Are we making a rod for our own backs?

[Excalibur]

Inspired by a lot of recent theads about easier rigs/faster setups/short turn round times.

If your T&C's specify you need an hour to setup, why should you try to do it in ten minutes? :confused: Why should you devise a special/mini rig? :confused: Are you shortchanging the punters by offering less than normal, if you've cut the rig down? :confused: ( I'm not talking about gigs with restricted space, by the way. That's different. )

I'm aware that it makes sense to streamline your rig for your own benefit, and prewiring a loom for mine has made a huge difference. But why should you feel obliged to have your rig running at 7.20, when they only let you in at 7.05? Especially when you arrived at 4.55, and sat bored rigid waiting. I usually try to arrive in good time, cos eight cabs, four amps and twelve lighting effects take a fair bit of carrying in, never mind wiring up. :D :D :D :D :D

Thoughts please folks. I don't know that there's a right or wrong answer to this, or any moral high ground. :confused: :confused:

[surround sounds]

Inspired by a lot of recent theads about easier rigs/faster setups/short turn round times.

If your T&C's specify you need an hour to setup, why should you try to do it in ten minutes? :confused: Why should you devise a special/mini rig? :confused: Are you shortchanging the punters by offering less than normal, if you've cut the rig down? :confused: ( I'm not talking about gigs with restricted space, by the way. That's different. )

I'm aware that it makes sense to streamline your rig for your own benefit, and prewiring a loom for mine has made a huge difference. But why should you feel obliged to have your rig running at 7.20, when they only let you in at 7.05? Especially when you arrived at 4.55, and sat bored rigid waiting. I usually try to arrive in good time, cos eight cabs, four amps and twelve lighting effects take a fair bit of carrying in, never mind wiring up. :D :D :D :D :D

Thoughts please folks. I don't know that there's a right or wrong answer to this, or any moral high ground. :confused: :confused:

Hi
I know that a lot of you will not like what i have to say but, I know some of you guys charge £400 and over for 2 speakers,deckstand etc and 3 lights.Now if i was i customer to me thats not value for money?If i was getting married and paid £400 for that i would not be happy.Yes some of my gigs i charge £400 plus but, i take a load of lights and lasers etc.But i understand at times its hard when you have only got 20 mins to set up.So to be fair its a hard question to answer.

[Shaun]

I use a minimal setup more often these days, but it isn't anything to do with making things faster or easier, but if that's a by-product then that's fine. I also don't think a smaller setup has any shortcomings for the client unless the smaller rig is inadequate for the job at hand.

I prefer having a more streamlined rig these days simply because a huge rig with tons of lighting simply isn't necessary for the majority of gigs I do. Back in 'the old days' I used to use a whole multitude of different lighting effects as I liked different effects to chop and change between to compliment the music. With the addition of DMX to my lighting there's more control so fewer effects can do more than old lighting ever could. I've also had more favourable comments from clients since I 'streamlined' than I ever had before. Perhaps it's because a smaller more compact setup is more subtle and fits better into a wedding scenario. When I think of my old way of working, with a dozen lights, it all looked kind of industrial and 'in your face' when I think back.

I'm definitely firmly rooted in the 'minimalistic' camp these days, for most gigs anyway, it works well for me. The exceptions being younger events where the clientelle want a more 'clubby' type situation.

:beer1:

[Shaun]

Hi
I know that a lot of you will not like what i have to say but, I know some of you guys charge £400 and over for 2 speakers,deckstand etc and 3 lights. Now if i was i customer to me thats not value for money? If i was getting married and paid £400 for that i would not be happy.Yes some of my gigs i charge £400 plus but, i take a load of lights and lasers etc.But i understand at times its hard when you have only got 20 mins to set up.So to be fair its a hard question to answer.

I just don't get that way of thinking. Sorry. I also truly believe that the majority of customers couldn't care less. I suspect your views are based more on you being a DJ than a punter. ;)

Surely the 'value for money' is based on to the service provided, and not the amount of equipment used? As long as the equipment is suitable for the booking, then the sheer amount of equipment used is a non issue.





edit: Good thread, Peter. Nice to have a little friendly debate from time to time. :)

[Vectis]

If i was getting married and paid £400 for that i would not be happy.

If it sounded good, looked good and everyone had a good night out then it'd be worth every penny.

[DeckstarDeluxe]

My views have changed alot since joining this forum. My old ways of stacking em high and sell em cheap has been replaced by the fact customers are paying me for my experience, professionalism and not a load of speakers and lighting effects.

[surround sounds]

I just don't get that way of thinking. Sorry. I also truly believe that the majority of customers couldn't care less. I suspect your views are based more on you being a DJ than a punter. ;)

Surely the 'value for money' is based on to the service provided, and not the amount of equipment used? As long as the equipment is suitable for the booking, then the sheer amount of equipment used is a non issue.





edit: Good thread, Peter. Nice to have a little friendly debate from time to time. :)

I agree with you.I give all my customers a choice (the ones i have a meeting with).I show them 3 photos of setups they can have to suit the venue. 1 is a quatlity set up but very little, another one will have a few extra lights with subwoofer and my other one is normally a matching LED deckstand and 3x2 metre curtains with a large light display.The set up time for these 3 set ups are 30mins, 45 mins and the large one is 90 mins.The customer 9 times out of 10 will choose either the medium or large setup and for that reason a charge around £70 more for the medium and around £125 for the large.The customer seems happy with this.Maybe i am wronge doing this but i am always busy.I do tell customer about the venue setup times and i may not be ready in the turn around times the venue set.

[Alex]

If your T&C's specify you need an hour to setup, why should you try to do it in ten minutes?

I may have completely misread this thread... but I'm going to reply anyway :lol:

My setup takes between 30 - 45 minutes on average..... and set down is 25 minutes roughly.

I request between 1 hour and 90 minutes for setup time (which the customer is NOT charged for) and my main reason is : WHAT IF....!!!

What if something goes wrong?
What if something isn't working?
What if you've forgotten something? ( And you're local )
What if you have to make a major change because of.....
...etc...

The What If Factor plays a major role in my private life in general, so I extend this into my career and company too.
Some people think I'm over cautious, but to me it's about being responsible, not leaving things to chance and having that safety net to catch you should you need it.

[surround sounds]

I may have completely misread this thread... but I'm going to reply anyway :lol:

My setup takes between 30 - 45 minutes on average..... and set down is 25 minutes roughly.

I request between 1 hour and 90 minutes for setup time (which the customer is NOT charged for) and my main reason is : WHAT IF....!!!

What if something goes wrong?
What if something isn't working?
What if you've forgotten something? ( And you're local )
What if you have to make a major change because of.....
...etc...

The What If Factor plays a major role in my private life in general, so I extend this into my career and company too.
Some people think I'm over cautious, but to me it's about being responsible, not leaving things to chance and having that safety net to catch you should you need it.

Hi Alex
Yes most of the things i agree with you.

[rob1963]

If your T&C's specify you need an hour to setup, why should you try to do it in ten minutes?

Maybe because staff turn the room around in about 30 minutes, and DJs don't want to keep people waiting for an extra half hour while they set up, especially when in the case of weddings, they're usually running late anyway?

Maybe because they like to over-deliver to impress the client, by stating they need an hour...but then being ready to go in 30 minutes?

My T&C state that I need access to the function room one hour before the start time, but that's more for awkward access. If the access is reasonable to good, I can be set up in about 40 minutes at a push.


I know some of you guys charge £400 and over for 2 speakers,deckstand etc and 3 lights. Now if i was i customer to me thats not value for money?

In my opinion, value for money is determined NOT by the amount of equipment, but by the amount of experience the DJ has & the levels of service he provides.

How can you say whether someone is giving value for money based purely on how much gear they have?

:confused:

[funkymook]

a) One measure of Value for Money is the success of the function - if extra equipment doesn't add to this then it isn't strictly necessary.

b) If we are happier in ourselves taking those extra lights, the latest laser etc. then we are in a better mental state to give our best, which also helps the success of the function.

Some people will be point a, some point b - and I'm sure there's points c,d,e and f as well.

I say continue doing whatever feels right for you and makes you feel you're doing the best for your client - and there's nothing wrong in changing how and why you do things every so often.

[yourdj]

My views have changed alot since joining this forum. My old ways of stacking em high and sell em cheap has been replaced by the fact customers are paying me for my experience, professionalism and not a load of speakers and lighting effects.

Summed up in one sentence :agree:

I had one tonight in a local castle. diff venue as multiple rooms - no guests and i kept them going all night. Not with sound or light but with experience and little tricks i have learnt over the last few years. :) basically good track selection and mic work.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I also don't think a smaller setup has any shortcomings for the client unless the smaller rig is inadequate for the job at hand.


Exactly. :thumbsup:

I also think that we as an industry look at this from a DJs point of view far too much. I have done £500+ bookings with 2 led pars before and the client loved it.

[Twinspin]

I had this on sat night. I was working at the Gardeners Country Inn. This place is a Wedding venue, with a pub and lodges. I arrived at 5:30pm for a 7:00pm start

I had the same problem last time i worked here. Running over time again.
this time i didnt get in there with the gear until 6:50pm. Start setting up and the manager says to me. I need this setup by 7:00pm. So i said to him. I dont want to sound rude but i have got terms and conditions that state i need 1 hour to setup the equipment.

He said all the wedding guests are sat in the pub area and we have a meal booked for so many people who need them tables. He said can i tell the wedding guests to come in now. I said to him ok fair enough but you will have to explain to the bride and groom why its running late. He didnt tell her.

The bride and groom was the first two people in. So i spoke to the bride and groom straight away and told them whats happened with the time and that it would be delayed because ive only just been given access.

Luckily the bride and groom understood completely what had happened. I just said to them both. Ill try and get it setup as quick as i can.

So the bride said to me dont worry John. Its not your fault everythings been running a bit behind schedule today anyway.

But all in all it was a good night and everyone enjoyed it.

[soundtracker]

Pre-handle!!! If you know you are in a venue where there is likely to be a turn-around delay, then explain this to the B&G well before the actual day, take away the surprise, if they have been pre-warned what to expect, then they're not going to get so stressed out about it when it happens.

[CRAZY K]

Pre-handle!!! If you know you are in a venue where there is likely to be a turn-around delay, then explain this to the B&G well before the actual day, take away the surprise, if they have been pre-warned what to expect, then they're not going to get so stressed out about it when it happens.

The perfect answer--if you know or have been to the venue.

Im doing a Wedding midweek shortly at a venue I played 3 years ago.

Nightmare access--its the big turnaround rush a round job:eek:

Dodging people wheeling out circular tables etc.:mad:

The bride wanted to know if I would reduce my quote for midweek--
as my "competitors" were cheaper ( I was unaware I had any serious competitors---only people who ARE cheaper and offer a lot less)

I simply said--knowing how difficult the turn round is from the last visit there---forget it --its hard going and my headache will be the same as it usually is on a Sunday morning.:D

The bride expressed surprise that it was a difficult turn round but noted this fact (apparently) then again she doesnt get Married there very often:D

Anyway im there next week and there will be no :muppet: asking how long im going to be setting up for reasons Soundtracker has rightly pointed out.

Unless the same Toastmaster is there as last time--who was told--when im ready you will be the first to know--how long?--cant say but if you get out my way it will be quicker;)

[Shakermaker Promotions]

My Terms & Conditions state that I will need a minimum of 1hr to set up the equipment. I can set up everything in around 35 minutes with the steps I have taken to make things easier for myself so I take into account what the access is like.
I really don't like waiting and setting up once a room has been turned around because I feel like I am rushing things. I have a wedding on friday where I have been told I can get access from 6.30pm. This doesn't take into account that things may run late. I know the access is easy as I have been to the venue before so I know that even if I get in at 7.00pm, I should still be up and running on time but the Bride and Groom know already in advance about how long it takes me to set up.

One of the main reasons I don't like doing it late on is because if something goes wrong then I don't have enough time to put it right. I have backup with me all the time but even sorting that out would mean I would be starting later.

At the end of the day, it's not the equipment people are paying for, it's the DJ's expertise and experience. Ok, I wouldn't turn up with 1 Mystic on a stand and that's it as I want to give value for money but it doesn't mean you have to have tons of lights and speakers etc.

[Leicester Ben]

I have been running a 2 light and 2 speakers disco pretty much as standard for the last 2-3 years and its great.

I dont feel like I am short changing the customer, as the pics on the website show what my discos look like. I have never had a complaint about a lack of lights or bass etc.

Now for larger events I will take the bass bins with me at no extra cost to the customer but for 90% of my weddings they stay at home.

