The services you offer.....

[Chris1984]

Following of from recent threads and comments...

Lots of people have an array of different services that are outside of what the public would perceive mobile disco to have. With the growing trend in mobile business to offer services such as dance-floors, star cloth and uplighting.

What im interested in are the guys and girls who claim to offer more than this on there websites, for example - full professional sound and lighting services, truss booths, lasers etc... etc...

Now dont get me wrong im all for diversifying and going after different things but i have come across lots of djs this/last christmas who tell me they do this and that and hand me their cards and then when you phone them they are confused at what you ask them to do - even simple stage lighting gigs...

This isn't a high horse/slate people/have a pop thread but my question is

How many people can back up all the claims on their website with the actual knowledge and skills to do the job?

[Charlie Brown]

I have a lot of additional services on my website.

Chocolate fountain - Local lady
Dancefloors, Uplighting, Red carpet, sky tracker etc - Ben & Paul
Club package - Tim

...etc etc. :)

[Chris1984]

my question is not that you have the services on website but do you actually know and understand them - for example:
how savy are you on sky trackers? you have text describing a sky rose/space cannon but a picture of a 4head searchlight?
have you ever used them?

nopt having a go just more wondering how much people :BS: in order to make them look bigger or better?
its mainly as i said from people i have met who cant deliver and various posts recently.

[Charlie Brown]

If there is something I don't understand or know, I'll jot their number and call the appropriate person for all the info. I'll then call the client back and relay the information.

I'm just the middle man selling on the products. I don't claim to know everything but I have access to people who’s knowledge is better about the product and services they specialise in.

[Chris1984]

excellent an honest answer!
there seem to be far to many people who will again using the sky tracker example try and up sell thm then get them deliverd and forget about power, yes they may have a bilt in generator but do the guests want that humming away at the entrance to the big party?

thank for you honest response charlie - anyone else care to comment/fess up!?!?!

[funkymook]

I have a lot of additional services on my website.

Chocolate fountain - Local lady
Dancefloors, Uplighting, Red carpet, sky tracker etc - Ben & Paul
Club package - Tim

...etc etc. :)

I'm sure that's illegal!

[Chris1984]

I'm sure that's illegal!

hadnt noticed that - charlie - whats going on! :-):p

[Charlie Brown]

:boxer2:

[TONYTIGER]

I have a lot of additional services on my website.

Chocolate fountain - Local lady
Dancefloors, Uplighting, Red carpet, sky tracker etc - Ben & Paul
Club package - Tim

...etc etc. :)

I think you missed the point Charlie do you have the equipment in house to do these services yourself and the skills,or as i suspect this is just a list of other companies services which you pass on and take your cut in MHO i see no point as the client will get a better service going to these companies direct.

If you look at Chris,s site you can see they are a pro rental house and really understand this sector of the market,sometimes but very rarely i run out of gear and try to source from the type of outfits he is talking about.
Recent case we offer full stage lighting systems on inquiring this consisted of 8x Kam led Pars on two 8 foot stands not really what i was looking for and there are plenty more like that out there,yeh a few uplighters or a dance floor is fine but some of the claims these so called rental hire companies make are a bit misleading.

[Chris1984]

Recent case we offer full stage lighting systems on inquiring this consisted of 8x Kam led Pars on two 8 foot stands not really what i was looking for and there are plenty more like that out there,yeh a few uplighters or a dance floor is fine but some of the claims these so called rental hire companies make are a bit misleading.

Similar to this is what inspired the thread!

[Jonathan Ford]

a) WTF is a skytracker? Sounds like something from Star Wars!

b) I offer LED uplighting, dance floor hire and star cloths on my site. I'd have to hire in the dance floor or star cloth myself in order to provide this service. I don't tell the client that, but I'm sure that the average savvy shopper (though we don't all buy disco entertainment everyday...we all shop) is smart enough to work out that they could probably get it cheaper elsewhere. To be perfectly frank, I've never had an enquiry for these services, to the point where I haven't even given any thought to pricing, or how to handle the enquiry should it come. Thanks for highlighting an area I need to work on :beer1: :beer1:

WIth uplighting, I've got one booking for it in April, but if given the opportunity, I tend to advise clients against using it. The first question I ask about uplighting is "when you visited the venue and saw the room, did you like the way it looked?". The answer is generally "yes", and I follow up with "then why do you want to change the way it looks?". Of course, if the answer comes back as "no", or they start waxing lyrical about architectural features that they wish to highlight, then I'll fill my boots.

[Charlie Brown]

Jonathon, why don't you want to sell your uplighting?

It's all about making as much money as possible.

[JTRS]

I tend to stay away from the add-ons and point the customer direct to the supplier of whatever it is they want above and beyond what I offer.

