Flaming customers

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Just had a phone call which has left me, not so much peeved off, but more narked than anything else.

I provided a quotation via email for a wedding which was standard hours, but up two big flights of stairs.

Theyve just phoned and asked why my quotation was £80 more than every other quotation :band:

So i gave the usual list:

PLI
PAT
Registered with HRMC
Pre-meetings
Full event planning
Pro gear

etc etc

Only to be told that everyone else offers exactly the same.....

[Vectis]

There must have been something that differentiated you otherwise why would they bother ringing?

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Just had a phone call which has left me, not so much peeved off, but more narked than anything else.

I provided a quotation via email for a wedding which was standard hours, but up two big flights of stairs.

Theyve just phoned and asked why my quotation was £80 more than every other quotation :band:

So i gave the usual list:

PLI
PAT
Registered with HRMC
Pre-meetings
Full event planning
Pro gear

etc etc

Only to be told that everyone else offers exactly the same.....

Quite clearly trying to beat you down on price.

[Dynamic Entertainment]

There must have been something that differentiated you otherwise why would they bother ringing?

Either that or they really were wondering why im more expensive...

[STEVE HANLEY]

So why the hell are they phoning you? Why not book one of the others?

Smell a rat mate

[Vectis]

Either that or they really were wondering why im more expensive...

Nah.

Anyone so pedantic you wouldn't want as a client anyway. Obviously whatever it was that turned them on to you, you didn't spot.

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Quite clearly trying to beat you down on price.

Yeah, but they didnt even attempt it. All i got was "Ok, thanks. we'll get back to you" :confused:


So why the hell are they phoning you? Why not book one of the others?

Smell a rat mate

My thoughts too...


Nah.

Anyone so pedantic you wouldn't want as a client anyway. Obviously whatever it was that turned them on to you, you didn't spot.

Thats just the thing though...they really didnt give anything away. It was purely just "What are you more expensive". No hint of what they were looking for in an answer at all.

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Maybe local competition?

TBH doesn't sound worthy enough to worry about

[Mark Wild]

A customer asked me on the phone once "So why are you more expensive" I replied "Because I'm REALLY GOOD"

[CRAZY K]

Just had a phone call which has left me, not so much peeved off, but more narked than anything else.

I provided a quotation via email for a wedding which was standard hours, but up two big flights of stairs.

Theyve just phoned and asked why my quotation was £80 more than every other quotation :band:

So i gave the usual list:

PLI
PAT
Registered with HRMC
Pre-meetings
Full event planning
Pro gear

etc etc

Only to be told that everyone else offers exactly the same.....

Firstly they are probably lying--secondly I did hint about this the other day on a different thread--when you strip away the equipment and lights PLI and PAT whats left to sell yourself---

Thats the issue.

[funksoulbrother]

I can understand that your narked, as all of us would be, in the etc, etc, part, did you also include that they would be getting a high quality, experience dj.

Also in your op, you stated up 2 big flights of stairs, did you "load" your quote on that basis? Do the other people know about that, they might regret not loading their quote on the night both bringing their gear in and packing up?

Unfortunately this is the way the market is currently, providing that the services quoted/offered/given are judged on a like for like basis, people will ask why something is more expensive from one supplier to another. We our selves shop around for the best deal when looking for equipment, so why not our customers? Once again, it comes down to customer service, from your posts, they haven't completely ruled you out, they have said that they will get back to you.

I'm not trying to put a downer on you, I hope you get the job and give the customer the satisfaction of knowing that they booked the right person, just saying it how it is, in my honest opinion. :(

[Excalibur]

A customer asked me on the phone once "So why are you more expensive" I replied "Because I'm REALLY GOOD"
I'm ringing Trading Standards now, to get chapter and verse on misleading advertising, and unsubstantiated claims. ;) :p :D :D :D :D



Something doesn't add up here. :confused: :confused: If you're dearer, and the competition is offering an equivalent product, why phone you? :confused: Only two options are:
1) Beat you down on price.
2)As Vectis said, something you're offering attracted them, but you didn't capitalise on it in the phone call.

Very curious.

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Hiya Richard...

I can understand that your narked, as all of us would be, in the etc, etc, part, did you also include that they would be getting a high quality, experience dj.Yep, done the whole 10 years experience, with the last 4 being aimed solely at the wedding sector. Even offered to send some recent client feedback forms

Also in your op, you stated up 2 big flights of stairs, did you "load" your quote on that basis? Do the other people know about that, they might regret not loading their quote on the night both bringing their gear in and packing up?I did increase the quotation slightly, and it was only slightly, to cover the hire of a roadie. Whilst i cant say for definate, the hotel is well known locally for having the function room on the top floor...and (i might add) the stairs are actually the fire escape on the outside of the building!

Unfortunately this is the way the market is currently, providing that the services quoted/offered/given are judged on a like for like basis, people will ask why something is more expensive from one supplier to another. We our selves shop around for the best deal when looking for equipment, so why not our customers? Once again, it comes down to customer service, from your posts, they haven't completely ruled you out, they have said that they will get back to you.
Im not holding by breath on them getting back to me ;) I too shop around, but one of the things that comes up time and again when speaking to actual clients is that i was the only operator they got a quote from who outright offered then pre-meetings. So suddenly all the local outfits are....

I'm not trying to put a downer on you, I hope you get the job and give the customer the satisfaction of knowing that they booked the right person, just saying it how it is, in my honest opinion. :(

[funksoulbrother]

Well, I would say that if they didn't ask you to drop the price, but qualify you price, that argument is out.

Looks like it's down to as Vectis has said, something that you have offered them, that you haven't capatised on in the phonecall.

I would say one thing though, they atleast gave you a second bite at the apple, and some form of feedback, which in this day, the majority of people don't seem to do(no replys to emails or phone calls following up quotes).

I still think you will get the job. :)

[rob1963]

If an enquirer asked why I was £xx more expensive than other discos they'd contacted, I don't think I'd list all the reasons why I thought this may be the case, as there's always the chance of them coming back & saying the other discos all offer the same as well (as you found out), in which case you're then a bit stuck.

I think I'd just tell them that I was unable to answer that question, as I didn't know what the other discos offered or how much experience they had...and I'd leave it at that.

I really wouldn't be bothered whether I heard from them again or not, as I'd almost certainly get another booking for the same date anyway.

[Mark Wild]

Listing I'm more expensive because PLI, PAT, registered business blah blah blah screams very dull telephone conversation. Tell them you're more expensive because you have the 12", 8 minute long version of the birdie song and you play it twice at every gig. :D

[CRAZY K]

. Tell them you're more expensive because you have the 12", 8 minute long version of the birdie song and you play it twice at every gig. :D

Is that how you get your bookings Mark ?

:Laugh: :Laugh: :Laugh: :Laugh: :Laugh: :Laugh: :Laugh: :Laugh:

[Excalibur]

Listing I'm more expensive because PLI, PAT, registered business blah blah blah screams very dull telephone conversation. Tell them you're more expensive because you have the 12", 8 minute long version of the birdie song and you play it twice at every gig. :D

What, you do that as well? :eek: :eek: Bang goes my USP.:( :( :(

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I was asked the same thing once..."Why are you more expensive than the others" which wasn't entirely true because I asked who they had called and they mentioned a couple of names that I knew of and who were charging more than me.

I answered the same as said earlier...PLI, PAT etc etc and they also said the same that all of the others had it too. It kind of put me on the spot at the time so I said that I had lots of experience, was a full-timer who made a living out of providing many functions a year etc and all the usual stuff.

They said that they'd call me back...............they never did.

I had a guy on the phone last night panicking. It was his own fault aswell and he said that himself. He wants a 2hr Disco for his daughters 11th Birthday next week and can't find anyone. I've had a cancellation so I said I could do it and I quoted him. "HOW MUCH!!?" he said (and it wasn't hefty either). He actually said "Knock £50.00 off and we have a deal" so I said..."Sorry, I can't do that because if I commit to you then that's that. I could probably get another higher paid job if something comes in"...I then told him to go and think about it and call me back if he was interested.

5 minutes later the phone rang and he booked me.

There are chancers out there...it's how you react to them. Stand your ground.

Now, I'm off to get soaked!

[ppentertainments]

Either that or they really were wondering why im more expensive...
And there is nothing wrong with that !!!!!

If you purchase any item or hire any service do you not like to know you are getting value for money - especially in this financial climate.

If DJ A charged £xxx for his services and DJ B charges £x less for the exact same service, would you not either book DJ B or contact DJ A to find out if he is offering anything more / better than his rival. Surely no-one in their right mind would simply book DJ A.

I am finding this more and more and you have to look more 'outside the box' when selling yourself.

From the list in the OP :

PLI
PAT
Registered with HRMC
Pre-meetings
Full event planning
Pro gear

I bet you I could find a DJ for £150 (or cheaper) who ticked all the boxes above and had a wealth of experience etc etc. Here lies the big problem - you have to find more USP to sell your services.

You are obviously in a similar boat to myself Steve. You can gain good bookings, BUT have to work very hard to gain them.

Getting a call / email, replying with basic details and price, followed by getting the booking just does not seem to happen for me, unless they are recommended by previous clients

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Why do people think that having PAT and PLI is a selling point?

I don't think it is.

[soundtracker]

Why are you more expensive? Because the demand for my services is such that I know I will sell every Saturday this year at the price that I require.

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Why do people think that having PAT and PLI is a selling point?

I don't think it is.

Its not a selling point, but its an oncost which pushed our price up....


Why are you more expensive? Because the demand for my services is such that I know I will sell every Saturday this year at the price that I require.

I felt like saying that to be honest...but thought it blowing my own trumpet ;)

[Danno13]

I felt like saying that to be honest...but thought it blowing my own trumpet ;)

I wouldn't be shy of that - If you don't sound confident and convinced you're brilliant, then how can you expect the client to think you are and pay for your services? Epecially if you're more expensive than other quotes they've had!

[DazzyD]

Its not a selling point, but its an oncost which pushed our price up....



I felt like saying that to be honest...but thought it blowing my own trumpet ;)

Which is exactly what marketing is all about.

Customer "Why are you the most expensive supplier around?"

You "Because I'm the best there is!"

Or, if you are a bit shy, you could take the Carlsberg approach:

You "Because I'm the best there is! Probably!"

:D

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Well guys, this is still playing on my minds. I think its because it caught me off guard and im kicking myself for not seeing how i could convert it (i still cont see to be honest).

I think i need to have a good script in my head for if this sort of thing happens again.

[Larry B Entertainment]

5 minutes later the phone rang and he booked me.

There are chancers out there...it's how you react to them. Stand your ground.

Now, I'm off to get soaked!

When he phoned back you should have said add another £50 on and we have a deal :D

[Vectis]

I think i need to have a good script in my head for if this sort of thing happens again.

Back in the day when the phone was the main point of contact I used to have a laminated sheet pinned to the office noticeboard with about 10 bullet points on there which I could use when challenged on certain points, or to pull the conversation onto topic.

I'd also have a copy in the front of my desk diary which went everywhere with me; any phone call away from the office was usually met with 'hang on let me just grab the diary'.

[rob1963]

Why do people think that having PAT and PLI is a selling point?

I don't think it is.

Firstly, it depends a lot on who you're selling to, individuals or venues.

Secondly, surely disco equipment with a PAT test is a bit like a car with an MOT? It's more likely to be up to the job & less likely to break down or go wrong, and I certainly DO think that's a selling point.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Firstly, it depends a lot on who you're selling to, individuals or venues.

Secondly, surely disco equipment with a PAT test is a bit like a car with an MOT? It's more likely to be up to the job & less likely to break down or go wrong, and I certainly DO think that's a selling point.

Not for a customer or a venue.

You should have it, but it's not a selling point.

[rob1963]

Not for a customer or a venue.

You should have it, but it's not a selling point.

Looks like we'll have to agree to disagree on this then!

:eek: :D :D

[Excalibur]

Why do people think that having PAT and PLI is a selling point?
I don't think it is.


Not for a customer or a venue.

You should have it, but it's not a selling point.

Because surely it's an indicator that the DJ has a good attitude to safety and legality. If you as a punter ( or more so another DJ handing work on ) were choosing between two firms of apparently equal merit, but one had PAT/PLI and the other didn't, that would surely seal the deal in favour of the one with the green stickers?

[DeckstarDeluxe]

I'm with Darren on this one.

I got PAT/PLI because its something I think a good disco provider should have. Customers however couldnt care less

[rob1963]

Because surely it's an indicator that the DJ has a good attitude to safety and legality. If you as a punter ( or more so another DJ handing work on ) were choosing between two firms of apparently equal merit, but one had PAT/PLI and the other didn't, that would surely seal the deal in favour of the one with the green stickers?

Exactly!

:thumbsup:



I got PAT/PLI because its something I think a good disco provider should have. Customers however couldnt care less

Which begs the question WHY do you think it's something a good disco provider should have (if customers couldn't care less)?

:confused:

[Excalibur]

Which begs the question WHY do you think it's something a good disco provider should have (if customers couldn't care less)?

:confused:

Because in my opinion, many customers have make to make a decision to book us or not, based on precious little information. Anything we can do to improve our image/CV/chances must therefore be a good idea.

[rob1963]

Because in my opinion, many customers have make to make a decision to book us or not, based on precious little information. Anything we can do to improve our image/CV/chances must therefore be a good idea.

Exactly, and if it's a good idea which could bring in the odd extra booking, it's also a selling point!

:thumbsup:



Neil,

I'm surprised that you say PLI & PAT are not selling points, when the home page of your website lists a number of things which clearly ARE selling points, such as a responsive a DJ, meet the DJ in advance, requests welcomed, top quality sound & lighting, experienced presenters...and yet "fully insured" is also listed! Why include this with the selling points when it isn't one & when customers couldn't care less?

:confused:

[simonp]

I replied "Because I'm REALLY GOOD"

Brilliant Marky - Little white lies don't hurt do they :rofl: :p :D

[Mark Wild]

Brilliant Marky - Little white lies don't hurt do they :rofl: :p :D

Shut it ! It's not a white lie ! Crazy fool ! :D