In terms of access times etc, if a venue has good access I can be set up in 15-20 mins and out in 10 so no worries for me about needing access to a venue early :)

[Spirits High]

I was always a believer of you need to have lots of lights overhead rig etc etc or the client may well think they're not getting value for money.

BUT.....

After getting my KAM Powerbar and having now taken that as the only lighting for the last 7 gigs.

I was worried about the client going "Is that it"? but not one has commented on the minimalist approach.

I' m firmly in the minimalist camp. It suits 99% of the gigs I do and if I need more lighting for a younger crown 18ths , 21sts etc then I've got plenty ;)

So to answer Peters question:



If your T&C's specify you need an hour to setup, why should you try to do it in ten minutes? :confused: Why should you devise a special/mini rig? :confused: Are you shortchanging the punters by offering less than normal, if you've cut the rig down? :confused: ( I'm not talking about gigs with restricted space, by the way. That's different. )


Yes my T&Cs do state it and as explained above I don't feel I'm short changing them.

[surround sounds]

Maybe because staff turn the room around in about 30 minutes, and DJs don't want to keep people waiting for an extra half hour while they set up, especially when in the case of weddings, they're usually running late anyway?

Maybe because they like to over-deliver to impress the client, by stating they need an hour...but then being ready to go in 30 minutes?

My T&C state that I need access to the function room one hour before the start time, but that's more for awkward access. If the access is reasonable to good, I can be set up in about 40 minutes at a push.



In my opinion, value for money is determined NOT by the amount of equipment, but by the amount of experience the DJ has & the levels of service he provides.

How can you say whether someone is giving value for money based purely on how much gear they have?

:confused:

All because you got a lot of experience does not mean you are a good dj and value for money.It can work both ways.

[CRAZY K]

At the end of the day, it's not the equipment people are paying for, it's the DJ's expertise and experience. Ok, I wouldn't turn up with 1 Mystic on a stand and that's it as I want to give value for money but it doesn't mean you have to have tons of lights and speakers etc.

True, but for your own credibility I would say you need a certain level of speaker power and quality lighting to justify your fee at whatever level you charge, however brilliant you are as an Entertainer.

People are not stupid--if they have sixty quid Sid they wont be expecting much, equally for £500 they are not going to be too happy with Sids :Censored: Lights and distorted sound system even if the DJ is good on the mike--well he wont sound good on the mike with Sids system:eek:

It just wont sound and look good even to the average punter --let alone a discerning Bride and Groom.

I know where Peter is coming from on this--personally I would rather have a less uniform tidy approach while the lights are on but benefit from the extra lights and speaker power once the lights go out--after all most of you guys work in dark or semi darkness most of the evening--other than June --longest day etc.

Unless its a late afternoon gig--:bang:

[Excalibur]

Surely the 'value for money' is based on to the service provided, and not the amount of equipment used? As long as the equipment is suitable for the booking, then the sheer amount of equipment used is a non issue.


Can't argue with that. Could ask you to define "Suitable " though. ;) :D :D :D I'd expect everyone top have a different definition.




edit: Good thread, Peter. Nice to have a little friendly debate from time to time. :)
It could be a punch up soon enough. ;) :D :D


In my opinion, value for money is determined NOT by the amount of equipment, but by the amount of experience the DJ has & the levels of service he provides.

:zip: :whistle: :D :D :D :D :D



I know where Peter is coming from on this--personally I would rather have a less uniform tidy approach while the lights are on but benefit from the extra lights and speaker power once the lights go out--after all most of you guys work in dark or semi darkness most of the evening--other than June --longest day etc.
Unless its a late afternoon gig--:bang:
There was a time when my rig wasn't fit to be seen out in daylight. :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o It worked just fine in the dark, fortunately. :D :D :D :D :D :D




I also think that we as an industry look at this from a DJs point of view far too much. I have done £500+ bookings with 2 led pars before and the client loved it.
Now you're exactly the type of person I'm aiming this thread at. Picture the scene, I'm just bringing in the fourth set of cabs, I haven't got to the amps, lights and playout yet, and the Maitre d says: "How much longer are you going to be? :confused: We had that Solitaire here last week, he brought in a laptop, two cabs and two lights, and he was running in five minutes. " :eek: :eek:

How can I compete with that sort of behaviour? :confused: :confused:

OK, to be serious ( cos the bit above was not totally serious) ;) :D :D I've got rigs which fit certain venues, and rigs which fit certain gigs. My standard rig however, takes about 45 minutes to set up. If i've stated clearly I need an hour, should I try to have it running by 7pm when I was only allowed into the room at 6.50pm? Should I take a rig which allows this? ( Though Lord knows, I'd struggle to select one). Or should I simply draw the impatient Hotel Manager's attention to my T&C'S? :confused:

I can remember in the Old Days, when you were still lugging kit in, and they said " You've got a lot of gear ". The reply would be: " Yes, and I haven't got to any of the playout gear yet" . :eek: :D :D :D

[simon1969]

Agree with what's been put across here its everything you have to consider lights (you can have as many as you want but are they pointing in the right direction?!)
Is the sound quality good?
Do you know what your client wants i.e music,running order of things?
Etc; Etc; :) :D

Back on topic though we discussed this about venues letting DJ's gain access
which, lots of people said had been agreed with venue then on the day venue refuses to let you gain access.
Sometimes it's not the clients fault you can't gain access more the venue trying to apease your client on the day of the booking.
Then on the day that not being the case due venues bad customer service.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Now you're exactly the type of person I'm aiming this thread at. Picture the scene, I'm just bringing in the fourth set of cabs, I haven't got to the amps, lights and playout yet, and the Maitre d says: "How much longer are you going to be? :confused: We had that Solitaire here last week, he brought in a laptop, two cabs and two lights, and he was running in five minutes. " :eek: :eek:

How can I compete with that sort of behaviour? :confused: :confused:


You couldn't and wouldn't, 'cos that particular booking was in a private residence, so you wouldn't have been there the week after. :D

Actually, the scenario has happened in one of my regular places. The staff were really complaining 'cos not only did the DJ take half the room up when he set up, he took ages to set up and then they had to wait at the end for him to pack away. (2 hours to pack away)

[Excalibur]

You couldn't and wouldn't, 'cos that particular booking was in a private residence, so you wouldn't have been there the week after. :D
They might have fancied a change. ;)



Actually, the scenario has happened in one of my regular places. The staff were really complaining 'cos not only did the DJ take half the room up when he set up, he took ages to set up and then they had to wait at the end for him to pack away. (2 hours to pack away)

There you are, you see. What did I tell you? :D :D :D

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

They might have fancied a change. ;)


When I said private residence, I meant a house. ;)

[Excalibur]

When I said private residence, I meant a house. ;)

OK,I accept that a private residence doesn't normally have a Maitre d. I also accept they're unlikely to have me in a week later. Only unlikely though, not prohibited from. ;) :D :D

[simon1969]

OK,I accept that a private residence doesn't normally have a Maitre d. I also accept they're unlikely to have me in a week later. Only unlikely though, not prohibited from. ;) :D :D

Ahem !! :police: :offtopic: :D

[Spirits High]

Ahem !! :police: :offtopic: :D

And when did you become a moderator?????


Please leave moderating to the Admins and Mods....Thank you

This has been a public service announcement from the site staff ;)

[Excalibur]

And when did you become a moderator?????


Please leave moderating to the Admins and Mods....Thank you

This has been a public service announcement from the site staff ;)

But not spellchecking. :p :D :D :D


This has been another little jest from Excalibur. :D :D


What are you on about Peter :confused: :confused: :confused: :p ;)

[simon1969]

And when did you become a moderator?????


Please leave moderating to the Admins and Mods....Thank you

This has been a public service announcement form the site staff ;)

:sofa:

[Kernow]

Can't argue with that. Could ask you to define "Suitable " though. ;) :D :D :D I'd expect everyone top have a different definition.

But not spellchecking. :p :D :D :D


This has been another little jest from Excalibur. :D :D

Projectile petric fragments and vitrified silicate residences springs to mind ??!! ;)

:D :D :D

[Vectis]

Projectile petric fragments and vitrified silicate residences springs to mind ??!! ;)

:D :D :D

Incorrect use of plural ;)

[Excalibur]

But not spellchecking. :p :D :D :D


This has been another little jest from Excalibur. :D :D


What are you on about Peter :confused: :confused: :confused: :p ;)
Oi, Ref. Yellow card here for Chesterfield's new sponsor. ;)


Projectile petric fragments and vitrified silicate residences springs to mind ??!! ;)

:D :D :D
Hoist by my own petard. :o :o Banged to rights. :( The biter bit.


Incorrect use of plural ;)
Wahey, you tell him mate. :D :D :D

[Kernow]

:o
Thus showing that the appointed mods are as alert as ever.....panic over !!;)

:D :D :D

[cabman]

I had a company from Mitcham do my sons wedding.They charged me £430 and couldnt even get the first dance right.I charged £200 for a wedding and had far superior equipment to them as regards to lighting.The only reason i used to charge £200 was that i didnt want to rip people off.But after seeing that at my sons wedding i realised i was an idiot and not charging enough.I havent djd since because it totally peed me off.

[Corabar Steve]

Incorrect use of plural ;)
Indeed, if it was / were a plural & not a verb.

I say springs is plural Angela says it's singular (springs to mind as opposed to spring to mind)


Could somebody who actually knows about this sort of thing put us right

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I havent djd since because it totally peed me off.

Because someone was charging more than you? :confused:

[cabman]

Because for £430 they should have set a good standard and they didnt

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Because for £430 they should have set a good standard and they didnt

Yeah, but why would that make you stop DJing - that's what I don't understand!

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Because for £430 they should have set a good standard and they didnt

But if you payed it, then what do they care...... not everyone has the same ethos as most on this forum ;)

[cabman]

It made me think to myself that i was putting in a hell of a lot more effort than they were and earning half of what they were getting for doing a poor job.If i were to quote someone that sort of money they would probably tell me to clear off.I just feel that i am wasting my time on all the effort that goes into doing a wedding reception when you get very little out of it.

[StarZSoundS]

I had a company from Mitcham do my sons wedding.They charged me £430 and couldnt even get the first dance right.I charged £200 for a wedding and had far superior equipment to them as regards to lighting.The only reason i used to charge £200 was that i didnt want to rip people off.But after seeing that at my sons wedding i realised i was an idiot and not charging enough.I havent djd since because it totally peed me off.

Bizarre.....:eek:

Surely being in the business .....and realising how easy it is to get stitched.....didn't you think of going to see them in action first....I know I would.

Also ....being in the business......didn't you think of securing a Mates rate deal from someone you knew was very good.....:confused: :confused: I know I would.

I fully expect to be asked to DJ at all my Childrens Weddings....and I wouldn't bat an eyelid at accepting.That way I know their the Guests are going to have an exceptional evening....making my Childrens day really memorable....FOR THEM!!!;) ;) ;)

[cabman]

quite right.I have a conscience and would never rip anyone off.It probably comes with age.

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Bizarre.....:eek:

Surely being in the business .....and realising how easy it is to get stitched.....didn't you think of going to see them in action first....I know I would.

Also ....being in the business......didn't you think of securing a Mates rate deal from someone you knew was very good.....:confused: :confused: I know I would.

I fully expect to be asked to DJ at all my Childrens Weddings....and I wouldn't bat an eyelid at accepting.That way I know their the Guests are going to have an exceptional evening....making my Childrens day really memorable....FOR THEM!!!;) ;) ;)

And you would readily allow a prospective client attend another clients PRIVATE function.... :confused:

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

quite right.I have a conscience and would never rip anyone off.It probably comes with age.

And what would you class as 'ripping someone off' then?

[CRAZY K]

And you would readily allow a prospective client attend another clients PRIVATE function.... :confused:

With permission its fine--many people actually LIKE to do this---its a form of showing off;)

Dont do it so much now--we just use vid clips

[StarZSoundS]

And you would readily allow a prospective client attend another clients PRIVATE function.... :confused:




If I was thinking of booking Dynamics....I would probably say...


Hey Steve(??).....Mind if I pop along to where your working next Saturday and have a nifty Shandy with you.....it'll only take 10 minuites.Do you mind checking with your Bride that thats ok???

You... of course... have the right to say no!!

[Dynamic Entertainment]

If I was thinking of booking Dynamics....I would probably say...


Hey Steve(??).....Mind if I pop along to where your working next Saturday and have a nifty Shandy with you.....it'll only take 10 minuites.Do you mind checking with your Bride that thats ok???

You... of course... have the right to say no!!

First of all i would say...sorry i dont drink whilst working ;) secondly i would point blank refuse. I wouldnt even consider asking a B&G if a total unknown to them could attend their wedding...even for just 10 minutes. I would offer to meet the prospective client, leave speak to them, leave them with a dvd and/or photographs if they wish.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

With permission its fine

Maybe for you if you do the same thing at every function.

Not fine if you provide a bespoke service.

[StarZSoundS]

There is a chance that Steve and Darren think like Function DJ's... and don't consider that there are many DJ's out there who delight in supplementing their Functions with less glamorous Karaoke or Quiz Nights or Childrens Parties.You can forma good opinion of how good someone is going to be at these sort of gatherings.:) :) :)

If.....AND THIS IS THE BIGGEST IF IN MY LIFE....I were tempted to dosh out £400 on a complete stranger for a DJ...I would somehow find a way of seeing him and his gear working.(without upsetting him or his paying customers). I would not form an opinion of him from his Website!!:eek: :eek:

[Dynamic Entertainment]

There is a chance that Steve and Darren think like Function DJ's... and don't consider that there are many DJ's out there who delight in supplementing their Functions with less glamorous Karaoke or Quiz Nights or Childrens Parties.You can forma good opinion of how good someone is going to be at these sort of gatherings.:) :) :)

If.....AND THIS IS THE BIGGEST IF IN MY LIFE....I were tempted to dosh out £400 on a complete stranger for a DJ...I would somehow find a way of seeing him and his gear working.(without upsetting him or his paying customers). I would not form an opinion of him from his Website!!:eek: :eek:

Im sorry but the way that i conduct a quiz or DJ a pub/club is completely different to how i work a wedding so it wouldn be of no benefit, or possibly even detrimental, to prospective clients to see me working like in that environment!

[StarZSoundS]

Im sorry but the way that i conduct a quiz or DJ a pub/club is completely different to how i work a wedding so it wouldn be of no benefit, or possibly even detrimental, to prospective clients to see me working like in that environment!

But the trained eye would be able to spot if you were a Bimbo or not!!!:beer1: :beer1: :beer1:


Not going to happen anyway.......my £400 stays firmly in my pocket!!!


I'd expect a 24 foot Starcloth.....a 30ft by 30ft Led Dance floor......uplighting....and a guest spot by Robbie williams for that anyway....:sj: :sj: :sj: :sj: :sj: :beer1: :beer1: :beer1: :beer1: :beer1:

[Excalibur]

Indeed, if it was / were a plural & not a verb.

I say springs is plural Angela says it's singular (springs to mind as opposed to spring to mind)


Could somebody who actually knows about this sort of thing put us right
Don't look at me pal, I'm working my way through a carryout of:

http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/beerworks-doctor-mortons-milk-of-amnesia/128296/6832/

Because someone was charging more than you? :confused:
Bye all, it's been nice knowing you.

It made me think to myself that i was putting in a hell of a lot more effort than they were and earning half of what they were getting for doing a poor job.If i were to quote someone that sort of money they would probably tell me to clear off.I just feel that i am wasting my time on all the effort that goes into doing a wedding reception when you get very little out of it.
I know whereof you speak. ;)


Bizarre.....:eek:

Surely being in the business .....and realising how easy it is to get stitched.....didn't you think of going to see them in action first....I know I would.
Also ....being in the business......didn't you think of securing a Mates rate deal from someone you knew was very good.....:confused: :confused: I know I would.

I fully expect to be asked to DJ at all my Childrens Weddings....and I wouldn't bat an eyelid at accepting.That way I know their the Guests are going to have an exceptional evening....making my Childrens day really memorable....FOR THEM!!!;) ;) ;)
As would I. My nephew did my daughter's wedding with my gear, as sadly I was banned from doing it. :( :(

And what would you class as 'ripping someone off' then?
Rearrange the following to make a well known phrase.
Worms can opening a of can.

[funkymook]

Rearrange the following to make a well known phrase.
Worms can opening a of can.

Opening a Cancan of worms??

[Excalibur]

Opening a Cancan of worms??

I find that post to be the height of Bad Manners. :coat:

[funkymook]

I find that post to be the height of Bad Manners. :coat:

Ne-Ne Na-Na Na-Na Nu-Nu :p

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

There is a chance that Steve and Darren think like Function DJ's... and don't consider that there are many DJ's out there who delight in supplementing their Functions with less glamorous Karaoke or Quiz Nights or Childrens Parties.You can forma good opinion of how good someone is going to be at these sort of gatherings.:) :) :)

So I don't do karaoke and quiz nights now then? I take bookings for these all the time without people 'popping in for a shandy'.


