing for
4. Amount of time required to set up
5. Location of Event (distance travelling)
6. Time of day [Possibly]

May Charge For - Unsure
1. Uplighting
2. Video System
3. DVD Slideshow
4. Extra PA System (in another room)

Probably wouldn't charge for
1. Single flight of stairs
2. Extra couple of lights
3. Smoke machine
4. Bubble machine
5. Confetti cannon
6. Pyrotechnics
7. Radio microphone(s) for clients use
8. Background music (*If I was in the room anyway)

i kind of agree with some of your points i would charge 4 uplighting video system ect and also confetti and pyrotechnics because you have to buy the confetti and the pyros
i do think you should charge more the more kit you take

[Excalibur]

Are you saying a DJ should charge the same for a small set up with 2 speakers & a couple of lighting effects as they would for a large show with 4 tops, subs, smoke, lasers & 10 other lighting effects?

The larger show would take a lot longer to carry in & set up, and presumably we charge for our time, in which case shouldn't we charge more?

:shrug:
Well we already know you aren't saying that. ;) :D :D I've got a vision of you with a calculator totting up the fee as you plug each light in, and the customer saying Stop, when they run out of money. :D :D :D


i kind of agree with some of your points i would charge 4 uplighting video system ect and also confetti and pyrotechnics because you have to buy the confetti and the pyros
i do think you should charge more the more kit you take


I agree with much of what Max says here in the post Flatliners is replying to. Regular readers will not expect me to advocate charging extra money for extra gear as standard practice.
Take the gear needed for the job. When it's an amp and two cabs, you're laughing. When the van's carrying ten cabs, three amps and twelve lights, take a trolley. :D

[DJMaxG]

It's nice to be agreed with for once :)

[ppentertainments]

Depend also on what you sell though - yourself or your kit !!

[DJMaxG]

Agreed :approve: