Consultations

[Daryll]

Thought I would follow up my suggestion from the thread
http://www.forum.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/showthread.php?t=25824&page=3

About consultation`s with clients face to face.
I personally do for weddings , and a few birthdays , maybe its because I don't have a very good telephone manner.
Still .thats another matter.

[Charlie Brown]

Out of all the 15ish weddings I have for this summer one couple have asked to see me beforehand which you all know about. ;)

[STEVE HANLEY]

I'll do it for whoever wants it. It doesn't just have to be a wedding

[Corabar Entertainment]

We will happily do so if they want to, but it's rare they want one.

Only weddings have ever asked, and only PRIOR to booking. Never once have we been asked for a meeting AFTER they have booked.

EDIT: Daryll - might have been an idea to also have a 'Never' on the poll

[Daryll]

Can you edit the poll Angela?
If so please add "Never"

Daryll

[Vectis]

Can you edit the poll Angela?
If so please add "Never"

Daryll

And an "Always". It's something I insist on for weddings at least.

[Corabar Entertainment]

Hey!

I did that without moving my lips :lol:

[Daryll]

:thanks: Angela :D

good suggestion Martin

Daryll

[Jiggles]

The stealth mod at work here.... :ph34r: :D

[Corabar Entertainment]

:thanks: Angela :D I didn't do it! When I went to change it, it was already done! :D (Staff are quick round here :lol:)

[ppentertainments]

It's something I insist on for weddings at least.
Me too, at the very least it is nice to meet them so you are not 'strangers' on the night.

A suprising amount of people are asking to meet at the moment and during the meeting it often crops up that the only reason for a meeting is to check out my appearance. Being a handsome, strappy young lad, I of course have no problem - in reality I am lucky they don't mind a fat bald DJ. :D :D

I never 'force' a meeting but do encourage one as it gives me more to work with on the night - if you have a meeting just to simply find song choices it is a waste of time imo

[Penfold42]

I didn't do it! When I went to change it, it was already done! :D (Staff are quick round here :lol:)

Makes a change.....:sofa:

I always offer a pre-site visit with customer...whatever the event.

[Corabar Entertainment]

I always offer a pre-site visit with customer...whatever the event....but what's the take up?

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I always meet with all of my customers no matter what their function is. I usually see them around 3 weeks before their function. It works for me and I think it's a lot more personal.

EDIT:

I've just read the other thread that was probably the reason for starting this one and there are a couple of comments on it that make me want to add to my reply.

It's all very well saying that you should be able to do everything over the phone and to an extent I agree with that BUT...I think it's nice if they get to meet who they are dealing with etc...I think it puts their minds at rest and them also at ease. I put it in the quotation as part of the package. I also go to see the customer even if it is one of my other DJ's doing the function. As I said previously, it works for me and judging by the comments that I receive, it works for the customer too as I have never had a complaint.

[Shaun]

And an "Always". It's something I insist on for weddings at least.

Me too, but only within a 30 mile radius. Anything over an above that I charge a minimal 'travel' fee.

[Vectis]

Me too, but only within a 30 mile radius. Anything over an above that I charge a minimal 'travel' fee.

Maximum 18.2 mile radius for me :)

Usually more like 6 or 7 :beer1:

[Penfold42]

...but what's the take up?

Most take it up.....I would say 98%.

People in Lincolnshire like a bargain. :p :D

[MikeW]

Thought I would follow up my suggestion from the thread
http://www.forum.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/showthread.php?t=25824&page=3

About consultation`s with clients face to face.
I personally do for weddings , and a few birthdays , maybe its because I don't have a very good telephone manner.
Still .thats another matter.

Strangely enough I did one yesterday for a couple who are celebrating a golden wedding.
It worked for me, I was able to gain more info than I would have over the phone. It was also really good to have a relaxed chat about their taste in music ( something that can't always be done over the phone or on the night ). This is the first one I have done in a long time, but after yesterday I will look at providing this more often.

Hope this is useful.

Mike

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Do some people out there think that if they get the job that they don't need to go and see the customer unless the customer requests it?

Maybe this should be in Darren's "Are you lazy?" thread? but it's got me thinking....

The customer enquires....You give them the usual information etc...follow it up with a confirmed quotation via email etc and then hopefully they get back to you to confirm that they want to go ahead and book you for their function.

Do you leave it there and just send them the booking forms, wait for the booking fee payment to come through, email them to say you have received it and then continue to communicate by email / phone etc?

What's wrong with going to meet them to talk through their expectations for the evening including specific 'Do's and Don't's'? They get a chance to meet you, as you do them.

[STEVE HANLEY]

Maximum 18.2 mile radius for me :)

Usually more like 6 or 7 :beer1:

Nice one Martin

Otherwise you'd have to hire a boat;)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

What's wrong with going to meet them to talk through their expectations for the evening including specific 'Do's and Don't's'?

Nothing wrong with it, but 9 times out of 10 it's not needed. I can get the client to paint a very good picture of their needs on the phone and I am quite capable of telling the client what we do too.

I go to meetings if requested, but have found that when I have they generally ask things that I could have answered on the phone and already have.

I really do think in my experience that it would waste way too much of my time when I can gain the knowledge and info via the phone and/or email.

I also think a lot of DJs do this because they think they should be doing it, not because it is really needed. Do you think bands go and see clients? I doubt it.

Perhaps some people don't have a personality to speak of on the phone or aren't very convincing. I don't suffer with that.

If I was an individual and a sole trader, then I might think differently, but as I am not, this is my view.

[Penfold42]

I like meeting people.....i'm also fine on the phone talking to customers.
It works for me on all levels.

I get to see them....they see me and I see the venue....Bob on.

But I also see the other side. :)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I get to see them....they see me

And they still book you? :eek: :D

[Penfold42]

And they still book you? :eek: :D

Shaddup....:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

[[email protected]]

Nothing wrong with it, but 9 times out of 10 it's not needed. I can get the client to paint a very good picture of their needs on the phone and I am quite capable of telling the client what we do too.

I go to meetings if requested, but have found that when I have they generally ask things that I could have answered on the phone and already have.

I really do think in my experience that it would waste way too much of my time when I can gain the knowledge and info via the phone and/or email.

I also think a lot of DJs do this because they think they should be doing it, not because it is really needed. Do you think bands go and see clients? I doubt it.

Perhaps some people don't have a personality to speak of on the phone or aren't very convincing. I don't suffer with that.

If I was an individual and a sole trader, then I might think differently, but as I am not, this is my view.

:agree:

With a chat on the phone & some questions answered on our music request form, we are fully briefed as to what the client wants without the need for a meeting.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Darren, you knocked the nail on the head. I guess that because you are a multi-op you don't have as much time as I do.

The thing is...I too have the personality to put across what I do over the phone, enough so that I get the jobs. We all work different ways and that's cool. I like doing it the way I do it. I never push it on to anyone but I do add it in the confirmation email and as I said, 100% of my customers go for it, even if it's not me that's doing the function. The feedback I get after the events confirms that it's worthwhile doing as it's always mentioned.

I did a corporate function in London a couple of weeks ago. It was a good payer. The lady that booked me lives in the same town as me so I went and met her one evening instead of going to London. She was impressed and booked me for another corporate function later in the year and also her daughters wedding.

[Mark Wild]

More than rarely but less than usually tbh, I've feel as long as you can strike up a good rapport with the client then alls well, regardless of the medium. I've felt just as comfortable with clients I've only spoken to via email/telephone on the actual day, as the ones whom I have met face to face.

I've worked weddings where the venue has contacted me direct and really not felt as comfortable, the smile the bride gives you on the day is somewhat empty in comparison, I don't like that.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

That's another thing aswell, thanks for reminding me.
I also go to see the customers on behalf of the hotel aswell. It may be one of the factors as to why I got the contract...I dunno to be honest but I always do. The manager really likes the fact that I do it. On those occasions I meet the customer at the hotel and not their home.

[Mark Wild]

Profits are higher if you don't do a consultation though.

:sofa:

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I don't get that to be honest.
I have been to consultations before where the customer has originally booked me just to supply the Disco Entertainment but I have spoken to them face to face about the other services I can offer and have ended up getting them to go for Uplighting too so if anything, my profits are improved...

[Mark Wild]

I don't get that to be honest.
I have been to consultations before where the customer has originally booked me just to supply the Disco Entertainment but I have spoken to them face to face about the other services I can offer and have ended up getting them to go for Uplighting too so if anything, my profits are improved...

So the only way you can cross sell is by a face to face consultation? (the profit comment was said with tongue in cheek Gary hence the "Hide behind the sofa" smiley ;) )

[Shaun]

Is it essential to meet with the client? Absolutely not, but where possible I always like to meet them face to face. I always feel more comfortable arriving at a wedding having met them previously. Quite a lot of the time this just isn't possible as the clients live a long way away, and the gigs always go well with only email and phone consultations. From a personal viewpoint, I just really like to meet and chat to them one to one where possible.

[rob1963]

I'm amazed at the massive differences between the number of consultations done by different DJs.

I've voted rarely, as I probably have two or three enquirers wanting me to visit them each year. I turn up in my nice t-shirt & jeans, and they have all gone on to book me.

I agree with most of what Darren said, and certainly don't see the point of visiting every wedding client when you can make arrangements & discuss things on the phone...or even by email.

To be honest, not only do I not visit most of my wedding clients...but in the vast majority of cases I don't even speak to them on the phone either...it's all done by email.

[CRAZY K]

the only reason for a meeting is to check out my appearance.



Some of us have a picture on our websites.;)


Me too, but only within a 30 mile radius. Anything over an above that I charge a minimal 'travel' fee.

I offered that once==charging a travel fee=funny they didnt want to pay it:D

60 mile round trip to be told your not wanted:confused:

No thanks


Maximum 18.2 mile radius for me :)

Usually more like 6 or 7 :beer1:

Yeah but you live on a tiny Island Martin

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

:eek:
Most take it up.....I would say 98%.

People in Lincolnshire like a bargain. :p :D

Like the bloke in Lincs that lived at the top of a Hill who was claiming he cancelled his Barn Dance because of heavy rain affecting his Barn also at the top of the hill so he wasnt going to pay a cancellation fee.:eek: :eek: :eek:

[DiscoPromotions]

IMO I love doing consultations with clients face to face regardless of the booking status.

Just yesterday afternoon I made a visit to a client's home; she has already booked us; to discuss her party in more detail and answer her questions. She was surprised I agreed to come and see her. This delivering beyond her expectation of mobile disco service.

I think this give real personal client service and delivers a positive professional message.

Now, all we got to do know is deliver our exceptional service to complete the service delivery which is the easy part.

[Paul The Party Dj]

I always try and do a consultation for Weddings and big events. I have a bit of a hang-up about my age - I'm 52 - and I like to make sure my clients are happy with me because I think I sound younger on the phone. I love feeling at ease with them, and building a relationship, so that we are all completely in tune when the event takes place. We do emails and phone calls but nothing beats a chat over a drink.

[StarZSoundS]

I have a bit of a hang-up about my age - I'm 52 -

I used to have too Paul....but I would think that now 18/21 year olds are 15% of what I do and Kidz Parties are 30% of what I do!!!:) :) :)

Its no problem being wrinkly...as long as you're good!!;) ;)

[Steve the DJ]

I try and meet all of my clients in advance because:

1. I can usually meet them at their venue which is very handy if I have never been there before and help direct where and how I will set up, rather than be stuck with what the venue "always does".

2. It makes it very easy to sell extras because you can demonstrate the benefits clearly by setting up some mood lighting in the room or talking about background music/early set up/ceremony music.

3. I consider myself very, very good on the phone but find it easier to bond when meeting them face to face. I think clients trust me even more once we have got together which puts them at ease and helps me get to know the important details that I can use to personalise their evening.

4. I often get to meet the Wedding Co-ordinator who is usually very impressed that I offer this service and I then get to have a chat about how I can help them in the future... :D

Of course the most important reason I do it is because most of my competitors don't.

[Penfold42]

Is it essential to meet with the client? Absolutely not, but where possible I always like to meet them face to face. I always feel more comfortable arriving at a wedding having met them previously. Quite a lot of the time this just isn't possible as the clients live a long way away, and the gigs always go well with only email and phone consultations. From a personal viewpoint, I just really like to meet and chat to them one to one where possible.

:agree:

Which is why I do most of these. :)

[NKR]

We generally always do consultations - unless people have seen us in action before and just want "same as what you did at ......".
If you don't want to do the travelling then invite them to your place.
We do at least 50% of our consultations at my house.

[rob1963]

For those who say they always meet clients in advance, I'd love to know whether all their clients happen to ask for a meeting, or whether, as I suspect, they TELL the clients they will meet with them...rather than giving them the choice.

[Penfold42]

For those who say they always meet clients in advance, I'd love to know whether all their clients happen to ask for a meeting, or whether, as I suspect, they TELL the clients they will meet with them...rather than giving them the choice.


I always offer a pre-site visit with customer...whatever the event.

:D :D :D :D :D

[Shaun]

For those who say they always meet clients in advance, I'd love to know whether all their clients happen to ask for a meeting, or whether, as I suspect, they TELL the clients they will meet with them...rather than giving them the choice.

Of course it's their choice. I always meet clients (should they so choose a meeting). Is that better worded?

[Penfold42]

:lol:

[rob1963]

Of course it's their choice. I always meet clients (should they so choose a meeting). Is that better worded?

I understand that, Shaun.