If.....AND THIS IS THE BIGGEST IF IN MY LIFE....I were tempted to dosh out £400 on a complete stranger for a DJ...I would somehow find a way of seeing him and his gear working.(without upsetting him or his paying customers). I would not form an opinion of him from his Website!!:eek: :eek:

And you'd form an opinion by attending a function where the DJ may be doing the complete opposite to what you required?

[rob1963]

If.....AND THIS IS THE BIGGEST IF IN MY LIFE....I were tempted to dosh out £400 on a complete stranger for a DJ...I would somehow find a way of seeing him and his gear working.(without upsetting him or his paying customers). I would not form an opinion of him from his Website!!:eek: :eek:

Fortunately for me, my clients don't think like you, or my disco bookings would virtually dry up!

The vast majority of clients find me through my website & just book me. They never see me working beforehand, most don't meet me & the majority don't even speak to me on the phone before I turn up do do their disco!

[ppentertainments]

The vast majority of clients find me through my website & just book me. They never see me working beforehand, most don't meet me & the majority don't even speak to me on the phone before I turn up do do their disco!
And you still say it is no easier to gain work in certain parts of the country :bang: :bang: :bang:

[Kernow]

I find that post to be the height of Bad Manners. :coat:

Not in Our House, where it's considered complete Madness ! ;)
Lip Up Fatty !!
:D :D :D

[Spirits High]

Not in Our House ! ;)

:D :D :D

Stop talking Madness :p :p ;)

[Kernow]

Stop talking Madness :p :p ;)

Sorry Paul.....just got the edit in on time ;) :)

[Shaun]

:ontopic:

:thanks:

[rob1963]

The vast majority of clients find me through my website & just book me. They never see me working beforehand, most don't meet me & the majority don't even speak to me on the phone before I turn up do do their disco!


And you still say it is no easier to gain work in certain parts of the country :bang: :bang: :bang:

I've never said it's easier to gain work in certain parts of the country.

What I HAVE said, though, (like many others) is that I don't believe the "You won't get that around here" twaddle.

[StarZSoundS]

And you'd form an opinion by attending a function where the DJ may be doing the complete opposite to what you required?

Yeah Darren.....

Because that DJ would have presence and confidence in whatever he does entertainment wise.

If his gear were tatty at a quiz night ....he wouldn't do for me.....I wouldn't trust him for a family wedding!!


I could look at most of you behind the mic on here and form a pretty good opinion of what you'd be like in about ten minuites.....whatever you were doing entertainment wise...;) ;) ;) ;)

[Steve the DJ]

Does anyone know what this thread is about?

I'm a bit lost... :o

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Yeah Darren.....

Because that DJ would have presence and confidence in whatever he does entertainment wise.

If his gear were tatty at a quiz night ....he wouldn't do for me.....I wouldn't trust him for a family wedding!!


I could look at most of you behind the mic on here and form a pretty good opinion of what you'd be like in about ten minuites.....whatever you were doing entertainment wise...;) ;) ;) ;)

But that is you, having been in the business. You are totally missing the point once again. Some people want silent DJs. Some want specific sort of music. Some want a certain look.

Etc etc

[StarZSoundS]

I had a company from Mitcham do my sons wedding.They charged me £430 and couldnt even get the first dance right.I charged £200 for a wedding and had far superior equipment to them as regards to lighting.The only reason i used to charge £200 was that i didnt want to rip people off.But after seeing that at my sons wedding i realised i was an idiot and not charging enough.I havent djd since because it totally peed me off.


But that is you, having been in the business. You are totally missing the point once again. Some people want silent DJs. Some want specific sort of music. Some want a certain look.

Etc etc


So this cabman guy was "in the business"...and he doshed over £400 on a DJ he has never seen before......and is moaning his back wheel of about him.....I'm just thinking being in the business....surely he had a better chance not being saddled with an expensive Duffer!!:beer1: :beer1:

There are some things not stacking up for me here Darren.A new poster jacking in because of this incident???Arthritis????:eek: :eek: :eek: