Customers changing what they want

[spin mobile disco]

Following on from the thread on the corprate cutomers changing the goalposts as it were.

I have a client that has booked me for an all day wedding including presetup by 2:30 in the afternoon. They want the actual party to start at 6pm so this includes lots of waiting around which as I have to be present for insurance I charge at £20 per hour waiting.

Have been in contact with them about the date which is now very close and things keep changing. For example thwey now want me to provide radio mics for the ceremony, background music and they also chose a package that I had already advised they would not be suitable for so many people.

My reply was that they could have the mics and background music if they paid the difference in money between pre setup and actual party time (works out another £60 to upgrade the 3 hours pretty well priced I think)

As for the fact they chose a package designed for 80 people for guests numbering 140 I told them they would have to upgrade or they would run the risk of lower volume than the people would want as well as a much smaler lightshow.

I seem to be getting a lot of these changes recently and it feels like a case how far can we push it to get freebees.

What would you do and how would you have reacted in these situations?

[Megamix]

tricky - I think when convenient and affordable be flexible - when it gets costly and time consuming you have to charge accordingly

[OllieJames]

I can't really comment on what I would do, as I do my 'packages' differently.

For your run of the mill venue, no stairs, on ground floor, easy access etc I just charge for the time, and the setup varies for the size of the venue, the ages of the guests etc, and should the access be more difficult I charge a bit extra, same applies for other factors. I do this rather than offering different setup packages that could then cause issues with the client choosing a package which from the DJs point of view is too small for the venue/guests.

So it's your choice, either take a bit more gear to ensure you don't have the 'oi, turn it up!!!' guests or alternatively, just have it quieter like you had warned the client...

P.S: The Cortex website is down, so I can't download the software for the HDC1000, Matt!

[DJMaxG]

If you've got an SM58 wireless lying around in the loft that you've forked out £400+, and it's rarely used, then Yes, I suppose you should charge in order to pay it off.

However, if you have a spare mic, then you might as well just throw it in, if it's minimal effort getting it all set up.

[ppentertainments]

The problem with offering packages .....................

My advise would be to speak to them (face to face if easier) and explain in detail why you need to charge more and how this additional cost will improve the overall performance and enjoyment of guests on the night.

There are a lot who simply say charge, charge, charge. However in the real world, there is plenty of choice for clients wanting a disco and if they feel they are getting ripped off they will simply go elsewhere. However you need to convince them that the money is well spent.

As said before, leave the DJ behind and bring out the businessman - best bit of advice I have received this year.

[DJ INDIE]

I have a few clients who change things and what they want, you just have to be clear that it will cost more (writing in email saves the proof) and get it in writing and get them to sign for it by amending the contract.

I never do the PA system size to people for the reason you are now in. Its a bit of a slog carting full subs and tops everywhere, but avoids any hassle as it is suitable for any event.

Remember, even though its not your fault, people will just say 'that dj wasnt loud enough' not 'Mrs X chose the lower of the PA systems and it wasnt adequate, which could look bad on you.

[DJMaxG]

Remember, even though its not your fault, people will just say 'that dj wasnt loud enough' not 'Mrs X chose the lower of the PA systems and it wasnt adequate, which could look bad on you.

Well that makes a change LOL, most complain that the DJ was too loud :D

[NKR]

If you've got an SM58 wireless lying around in the loft that you've forked out £400+, and it's rarely used, then Yes, I suppose you should charge in order to pay it off.

However, if you have a spare mic, then you might as well just throw it in, if it's minimal effort getting it all set up.

Who has radio mics lying round in the loft?

[Charlie Brown]

I think offering packages is complete and utter nonsense, but then again a good idea.

People are paying you for your expertease and knowledge of the job. It's more about the job you do and service you provide - not weather you will take and plug in another speaker or not.

I will always quote a price that includes the correct tools for the job, then you wouldn't have customers trying to pull a fast one.

Darren did a house party once and charged the same he would for a normal wedding. As it was a smallish event and he had a limited area to setup in, he just used two led par can's. Did they complain? No. Were they annoyed he only had two lights? No. They had a cracking night and he was paid to play for longer!

My point is knowing how many people are attending the wedding couldn't you of just quoted a price and took the right tools for the job along?

[DJMaxG]

Who has radio mics lying round in the loft?

It depends, All DJs have spare gear, I would assume anyway.

I'm not a Professional, so can't really say, but I would like to help clients out in every way possible.

But, as mentioned before, if you are a Pro, you've got to pay everything back.

[ppentertainments]

Darren did a house party once and charged the same he would for a normal wedding. As it was a smallish event and he had a limited area to setup in, he just used two led par can's. Did they complain? No. Were they annoyed he only had two lights? No. They had a cracking night and he was paid to play for longer!


In other words sell yourelf and your service NOT your equipment !!!

[DazzyD]

Well that makes a change LOL, most complain that the DJ was too loud :D

Not wrong there, Max! I did a karaoke last night and got some old biddy complaining that the noise was too loud (about 2 lights up on the mixer :eek:) as she'd only come out for a quiet chat with her friends! I couldn't say it but the second word I was thinking of was "off"!


I think offering packages is complete and utter nonsense, but then again a good idea.

