What a week!!

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Weird week so far.

Lost a booking on Monday night (Wedding in October) due to the couple splitting up) and then had an enquiry for exactly the same date at the same venue today. Totally different customer and very weird.

I am working all week at the local college compering their annual fashion show. I have had 3 bookings privately already for next year and all I am doing is talking. Not sure how I got these but in the programme it says my name and has a link to my website. It's obviously working.

When I got in this evening I received a call from a guy that was....well...a total wind up.

I was having a bath after a long day and the missus answered the call and took the details. I called the guy back and he was very vague so people in my area....please be aware. His name was Liam and the enquiry was for a hire job.

I asked the usual questions and he seemed to have very vague answers.
"What is the function?"
"It's a wedding"
"Where is the function?"
"It's in Hampshire"
"What it is that you are looking for?"
"Look dude...I know exactly what I want...a small 1k system, speakers, amp, 1210's"
"Ok, not a problem. Could I take some details from you as to the duration of the evening and the name of the venue"
"Hold on dude...too many questions"
"Sorry but I need to know where the venue is and how long you would need the equipment for so that I can give you a full quotation"

By now I am sensing that this is a no-goer.

"The wedding is for a couple of friends and it's in the grounds of their house. It will need to be set up in the afternoon and then collected the next day"
"Ok, if I could take some details"
"Just give me a price dude!"
"I'm sorry but I can't give you a price if you can't give me specific details as to where the venue is"

This guy then decides to get abusive and call me everything under the sun so I end the call. He then texts me aswell (he called me on my mobile) and gives more of the same.

I didn't text back.

It does make me laugh as I saw this as a scam. Do people really think that I / We will go and hire out some equipment and have no worries about it? I explained to the missus that I could've gone back the next day and all of the equipment could've disappeared.

Like I said....a weird week!

[STEVE HANLEY]

Hiring out equipment to randoms who phone you up is not a route I think I'd ever want to go down. Especially if you ever want to see it again.

I'd be interested to know if this has ever happened to anyone before

[rob1963]

The minute he called me dude, I'd have lost all interest in the booking.

The same goes for bro & bruv.

[simonp]

The minute he called me dude, I'd have lost all interest in the booking.

The same goes for bro & bruv.

Me to Bro

:sofa:

[sweetie]

and mate!

[rob1963]

and mate!

Indeed!

[Shaun]

The minute he called me dude, I'd have lost all interest in the booking.

The same goes for bro & bruv.


Me to Bro

:sofa:


and mate!

Really?

He could call me any variation of the above and it wouldn't bother me one bit. As long as the enquiry is geniune I have no problem with my clients using whichever terminology and phrases they feel most comfortable with.

[rob1963]

The minute he called me dude, I'd have lost all interest in the booking.

The same goes for bro & bruv.


Really?

Definately!


He could call me any variation of the above and it wouldn't bother me one bit. As long as the enquiry is geniune I have no problem with my clients using whichever terminology and phrases they feel most comfortable with.

Fair enough, Shaun.

I'd rather avoid having chavs as clients, and I'm in the fortunate position to be able to turn down any gigs I don't want to do...for whatever reason.

[Shaun]

Definately!



Fair enough, Shaun.

I'd rather avoid having chavs as clients, and I'm in the fortunate position to be able to turn down any gigs I don't want to do...for whatever reason.

Someone calling you mate, Bro or Bruv would automatically label them a chav? Fair do. I prefer not to label my clientelle on the back of a turn of phrase.

[Pe7e]

I get this sort of call all the time, to be honest, it doesn't bother me, unless they are particually rude or aggresive, then the phone goes down. I've not kept statistics on this, but I estimate 75% of callers calling me Bro, Mate, Squire, Pal, and other terms of 'endearment' turn into customers. If I decide I'm not comfortable hiring my equipment to a particular caller for any reason, I find asking for a very large 'security deposit' does the trick. Judging by the conversation in that instance I would think it was likley to be a local DJ trying to find out what you charge, after being asked by a customer to hire his gear.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I'd rather avoid having chavs as clients, and I'm in the fortunate position to be able to turn down any gigs I don't want to do...for whatever reason.

And someone who says 'mate' is a chav?

LMAO!

Comments on here get more ridiculous by the hour...

Cheers mate! :muppet:

[DazzyD]

"Dude", I believe is a term used in the surfing community. I have no problems with them at all. I certainly wouldn't take offence at being called that. It's an affectionate term meaning "friend". Would you take offence if someone called you "friend"?

"Bro" is something I'm less familiar with, but again, don't think I'd have a problem with accepting a booking from someone referring to me that way.

"Mate". Now the opinions of this on here I find quite bizarre. Lots of people refer to people as "mate" round here. Everyday, when I get off the bus, I say to the driver "Thanks a lot, mate!". My four year old son now says this to bus drivers (as well as giving them the thumbs up!) and no-one's ever complained about me or my son for saying it (in fact, most of the bus drivers know him now and have a bit chat with him!).

I can understand any of these terms being offensive if they are used aggressively but in my own experience they've never been used in any other manner than friendly.

[Mark Wild]

Some real pearls of life experience wisdon in this thread.

[Twinspin]

I dont think branding people by the way people talk on the phone is right and this can also be classed as discrimination.

[soundtracker]

Why does this thread make me think of Basil Fawlty's "NO RIFF-RAFF" sign???

[rob1963]

Someone calling you mate, Bro or Bruv would automatically label them a chav?

Not mate, but in my experience when someone has called me bro or bruv they've usually been a chav.


And someone who says 'mate' is a chav?

No, but in my experience someone who calls me bro or bruv usually IS a chav.

I'm not sure why you're laughing at me, because I'm not even posting my opinions.....but my real life experiences.

If you both have different experiences, fair enough, but I don't really see why you should have a go at ME for some of the people I've happened to meet in my life & what THEY'VE been like.

:confused:

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I don't really see why you should have a go at ME for some of the people I've happened to meet in my life & what THEY'VE been like.

And who is having a 'go' at you Rob?

[rob1963]

And who is having a 'go' at you Rob?

I'm not sure.

That depends on who you were referring to when you said "comments on here get more ridiculous by the hour", and on who you were referring to when you posted the muppet smiley.

[sleah]

:handbag: now Gents, calm down!:D

One should be aware of regional languages or that word I can't spell :p (colo.....something:D)
Up 'ere in th'north there are a couple of variations. EG in an village called Bollington everyone calls each other 'Pal' whether they know you or not, 'Mate' is another. In Staffordshire 'Duck' is the word....

I think 'Bro' and 'Bruv' probably came from the black and coloured cultures, but have been adopted by the likes of Chavs and others 'cos it sounds cool. Init.

I guess it's the context it's used in, often you get a feeling if someone is being a bit too 'pally' or if it's just their language.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Flippin' eck Tucker!! (That's for the older ones on here)...

Why has this turned into a thread about Chavs etc?

Rob, I think you are going well over the top mate. I agree with Twinspin, it is almost discrimination saying you wouldn't deal with someone who called you 'Dude', 'Bruv', 'Bro' etc...

This guy that called was a pain...simple as. It didn't matter to me whether he was a chav or whatever.....I didn't assume he was because he said "Dude". My wife took the call as I was in the bath. She is the most chilled out, mild mannered person I know and even she said that he was very pushy and arrogant over the phone. Apparently he said to her (after she told him that she wouldn't be able to give a price as it was my business)... "Look luv, you're married to him, surely you can tell me how much he charges". She found that rude and I thought twice about calling him back. I wish I hadn't to be honest but in a way I am glad I did. I offered advice and he didn't seem to want to know.

[rob1963]

Why has this turned into a thread about Chavs?

It hasn't.


Rob, I think you are going well over the top mate. I agree with Twinspin, it is almost discrimination saying you wouldn't deal with someone who called you 'Dude', 'Bruv', 'Bro' etc...

And there are times when I think YOU go well over the top, Gary...so we'll just agree to disagree on this one.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Blimey, You're on one today aren't you!
Luckily I can't hang about as I am working again tonight so yes, we'll agree to disagree Rob but thanks anyway.

[Excalibur]

Really?

He could call me any variation of the above and it wouldn't bother me one bit. As long as the enquiry is geniune I have no problem with my clients using whichever terminology and phrases they feel most comfortable with.
Thet can call me anything they want, as long as I get the pound notes in my hand. ;) ;)

And someone who says 'mate' is a chav?

LMAO!

Comments on here get more ridiculous by the hour...

Cheers mate! :muppet:
Watch it pal. ;) :D :D


:handbag: now Gents, calm down!:D

One should be aware of regional languages or that word I can't spell :p (colo.....something:D)
Up 'ere in th'north there are a couple of variations. EG in an village called Bollington everyone calls each other 'Pal' whether they know you or not, 'Mate' is another. In Staffordshire 'Duck' is the word....

I think 'Bro' and 'Bruv' probably came from the black and coloured cultures, but have been adopted by the likes of Chavs and others 'cos it sounds cool. Init.

I guess it's the context it's used in, often you get a feeling if someone is being a bit too 'pally' or if it's just their language.
And in other areas, it's " my lover" :eek: :eek: That can be a bit disconcerting first time. ;)

[jon s]

Wo! this thread that's getting a bit heated.
Now Now.
Garys only trying to tell us about someone who seemed unscrupulous, and he did say for others in the area to be aware.

[rob1963]

I wonder how many people from this forum would ring up a professional business to make an enquiry, and call the person on the other end of the phone "dude" "bro" or "bruv"?

Very few, I'd wager.

[DeckstarDeluxe]

I wonder how many people from this forum would ring up a professional business to make an enquiry, and call the person on the other end of the phone "dude" "bro" or "bruv"?

Very few, I'd wager.


People from all sorts of backgrounds and walks of life get married Rob.......and thats where you come in!

[rob1963]

People from all sorts of backgrounds and walks of life get married Rob

I'm aware of that.

I've been doing wedding discos for all sorts of different people since you were in nappies! ;)


......and thats where you come in!

Not if they call me dude, bro or bruv...as I hate being called those things.

[wensleydale]

It seems a bit short sighted to refuse work because they call you dude or mate, regardless of whether you need the work or not.

I also think its a bit narrow minded as you are judging someone on a few words.

I call people mate all the time so by this theory must be a chav too which I wouldnt entirely agree with.

Ultimately if people are willing to pay what I quote for a job then I'm happy to work for them.

[rob1963]

It seems a bit short sighted to refuse work because they call you dude or mate, regardless of whether you need the work or not.

I don't really have a problem with mate, but I HATE being called dude, bro or bruv, as I think it shows a lack of respect...and I have no inclination to work for people who show a lack of respect, just like I have no inclination to work for people who are rude.

That's just the way I am.


I call people mate all the time so by this theory must be a chav too which I wouldnt entirely agree with.

I'm not saying that at all, Rich.

I'm merely posting my real life experience, which is that when someone calls me dude, bro or bruv, they have USUALLY been a chav.


Ultimately if people are willing to pay what I quote for a job then I'm happy to work for them.

That's where you and I differ, as I'm not interested in working for people who show me no respect or who are rude.

This forum has people from all walks of life, all ages & all parts of the country, so I repeat the question I asked a few posts back: How many people on this forum can honestly say that when they phone a professional business for details & prices of their services, they call the person on the end of the phone dude, bro or bruv?

[funkymook]

I think it's all to do with context and culture. For some people using the terms 'bro, bruv, dude' etc is part of who they are and the environment they are from - for them it's a natural part of their speech pattern and doesn't automatically mean disrespect/dishonesty.

You have to take all the other parts of the conversation/behaviour into account before judging if the person is genuine or not.

Would I address someone in a business capacity as 'bruv, bro, dude'?- no! Would I address someone in my private life as 'bruv, bro, dude'? - no!

I just don't speak like that - doesn't mean or prove anything.

I have a friend who uses 'man' and 'bruv' - doesn't make him any more or less trustworthy than anyone else I know.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Rob, If you are that comfortable that you can turn down work if you think people are rude then fair enough.

I have done functions where I have really not wanted to be there at all. The initial enquiry has got me wondering what I have let myself in for because some customers are either rude or very demanding. The thing is, their money pays my wages which in turn pays my mortgage and all the other bills. There is a saying "Grin and bear it" and although you don't HAVE to because it's your choice whether to or not, sometimes I think it's worth 'grinning and bearing it'.

