What is with some people? Penny pinchers!

[nisfo]

Bear with me I'm still peeved about this.

Went for a quick half in my local earlier.

A regular who I know of, but do not know, came up and asked if I could do something for his 25th wedding anniversary at this place.

I told him it shouldn't be a problem as I was free on the day.

So here is how the conversation went.

Me: Yes mate I can do it, I'm free, how long for?

Reg: All night, some one said you could do some music for us.

Me: OK, I can do it for £170 as your a local chap. (I can set up when I like, and collect my kit the next morning as the premises are secure overnight)

Reg: Oh right.... !!Slight Pause!!, thought you didn't charge as it is your local.

Me: To be fair I only do freebies for full-on charity events.

Reg: Alright I'll have to get back to ya, need to speak with the missus.

We left it at that, he walked off, so I turned round and continued to drink up.

Then I realized maybe I worded myself wrong, don't misquote me but I acknowledged I was FREE on that night!!

Regardless of anything this appears to be the moral when booking a DJ now. Get him cheap....Or FREE!!

Flipping Muppet's try anything nowadays!! lol

Why try to get custom anymore, let them book 60 quid sid and have a naff night! Maybe next time they will prefer an entertainer and not a FARCE...ha

Admin Note: Post edited to correct the price...Nisfo, the 'preview before you post button is your friend. :d)

[Excalibur]

only cheap night ive done was for £20 fuel money and it was because I just got the DSB so was dying to test it out. Otherwise I would never entertain doing it for £70. If its for his silver too and dont wanna spend the money then goodness knows what the wedding disco was like hahaha

When I get round to it, I'll post the costs of My wedding!! Arm and a :Censored: leg. :( :(

[NKR]

Spending time being bothered about pointless conversations makes them twice as pointless. Ignore it and move on. I would not even entertain it.

[Twinspin]

170 sounds alright. But cant believe they wouldnt want if for free
its good of ya to do it for mates rates even for them. Id just tell them mate

£170 take it or leave it. Thats definetely fair.

[Spirits High]

Right foot down time.

Post have been deleted by Mods for the reasons stated.

This thread has the makings of going way off topic and potentially nasty.

Gentleman please wind it in or the thread will be closed and or deleted.

[nisfo]

I know what you saying Twinspin, I have done many gigs there now, practically 99% the resident DJ.....lol....Let hem walk over me once and they think they can continue to do it!!

[Danno13]

When people start getting silly with each other and posting things that are personal attacks, it does no-one any favours and this isn't the place for it, hence why threads are cleaned up.

If you really want, you can do it in private so at least those that want to participate in resonable discussion don't have to sift through rubbish.

[Twinspin]

I know what you saying Twinspin, I have done many gigs there now, practically 99% the resident DJ.....lol....Let hem walk over me once and they think they can continue to do it!!

Ive had the same in the past mate when i did pubs. You thought you have done one gig cheap to do them a favour and they all expect it for that. I would have a friendly conversation with that person and tell him that to keep your disco running you have running costs just like we all have.

One of my good friends Steve is getting married at Holiday Inn at end of June
and i said to him look Steve you know i cant do it for nothing but ill do it at mates rates for ya it was the same with my Cousin i did his in november and i charged him for it and thats family. But he was happy with it.

[ppentertainments]

Yet another reminder why I no longer do local gigs.

[Shaun]

I've been asked about gigs whilst I'm out having a drink. I just give them a card and ask them to give me a call to check availabilty. I'm not keen on giving quotes whilst stood at the bar.

[Excalibur]

I've been asked about gigs whilst I'm out having a drink. I just give them a card and ask them to give me a call to check availabilty. I'm not keen on giving quotes whilst stood at the bar.

Business. Pleasure. 'nuff said. ;)












However: I walked into my local one night. A customer who I knew quite well said " Hello mate, we've just taken over the Golf Club. We need a reliable DJ, do you fancy doing it? "

" Yeah, of course".

Negotiation over, job done. Simples. :D :D :D

[nisfo]

I've been asked about gigs whilst I'm out having a drink. I just give them a card and ask them to give me a call to check availability. I'm not keen on giving quotes whilst stood at the bar.

LOL...Note to self....Carry more cards..

Never thought of that one, I'll do that from now on.

I don't know if it is a sign of the times, but most of my clients appear to want services for next to nothing!
I suppose the free charity gigs don't help.

But hey I am a charity man, and my downfall is I am known for it in this area.

Maybe I should ask clients if they have a charity number in future.....LMAO



**Thanks to admin, my head is not what it should be at the moment!! Every now and again I can become a philosopher so watch this space for advice rather than help**

[Shaun]

However: I walked into my local one night. A customer who I knew quite well said " Hello mate, we've just taken over the Golf Club. We need a reliable DJ, do you fancy doing it? "

" Yeah, of course".

Negotiation over, job done. Simples. :D :D :D

Negotiation is never over until finances have been finalised. :d


LOL...Note to self....Carry more cards..



I never leave home without them. You never know when someone will need a DJ. :d

[Leicester Ben]

I took a £400 wedding whilst in a nightclub last weekend, always go out with business cards!!!

She came up to me and asked if "I was the DJ guy" whilst I was dancing on a podium (those that know me will know that me dancing is not a good look)

:)

[nisfo]

(those that know me will know that me dancing is not a good look)

:)

Start a new thread with pics please.....lol

The thing is, it is such a cheap pint £2 a pint, all nights end up with a packed dance floor, and being asked to play well after closing time with or without a bar extension, which really makes it worth my while, as I can buy a few more, and only have to walk for 10 minutes to get home and not have to worry about packing the kit away and securing it.......

[Danno13]

If it's just a night out for you then why charge at all?

[Excalibur]

Negotiation is never over until finances have been finalised. :d


Ah but, you see since we are both Gentlemen, and also honest and trustworthy, there was no need to sully the conversation with sordid haggling. Heaven forfend.

[nisfo]

If it's just a night out for you then why charge at all?

Are you having a laugh? My time is my time, it's and added bonus to work while having fun. And make money to pay the bills......I left my parents home years ago, I am a family man now, with a mortgage and 3 lovely children (my eldest is my junior roady, I ay him with LEGO kits..lol)

Every gig night is a night out, it's part of getting involved with the client, and their guests. If I'm having fun, then they are.

[Shaun]

Ah but, you see since we are both Gentlemen, and also honest and trustworthy, there was no need to sully the conversation with sordid haggling. Heaven forfend.

....that's why it's better to hand them the card and discuss all aspects later. ;)

[Danno13]

Are you having a laugh? My time is my time, it's and added bonus to work while having fun. And make money to pay the bills......I left my parents home years ago, I am a family man now, with a mortgage and 3 lovely children (my eldest is my junior roady, I ay him with LEGO kits..lol)

Every gig night is a night out, it's part of getting involved with the client, and their guests. If I'm having fun, then they are.

I'm not having a laugh, my point is that you can't on one hand blame someone for wanting to pay peanuts for a DJ, when said DJ is basing his fee on his enjoyment of the night and price of the beer in the place he's working!

I have no idea what relevance your personal situation has?

Fair enough if you price gigs on how much you'll enjoy them, but I run a business and whether the gig is fun or not doesn't come into the equation. If more DJs looked at it that way, you might not have such a problem getting your fee ;)

[Excalibur]

....that's why it's better to hand them the card and discuss all aspects later. ;)

You're missing my point totally, you ( insert smilie of choice here)
In my case, there was no need to negotiate. Each of us knew that the price would be fair, and acceptable to both sides.

However, when you're dealing with Mr Average Punter, it's obviously best to let the muscle relaxant wear off before finalising costs.

[Shaun]

You're missing my point totally, you ( insert smilie of choice here)
In my case, there was no need to negotiate. Each of us knew that the price would be fair, and acceptable to both sides.



Ok, point taken. :)




However, when you're dealing with Mr Average Punter, it's obviously best to let the muscle relaxant wear off before finalising costs.
Agreed. :)

[nisfo]

Danno, in years to come you will understand my point of view.

The fact is a sign of the times. people want a good cheap drink, and if a WKD is less than 2 quid, it means they are happy, and if the atmosphere is one where they are in their local and not straight after work but once or twice a weekend and surrounded with PPL they know so they are more relaxed.

My point is regardless of the punter...If they are comfortable and having fun, then it maybe a night to remember. And hopefully remember the DJ, it doesn't happen so much now.....Thanks Westwood (rear end accident)
Our business does involve alcohol, sad fact but it is true.
Most punter will go out with the intention of a good drink a a good price, £2 a pint was merely an example, these prices are not promotional!

