Are you finding enquiries slow at the moment

[soundmaster mobile disco]

Are you finding enquiries for jan\feb hard to come by just now,or is it just me.?


Not had many phone calls or emails recently


At present i only have 2 kids parties in january both on the same date,and 2 bookings for february.As the song said..................things can only get better.

[OllieJames]

I've got one in January & three in February. I'm hoping the enquiries start to pick up beginning of Feb time! It's not just you, I think it's proving a little harder for everyone at the minute.

[COOL HAND LUKE]

Yes, seems slow and had a phone call last night saying venue still want me for NYE, but they havnt sold many tickets and room on second floor which usually has private party has no takers. I usually run some extra speakers for the private party.

[StarZSoundS]

I've got one in January & three in February. I'm hoping the enquiries start to pick up beginning of Feb time! It's not just you, I think it's proving a little harder for everyone at the minute.



Fear not.....The British public like to treat their life in chapters.Once the New Year starts they will be rushing to book for Jan/Feb.;) :D

[yourdj]

Fear not.....The British public like to treat their life in chapters.Once the New Year starts they will be rushing to book for Jan/Feb.;) :D

Exactly - i had two last night. People are preoccupied at the moment :)

[OllieJames]

Fear not.....The British public like to treat their life in chapters.Once the New Year starts they will be rushing to book for Jan/Feb.;) :D


Exactly - i had two last night. People are preoccupied at the moment :)

Yeah I had thought that. The British public are funny... I had an enquiry for Halloween a week before the event was "scheduled" to take place, and the client didn't even know where it was going to take place :eek:. Ahh, let's see how the New Year goes :)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Enquires slow during December and Christmas, who'd have thought it...

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Too right.
I've had 2 enquiries via my website and none by phone. People want to get this christmas session out of the way first. Just like the summer when people go on holiday and it's the school holidays. People have more important things to do.
I'm certain that they will start rolling in during the next fortnight.

[mike8863]

1 booking January, 1 booking February and 1 April, and you think yours are slow!!!!!!

[pagan_flame]

What are these 'Enquiries' and 'Bookings' that you speak of? :confused:

My next booked gig after NYE is for the end of May... :eek:

[Charlie Brown]

I have one booking every weekend in January and febuary dosnt look too bad either. The wedding season how ever is terrible!

[soundmaster mobile disco]

[QUOTE=pagan_flame;401505]What are these 'Enquiries' and 'Bookings' that you speak of? :confused:



I am talking about enquiries that are not happening just now.i have not had any emails or phone calls enquiring about my services for the next 2 months.

[StarZSoundS]

[QUOTE=pagan_flame;401505]What are these 'Enquiries' and 'Bookings' that you speak of? :confused:



I am talking about enquiries that are not happening just now.i have not had any emails or phone calls enquiring about my services for the next 2 months.

I'm sure things will be fine.I noticed a distinct change in peoples attitudes this Christmas.

They are up for partying again!!:) :) :)

2010....The year the Party came back;) :D

[Pe7e]

It's been very slow compared to previous years, even the dry hires are well below expectations. I had a fella phone me this morning, wanting a PA for NYE, after I had quoted him a very reasnoble price, he tried to knock it down by half :eek:!! His reasoning was, since it was still available, I would have little chance of finding a customer for the night, so I might as well take his derisory offer.:mad: Needless to say, he was politely told to foxtrot oscar. I have had a flurry of calls these last couple of days, and managed to secure a few last minute jobs at decent money, so all is not lost. I hope it doesn't stay this slow for long though, or plans will need to be revised for next year.

[djdave01]

ive got a couple booked in for Jan & Feb. My only enquiry in the last 3 weeks, was yesterday.

They'll all start coming in once new year is over with. Last year at this time i had no bookings for Janurary, ended up doing 10 gigs, most booked in the first week of Janurary.

[Mark Wild]

Slow here too Gary, but understandably considering the festive season fella.

[NKR]

Yep its slow and thats what everyone I know in the business is saying.

I have a couple of jobs booked in for Jan, nothing in Feb and March is empty too. Casino have intimated one in Jan and one in Feb, but at this rate its back to pubs at £150 to tide us over until we kick back into wedding season (its not a money thread, its a needs must thread)

[Ajaysdisco]

Its slow down this way too, Jan is not too bad, Feb is almost dead and after that is a 4 month wait until the next one!
Some people do leave it to the last minuet, I had an enquiry yesterday for New Years Eve!

[sandaroadshow]

I am turning work away, had 16 bookings for December 2009, I am knackered and now taking time off.

[rob1963]

Enquires slow during December and Christmas, who'd have thought it...

Funnily enough, I took 4 bookings in the week before Christmas!

I currently have 2 bookings for January & 2 for February...which is very good for me. My first disco THIS year wasn't until 7th March!

[Digitalsounds]

one word for it over the last couple of months

DEAD.

no real enquiries for a while...

think recession has hit the industry....

[simonp]

Picked up two weddings today - both in May funnily enough (one on a Sunday, the other a Friday). But as its been said earlier in the thread I haven't had many enquiries throughout December.

[StarZSoundS]

Anyone for Mid-Glamorgan then??

You'll be alright Simon....plenty of sheep!!

[Twinspin]

Very slow. Work was rubbish this December. But nothing while april in 2010 apart from New years day.

[Leicester Ben]

Busy busy busy here, a real mixture of dance floor, starcloth and disco bookings in Jan and Feb which makes a nice change from just discos which I've been filled up with the last few years.

I always find that last minute enquiries for 18ths etc will come through in Jan which fill the diary up also which are a bonus.

[Disco Tech Liverpool]

Same old threads every January. People get over Christmas and then start booking holidays and parties after that. Had 4 enquiries this morning, of which 2 have booked, also had a Jan 17th Christening cancelled, this is after nothing in the way of an enquiry for the last 6 weeks, this was because November and December was all booked up a while ago. December was fully booked for Fridays and Sautrdays but had no bookings in the midweeks, not a lot of people at the parties in December this year either on the whole.

[Totally Plucked]

Hence really need to consider not putting up fee's at present ?

[Vectis]

Same old threads every January. People get over Christmas and then start booking holidays and parties after that. Had 4 enquiries this morning, of which 2 have booked, also had a Jan 17th Christening cancelled, this is after nothing in the way of an enquiry for the last 6 weeks, this was because November and December was all booked up a while ago. December was fully booked for Fridays and Sautrdays but had no bookings in the midweeks, not a lot of people at the parties in December this year either on the whole.


Hence really need to consider not putting up fee's at present ?

No, just get yourself ready for when the enquiries DO start arriving. Get your patter together, sort out your website, buy some stamps. Be prepared :)

[soundtracker]

ten enquiries since NYE, usual pattern really, happens every January

[DJWilson]

Had a nice amount of enquires/confirmed bookings over Dec/Jan, which is good times :)

[StarZSoundS]

Anybody put these two barren months in their business plan!!How do you get over the hump IF its your only income!!

[Danno13]

Well December is usually busy and a good proportion of last years xmas gigs are on 30 day invoices, so they'll pay mid-January. February is the toughest month, but I usually manage to put enough aside during the summer and towards the end of Feb I'll be taking payments for March bookings. It usually picks up enough from April onwards to be comfortable again :)

Oh, and it's not unusual to take anywhere between 10-20 bookings each month between now and March, so thats a lot of £70 booking fees to go in the bank :D

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I've had another 2 weddings confirmed today. I can see it being busy for enquiries over the next few weeks.

[DiscoPromotions]

All Saturdays in Jan booked, couple of fridays in Jan. Nothing in Feb and potential 1 booking for March... Looking at some ideas to drum up some business.

[StarZSoundS]

All Saturdays in Jan booked, couple of fridays in Jan. Nothing in Feb and potential 1 booking for March... Looking at some ideas to drum up some business.


See Goodparty.co.uk........

[CRAZY K]

Anybody put these two barren months in their business plan!!How do you get over the hump IF its your only income!!

Find a part time job--Courier type job with your van?

Thats what my son is doing at the moment, also what my Rodeo Bull man does in the Winter.

Alternatively earn more during the other months from Discos?

CRAZY K

[Vectis]

How do you get over the hump IF its your only income!!

Make sure it's NOT your only income if it's not going to sustain you through.

[Disco Tech Liverpool]

It's a funny time of year for me, as usual, no disco's first full weekend of January. I did have one on 2nd January and then have 3 on the weekend of the 15th, 2 on the weekend of the 22nd and 2 on the last weekend of January. I work driving trucks as well, but with the weather and the lack of hardly anything going anywhere this week is totally slack on both fronts. It will pick up from the 15th though.

[Corabar Entertainment]

Anybody put these two barren months in their business plan!!How do you get over the hump IF its your only income!!

1. They're not 'barren' as you put it (just a bit slower), and
2. Yes, of course you plan for it if you've been in the business for more than a year.
3. A slightly slower period is welcome after December, and
4. As Dan says: payments from December come in and deposits for future events.

[StarZSoundS]

What are these 'Enquiries' and 'Bookings' that you speak of? :confused:

My next booked gig after NYE is for the end of May... :eek:


Don't tell me Rock is finally dying:bang: :bang: :bang: ;) ;)

[simonp]

See Goodparty.co.uk........

I'd concur there, I've been fortunate enough to pick up 5 bookings in the last two days from GoodParty :D

[StarZSoundS]

I'd concur there, I've been fortunate enough to pick up 5 bookings in the last two days from GoodParty :D



Wow.....well done mate.;) ;) ;) ;) :D :D :D :D


Maybe you ought to let others know that you have a fantastic template for an email.....If you're prepared to share it.;) Its awesome:) :) :)

[ppentertainments]

Must say, the usual post New Year rush for enquiries has failed to materialise. Getting the odd enquiry, but not nearly as busy as most other years at this time.

Blaming the weather ???

[Leicester Ben]

Blaming the weather ???

Or more likely, could it be your marketing letting you down? If it was the weather nobody would be getting enquiries!

The DJ's that I have spoken to have all started to receive the surge in enquiries. I've just checked my emails and I've had 29 enquiries in the last 8 days and taken 9 of those as bookings! This dosent include phone enquiries of which there has been at least 10 (although I dont keep a record of those)

Not a did at yourself as such, I do find that DJ's will blame the economy, weather, £60 side etc etc when really there is the work out there - you just need to know how to get it!

[DJ Davy]

Must be honest.... it is pretty quiet here too! Had two this weekend, and have just had the two for next weekend cancel, again blaming the weather. My next booking now is March and, as yet there has been no rush in enquiries. Looking at the wedding fayres to try and drum up more work longer term.

[OllieJames]

you just need to know how to get it!

Any tips? :D

[Spirits High]

Picking up nicely now. 2 weddings confirmed in the last 2 days making a total of 32 for the year so far.

That'll pick up a bit more when I've done a 5 Wedding fayres from Jan - April ;)

[StarZSoundS]

Must say, the usual post New Year rush for enquiries has failed to materialise.




Anybody slitting their throat yet:eek::eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: ???????

[Spirits High]

Anybody slitting their throat yet:eek::eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: ???????

Nope, 2 more confirmations (of bookings) today :D

[Vectis]

Anybody slitting their throat yet:eek::eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: ???????

Nope. Slightly up on this time last year, and passing through lots of enquiries via 'the other place'.

Valentines usually gives the wedding enquiries a kick-start.

[Charlie Brown]

Argh!

I'm verging on exploding! :sj:

Utterly bewildered.

I'm getting NO enquires. I don't understand it. :o

I have just checked my email box for last year...and I was at least getting 3 a week...now nothing!

Like I said to Paul compared to last year it's actually shocking. I will sign up to a few wedding sites etc...but if it's like this in six months, then. :/

I don't know what to say!

[DazzyD]

I'm getting the enquiries but not having the same level of success I've had in previous years of converting them to bookings.

I think people are looking for a bargain, but, while we're sensibly priced, we're not the cheapest option around here. Perhaps the marketing does need an overhaul.

[StarZSoundS]

Argh!

I'm verging on exploding! :sj:

Utterly bewildered.

I'm getting NO enquires. I don't understand it. :o

I have just checked my email box for last year...and I was at least getting 3 a week...now nothing!

Like I said to Paul compared to last year it's actually shocking. I will sign up to a few wedding sites etc...but if it's like this in six months, then. :/

I don't know what to say!



Chin up Charlie....


Sometimes its hard not to take it personally....but you mustn't...hang on in there.;) ;)

[soundtracker]

Enquiries are 33% up on this stage last year, and so far have booked 52%, so looking fine at the mo.

[Penfold42]

Enquiries are 33% up on this stage last year, and so far have booked 52%, so looking fine at the mo.

Well done mate. :)

[Pe7e]

I had a great weekend, picked up seven jobs, four were for the same customer., but to be honest the overall trend is still quiet, the phone's not ringing much.

[DeckstarDeluxe]

grim for me, really really grim!

[StarZSoundS]

grim for me, really really grim!

Forward-looking young DJ....(Mood Lighting...Dance Floor hire)....;)

Attractive Website......;)

Affluent area (Cheltenham).....;)


Why is it grim for him???:confused:

[NKR]

Forward-looking young DJ....(Mood Lighting...Dance Floor hire)....;)

Attractive Website......;)

Affluent area (Cheltenham).....;)


Why is it grim for him???:confused:

No idea, but its grim up north too.

The key issues I am picking up from talking to my counterparts are:-

- Less events happening, which we all know about.
- Too many DJ's (quote one of the other lads "Having you two turn up again hasn't helped matters either, its all your fault" obviously in jest)
- Ipod wedding has cut into it a bit, but not massively.
- Various new start up operations offering cheap services. Not going to call them for it as its a free market economy so people can charge what they want and people can pay what they want (and its not my job to police what insurance or certs they have, so I am not moaning).

I have carried out analysis on the last three years.

- Job numbers from 2008 to 2009 increased as did the income from each job. most of 2008 was agency work and half of 2009 was agency work.
- 2010 is currently well behind (however, January and February are in front, but March is rubbish). To the end of April we are actually going to be down on jobs, but up on income, so the upward trend in income per job is continuing. The wedding season is very slow and that is murdering the figures.
- Now if you took the above in isolation you could conclude that the upward trend in income per job has priced us out of the market. However.
- I have only 3 agency jobs booked in this year compared to 25 last year. That is where the issue has arrisen is the loss of agency work and its also why the income per job has gone up.

My key issues for us are thus:-

- We do no marketing at all. No advertising, no web site (later is back on track again thanks to a real star of a friend. I owe her a wedding package at some point in the future).
- Once the web site is up I have some targetted marketing to carry out.
which is set to go, but is no use without a web site.

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Forward-looking young DJ....(Mood Lighting...Dance Floor hire)....;)

Attractive Website......;)

Affluent area (Cheltenham).....;)


Why is it grim for him???:confused:

Its getting traffic to the site thats the main issue. I played around with meta tags back end of last year hoping it would of taken effect by now and while I rank highly on google just nothing comes to the site. Once people click on alot do call or email (taken away the "bot" visits") of course and when I do get gigs I get good feedback.

I guess Im 90% a dj and just 10% a buisness man and need to re address the balance.

[CRAZY K]

The wedding season is very slow and that is murdering the figures.


Im not a Wedding specialist but usually cover a few every year.

One booked so far for this year---Wedding enquiries do seem slow compared to last few years--:confused: NO INCREASE IN OUR PRICES FOR 2 YEARS.

Latest quote--we decided to not have a Reception just going for a meal with a few friends and relatives--:eek:

I dont think it was the old excuse cos your too expensive routine.;)

Hopefully the special events like 40th 50th 60th Birthdays will kick in and help all of us (again) ;)

I have noticed everyone seems very very price aware at the moment:bang:

The attitude is we are going to have this event--just going to get it cheaper---this seems to apply Corporate work as well--which is bad news and extremely short sighted :(

CRAZY K

[soundmaster mobile disco]

Come on guys be truthful here,if you wanted a tradesman to do work in your house or a mechanic to repair your car,we also like potential brides will always ask for a price quote.

And im pretty sure we will favour the cheaper option.

It just seems to be the way things are with money at the momment.there is not the same luxury as previous years.

[Danno13]

Come on guys be truthful here,if you wanted a tradesman to do work in your house or a mechanic to repair your car,we also like potential brides will always ask for a price quote.

And im pretty sure we will favour the cheaper option.

Not if I didn't think they were right for the job, or would do it as well as someone a bit more expensive.

I know I keep saying this, but not everything comes down to price, else we'd all do our shopping at Lidl.

[DeckstarDeluxe]

one way to look at it

or you think about people booking weddings..... why cheap out on what is a large party of the event you have spent thousands on? bit like buying fiesta replacement parts for a ferrari

[Danno13]

Exactly, and even at the cheapest end of the market, a £250-400 DJ fee is just a small fraction of the overall budget.

[soundmaster mobile disco]

How many quotes do you give out for weddings?
how many of these quotes turn into bookings?

i am giving out a lot of quotes at the momment but unfortunatly not getting many bookings.When i follow the enquiry up i ask the question who did they book and at what price were you quoted.

9 times out of 10 its the cheapest option that they are going for.

i am pretty sure that most djs in my area will back me up on this one.

[ppentertainments]

i am pretty sure that most djs in my area will back me up on this one.
That's the problem it is the area you live in. :doh: :sofa:

[Danno13]

How many quotes do you give out for weddings?
how many of these quotes turn into bookings?

I quoted for 26 Weddings (for DJ services only) in January and 6 are confirmed, booking fee paid etc. with a couple more still provisional.

Generally I aim for, and acheive 20-25% conversion and manage to make a living, but then I do get quite a lot of enquiries.

Based on all quotes (including other services) my conversion is actually down to 13% for January, but I'm hoping a few more will confirm in the coming weeks when they've had more time to think about it.


i am giving out a lot of quotes at the momment but unfortunatly not getting many bookings.When i follow the enquiry up i ask the question who did they book and at what price were you quoted.

9 times out of 10 its the cheapest option that they are going for.

All that says is you're not attracting the right client.

[StarZSoundS]

How many quotes do you give out for weddings?
how many of these quotes turn into bookings?

i am giving out a lot of quotes at the momment but unfortunatly not getting many bookings.When i follow the enquiry up i ask the question who did they book and at what price were you quoted.

9 times out of 10 its the cheapest option that they are going for.

i am pretty sure that most djs in my area will back me up on this one.


Price is important in many things....Like Holidays....


Once you've decided to go to (Morrocco) and what board you're after(AI/HB/SC and the stars) then its bang....look for the cheapest.

We even like to brag about how little we've paid when we get there:eek: :eek: :eek:

[simonp]

Price is important in many things....Like Holidays....


Once you've decided to go to (Morrocco) and what board you're after(AI/HB/SC and the stars) then its bang....look for the cheapest.

We even like to brag about how little we've paid when we get there:eek: :eek: :eek:

Wow - Martin's gone 'left field' again :lol: :sofa:

[A1DL]

Price is important in many things....Like Holidays....

Once you've decided to go to (Morrocco) and what board you're after(AI/HB/SC and the stars) then its bang....look for the cheapest.


It may be important to the less discerning, yet there are people whom value better service and are willing to pay for it. That's the same in any industry. Personally I can't thing of many things worse than a holiday in the company of people whom have paid the least amount of money possible to be there. A similar environment to all those smokey pubs you were going on about the other day, Martin.


We even like to brag about how little we've paid when we get there:eek: :eek: :eek:

Why? :confused:

[Daryll]

My slant on this ( my bookings are looking OK so far)
There will always be people looking for the cheapest disco they can get away with , that will always be the case , be there a recession or not.
again there will always be people to whom service is everything , and are willing to pay for the best ,that will always be the case , be there a recession or not.
its the middle ground that is the "haggling" market.
The top end will not entertain the perceived cheaper disco , its the bottom end that are eating away at the middle market , and from some posts on here , are succeeding :(


Daryll

[NKR]

And im pretty sure we will favour the cheaper option.
.

Nope not with trades or my car - I want the job doing properly and do my research. I usually work out prices of materials and then apply sensible day rates. If they are too cheap they are making the saving on cheap materials or rushing the job.

[NKR]

Exactly, and even at the cheapest end of the market, a £250-400 DJ fee is just a small fraction of the overall budget.

Cheapest end. Bloody hell I'm Lidl :D

[Danno13]

I meant the cheapest end of customer budgets, not DJs :)

[NKR]

I meant the cheapest end of customer budgets, not DJs :)

I know. But why waste that money on a cheesey DJ when you can have a chocolate fountain (aka flem fountain, disease circulator, etc) at a mere £500. I know they are so much more entertaining than DJ's.

[ppentertainments]

I know. But why waste that money on a cheesey DJ when you can have a chocolate fountain (aka flem fountain, disease circulator, etc) at a mere £500. I know they are so much more entertaining than DJ's.
It's the chair covers what really ensures everyone enjoys the evening though :D :D

[StarZSoundS]

Didnt want a price thread.....however.....


What every Bride wants is the DJ to connect with her guests....

Now paying £400 for the night is not going to guarantee that any more than paying £150 will.

End of!!

[NKR]

It's the chair covers what really ensures everyone enjoys the evening though :D :D

You know nothing. Its the little boxes with Ribbons on which cost 2 pound each, which each contain a lady item of tat or a man item of tat which is approx 1 fine english pound per tat item. Yes that is generally 300 of your finest English pounds of your chinese imported tat contained within colour coordinated boxes at your place setting.

How could anyone possibly enjoy themselves without this item.

YOU ARE A FOOL MAN.

I rest my case.

[CRAZY K]

Personally I can't thing of many things worse than a holiday in the company of people whom have paid the least amount of money possible to be there.
:

the grunts;)

Yes we DEFINITELY avoid that:D

:sofa: :sofa: :sofa: :sofa: :sofa: :sofa:

CRAZY K

[StarZSoundS]

the grunts;)

Yes we DEFINITELY avoid that:D

:sofa: :sofa: :sofa: :sofa: :sofa: :sofa:

CRAZY K

Call me a cheapskate if you like......I love a bargain.

I've just paid £57,000 for a house from an auction.....It was £140,000 two years ago.....did I get any pleasure out of that....you bet your Goddam :Censored: I did!!


In the unlikely event that I get married AGAIN would I pay over £400 for a Wedding DJ???(Assuming I wasn't going to do it myself.....that would guarantee its success.....i'd be sure that the right music was being played);) ;) ;) )

I'll leave you to decide....


Anyway ....not a money thread......despite what you charge....are you finding enquiries slow at the moment!!

[NKR]

Call me a cheapskate if you like......I love a bargain.

I've just paid £57,000 for a house from an auction.....It was £140,000 two years ago.....did I get any pleasure out of that....you bet your Goddam :Censored: I did!!


In the unlikely event that I get married AGAIN would I pay over £400 for a Wedding DJ???(Assuming I wasn't going to do it myself.....It would guarantee success;) ;) ;) )

I'll leave you to decide....

Unlikely as I would do you mates rates :D

I would even play 70's throw back music all night :D

[StarZSoundS]

Unlikely as I would do you mates rates :D

I would even play 70's throw back music all night :D




You would be one I would trust...

generally I think you have the right attitude to things.

Don't hold your breath tho....having been wiped out twice by previous spouses i'm not beating my way to the Vicars door.....

[NKR]

You would be one I would trust...

generally I think you have the right attitude to things.

Don't hold your breath tho....having been wiped out twice by previous spouses i'm not beating my way to the Vicars door.....

Oh 2+2 divine inspiration moment from super sounds.

Enquiries and weddings are down as no bugger can afford to get divorced and marry the person they are having the affair with.

I was only reading the credit crunch has significantly reduced divorce as no-one has any value in their assets.

Martin - Genius.

[simonp]

You would be one I would trust...

Oh cheers martin, to think I would even wear a pair of flares for you :( :( :( :(

[NKR]

Oh cheers martin, to think I would even wear a pair of flares for you :( :( :( :(

We can share it. ;)

Oh actually that is gonna require a :Censored: load of power for all your lights and all my lights.

MEGA TRUSS - I have all told 12 effects fixtures, 8 par cans and a pair of NJD quartets.

We gonna need more truss.

[SC Events]

I'm getting a few enquiries, not as many as i'd like though! :)

I've got 6 (possibly 8) Bookings this month (Well...I have already done one on Saturday night), but so far for the rest of the year I have about 2 bookings per month - Could do with more :D.

Wedding Bookings are up loads on last year and I think I am satisfied with my pricing, so I am pleased with that and also now I am offering LED Uplighting and Dance Floor Hire, I hope that will attract more potential clients as well.

[rob1963]

Things aren't going too bad here.

I've taken a couple of bookings in the last week or so, and I'm currently receiving about one enquiry every couple of days, so not too bad.

Having just checked the diary, I only need ten more bookings for this year to equal last year's disco total, and it's only February, so unless everything comes to a grinding halt, I should be able to smash last year's total with no problems at all.

:)

[shim2a]

Pretty good here 26 enquiries in january , booked till middle april and rest of the year slowly filling , may look at taking on a second DJ for the doubles , and to start 2011 i've got 2 bookings already

[Excalibur]

I know. But why waste that money on a cheesey DJ when you can have a chocolate fountain (aka flem fountain, disease circulator, etc) at a mere £500. I know they are so much more entertaining than DJ's.
Last one I saw certainly entertained me. ;) Like watching a task in the Krypton factor, as they tried to put it together. :eek: :D :D Less entertaining is watching what they put in to make the chocolate flow. :(


You would be one I would trust...

generally I think you have the right attitude to things.

Don't hold your breath tho....having been wiped out twice by previous spouses i'm not beating my way to the Vicars door.....
You addicted to Wedding Cake or something? :confused: :p :D :D

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

What every Bride wants is the DJ to connect with her guests....

Now paying £400 for the night is not going to guarantee that any more than paying £150 will.

Apart from the fact that those charging more will probably be running a legit business and generally have more experience and be aiming at a different market.

[StarZSoundS]

Apart from the fact that those charging more will probably be running a legit business and generally have more experience and be aiming at a different market.



Does the Bride care if its legit.....unlikely for the Tax-Man to shut down a Disco half-way through a function....:confused: :confused:

Anyway....I know of at least one DJ on here who is fully legit and very experienced who doesn't charge £400.00 a function.....(he is also happy with his place in the marketplace).

In fact I know him very very well!!;) ;)

But this isn't a price thread!!:) :)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Does the Bride care if its legit.....unlikely for the Tax-Man to shut down a Disco half-way through a function....:confused: :confused:



If a disco is not legit, then they would more likely to have sloppy working practices and no H&S, so yes I would assume that brides in a certain part of the market would care.

It has nothing to do with tax.

[StarZSoundS]

If a disco is not legit, then they would more likely to have sloppy working practices and no H&S, so yes I would assume that brides in a certain part of the market would care.

It has nothing to do with tax.


I think the Bride would be more interested in wether there is anybody dancing before she starts checking wether the speaker wires are velcroed to the stands......but I may be wrong??:eek: :eek: :eek:


Failing to see why charging less makes your rig more dangerous????:confused: :confused: :confused:

[soundtracker]

Why do you keep doing this, over and over again? You have been told before that the whole ethos of this site is to promote best practice from DJs and to try and drag the Disco Industry kicking and screaming into the 21st century. When you come on here spouting your " we didn't do this in the 70's and have survived" nonsense, frankly no-one cares, we all remember the 70s as well, but perhaps not through your rose coloured specs. Now go back and read the rules regarding trolling, or you may get your wish to obtain a clearer idea of the sin-bin.

[A1DL]

I think the Bride would be more interested in wether there is anybody dancing before she starts checking wether the speaker wires are velcroed to the stands......but I may be wrong??:eek: :eek: :eek:


Failing to see why charging less makes your rig more dangerous????:confused: :confused: :confused:

Martin - the bride may be very interested in the potential financial consequences for her and her husband, if an accident occurred and it was established her DJ had no PLI. I doubt any wedding insurance provider would cough up, so whom else would that leave a claimant to pursue?

[StarZSoundS]

Martin - the bride may be very interested in the potential financial consequences for her and her husband, if an accident occurred and it was established her DJ had no PLI. I doubt any wedding insurance provider would cough up, so whom else would that leave a claimant to pursue?


I totally agree Tony.....but I don't understand why someone who would charge a little less would not have it.

Mines about £12.00 a month....thats nothing!!

Anyway leaving the thread......

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I totally agree Tony.....but I don't understand why someone who would charge a little less would not have it.



I'm not saying it is the case al the time, but look at people's expenses. If they are charging a low fee it probably means they don't have insurance or legal music etc etc as they wouldn't make any money if they paid out for these expenses.

Think about it.

[StarZSoundS]

I'm not saying it is the case al the time, but look at people's expenses. If they are charging a low fee it probably means they don't have insurance or legal music etc etc as they wouldn't make any money if they paid out for these expenses.

Think about it.

And what if that DJ had another job...that allowed him to have all the neccesities AND charge a competitive rate.....

Anyway Darren...the thread is not for me.

I resurrected it a couple of days ago to discuss the current bookings situation.....In at least two of my earlier posts I have tried to steer it away from other issues and all i've done is earn myself another :Censored: ing.

[jc light and sound]

I'm not saying it is the case al the time, but look at people's expenses. If they are charging a low fee it probably means they don't have insurance or legal music etc etc as they wouldn't make any money if they paid out for these expenses.

Think about it.

Totally agree to run a professional busisness costs money, and im not just talking about buying equipment as already mentioned pli/pat h&s procedures all these show how professional a company you really are.
Unfortunately there are far too many so called mobile disco company's who do not posses any of the aforementioned so in my opinion are not professional and take a lot of risks which can backfire on them.
These COMPANY owners are the ones more likely to charge very little for there services and so initially seem attractive to potential clients on price alone.
My experience is they very rarely get repeat bookings the amount of calls i get from clients stating they in the past have had a less than satisfactory experience with a mobile disco operator is staggering.
Its like everything else in this lovely world you only get what you pay for, and i am only interested in working for clients who can afford my fees ,and want a professional first class job i never undercut other djs my fee is my fee and yes before you all ask i do have plenty of work, great thread.

[NKR]

Totally agree to run a professional busisness costs money, and im not just talking about buying equipment as already mentioned pli/pat h&s procedures all these show how professional a company you really are.
Unfortunately there are far too many so called mobile disco company's who do not posses any of the aforementioned so in my opinion are not professional and take a lot of risks which can backfire on them.
These COMPANY owners are the ones more likely to charge very little for there services and so initially seem attractive to potential clients on price alone.
My experience is they very rarely get repeat bookings the amount of calls i get from clients stating they in the past have had a less than satisfactory experience with a mobile disco operator is staggering.
Its like everything else in this lovely world you only get what you pay for, and i am only interested in working for clients who can afford my fees ,and want a professional first class job i never undercut other djs my fee is my fee and yes before you all ask i do have plenty of work, great thread.

Much of it true. However, I can admit to charging buttons and having no PLI or PAT tested gear for my come back year (technically as a lot of my gear was new it didn't require it, but I didn'y know that at the time).

We spent all we had building a rig then charge £100 to £125 a job. We made chuff all for 18 months paying off the rig. Just done some analysis on our bookings and income per job. Way back then it was about £135 a job. Its now at £318 a job (skewed in places by singer DJ jobs)

We get lots of repeat work as we were good and people loved us. They accept we now cost more (although the odd one has faded away).

I think old disco pants is trying to say that he is not ambitious to charge more. He has very little living costs as he is an old giffer and got his house paid off by being bargain billy, he never goes out as going out to him is disco'ing so he is making not spending and he has a day job.
So although he is David Dickinson cheap as chips he is still street legal.

I accept a lot of what people say that cheap as chips is not street legal as I previously wasn't, but there are exceptions. Martin has his market and that keeps him happy.

[Vectis]

technically as a lot of my gear was new it didn't require it


Let's dispel that myth right there... :eek:

[NKR]

Let's dispel that myth right there... :eek:

You need to PAT test box fresh kit?

[Vectis]

You need to PAT test box fresh kit?

Just because it's new doesn't mean it's safe. Without wishing to take this thread too far OT, there are some solid examples in historical threads on this very forum of folks (me included) seeing new kit fail PAT. As a result, some suppliers (I'm thinking Phase One, can't remember which others) offer to PAT before shipping.

[NKR]

Just because it's new doesn't mean it's safe. Without wishing to take this thread too far OT, there are some solid examples in historical threads on this very forum of folks (me included) seeing new kit fail PAT. As a result, some suppliers (I'm thinking Phase One, can't remember which others) offer to PAT before shipping.

Well that is shocking and the manufacturers should be ashamed.

My new kit just gets lumped in with everything else and PAT tested anyway. May as well for the buttons it costs.

[StarZSoundS]

I think old disco pants is trying to say that he is not ambitious to charge more. He has very little living costs as he is an old giffer and got his house paid off by being bargain billy, he never goes out as going out to him is disco'ing so he is making not spending and he has a day job.
So although he is David Dickinson cheap as chips he is still street legal.

I accept a lot of what people say that cheap as chips is not street legal as I previously wasn't, but there are exceptions. Martin has his market and that keeps him happy.

Wow....pretty good Neil....REPLACE CHEAP AS CHIPS ....with competitively priced and you are spot on!!(with the emphasis on street legal).

You don't seem to have a problem with that..... ????

[NKR]

Wow....pretty good Neil....REPLACE CHEAP AS CHIPS ....with competitively priced and you are spot on!!(with the emphasis on street legal).

You don't seem to have a problem with that..... ????

Nope. You do pubs, working mens clubs and weddings for friends and others who are on a budget.

You obviously do it well as you seem to be out regular enough.

It's not what I want to do, but each to their own, so live and let live.

[Corabar Entertainment]

....REPLACE CHEAP AS CHIPS ....with competitively priced You KEEP saying that and implying that anyone charging more than £1.50 is expensive (although you have just stopped short of saying that directly.... but only just!)

I can assure you that we are extremely competitively priced..... and I can think of companies charging a lot more than we are who are also very competitively priced.

Different markets; different rules.


It's not what I want to do, but each to their own, so live and let live. :thumbsup:

[A1DL]

Just because it's new doesn't mean it's safe. Without wishing to take this thread too far OT, there are some solid examples in historical threads on this very forum of folks (me included) seeing new kit fail PAT. As a result, some suppliers (I'm thinking Phase One, can't remember which others) offer to PAT before shipping.

Absolutely right Martin.

I think the confusion arises as some people seem to see PAT as the electrical equivalent of a car's MOT test, which of course doesn't apply for so many years when a vehicle is new. Whereas any piece of equipment, or lead, should be tested prior to use.

Pardon the pun, but I've seen some shocking examples of new equipment (generally PRC exports) which I would be most concerned if DJs were using for up to a year with no test. Among the worst were the moulded 13a plugtops to ac-dc powerpack, with no fuse, which of course could draw up to 32a through bell wire in a fault condition. Also it is not uncommon to find loose earth bonding on new kit.

We too include free first year PAT with all new equipment sold.

[StarZSoundS]

Nope. You do pubs, working mens clubs and weddings for friends and others who are on a budget.

You obviously do it well as you seem to be out regular enough.

It's not what I want to do, but each to their own, so live and let live.



I'm not nicking work of the Full-Time guys here.....


Its my own market .....I created it!!

I have never tried to be anything i'm not on this forum....perhaps thats my mistake.:eek: :eek: :eek:


If that precludes me from posting then so be it !!

[Corabar Entertainment]

I'm not nicking work of the Full-Time guys here.....


Its my own market .....I created it!!

I have never tried to be anything i'm not on this forum....perhaps thats my mistake.:eek: :eek: :eek:


If that precludes me from posting then so be it !!:confused: :confused: :confused: Was I the only one who lost the connection between what went before and that last post?????

[NKR]

You KEEP saying that and implying that anyone charging more than £1.50 is expensive (although you have just stopped short of saying that directly.... but only just!)

I can assure you that we are extremely competitively priced..... and I can think of companies charging a lot more than we are who are also very competitively priced.

Different markets; different rules.



I think he is being a bit missunderstood there. He is competitive for his market. You are both on the same page trust me.


:confused: :confused: :confused: Was I the only one who lost the connection between what went before and that last post?????

He's just used to being defensive as he has a selection of really bad shirts :D

[Corabar Entertainment]

I think he is being a bit missunderstood there.That very well might be the case (I have suggested to Martin on more than one occasion that I think that does happen with his posts), but that's the problem if you aren't clear, keep posting cryptic comments, and leap from one thing to another without helping the rest of the membership follow your train of thought! It comes across instead as insinuation.

[StarZSoundS]

Why do you keep doing this, over and over again? You have been told before that the whole ethos of this site is to promote best practice from DJs and to try and drag the Disco Industry kicking and screaming into the 21st century. When you come on here spouting your " we didn't do this in the 70's and have survived" nonsense, frankly no-one cares, we all remember the 70s as well, but perhaps not through your rose coloured specs. Now go back and read the rules regarding trolling, or you may get your wish to obtain a clearer idea of the sin-bin.


Sorry....Angie......

Still struggling with the multiquote like NKR....

[Corabar Entertainment]

OK...once and for all, I'm going to start a new thread to find out what problems people are having!!!!! :doh:

[NKR]

That very well might be the case (I have suggested to Martin on more than one occasion that I think that does happen with his posts), but that's the problem if you aren't clear, keep posting cryptic comments, and leap from one thing to another without helping the rest of the membership follow your train of thought! It comes across instead as insinuation.

He's from West Yorkshire. Everything comes accross as insinuation. I guess you have never been there.

One bloke "Mornin'"
Other bloke "So what of it"
First bloke "You sayin' it's not mornin' is thee"
Other bloke "It's clearly mornin' but what of it ye chuff'
First bloke "Is ya callin' me a chuff"
Other bloke "What of it"
First bloke "Nowt pubs open na"
Other bloke "Yer round then"
First bloke "Is thee sayin' its my round"

And so on. Every conversation is like shadow boxing.

[Corabar Entertainment]

Actually, I have known, and got on with, and had family (by marriage) and plenty of friends from all over Yorkshire..... they usually say what they mean!

Anyway: .....:ontopic:

[Excalibur]

Actually, I have known, and got on with, and had family (by marriage) and plenty of friends from all over Yorkshire..... they usually say what they mean!

Anyway: .....:ontopic:

Angela, West Yorkshire is a Foreigh Country to me. :eek: ;) ;)

[Corabar Entertainment]

:lol:

[CRAZY K]

Angela, West Yorkshire is a Foreigh Country to me. :eek: ;) ;)

Is that like a FOREIGN Country but spelt differently Peter?

:Laugh: :Laugh: :Laugh:

CRAZY K

[STEVE HANLEY]

I've lost 3 jobs this week 2 went for £80.00 the other went for £75.00 I only quoted £125.00 a lot lower than I'd like to quote.

When I asked one client if the guy she booked had PAT/PLI she replied (after I explained to her what they were) I couldn't care less as long it's cheap.

That leaves me with 3 choices as I see it

Stick to my guns and hope things improve

Start charging £75/£80:bang: :bang:

Flog the whole lot on ebay and pack it in:( but I won't just yet I've put too much into it to walk away

[soundtracker]

I've lost 3 jobs this week 2 went for £80.00 the other went for £75.00 I only quoted £125.00 a lot lower than I'd like to quote.

When I asked one client if the guy she booked had PAT/PLI she replied (after I explained to her what they were) I couldn't care less as long it's cheap.

That leaves me with 3 choices as I see it

Stick to my guns and hope things improve

Start charging £75/£80:bang: :bang:

Flog the whole lot on ebay and pack it in:( but I won't just yet I've put too much into it to walk away

Or 4 Target your marketing to the better end of the market and increase your prices accordingly!

[ppentertainments]

Double your prices Steve :eek: :eek:
I am serious. After meeting you and your good lady the other day, I can see how keen and dedicated you are, and don't take this the wrong way, mature enough to run a disco.

Sounds daft to simply double your prices, but that is what I done about 18 months ago. It is hard at first - very hard, but as you say you are not getting gigs in any case what have you got to loose ?? You then need to 'market' your disco to the correct audience. I know you have spent a lot of money with yell - I think we all have in the past - but that is why you are attracting the tyre kickers.

We need to meet up for a :beer1: sometime. I will try and ring you later (unless you are out tonght), just having terrible toothache at moment.

I don't claim to work miracles but am a fully fledged member of the 'been there, done that' club :D :D

[STEVE HANLEY]

Or 4 Target your marketing to the better end of the market and increase your prices accordingly!

Yeah website should be up and running in a few weeks thats been a nightmare, also doing a few wedding fayres this year fingers crossed:)


Double your prices Steve :eek: :eek:
I am serious. After meeting you and your good lady the other day, I can see how keen and dedicated you are, and don't take this the wrong way, mature enough to run a disco.

Sounds daft to simply double your prices, but that is what I done about 18 months ago. It is hard at first - very hard, but as you say you are not getting gigs in any case what have you got to loose ?? You then need to 'market' your disco to the correct audience. I know you have spent a lot of money with yell - I think we all have in the past - but that is why you are attracting the tyre kickers.

We need to meet up for a :beer1: sometime. I will try and ring you later (unless you are out tonght), just having terrible toothache at moment.

I don't claim to work miracles but am a fully fledged member of the 'been there, done that' club :D :D

Not out tonight Chris I start work in an hours time finish at 6pm speak to you tonight mate cheers:beer1:

[CRAZY K]

Are you finding enquiries for janfeb hard to come by just now,or is it just me.?


Not had many phone calls or emails recently


At present i only have 2 kids parties in january both on the same date,and 2 bookings for february.As the song said..................things can only get better.

A couple of related facts from this week--

1. My wife tells me the amount of Weddings has fallen to pre Victorian times :confused: according to the news

2. The enquiries she is getting from her new agency ( Barn Dances which also include Weddings) are showing a move towards Live Music rather than recorded --- so thats me retired before Rob then:eek: :eek: :eek:

May be contributory factors I guess although my contacts with Live Function Bands recently suggests all is not well.

Wonder if the I pod is creeping under the radar:bang:

CRAZY K

[Penfold42]

1. My wife tells me the amount of Weddings has fallen to pre Victorian times :confused: according to the news

I heard this.

[Mister Musicman]

I was invited to visit our local Radio station yesterday (BBC Radio Leicester)and enjoyed the banter with their most renowned DJ on his morning show today. His theme for the day was "most popular songs played at wedding parties". This was because of the lead-up to Valentines Day and all that luvey-dovey stuff.

I got the chance to plug my Disco Name on a few occasions and it must have worked, because the phone has been red hot today and I've noticed a surge in website hits also.

I'm not trying to have a go, but I strikes me that perhaps some of you out there who are struggling could be a bit more pro-active instead of sitting at your :richie:

The invite was the result of many attempts at being considered and I'm now intending to reach out to the other stations in the area I cover. There must be many other methods of drumming-up biz and just relying on recommendations from successful parties is not the way forward these days.
:DJ:
Rob (Mister Musicman)
www.mistermusicman.co.uk

[rob1963]

I'm not trying to have a go, but it strikes me that perhaps some of you out there who are struggling could be a bit more pro-active instead of sitting at your :richie:

To be honest, people can also be pro-active then they ARE sitting at their :richie:

They can add their details to some of the online listing sites, many of which are free.

They can also look at their website critically (and ask friends & family to do the same) to come up with ideas to improve it & therefore increase the response it brings.

:)

[Danno13]

If your target market is young professionals who are likely to be in office jobs where they can't listen to the radio, then I'd imagine pushing your website and online marketing would be far more beneficial :P

[DeckstarDeluxe]

If your target market is young professionals who are likely to be in office jobs where they can't listen to the radio, then I'd imagine pushing your website and online marketing would be far more beneficial :P

Indeed if everyone remembers there was some big stories regarding work places playing music/radio without holding the require license. I know Shell have demanded all sites take out any media playing devices so to avoid any fines. I imagine a few other buisnesses also took a similiar approach so would not be surprised at all if this affected listening figures.

[Charlie Brown]

It's certainly picking up now.

This past week I have secured 5 bookings-and one is 85%. She wants me to send out the booking form and consult the husband to be. :approve:

[OllieJames]

It's certainly picking up now.

Lucky you! :(