Are you selective?

[Corabar Entertainment]

Following on from a few things that have been said recently, I'm curious to know how many people are selective about the jobs they take on.

I'm not talking about people who won't pay your prices, or jobs you turn away because you can't supply the client's genuine needs.

So, bag the client no matter what, or turn away custom because something about the job doesn't sit right with you?

[Vectis]

There are certain types of gigs and certain types of customer I don't want - and a few minutes speaking to them or deciphering txt lingo enquiries usually sniffs 'em out.

There's also a small handful of venues I'd never be seen dead reversing the van upto.

[Penfold42]

Work is work and money is money. :)

[CRAZY K]

Following on from a few things that have been said recently, I'm curious to know how many people are selective about the jobs they take on.

I'm not talking about people who won't pay your prices, or jobs you turn away because you can't supply the client's genuine needs.

So, bag the client no matter what, or turn away custom because something about the job doesn't sit right with you?

As long as I know I am capable of doing a Professional job I have voted to do anything offered as long as my personal safety or that of any Caller /DJ I send is not at risk.

This would include known dodgy venues or certain towns I have blacklisted personally--turned one down yesterday on those grounds---no dont ask.;)

CRAZY K

[Corabar Entertainment]

As long as I know I am capable of doing a Professional job I have voted to do anything offered as long as my personal safety or that of any Caller /DJ I send is not at risk.

This would include known dodgy venues or certain towns I have blacklisted personally--turned one down yesterday on those grounds---no dont ask.;)

CRAZY KSo I would say that you are selective then :confused:

[Charlie Brown]

Anything and everything - It's the only way one will learn. (especially at my age)

[rob1963]

Yes, I'm selective, but I'm in the fortunate situation that I can afford to be.

Just like clients have the right to choose which disco they book, we have the right to choose which clients we want to work for.

I probably turn down two or three bookings each year which I don't want to do for various reasons.

These include bookings outside my area, functions where the client is clearly a pain in the proverbial, bookings in venues I don't know with sound limiters, functions where they want music I don't know, don't like or don't have much of, gigs in venues with nightmare access, events in London and kids functions.

Sometimes I'll be honest about my reasons for not taking on the booking, and others I'll just tell a white lie, usually by saying that I'm already booked (which is why there's no availability checker on my website!).

:D

[nisfo]

I'm not usually selective, but if I could have seen into the future for my last wedding reception and the 2nd before that.....I'd have been happy to have turned the clients down. Both were budget weddings, 1 being a 3 times divorced bride, the other being the type that would rather be in a mosh pit:eek: ......And BOTH married couples appeared to want to be away from the guests......lol


So when I can finally figure how to see into the future, I'll be more selective:D

Other than that, my kit is ok to handle, and I aim to please all clients.;)

[DJMaxG]

Sometimes I'll be honest about my reasons for not taking on the booking, and others I'll just tell a white lie, usually by saying that I'm already booked (which is why there's no availability checker on my website!)

So, what happens when they suggest several alternative dates? :eek:

[NKR]

Definitely selective. I will not work a couple of known wedding venues for a number of reasons. I will always have a good go on google earth when someone throws a new venue at me. I just don't need the hassle of trying to get in and out without stuff going missing.
A few minutes chatting to people can generally work out who is normal and who is going to be clearly a nightmare.

[rob1963]

Sometimes I'll be honest about my reasons for not taking on the booking, and others I'll just tell a white lie, usually by saying that I'm already booked (which is why there's no availability checker on my website!).:D


So, what happens when they suggest several alternative dates? :eek:

Fortunately that doesn't happen!

:D

[yourdj]

I did not used to be (as its good to have a portfolio of different expirience but now i have allot more experience and im very busy i tend to pick and choose the events i do on fri and sat.

i had a girl this morning trying to book me for £225 in a very nice venue. i stood my ground over several emails and we settled for £295 without a meeting which suits me as im fully booked for that month and its at an easy venue.

Mid week and sunday gigs though are a different thing though.

Yep will say im booked if it looks like a nightmare gig!

[gaza]

There are certain types of gigs and certain types of customer I don't want - and a few minutes speaking to them or deciphering txt lingo enquiries usually sniffs 'em out.

There's also a small handful of venues I'd never be seen dead reversing the van upto.


Definitely selective. I will not work a couple of known wedding venues for a number of reasons. I will always have a good go on google earth when someone throws a new venue at me. I just don't need the hassle of trying to get in and out without stuff going missing.
A few minutes chatting to people can generally work out who is normal and who is going to be clearly a nightmare.



Spot on :)

[NKR]

So, what happens when they suggest several alternative dates? :eek:

Yeah because most people book the whole rest of their wedding around the DJ's availability.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

If they are asking us to do something which myself and my guys were uncomfortable with, then i'd turn it down, but that doesn't happen very often.

I generally find that the kind of clients I don't want, don't want to pay my prices anyway, so it is kind of linked anyway.

[Vectis]

If they are asking us to do something which myself and my guys were uncomfortable with, then i'd turn it down, but that doesn't happen very often.

Funny you should post this... I'm in the middle of a selectiveness dichotomy... see the supporters section :eek:

[simonp]

I'm selective to a point - If it's a gig that's totally out of my comfort zone I'll decline and suggest either another DJ/Disco who would be suitable for their needs.

I can't see the point in me taking a booking for something that 1. I don't have the sufficient knowledge to pull off and therefore enjoy - 2. I may make a complete hash of, meaning the customer may not have a good a night as they anticipated therefore damaging my reputation as a DJ and the Floorfillerz name

[djdave01]

i dont turn much away, but i do have a few blacklisted venues mainly due to poor access.

i have pretty much stopped doing 18ths & 21sts unless they are whole family events. A recent 18th in a rundown area was stopped after an hour as most of the males were fighting outside.

[CRAZY K]

So I would say that you are selective then :confused:

I dont think I am Angela--I would turn down the rare job where im totally inappropriate and thats virtually never cos I dont get calls for 21st Birthday Discos --the CLIENTS are selective you see;)

And my prices put off these kind of people--Peter;)

Alan
CRAZY K

[DJMaxG]

Yeah because most people book the whole rest of their wedding around the DJ's availability.

:rofl: Yes, that is something I'd like to see :)

If a client is unsure of a date anyway, and the DJ has the following week available, then who knows - they might book it.

But if they found out the DJ was not telling the whole truth, then they may not consider using their services later on, even if it's a more appropriate event.

[Corabar Entertainment]

How on earth would a client find out whether or not the DJ was telling them the truth as to whether or not they were booked?

Anyway, certainly with us, the date is the first question we ask: no date, can't give quote because we do not know if we have a suitable DJ available.

[NKR]

:rofl: Yes, that is something I'd like to see :)

If a client is unsure of a date anyway, and the DJ has the following week available, then who knows - they might book it.

But if they found out the DJ was not telling the whole truth, then they may not consider using their services later on, even if it's a more appropriate event.

That's cleared it up for me. My only worry now is they might not like the colour of my socks or they could wait till next week as I would have different ones then.

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Following on from a few things that have been said recently, I'm curious to know how many people are selective about the jobs they take on.

I'm not talking about people who won't pay your prices, or jobs you turn away because you can't supply the client's genuine needs.

So, bag the client no matter what, or turn away custom because something about the job doesn't sit right with you?

Yes similiar to whats already been said if not happy with location or "type" of client I'd turn it down. This was alot more of an issue when my prices were sub £150 bracket but not an issue now Ive increased the prices.

[DJMaxG]

How on earth would a client find out whether or not the DJ was telling them the truth as to whether or not they were booked?

Anyway, certainly with us, the date is the first question we ask: no date, can't give quote because we do not know if we have a suitable DJ available.

Ah, that's a bit different - that is saying that you don't have a suitable DJ available.

Rob said that he occasionly tells a while lie in saying that he isn't available full stop, by stating it's a lie emplies that he is suitable for the event.