However, the poll wording is "Do you HAVE pre even consultations?" not "Do you OFFER pre event consultations?"

7 people voted "always". I find it hard to believe that ALL their clients just happen to ask for consultations...especially when half the voters have said they rarely or never have consultations.

[Spirits High]

With Weddings I always have a pre event meeting which is usually done when they have their final meeting with the venue. Some clients have prefered to have the meeting at their house and this is fine by me.

I've been tightning my area of operation this year and most clients / venues are within 30mins drive.

Personally I find the meeting all part of the process as It get's me a real feel of what they want and they seem to be happy that I want to have a bigger involvement on the day rather than just turn up blind.

[NKR]

With Weddings I always have a pre event meeting which is usually done when they have their final meeting with the venue. Some clients have prefered to have the meeting at their house and this is fine by me.

I've been tightning my area of operation this year and most clients / venues are within 30mins drive.

Personally I find the meeting all part of the process as It get's me a real feel of what they want and they seem to be happy that I want to have a bigger involvement on the day rather than just turn up blind.

Amen to that brother.

We win a lot of wedding work as we just really want to help out and meet them to ensure we understand the vision they have for the day.

[rob1963]

Amen to that brother.

We win a lot of wedding work as we just really want to help out and meet them to ensure we understand the vision they have for the day.

Why would you want to understand the vision thery have for the day if you're just there to play music in the evening?

:confused:

[Spirits High]

Why would you want to understand the vision thery have for the day if you're just there to play music in the evening?

:confused:

But that's my point Rob, IMO and the way I market myself I'm more than someone who's "just there to play music in the evening"

That's what I do, my clients are happy so am I ;)

[Penfold42]

Why would you want to understand the vision thery have for the day if you're just there to play music in the evening?

:confused:

That's just wrong Rob on all levels......it needs to be more than just playing tunes for me.

They should be people you know and are able to connect with. IMO

[NKR]

But that's my point Rob, IMO and the way I market myself I'm more than someone who's "just there to play music in the evening"

That's what I do, my clients are happy so am I ;)

Again I'm with you on this. There may have been a theme through the day. One couple we did a job for had a kind of oscars theme to their wedding day. We could lock into that and carry it into the evening as if we had been there all day (played first hour of music from the movies - I knew the theme I could prepare)

It is so important with weddings (well some weddings) that you are in tune with it all.

Plus we do a number of all day weddings where Kev is singing during the meal, etc, so its more important again in those circumstances.

[rob1963]

But that's my point Rob, IMO and the way I market myself I'm more than someone who's "just there to play music in the evening"

That's what I do, my clients are happy so am I ;)


That's just wrong Rob on all levels......it needs to be more than just playing tunes for me.

They should be people you know and are able to connect with. IMO

Are you both saying you see yourselves more as a wedding planner / wedding co-ordinator than a DJ?

[Spirits High]

Are you both saying you see yourselves more as a wedding planner / wedding co-ordinator than a DJ?

Not so much wedding planner although if there weren't so many good ones around it's certainly something I would look to do.

However I would lean on the side of saying the evening reception co ordinater. I see it as my job to keep things flowing during the night not just the music ;) . I always (if they're still there) talk to the photographer re light levels for 1st dance etc, not because I'm interfering but because I want the B&G's night to be perfect on all counts.

So in actual fact the answer to your question is I see myself as more than "Just a Dj"

[rob1963]

Not so much wedding planner although if there weren't so many good ones around it's certainly something I would look to do.

However I would lean on the side of saying the evening reception co ordinater. I see it as my job to keep things flowing during the night not just the music ;) . I always (if they're still there) talk to the photographer re light levels for 1st dance etc, not because I'm interfering but because I want the B&G's night to be perfect on all counts.

So in actual fact the answer to your question is I see myself as more than "Just a Dj"

That's fair enough, Paul.

I'm not saying there's anything wrong with being some kind of event co-ordinator as well as the DJ...I was merely asking the question.

:)

[NKR]

Not so much wedding planner although if there weren't so many good ones around it's certainly something I would look to do.

However I would lean on the side of saying the evening reception co ordinater. I see it as my job to keep things flowing during the night not just the music ;) . I always (if they're still there) talk to the photographer re light levels for 1st dance etc, not because I'm interfering but because I want the B&G's night to be perfect on all counts.

So in actual fact the answer to your question is I see myself as more than "Just a Dj"

Amen brother number 2.

We are also in contact with the kitchen regarding buffet timings, etc, as well as what is listed above.

What we say to brides is - "once we are on site and set up you relax as we have the reigns and you don't need to worry about coordinating anything from there on in."

Lots appreciate it greatly as its something less to worry about - we have done enough weddings to ensure the evening is hitch free, or at least if there is a hitch we are aware of it and aren't gearing up for a buffet that is fifteen minutes late (we know its late, so we can work around it).

Its a service - not just music

[rob1963]

Its a service - not just music

I guess it depends on how you see yourself, how you sell yourself & what people book you for.

I'm a DJ.

Yes...I also liase with other service providers & venue staff where necessary as well as making announcements, but if they want some kind of event co-ordinator, I'll either suggest that they book a toastmaster or I'll recommend a local wedding planner I sometimes work with.

[NKR]

I guess it depends on how you see yourself, how you sell yourself & what people book you for.

I'm a DJ.

Yes...I also liase with other service providers & venue staff where necessary as well as making announcements...but if they want some kind of event co-ordinator, I'll either suggest that they book a toastmaster or will recommend a local wedding planner I sometimes work with.

All very good for during the day, but toastmaster has gone by the night do and why pay a wedding planner to coordinate the night section.

[rob1963]

All very good for during the day, but toastmaster has gone by the night do

Could that be because his services are no longer needed by then, apart from a few announcements which a DJ is more than capable of making?


why pay a wedding planner to coordinate the night section.

The wedding planner I sometimes work with gets up at about 6am on the day of the wedding & remains at the reception until the very end, so HER clients clearly don't have a problem with paying for this.

As I've already said, if DJs also want to offer planning / co-ordinator / consultation services, I have no problem with that...it's just not for me.

[Mark Wild]

I think most of the things being stated e.g liasing with kitchen staff to see what time the buffet goes out and speaking to the photographer about lighting for the first dance come under the umbrella of providing a good service as a professional DJ.

I think you maybe getting above your station claiming to be the 'evening reception co-ordinater' I mean would you say that to a couple at a consultation? "I consider myself to be the evening reception co-ordinater as well as the DJ."

Do your homework to know the flow of the evening, the couples musical requirements, but don't lose sight of the reason you are actually there.

[NKR]

I think most of the things being stated e.g liasing with kitchen staff to see what time the buffet goes out and speaking to the photographer about lighting for the first dance come under the umbrella of providing a good service as a professional DJ.

I think you maybe getting above your station claiming to be the 'evening reception co-ordinater' I mean would you say that to a couple at a consultation? "I consider myself to be the evening reception co-ordinater as well as the DJ."

Do your homework to know the flow of the evening, the couples musical requirements, but don't lose sight of the reason you are actually there.

Its not rocket science. A first dance, cake cutting, maybe a bouquet throw and a buffet. Its hardly coordinating much.

[Mark Wild]

Its not rocket science. A first dance, cake cutting, maybe a bouquet throw and a buffet. Its hardly coordinating much.

Exactly, it's not 'evening reception co-ordinater' work, you can't claim that title for doing what is expected of any professional wedding DJ surely. 'It's not rocket science' is the point I'm making, or at least trying to. :D

[NKR]

Exactly, it's not 'evening reception co-ordinater' work, you can't claim that title for doing what is expected of any professional wedding DJ surely. 'It's not rocket science' is the point I'm making, or at least trying to. :D

We never claim to be evening reception coordinator, we just say that once we are on site and set up we know what we need to do so will ensure everything runs as it should. We are the ones with the noise going on, the first dance to control etc. We just ensure it runs as it should.

[rob1963]

I think most of the things being stated e.g liasing with kitchen staff to see what time the buffet goes out and speaking to the photographer about lighting for the first dance come under the umbrella of providing a good service as a professional DJ.

I think you maybe getting above your station claiming to be the 'evening reception co-ordinater' I mean would you say that to a couple at a consultation? "I consider myself to be the evening reception co-ordinater as well as the DJ."

Do your homework to know the flow of the evening, the couples musical requirements, but don't lose sight of the reason you are actually there.

Respect Mark.

I've never agreed with you more.

:youdaman:

[Mark Wild]

I've never agreed with you more.


There's a first time for everything Roberto :D

[rob1963]

:Laugh:

[Shaun]

There's a first time for everything Roberto :D

Enjoy it while it lasts... 'cause it never will. :d

[rob1963]

Enjoy it while it lasts... 'cause it never will. :d

You never know, Shaun.

I think I've even completely agreed with YOU a few times!

:eek: :D :D

[Shaun]

...but it never lasts. I rest my case. :d

[rob1963]

...but it never lasts. I rest my case. :d

Then you need to post more stuff I completely agree with!

:D