IMHO it's not worth the hassle of being a 'middle man' the percentage take (or mark up) that it would generate isn't worth the extra hassle or responsibility for me, and to be honest it's fairly reciprocal because the people I recommend also recommend me for DJ services.

Typical case in point is an event in September next year, I'm booked as the DJ for an 'Oscars' evening, the customer wants sky searchlights, I asked about them on this forum and then told the customer who to go to, that way I'm not responsible for those lights which will be outside the building.

JTRS

[DJ Tony McQue]

I know of a chap who offers just about every service you can think of: discos, uplighting, bands, bouncy castles, electric horses etc and offers them on his website. I am not slagging him off but for my business, it is providing one good service and doing it well. I just think it can detract from the main focus of a DJ business and may put potential clients off wanting a classy DJ for their wedding if they are also selling clowns and firework displays. I think with this kind of thing, you have to market it as a separate business if you wish to do high end DJ gigs. The only exception I can think off is uplighting or hiring out big sound/lighting systems for the big DJ gigs.

Jack of all trades - master of none..

[TONYTIGER]

Jonathon, why don't you want to sell your uplighting?

It's all about making as much money as possible.

For the reasons he has said,and money is not everything.;)

[Jason]

I only offer services that I can PERSONALLY cover. So no LED floors/chocky fountains/etc.

I'm happy to suggest other services to clients, so a recent example was a couple that mentioned that the venue wanted £4 per chair cover, and I suggested they look online. They got a much better deal.
I have the suppliers details and can recommend them for other clients.

Offering 3rd party services can be risky IF you don't have a close relationship with them.
This goes even more if you're a sole-trader. If you're playing at being the middle-man and the other supplier lets you down badly (ie no show, or equipment failure), then this effectively puts your professional name at risk with Clients and Venues.

Business 101: Stick to what you're good at!

The multi-ops here who do this full-time appear to be set-up to be able to provide these extras.
As a serious part-timer, I would not want to be over-stretched and trying to manage outside contractors.
I do this (managing sub-contractors) as part of my day job and know how tricky this can be...


edit:
Just read Jonathon post - sounds to be exactly the same reasons as me. Risk vs Income.
If your juggling lots of things, you'll drop some....
Money is important, but equally is providing a good service (for the money to continue!)

[Charlie Brown]

For the reasons he has said,and money is not everything.;)

I agree but it's key to a good business? :)

[abracadabradisco]

Interesting thread. I only offer what I have myself but as I am also a children's entertainer I can offer a chocolate fountain and bouncy castle as well as mood lighting, up to 40 led lights plus moving heads, multicolour laser, bubble machines and snow machines (2 of each).
I am not willing to arrange hire from a supplier unless the client asks me to do so.

[DeckstarDeluxe]

I am looking to branch out what I can do and provide next year. I use third party suppliers who I trust. I think the whole spreading yourself too thin only applies if you take on far too much or you use people who let you down etc...

[TONYTIGER]

I am looking to branch out what I can do and provide next year. I use third party suppliers who I trust. I think the whole spreading yourself too thin only applies if you take on far too much or you use people who let you down etc...

Its just not about trust,if you are to book out extra services through third parties and the client has booked them through you if and when things go wrong its you who will have to sort it out.
So you are out doing your mobile then you get a phone call ,"our stage lighting has not turned up the company that were bringing it have broke down" sort of thing its a nightmare.
Anybody who is thinking about offering extra services make sure they can do it themselves is my advice then you know it will get done to the standards your company aspires to.
I wish you the best of luck if you decide to branch out but keep it in house.

[Jonathan Ford]

Jonathon, why don't you want to sell your uplighting?

It's all about making as much money as possible.

Michael Jackson. Michael Jackson is the reason.

Let me explain. Michael Jackson had the money to pay for what ever he wanted, and whatever Micheal wanted, he got (including silence from the Chandlers.....but thats a can of worms best left unopened). Undoubtedly a disturbed gentleman, Michael was struggling to sleep, to the point where traditional medications for insomnia didn't help. So, he went from doctor to doctor seeking help....until he found one willing to anaesthetise him with propofol to help him sleep (propofol is used in the induction and maintenance of anaesthesia, by an anaesthetist, in a hospital....or at least it should be). Of course, we all know how the story ends. The doctor who took the money, regardless of his expertise and judgement, will probably never work again, and may spend some years inside, being called Macy, or Sharon, or Davina by some eighteen stone, heavily tatooed armed robber. Lets face it...the man may never hold in a fart again.

So, back to my business, in many ways I agree, money is the only reason I do this, and I want to make as much of it as I can. However, I'm not going to do this by selling services that are unnecessary. From my perspective, a client is more likely to think that I offer a great, value for money service by not selling them something they don't need....and hopefully rebook and recommend.

[Davy]

Regarding your original question ....


I can and do offer everything that I advertise , why would you advertise a package you can't personally deliver ? That's business suicide.

I could easily come to a deal with a local photographer and wedding car and drop an all in one price but if either are booked or let me down then it's my reputation.

Uplighting - it's not about needing it , it's about wanting it. Your trying to be logical to someone who wants to spend thousands of pounds on a dress they wear once.

Every client meeting I've had in the last 6 months has booked the uplighting based on photos I've showed.

If I can offer a service that I think will appeal to a client I will . If there's a local supplier who offers something I don't then I'll give them their number if they ask.

Soon as you start using other companies and you pay them to work under your name your no longer a sole trader, if you are sub contracting then all parties have to be aware of this ( but you don't need to disclose prices to each other ).

[spin mobile disco]

I advertise uplighting , disco service, p.a hire, and provide all these myself from already held stock.
I can offer help to people searching for other thins for their event but I do not advertise this merely offer if asked.

[Chris1984]

this is proving most interesting.
Its great to hear people views on different services and offerings as well as making money (this isnt another money thread thou!!!!!)

Its good to see some people trying to offer little things no one else is using skills they have that arnt necessarily dj related - good work!

[CRAZY K]

Jonathon, why don't you want to sell your uplighting?

It's all about making as much money as possible.

No---its about what the client wants and then you make the money based on that if your a CARING PROFESSIONAL.

Just seen post 17--give me strength where do you get this stuff from???

[Leicester Ben]

Just seen this thread (catching up after a mega busy december).

What I have started to do recently is to put stuff on the website or tell clients I can do things like Pin Spotting, Draping etc and then if the booking comes off go out and buy that equipment.

I'm just re doing the website and in the next few days and I know that Pyros will go on there for example, at the minute I dont own any pyros but by the time the first booking comes through for it I will make sure that I do :)

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I ONLY offer services that I know something about.
Uplighting, Photo Projection etc....
I also offer Mobile Bar Services, Race Nights and Fun Casinos which my mate takes care of. He advertises my services on his website and I do likewise for him.

[TONYTIGER]

Just seen this thread (catching up after a mega busy december).

What I have started to do recently is to put stuff on the website or tell clients I can do things like Pin Spotting, Draping etc and then if the booking comes off go out and buy that equipment.

I'm just re doing the website and in the next few days and I know that Pyros will go on there for example, at the minute I dont own any pyros but by the time the first booking comes through for it I will make sure that I do :)

Don,t you have to have a Licence for Pyros

[Leicester Ben]

Not that I'm aware of, you do for the larger type but not for what I indent to be doing so I'm told.

[TONYTIGER]

Not that I'm aware of, you do for the larger type but not for what I indent to be doing so I'm told.

Lots of info on the net it would seem that you do or the venue has to have the relevant paper work,worth checking.

[deltaforce]

I love it when people phone for a disco just a basic flat rate disco
then they come up and ask you to entertain the kids with games, but i'm here as a dj not a childrens entertainer or a babysitter then can you get everybody up dancing that should be the host of the party's job to do surely i now feel like i better get prepared and take some prizes or lollys along or something

[Andy Goodtimes]

I do sound and lighting hire and AV for conferences, I have staging and a LED floor...I did have the proper Abstract light up floor but it cost a lot of money and I couldn't see myself getting it back. Its hard work and expensive to buy the kit in and then there is a big box van with tail lift and storage unit to pay for. The staff I use are casual so I only need to pay them when a job is in. I trained as a sound engineer and as a TO with the BBC and used to teach music tech so I know my woofers and tweeters and my way round a sound desk.

I also offer full Toast Master services, I am one of 2 Local approved Civic TMs and used to be in the London Guild.

Hands up though I do use other folk for stuff like Choc Fountain, Ice Cream Trike and Candy Bar etc.

[TONYTIGER]

I do sound and lighting hire and AV for conferences, I have staging and a LED floor...I did have the proper Abstract light up floor but it cost a lot of money and I couldn't see myself getting it back. Its hard work and expensive to buy the kit in and then there is a big box van with tail lift and storage unit to pay for. The staff I use are casual so I only need to pay them when a job is in. I trained as a sound engineer and as a TO with the BBC and used to teach music tech so I know my woofers and tweeters and my way round a sound desk.

I also offer full Toast Master services, I am one of 2 Local approved Civic TMs and used to be in the London Guild.

Hands up though I do use other folk for stuff like Choc Fountain, Ice Cream Trike and Candy Bar etc.

Very impressive CV Andy but then i guessed you knew what you were talking about by the quality of your posts certainly on technical matters keep it up .

[Andy Goodtimes]

Cheers tony...you make me blush...lol....never stopped my Dadd wishing I had a "proper job" though.

I have always said that once I stop enjoying it I will go back to teaching but TBH I don't see that happening any time soon. I really do enjoy the job and the good ones far outweigh the bad ones.