In my roadshow days, people were easy to entertain, a DJ (started in the early 70's)who borrowed my kit (involved with the chap who's anniversary it is) couldn't understand why it was so hard to fill a dancefloor from start to finish (till it was overflowing).
I still can't get it through to him that unless people are happy (Drunk) you do not need to worry about hem dancing.


I'd rather look for foot tapping ;) I maybe blabbing on, but truth is it ain't like it used to be, regardless of being the punter or the DJ :bang:

[Shaun]

Please try not to swear or use text talk. My day has been busy enough. :d Cheers. :beer1:

[Danno13]

Well you've completely missed my point and managed to be completely patronising at the same time. I have better things to do than to continue this discussion. I'm sure you know best and I bow down to your vast experience, maybe when I get up to the level of £200 a night I can come back and talk with you further :)

[nisfo]

Danno I didn't miss your point.

Why do you do a job if you don't enjoy it? The moment I begin to hate it it the time to pack in and sell up.

I love everynight I do, odd occasions I get the od miserable client but it is only one.

[Jonathan Ford]

Danno I didn't miss your point.

Why do you do a job if you don't enjoy it? The moment I begin to hate it it the time to pack in and sell up.

I love everynight I do, odd occasions I get the od miserable client but it is only one. I wont swear for fear of political correctness....lol

Because it's a job? A business?

I appreciate that this line of work tends to attract a fair number of people who work as much for enjoyment as money, but personally, my enjoyment is pretty low down the list.

Keeping the client happy and making a strong profit are far more important to me that me having a laugh while I'm working. In fact, I'd go as far as to say I'm pretty miserable while DJ'ing at the minute.

[mikeee]

Dear Mr nisfo,
May I suggest, next time you nip out for a quick half, if you see the "gentleman" again, go up to him look him straight in the eyes, and .....apologise, and explain that you hadn't realised how embarrassing it must of been for him for you to offer such a generious discounted price and that you know he's not on benefits and could afford the full price, but at the time after a pint (or two) you thought it was a nice idea to offer a preferential price straight off, so once again let me apologise if I made it seem that you are financial embarassed. Now duck :)

[Twinspin]

Bear with me I'm still peeved about this.

Went for a quick half in my local earlier.

A regular who I know of, but do not know, came up and asked if I could do something for his 25th wedding anniversary at this place.

I told him it shouldn't be a problem as I was free on the day.

So here is how the conversation went.

Me: Yes mate I can do it, I'm Available that night, how long for?

Reg: All night, some one said you could do some music for us.

Me: OK, I can do it for £170 as your a local chap. (I can set up when I like, and collect my kit the next morning as the premises are secure overnight)

Reg: Oh right.... !!Slight Pause!!, thought you didn't charge as it is your local.

Me: To be fair I only do freebies for full-on charity events.

Reg: Alright I'll have to get back to ya, need to speak with the missus.

We left it at that, he walked off, so I turned round and continued to drink up.

Then I realized maybe I worded myself wrong, don't misquote me but I acknowledged I was FREE on that night!!

Regardless of anything this appears to be the moral when booking a DJ now. Get him cheap....Or FREE!!

Flipping Muppet's try anything nowadays!! lol

Why try to get custom anymore, let them book 60 quid sid and have a naff night! Maybe next time they will prefer an entertainer and not a FARCE...ha

Admin Note: Post edited to correct the price...Nisfo, the 'preview before you post button is your friend. :d)

just looked again and... this would have been better to say just so there is no mixup.

[StarZSoundS]

God.....



We're all so serious on here:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:



I think the situation and conversation you had with the guy are :Censored: hilarious.....nobody has said that.:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

[WWDJ]

Having read the thread again I can kind of get the points that Nisfo is trying to make.

There are people who want something for nothing. My philosopy is that unless they are a registered charity they pay (I do discount for mates).

There are also a lot of people who just want a cheap drink and a dance in the last hour of the night. Some of them will pay my price but more increasingly in my village, 60 quid sid gets the gig based on cost. He gets drunk along with the rest of them.

In terms of getting drunk whilst DJing and treating it as a night out. Is it a good idea? I've done it plenty of times. For me I'm ok with it as long as the legalities are born in mind, but ultimately this will drive the fees down because customers offer you less and you accept because it is a night out.

With that said, I'm now in the been there done that camp. Playing the same place to the same crowd over and over leads to monotony. I've packed in the drinking, night out Djing scenario, which leaves me open to do more gigs outside the village. I find these gigs are more fun, new crowds and not just the same old party crowd packed into the same venue. They are also paying me more ;-)

This means that 60 quid sid can fill his boots if he wants. He has a ton of equipment, twice as much as I use and if he wants to do all that plus the night for peanuts then he must be crazy. People are amazed when I'm not bothered he has undercut me, but I'm not. He has set his bar really low so he is going to find it difficult to get even 100 quid a gig.

[rob1963]

Why do you do a job if you don't enjoy it?

To earn money, maybe?

Isn't that the ultimate reason why people work?

If you DO happen to enjoy your job, you're very lucky...but that's not necessary in order to do it well.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

To earn money, maybe?

Isn't that the ultimate reason why people work?

If you DO happen to enjoy your job, you're very lucky...but that's not necessary in order to do it well.

Not necessary, but I think in our case it helps a hell of a lot.

[soundtracker]

Not necessary, but I think in our case it helps a hell of a lot.

and of course a lot nicer if you are being paid properly!

[rob1963]

To earn money, maybe?

Isn't that the ultimate reason why people work?

If you DO happen to enjoy your job, you're very lucky...but that's not necessary in order to do it well.


Not necessary, but I think in our case it helps a hell of a lot.

I disagree.

I can think of a number of gigs I've not enjoyed at all for various reasons...but I've still performed as well as otherwise would have.

[Excalibur]

I disagree.

I can think of a number of gigs I've not enjoyed at all for various reasons...but I've still performed as well as otherwise would have.

Rob, I know exactly what you mean, and empathise totally, but:

When you're enjoying it, and the crowd are making it easy for you, the performance just gets better and better.

When it's a grueller, after about six hours, you've lost the will to live, let alone perform. :(

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I disagree.



There's a shock....

You put your opinion, to which I then answered, so why do you feel the need to disagree again? You've already put your opinion. :confused:

[soundtracker]

Rob, I know exactly what you mean, and empathise totally, but:

When you're enjoying it, and the crowd are making it easy for you, the performance just gets better and better.

When it's a grueller, after about six hours, you've lost the will to live, let alone perform. :(

Totally and utterly spot on

[WWDJ]

I disagree.

I can think of a number of gigs I've not enjoyed at all for various reasons...but I've still performed as well as otherwise would have.

Kind of agree, but I think that if the crowd are up for it then my performance is more 'genuine' rather than trying to jolly them up which always seems a bit false to me. Often if the crowd don't seem that into it, instead of just playing the tried and tested classics, I'll mix it up a bit with some more downtempo tracks that are better for listening than dancing.

[soundtracker]

I disagree.

I can think of a number of gigs I've not enjoyed at all for various reasons...but I've still performed as well as otherwise would have.

As solicited feedback is not valid, can we assume that self-praise is also equally irrelevant?

[Excalibur]

I disagree.

I can think of a number of gigs I've not enjoyed at all for various reasons...but I've still performed as well as otherwise would have.


As solicited feedback is not valid, can we assume that self-praise is also equally irrelevant?

Errr, point of order. Rob believes he has performed to the best of his abilities. He didn't say he was actually any good, therefore not self-praise?

[soundtracker]

Errr, point of order. Rob believes he has performed to the best of his abilities. He didn't say he was actually any good, therefore not self-praise?

granted, I will amend to self-review :)

[rob1963]

You put your opinion, to which I then answered, so why do you feel the need to disagree again? You've already put your opinion. :confused:

Because after saying "I disagree", I went on to give examples of WHY I disagree...and this was information I'd not posted before. I therefore thought it was valid to post. I was obviously wrong.

You clearly don't want me posting anything else in this thread, Darren, even when it's something I've not posted before, so I'll bow out now & leave it for others to continue the discussion.

:)

[WWDJ]

Perhaps the football at the weekend will cheer everyone up. It all seems very uptight on the forum at the moment .... :D :D :D

I thought it was a place for open and civilised discussion regardless of who disagrees with who and who and how many times.

I know we have our 'characters' here and 'in' jokes, and I love that.