[Corabar Entertainment]

Ah, that's a bit different - that is saying that you don't have a suitable DJ available.

Rob said that he occasionly tells a while lie in saying that he isn't available full stop, by stating it's a lie emplies that he is suitable for the event.But that isn't the point I was making! I asked:

How on earth would a client find out whether or not the DJ was telling them the truth as to whether or not they were booked?...and to answer your question as to what to do if a client doesn't have any particular date in mind, I remarked that:-
.... the date is the first question we ask: no date, can't give quote because we do not know if we have a suitable DJ available.You could substitute 'any' for 'suitable' in that sentence and it wouldn't alter what I was saying.

[DJMaxG]

But that isn't the point I was making! I asked:
...and to answer your question as to what to do if a client doesn't have any particular date in mind, I remarked that:-You could substitute 'any' for 'suitable' in that sentence and it wouldn't alter what I was saying.

I suppose that not having a DJ available is half correct, as the one that is available (in generic terms) isn't suitable and/or willing to take on such event, But saying that you don't have any DJs available atall is a lie, pretty much, which I deem un-professional in any trade. :(

A Client could find out, especially if the DJ was local, by word of mouth, or by a spouse or friend making a seperate telephone enquiry to the company, or simply not believing them by the tone of the secertary's voice etc.

[Corabar Entertainment]

So you believe that absolute honesty is always the best policy and would tell a client "Sorry I am available, but I don't want to touch your event with a barge-pole"? Sounds much more professional!

I'm not talking about situations where you don't feel qualified to take on the gig (for whatever reason), but those where you just get that gut feeling that something's 'off' (ie that you and the client aren't the best match). It's just a gentle way of ending the conversation without anyone getting offended.

...and I maintain that a client would never know (no matter what), since they couldn't know if circumstances had changed subsequent to the conversation.

In any event I very much doubt they would have 'spies' checking out whether or not you would tell someone else something different (if they are that odd, then the original decision to 'pass' on the client would have been a good one!)

Anyway, this is getting far too silly a conversation for my liking (what's next in the list of extremely unlikely scenarios that could happen if the planet aligned with Pluto on the same day as frogs fell from the sky?), so that's my last on this subject.

[DJMaxG]

So you believe that absolute honesty is always the best policy and would tell a client "Sorry I am available, but I don't want to touch your event with a barge-pole"? Sounds much more professional!

But you could Sub Contract another DJ, or point them in the right direction?

[Corabar Entertainment]

Whoosh :bang: :bang: :bang:

[NKR]

But you could Sub Contract another DJ, or point them in the right direction?

What if they don't like that DJ's socks too?

[discomobiledj]

Max's strapline:

"If it's in a hall don't call me, if it's in your bedroom I'm your man/woman"

[Excalibur]

As long as I know I am capable of doing a Professional job I have voted to do anything offered as long as my personal safety or that of any Caller /DJ I send is not at risk.

This would include known dodgy venues or certain towns I have blacklisted personally--turned one down yesterday on those grounds---no dont ask.;)

CRAZY K
Cobblers. :p You've blacklisted an entire county. :p :p :p

Anything and everything - It's the only way one will learn. (especially at my age)

And by heavens, your learning curve at time appears to be vertical Charlie. ;) ;) :D :D :D :D

[ppentertainments]

Yes - do not do any gigs for the village/town/dump I live in. Seriously, I have stopped taking any local gigs due to past problems. Apart from that unless it is something I am uncomfortable with or a genre I have little knowledge about, then anything goes.

[paull]

Yes, I think it is only fair to both the client aqnd myself

[Excalibur]

Well as someone with a reputation to uphold as the biggest musical tart on here ( though the other 70's throwback Tyke appears to be after my crown ;) :D :D ) I'd have to say that I feel that only having two choices makes the poll somewhat pointless. ( Sorry Angela. :( ).
Surely nobody can say they've accepted every gig? :confused: ( I can't remember the last one I refused, but I'm sure there have been some.
I haven't voted on this,as I can't give an answer hand on heart, so don't know the figures.

[Corabar Entertainment]

Surely nobody can say they've accepted every gig? ...but that wasn't the question! ;) :D

[DJMaxG]

Surely nobody can say they've accepted every gig?

It depends how long you've been in business.

[Excalibur]

Following on from a few things that have been said recently, I'm curious to know how many people are selective about the jobs they take on.

I'm not talking about people who won't pay your prices, or jobs you turn away because you can't supply the client's genuine needs.

So, bag the client no matter what, or turn away custom because something about the job doesn't sit right with you?


...but that wasn't the question! ;) :D

Am I missing something here? :confused: :confused: Peter Nice-but-dim.

[Corabar Entertainment]

Am I missing something here? :confused: :confused: Peter Nice-but-dim.Well, to me, whether or not you have ever refused a gig is not the same as being selective about the jobs you take.

[Excalibur]

Well, to me, whether or not you have ever refused a gig is not the same as being selective about the jobs you take.

Well, much as I hesitate to challenge your assertion, I'd say refusing a gig is exactly the same as being selective, by definition.

Now if we had a category " I'm not fussy, I need to feed the family, pay the rent, and be able to buy a pint of Trusselthwaites Old Sock Rotter on a Sunday , so very few gigs get turned down unless there's an exceedingly good reason" , I could honestly put my X in that box.

[Kernow]

It depends how long you've been in business.

Or even if you're in it at all ? :p :)

When you have been for some time and have some experience, you will instinctively know, often from the first enquiry that a particular gig doesn't sound 'kosher' or fit your modus operandi and will therefore not be for you. ;)
None of us are under obligation, exactly as the clients aren't either, to commit to a booking. We also don't need to give any explanation, once you've said "No!" that ends the conversation. The thought of potential clients checking up to see why is just too ludicrous to even consider.
What could they possibly gain from it ?:confused: :confused:

[Corabar Entertainment]

Well, much as I hesitate to challenge your assertion, I'd say refusing a gig is exactly the same as being selective, by definition. We'll agree to differ, because I can see a world of difference, but....
Now if we had a category " I'm not fussy, I need to feed the family, pay the rent, and be able to buy a pint of Trusselthwaites Old Sock Rotter on a Sunday , so very few gigs get turned down unless there's an exceedingly good reason" , I could honestly put my X in that box.Just for you

(check the poll ;) )

[Penfold42]

:lol:

You need to add - feed the whippets. :D :D :D :D

[rob1963]

I'd say refusing a gig is exactly the same as being selective, by definition.

I completely agree.

If you're being selective, that means you don't take on every single booking that's requested, because you turn down ones which you don't want to do for whatever reason.

Unless I'm missing something, that is being selective.

:shrug:

[Corabar Entertainment]

I completely agree.

If you're being selective, that means you don't take on every single booking that's requested, because you turn down ones which you don't want to do for whatever reason.

Unless I'm missing something, that is being selective.

:shrug:

Surely nobody can say they've accepted every gig?
Well, to me, whether or not you have ever refused a gig is not the same as being selective about the jobs you take.

So by refusing to do one gig in 20 years because you didn't think you had the expertise or gear to do a 6-hour bollywood extravaganza would make you selective????

Not in my book.

[rob1963]

So by refusing to do one gig in 20 years because you didn't think you had the expertise or gear to do a 6-hour bollywood extravaganza would make you selective????

Not in my book.

We'll agree to disagree, then.

To me, selective means you don't take on every booking.

The trouble is that selective is a general word, and in my book could be applied to anyone who does not take on every single function they're asked to do.

I think the point is that some people are more selective than others.

However, whether you turn down several bookings each year or just one in 20 years, surely you're still being selective to some extent.

Maybe the question in the thread title should have been "How selective are you?"

[Corabar Entertainment]

:bang: :bang: :bang: :bang: :bang: :bang: :bang:

I give up!

[rob1963]

:shrug:

[Excalibur]

We'll agree to differ, because I can see a world of difference, but....Just for you

(check the poll ;) )
Aw, thanks. ( but somebody else drinks Trusselthwaites also. ;) )


:lol:

You need to add - feed the whippets. :D :D :D :D
Bog off. :p


So by refusing to do one gig in 20 years because you didn't think you had the expertise or gear to do a 6-hour bollywood extravaganza would make you selective????

Not in my book.

The fact is absolute, the degree is hardly at all.

[Corabar Entertainment]

Ahem! From the opening post:
I'm not talking about people who won't pay your prices, or jobs you turn away because you can't supply the client's genuine needs.....

....turn away custom because something about the job doesn't sit right with you?

[DeckstarDeluxe]

So by refusing to do one gig in 20 years because you didn't think you had the expertise or gear to do a 6-hour bollywood extravaganza would make you selective????

Not in my book.


I think being selective isnt just a yes or no answer though. I think some people will be far more selective than others. I have to say that I cant see how anyone cant be selective even if its very loose boarders that they work between.

[Excalibur]

I think being selective isnt just a yes or no answer though. I think some people will be far more selective than others. I have to say that I cant see how anyone cant be selective even if its very loose boarders that they work between.

While I agree totally with everything you say, I'm baffled by your reference to working with residents of an educational establishment, who have lax moral standards. :confused: :confused: :p :p :D :D :D

[DJ Davy]

I ticked the no box, as I will accept any booking. The only difference is that if there is one I do not particularly want to do due to the venue, etc. I charge extra and make it worth my while!

[CRAZY K]

:rofl: Yes, that is something I'd like to see :)

If a client is unsure of a date anyway, and the DJ has the following week available, then who knows - they might book it.

But if they found out the DJ was not telling the whole truth, then they may not consider using their services later on, even if it's a more appropriate event.

The LAST thing that ever gets changed is the date--booking Entertainment is well down the list---theres plenty of choice and availability.

CRAZY K

[rob1963]

I think being selective isnt just a yes or no answer though. I think some people will be far more selective than others. I have to say that I cant see how anyone cant be selective even if its very loose boarders that they work between.

Spot on, Deckstar.

That's exactly what I was trying to say in this post, (which for some reason made Angela bang her head against the wall):


To me, selective means you don't take on every booking.

The trouble is that selective is a general word, and in my book could be applied to anyone who does not take on every single function they're asked to do.

I think the point is that some people are more selective than others.

However, whether you turn down several bookings each year or just one in 20 years, surely you're still being selective to some extent.

[discomobiledj]

I won't do house parties unless I know the person, so yes, I'm selective about the disco's I take on.

[James]

Myself personaly, I'm very selective, maybe too selective

I won't do christenings, childrens parties, teen parties, 18th's or 21st's purely because the music selection will probably be rubbish, the look on my face when i'm pushing play on some crap top 40 track will say it all, the customer and the audience will know that i just don't want to be there.

Occasionaly I might do a 21st if the customer requests half decent music and they sound ok over the phone.

18th's are a definite no no, again, because the music will generaly be crap, like r&b, top 40, or some horrible so called dance music, and more than likely a load of underage drinkers sozzled and wanting to fight after 2 half pints of carling.

Kids parties need an entertainer, which i'm not, so that rules those out, christenings, again, is more likely to be childrens entertainment, and finaly teen parties, rubbish music and moody teenagers? i'll give that one a miss.

so what does that leave? weddings, engagements, pub gigs, 30th's 40th's 50th's 60th's, office parties, xmas parties, private parties, specialist nights like 80's etc and karaoke nights with drunk students.

[DJMaxG]

So by refusing to do one gig in 20 years because you didn't think you had the expertise or gear to do a 6-hour bollywood extravaganza would make you selective????

Not in my book.

I would love to get that kind of booking,
Even if you didn't feel up to it, I would still get involved with the event somehow.

But on the other hand, you are actually doing the customer a favour by declining it as you are not comfortable or confident taking on the event, for whatever reason.

[rob1963]

Myself personaly, I'm very selective, maybe too selective

I won't do christenings, childrens parties, teen parties, 18th's or 21st's purely because the music selection will probably be rubbish, the look on my face when i'm pushing play on some crap top 40 track will say it all, the customer and the audience will know that i just don't want to be there.

Occasionaly I might do a 21st if the customer requests half decent music and they sound ok over the phone.

18th's are a definite no no, again, because the music will generaly be crap, like r&b, top 40, or some horrible so called dance music, and more than likely a load of underage drinkers sozzled and wanting to fight after 2 half pints of carling.

Kids parties need an entertainer, which i'm not, so that rules those out, christenings, again, is more likely to be childrens entertainment, and finaly teen parties, rubbish music and moody teenagers? i'll give that one a miss.

so what does that leave? weddings, engagements, pub gigs, 30th's 40th's 50th's 60th's, office parties, xmas parties, private parties, specialist nights like 80's etc and karaoke nights with drunk students.

That post could almost have been typed by me!

Having said that, I try to steer away from pub gigs & I don't do karaoke.

[yourdj]

:bang: :bang: :bang: :bang: :bang: :bang: :bang:

I give up!

exactly


i find threads like this really annoying to read. They go on and on.

At the end of the day some of us get to the point where we can pick and choose work.

Why do a gig in a rubbish location for less money when you can do a gig in a good location for better money :)
as long as your polite or give them the contacts of a DJ who would want to do it who cares :)

Its like going for a job
You get two offers -

one to work in mcdonalds and one to assistant manage a nice friendly restaurant.
Which would you go for?

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

e

one to work in mcdonalds and one to assistant manage a nice friendly restaurant.
Which would you go for?[/B]

Probably McDonalds as you'll find they probably pay better. ;)

[rob1963]

Probably McDonalds as you'll find they probably pay better. ;)

Ahhh...but you don't get tips in McDonalds.

If you work in a nice restaurant, you could easily get a £5 tip.

That would go into a pot, the owner would probably take half of it & the rest would be shared out among ALL the staff, so you'd be likely to end up with at least 5p.

7219

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Ahhh...but you don't get tips in McDonalds.

If you work in a nice restaurant, you could easily get a £5 tip.

That would go into a pot, the owner would probably take half of it & the rest would be shared out among ALL the staff, so you'd be likely to end up with at least 5p.

7219

Tips are taxable, so you'll find that any reputable restaurant will not just be giving them out anyway...

[simonp]

I would love to get that kind of booking

Are you now gigging then Max?

[DJMaxG]

Are you now gigging then Max?

nope - not as yet

[Excalibur]

Are you now gigging then Max?


nope - not as yet

Yeah, but when he starts to, with all the good advice he's gleamed on here, he's gonna make us all look like amateurs. ;) :D :D

[STEVE HANLEY]

can't afford to turn down any work at the moment as things are pretty lean not just with me but most disco's i've spoke to recently, and on another point not all dance music is crap house music is the reason i became a dj in the first place

[Megamix]

I have to be selective - otherwise the wife would have the hump.
Try and do one or two a month max but I'm not trying to make a living out of it.
Personally I also enjoy it far more that way.

[DJMaxG]

Yeah, but when he starts to, with all the good advice he's gleamed on here, he's gonna make us all look like amateurs. ;) :D :D

:rofl:

[Excalibur]

Ahem! From the opening post:



Following on from a few things that have been said recently, I'm curious to know how many people are selective about the jobs they take on.

I'm not talking about people who won't pay your prices, or jobs you turn away because you can't supply the client's genuine needs.

So, bag the client no matter what, or turn away custom because something about the job doesn't sit right with you?


Having read, and re-read Angela's initial post, I feel I must concede that I may have slighted her incorrectly. ( may, only may. ;) ;) ;) )

[Corabar Entertainment]

Why, thank you, kind sir! (I think :p )