People are paying you for your expertease and knowledge of the job. It's more about the job you do and service you provide - not weather you will take and plug in another speaker or not.

I will always quote a price that includes the correct tools for the job, then you wouldn't have customers trying to pull a fast one.

Darren did a house party once and charged the same he would for a normal wedding. As it was a smallish event and he had a limited area to setup in, he just used two led par can's. Did they complain? No. Were they annoyed he only had two lights? No. They had a cracking night and he was paid to play for longer!

My point is knowing how many people are attending the wedding couldn't you of just quoted a price and took the right tools for the job along?

Such a mature head on one so young! Darren is teaching you well, young Jedi!

I never give a quote on a price until I know exactly what is required. When people get in touch I ask (in some people's eyes) a lot of questions but the answers are important for me to establish exactly what the client wants and needs. Then I can put together a package to suit and quote accordingly.

I know of others, though, who just say "Prices start at £xxx" which instantly sets the client off trying to get a booking at that price. Not for me, though!


In other words sell yourelf and your service NOT your equipment !!!

Sell the experience that the client will get from booking you. If you just say "You should book me because I'm great! The best there is!" I fear clients will be put off by your ego (although in my case it would be true! :D). However, "Think of you and your guests dancing, partying and having a great time to a DJ that plays exactly what you want to hear. Well, I'm that DJ!" is a rather cheesy way of putting it but it gets the client thinking about and visualising their party. And it puts you in their minds alongside them having a great time. Bit of mind play, perhaps, but quite an effective marketing tool!

[rob1963]

The problem with offering packages .....................



I don't think this is a problem with offering packages at all.

People can change their requirements and add extra things...regardless of whether they had a tailor made quote in the first place OR went for a set priced package. I don't see what difference it makes.

[CRAZY K]

I don't think this is a problem with offering packages at all.

People can change their requirements and add extra things...regardless of whether they had a tailor made quote in the first place OR went for a set priced package. I don't see what difference it makes.

But the point is what happened to you Rob, are people trying it on to get extras for nothing once you are booked:confused:

Yes Im sure thats happening more now so many things are apparently FREE
BOGOF and all that marketing tosh.:bang:

I have to say I wont quote cheaper options if its going to backfire on my reputatuon because the last thing you need at any event is people moaning the sounds not loud enough ( a little unlikely I agree ) not enough lighting, cant hear what your saying and all those type of things.

CRAZY K

[rob1963]

But the point is what happened to you Rob, are people trying it on to get extras for nothing once you are booked

Not really.

I've had a couple of clients increase the hours without expecting to have to pay any more, but on both occasions I put them right by giving them an amended price for the extra time involved.

[CRAZY K]

I don't think this is a problem with offering packages at all.

People can change their requirements and add extra things...regardless of whether they had a tailor made quote in the first place OR went for a set priced package. I don't see what difference it makes.

But the point is what happened to you Rob, ARE people trying it on to get extras for nothing once you are booked:confused:

Yes Im sure thats happening more now so many things are apparently FREE
BOGOF and all that marketing tosh.:bang:

CRAZY K

[ppentertainments]

I have to say I wont quote cheaper options if its going to backfire on my reputatuon because the last thing you need at any event is people moaning the sounds not loud enough ( a little unlikely I agree ) not enough lighting, cant hear what your saying and all those type of things.

CRAZY K
I agree, and lets be honest here, if people think they can save a few quid, generally they will. No matter if it is a posh wedding or a working mens club.

This is the reason why I personally (Not saying it is right or wrong :o ) do not offer packages or give out a 'idea of price' until I get all the details in.

The only exceptions to this are a few regular venues - working mens clubs who just want 'a disco'. I charge them a flat fee (cheap :sofa: ), they get 'a disco', and I send another DJ out to do it. Not much in the way of customer service (meetings etc) because all they want is 'a disco'.

[spin mobile disco]

Hi Ollie link for cotex is here http://www.cortex-pro.com/ working at the moment if you need it.

I think my biggest bugbear was the pre setup change. They wanted me set early and paid the charge but now want to change this time from early setup to actual party music. I explained the difference and the cost and they never get back to you. If they had wanted a 10 hour party I would have priced for this but they wanted a 6 hour party but with me setup early that was all.

[ppentertainments]

I think my biggest bugbear was the pre setup change. They wanted me set early and paid the charge but now want to change this time from early setup to actual party music. I explained the difference and the cost and they never get back to you. If they had wanted a 10 hour party I would have priced for this but they wanted a 6 hour party but with me setup early that was all.
Stick my neck on the line here - If I was honest and a member of the public, I would probably quiz the difference in price.

I would be paying you to be there and would not see the difference if you were playing music or not. As a DJ I do know the difference, but as I keep saying, in the reall world understandings are different.

PS As a DJ I do think what you are doing is right.

[CRAZY K]

Not really.

I've had a couple of clients increase the hours without expecting to have to pay any more, but on both occasions I put them right by giving them an amended price for the extra time involved.

How does getting extras free differ from asking you to play extra hours for nothing?

confused of Northants
:D :D :D
CRAZY K

[rob1963]

How does getting extras free differ from asking you to play extra hours for nothing?


It doesn't.

It's exactly the same thing.

:)