Let's go back to being happy again! :D :D :D

[Mark Wild]

Perhaps the football at the weekend will cheer everyone up. It all seems very uptight on the forum at the moment .... :D :D :D

I thought it was a place for open and civilised discussion regardless of who disagrees with who and who and how many times.

I know we have our 'characters' here and 'in' jokes, and I love that.

Let's go back to being happy again! :D :D :D

shut it :D

[CRAZY K]

rather than trying to jolly them up which always seems a bit false to me.



:confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused:

Isnt that what most people want for a Wedding or a Party==

They always say--we want someone to get em going and be errr Jolly or at least sarcastically funny.

You dont have to be Motormouth or Chris Evans of course;)

Mind you the demon drink usually achieves that without our help,

:D :D :D :D :D

[StarZSoundS]

Perhaps the football at the weekend will cheer everyone up. It all seems very uptight on the forum at the moment .... :D :D :D


Let's go back to being happy again! :D :D :D


God.....



We're all so serious on here:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:



I think the situation and conversation you had with the guy are :Censored: hilarious.....nobody has said that.:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D



It is a really funny situation....but it's not the end of the world unless you have already done the job.

You have to be Philosophical....


I had a Childrens Party a while back.We offer a very popular party bag service that we add to our parties.£1 a bag for each one that is used.

I did the deal for the Party with the Husband who didn't feed it back properly to the Wife.It transpired that she was under the impression that they were part of the deal and when I got doshed up I was minus the party bag money which left me at less than the McDonald hourly rate.

Yep....I'd lost £60.00...


Never mind....Did I collpase in a corner......No??Kick off at the customer for thinking I was only worth a pittance for the party....No!!

I vowed never to get myself back in that position again!!It happens.

An d I still think Nisfo's conversation and situation is :Censored: hilarious.....wish I'd have been there!! :Laugh: :Laugh: :Laugh: :Laugh:

[WWDJ]

It is a really funny situation....but it's not the end of the world unless you have already done the job.

You have to be Philosophical....


I had a Childrens Party a while back.We offer a very popular party bag service that we add to our parties.£1 a bag for each one that is used.

I did the deal for the Party with the Husband who didn't feed it back properly to the Wife.It transpired that she was under the impression that they were part of the deal and when I got doshed up I was minus the party bag money which left me at less than the McDonald hourly rate.

Yep....I'd lost £60.00...


Never mind....Did I collpase in a corner......No??Kick off at the customer for thinking I was only worth a pittance for the party....No!!

I vowed never to get myself back in that position again!!It happens.

An d I still think Nisfo's conversation and situation is :Censored: hilarious.....wish I'd have been there!! :Laugh: :Laugh: :Laugh: :Laugh:

I know how you feel. Over the last 2 years I have been short on money for a couple of parties that have been booked by this one chap for other members of the family.

The first time I was a fiver short, second time £20. I chose not the spoil the night and chase for the money and took it on the chin so to speak. I know this guy will be back for more parties. Oh and guess what... the price will have gone up and I WILL explain why.

[Disco Tech Liverpool]

On the original subject. Never sort prices out at a gig or when you are out on the lash, I do as others do on here and give my card and tell them to ring me Monday or Tuesday so I can talk properly. If I get asked for 'mates' rates like I was yesterday by my mate who owner his own commercial vehicle garage and truck firm, then i just say would you give me mates rates for work you do for me ? The answer is no. Do the bar staff and the catering staff all charge you less ? No, well neither do I

[nisfo]

I never stated that I was on the lash....It was midweek....lol

Give me some credit.ha ha

Sorry for sounding off at the beginning, just few issues that I don't agree with, and can do naff all about.

Anyway....

**Update**

Spoke to him again.

Me: Hey Reg, how are you?

Reg: Good mate, spoke to the missus, but she won go that far (price). You know how it is.

Me: OK I'm curious, what would she be happy with?

Reg: Erm, £100 is all she said.

Me: Can't do it for that, you know what that place is like, it will be way past closing time before I will finish.

Reg: Nah nah, we'll sort it, you'll be home before midnight.

Me: Look Reg, I won't waste your time, I ain't doing it for a Tonne, it's £170 or you will have to find some one else at short notice!

Reg: Alright mate, I'll see what I can do.

We left it at that, so we'll see how it goes, This gig happens to be 26th of June.

I'd just like to apologize to everyone for my outbursts (just don't tell me I'm lazy or a liar...lol...I am far from both)