I don't personally think calling anyone Dude makes you a chav. Some people just talk like that. I wouldn't expect it over the phone from someone who I had never spoken to before but it didn't send alarm bells off in my head blaring out "Chav alert!".... The whole manner of the bloke wasn't right. I decided there and then that I wouldn't take on the job. It was something that I would've had to get someone else to do for me and really wasn't the bother or hassle. As soon as I mentioned that I no longer had 1210's (sold them ages ago), he turned up the 'rudeometer' a notch so I ended the call.

[Marc J]

My second largest regular client calls me dude all the time and I don't mind.

I particularly like it when he says "I've BACS'd that payment over to you today, dude" :)

However, to answer Rob's question, if I was calling someone I didn't know in a business capacity I certainly wouldn't call them dude / mate / bro / bruv or my personal pet hate, fella.

[robbiedj]

Personally, you san sall me anything you like ...............













as long as it's not too early in the morning! :whistle:

[Shaun]

This forum has people from all walks of life, all ages & all parts of the country, so I repeat the question I asked a few posts back: How many people on this forum can honestly say that when they phone a professional business for details & prices of their services, they call the person on the end of the phone dude, bro or bruv?

In answer to your question...I don't think there's very many (if any) on the forum that would. A more relevent question would be how many forum members would 'lose all interest in the booking' if a potential customer called them bro, bruv, mate or any similar terminology. I'd image the number would be quite low.

[Shaun]

Gary, your thread has slightly veered off-course. Let me know if you'd like me to split this topic for you.

[rob1963]

In answer to your question...I don't think there's very many (if any) on the forum that would.

You're probably right, as not a single person has admitted they'd phone a business & call the person they spoke to dude bro or bruv...even the one person who I expected WOULD admit to doing this.


A more relevent question would be how many forum members would 'lose all interest in the booking' if a potential customer called them bro, bruv, mate or any similar terminology. I'd image the number that would be quite low.

Possibly, but I can't help what puts me off people...it's just the way I am.

Anyway, I've already made my views clear and have nothing to add, so I'll bow out of this thread now & leave it for the rest of you to continue the discussion.

:)

[StarZSoundS]

Anyway, I've already made my views clear and have nothing to add, so I'll bow out of this thread now & leave it for the rest of you to continue the discussion.

:)


I bet you've got this sentence under CONTROL C / CONTROL V.....

:devil: :devil: :devil: :devil: :devil: :devil: :devil:

[Corabar Steve]

I don't really have a problem with mate, but I HATE being called dude, bro or bruv, as I think it shows a lack of respect...and I have no inclination to work for people who show a lack of respect, just like I have no inclination to work for people who are rude.

That's just the way I am.



I'm not saying that at all, Rich.

I'm merely posting my real life experience, which is that when someone calls me dude, bro or bruv, they have USUALLY been a chav.
You've obviously not mixed with that many bikers then :sj:

[Excalibur]

You've obviously not mixed with that many bikers then :sj:

Errr Steve, how can I put this without becoming a candidate for a slap? :confused:

By now you should know that Rob is a man of discernment and breeding, and does not mix with those rough types such as you mentioned. ;)

[Corabar Entertainment]

By now you should know that Rob is a man of discernment and in-breeding,
That's not very nice, Peter :whistle:

[Kernow]

And in other areas, it's " my lover" :eek: :eek: That can be a bit disconcerting first time. ;)


Down hereabouts we also use "my 'ansome" in common parlance......although you may be reassured that you're unlikely to hear it, as exemptions are granted under the Trade Descriptions Act :p

;) :D :D

[Excalibur]

That's not very nice, Peter :whistle:
Funnily enough, I foresaw the quip, but not the instigator. I must be slipping. :o :o :o


Down hereabouts we also use "my 'ansome" in common parlance......although you may be reassured that you're unlikely to hear it, as exemptions are granted under the Trade Descriptions Act :p

;) :D :D
Oi Ref. :eek: Yellow Card called for here, I feel. :( :( :(

[Kernow]

Oi Ref. :eek: Yellow Card called for here, I feel. :( :( :(


I have a pair of Bob Junior flamelights hanging off the rig, so I'm illuminated by the subtle flickering of 'fire'. Seems to encourage the crowd to view me as more approachable. ;)




I've seen your piccies. I'd go with total darkness. ;)
:p

Best served cold ? ;) :D :D :D