customer email

[surround sounds]

I had a email this morning for a quote for a disco 2 miles from me with the following details
Town-- Dudley
hours--4.00pm till midnight
guests--200
Other details-- Hi need a dj with good equipment for my wedding reception,can you send me you best prices please..

I emailed him back with my quote this morning.I just recieved a email back to me saying i was way to expensive and was looking for a dj under £150,how can i charge so much..
I just replied back saying best of luck and hope he turns up on the day of your wedding.I can not believe some people.

[Mark Wild]

I just replied back saying best of luck and hope he turns up on the day of your wedding.I can not believe some people.

Wrong answer I'm afraid, it's tedius I know, but keep it professional. :)

[ppentertainments]

Seems strange the amount of DJ's getting replies similar to this. I normally never hear back unless I send a follow up email. A reply in this case never mentions price though :confused:

[Excalibur]

Four till midnight for less than £150? Blimey. Even I'm dearer than that. ;)

[surround sounds]

Wrong answer I'm afraid, it's tedius I know, but keep it professional. :)

Yes i agree maybe it was the wrong answer but he made it very clear i was to expensive and i will probably never hear from him again anyway,so i have lost nothing.

[discomobiledj]

But you'll also not hear from anyone he knows either.

[Daryll]

Four till midnight for less than £150? Blimey. Even I'm dearer than that. ;)

Have you put your prices up then Peter ...

:sofa:

[NKR]

But you'll also not hear from anyone he knows either.

Who are also likely to be morons! There is no negative in that. If anyone he knows feels he is in the right on his £150 comment, you don't want to hear from them. If he regails them with his story and they have any common they will understand that whatever you quoted was fair for a quality service and call.

You have fended off future morons. A positive! :D

[Mark Wild]

Who are also likely to be morons! There is no negative in that. If anyone he knows feels he is in the right on his £150 comment, you don't want to hear from them. If he regails them with his story and they have any common they will understand that whatever you quoted was fair for a quality service and call.

You have fended off future morons. A positive! :D

So in your opinion, if you were to respond that is "best of luck and hope he turns up on the day of your wedding" Would be acceptable?

[NKR]

So in your opinion, if you were to respond that is "best of luck and hope he turns up on the day of your wedding" Would be acceptable?

I wouldn't even bother responding. To be honest these are people I really don't want to deal with and the OP response was not rude, but was making the point that they are being unrealistic.

In response I see no issue with it as it is an honest appraisal of the situation. They were happy enough to be curt with him, so curt response is fair enough. Quid pro quo.

Do I do that in the day job. Wouldn't be the first time I have picked the phone up to a fellow professional and told him to stop acting like a :Censored: . Have I ever been curt with a customer. Yes, when they have been unrealistic. Rude, no, curt yes. I think this is very similar situation and rude it was not, curt it was, but he never set the tone, the customer lowered the stakes.

[Jonathan Ford]

I disagree.

From the OP, there is nothing to indicate that the client was rude or curt, and the response to the enquiry appears to be unnecessarily abrasive and antagonistic. For all we know, the chosen performer that chooses to go out for that rate may do an excellent job.

All we can do is hope that our clients have the nouse to see the wood for the trees.

[Mark Wild]

I wouldn't even bother responding. To be honest these are people I really don't want to deal with and the OP response was not rude, but was making the point that they are being unrealistic.

In response I see no issue with it as it is an honest appraisal of the situation. They were happy enough to be curt with him, so curt response is fair enough. Quid pro quo.

Do I do that in the day job. Wouldn't be the first time I have picked the phone up to a fellow professional and told him to stop acting like a :Censored: . Have I ever been curt with a customer. Yes, when they have been unrealistic. Rude, no, curt yes. I think this is very similar situation and rude it was not, curt it was, but he never set the tone, the customer lowered the stakes.

Abrupt, curt, whatever, not a professional way to behave in any working environment imo, quid pro quo, t-it for tat just doesn't work for me in this scenario.

He said "I'm too expensive" so I said "hope your cheap ass DJ turns up" Petty ;)


I disagree.

From the OP, there is nothing to indicate that the client was rude or curt, and the response to the enquiry appears to be unnecessarily abrasive and antagonistic. For all we know, the chosen performer that chooses to go out for that rate may do an excellent job.

All we can do is hope that our clients have the nouse to see the wood for the trees.


Amen

[NKR]

If some guy pulls off a great job from 4:00pm till midnight at under £150 then we are all too expensive and are ripping our clients off.

I work in an industry where when I was agency side there was a set code of pricing to stop the profession decending into a bun fight and clients choose their favour on service. Now I am client side if someone offered to undercut my existing agency team I would certainly speak my mind on degrading the industry.

DJ'ing does not have that and that is why these situations occur.

[surround sounds]

But you'll also not hear from anyone he knows either.

Very true but he would also tell them i am to expensive anyway.I sent him a lovely nice email this morning with all detailed packages i do.He was the one who emailed back to make sure i knew i was to expensive and i was charging way to much to do a disco for 8 hours..

[NKR]

Very true but he would also tell them i am to expensive anyway.I sent him a lovely nice email this morning with all detailed packages i do.He was the one who emailed back to make sure i knew i was to expensive and i was charging way to much to do a disco for 8 hours..

I'm with you on this. He changed the stakes. A simple e-mail back saying thank your for your quote, but it is not within our budget would have been polite and respectful.

[WWDJ]

If some guy pulls off a great job from 4:00pm till midnight at under £150 then we are all too expensive and are ripping our clients off.

I could do a great job but by the time i'm taken my costs out I'd be better off flipping burgers :eek:

The thing is I know Dudley very well, I was born and bred just down the road and they will get a DJ for this sort of money. Tough times!

[Mark Wild]

I'm with you on this. He changed the stakes. A simple e-mail back saying thank your for your quote, but it is not within our budget would have been polite and respectful.

How can you be with the OP when you clearly stated........


I wouldn't even bother responding.

[NKR]

I could do a great job but by the time i'm taken my costs out I'd be better off flipping burgers :eek:

The thing is I know Dudley very well, I was born and bred just down the road and they will get a DJ for this sort of money. Tough times!

Will they be any good?

[WWDJ]

Very true but he would also tell them i am to expensive anyway.I sent him a lovely nice email this morning with all detailed packages i do.He was the one who emailed back to make sure i knew i was to expensive and i was charging way to much to do a disco for 8 hours..

SS,

What was the venue ?

[surround sounds]

SS,

What was the venue ?

Station hotel.

[NKR]

How can you be with the OP when you clearly stated........

Pedantic and selective quoting. Hmm been in one of these recently on here too, where selective picking up of part of a quote can make it look like what you want it to look like

I went on to state 'In response I see no issue with it as it is an honest appraisal of the situation. They were happy enough to be curt with him, so curt response is fair enough. Quid pro quo.'

I think that may be supportive!

[surround sounds]

I'm with you on this. He changed the stakes. A simple e-mail back saying thank your for your quote, but it is not within our budget would have been polite and respectful.

Thanks i agree,Its the 1st email i have had back for ages stating i was well over priced.I also know they will probably get a dj for £150 round in this area for 8 hours

[WWDJ]

Will they be any good?

Possibly, Possibly Not.
It's all about perception, but we mostly go back to the same old same old. The punters are not that bothered as long as you've got the latest Rhianna record or whatever their request is.

[funkymook]

As difficult as it is not to respond in kind to these sort of things I think a polite and professional response is always best (or none at all).

[WWDJ]

Station hotel.

Never played there, but put it like this, it wouldn't be for £150 ;)

[surround sounds]

Never played there, but put it like this, it wouldn't be for £150 ;)

I have done there around 8 times in 2 years and yes never for £150

[STEVE HANLEY]

Whenever I'm too expensive I don't hear back from them full stop.

Ever thought you may have been what he was looking for, but he was just trying to get you to shave a few quid off??

I would have asked him what price he was hoping to get. Then gone on to explain why I was xxxxxx dearer. If that still wasn't enough then would have told him to :Censored: off:D :D :D :D :D :D Just kidding:devil: :devil:

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Firstly I would of asked the client just what he wanted the disco for so long for and guessing that they wanted BG music then offer to set up in the daytime and leave a long mix on VDJ.

If they wanted me to DJ from 4 til midnight then I'd be looking at 700-800 at least however if they only wanted a dj from 8 til midnight then I could reduce that fee.

I couldn't agree more with Mark's comment I try and never say anything negative to clients about myself or other DJ's.

[Davy]

I wouldn't have answered the way you did , they asked a question - how can you be so expensive ?

I would have given a detailed reply explaining that i run a legitimate business with expensive overheads and equipment and that my price reflects a quality service.


It's easy for us to say what's cheap and expensive because we know what things cost and how much time an effort we put in. Unless you tell the client then your just another Dj and for all they know your the guy who does the local pub for £60 as generally punters think all DJ's are the same.

I have converted many clients by explaining the differences , I always try to get a meeting face to face for weddings for a few reasons. 1 I can sell myself better and offer custom solutions. 2. I can explain the difference between me and the pub DJ if price is an issue. By offering to meet them I've already won their trust by showing an interest. My Client meetings have a 100% conversion rate .


I worked in sales for years so part of it is objection handling , emails are easier as it gives you time to think of a responce , on the phone is harder as you have to think on your feet . Face to Face they can hear you out or get up and leave.

If you want to keep trying with these type of clients then think of an answer for every objection .

If your happy to walk away from a potential booking that's your choice though. I'll be honest and say I do have a bit of fun with these ones as I like to be cocky and Try have an answer for everything.


Try selling double glazing !

[Andy Goodtimes]

My reply would have gone like this...

Dear...

I appreciate you taking the time to reply to me. I am sorry that my quotation does not fit within your budget. I run a professional service and am unable to appear at your function for the price that you mention.

I hope that you will not be offended but I would advise you to be extremely careful if you are selecting your entertainment based on price alone. It is common for an event to be spoilt due to making the wrong choice. I would always suggest that you try to book someone that you have seen working or that a reliable person has recommended to you. If this is not possible then asking the DJ if you can see some references or client testimonials is a good idea. I would also suggest that you ask your DJ if they hold current PAT and PLI certificates, whilst this does not mean that they are good at their job it does show that they have some commitment and take their business seriously.

I hope you will make the right choice when selecting your disco entertainment and have a fantastic party. Please do not hesitate to get back in touch with me should you wish to discuss your event further...

That's a bit rough because its still early and I'm still knackered but you get the idea of the kind of reply I would send.

[supersound]

If they ask why you are so expensive,use that to your advantage.
By this time they are all ears.

1,tell them you are paying for my expertese in this field as I am a professional and have many weddings under my belt and testemonials to prove it.
2,tell them that you opperate in a proffessional manor from start to finnish by looking after the cliant and guest needs.
3,Tell them that your equipment is neat and tidy and all pro gear with back up.
4,And if they are still listening try and sell them extras like uplighting(if it will enhance the venue),or a slideshow ect.

5,Always be in control of the conversation but always welcome any input by the client and act on it.Never pull down compettitors as it makes you look desperate and unproffessional.

Hope this helps.

Paul

[Silver Bullet]

I had a email this morning for a quote for a disco 2 miles from me with the following details
Town-- Dudley
hours--4.00pm till midnight
guests--200
Other details-- Hi need a dj with good equipment for my wedding reception,can you send me you best prices please..Eight hours seems a long time to require a DJ for a wedding function. Maybe that's the whole time of the function and when it comes down to it, by the time the meal, speeches, etc, are over you are only left with a four hour job.
I would have probably e-mailed back asking the client to be more specific in his requirements.
I had a phone call from a lady looking for a wedding DJ, she had been quoted a few prices and they were too high, and she was looking for somebody no more than £200. When we got down to the details, it turns out it was a 41/2 hour job including buffet, and there was a live band going to do 90 mins.
So it was turn up with a small show, a bit of background, partake of buffet, mingle with guests and listen to band, 90 mins work, and thank you goodnight.


It seems that none of the others had bothered to find out the details

[wensleydale]

My reply would have gone like this...

Dear...

I appreciate you taking the time to reply to me. I am sorry that my quotation does not fit within your budget. I run a professional service and am unable to appear at your function for the price that you mention.

I hope that you will not be offended but I would advise you to be extremely careful if you are selecting your entertainment based on price alone. It is common for an event to be spoilt due to making the wrong choice. I would always suggest that you try to book someone that you have seen working or that a reliable person has recommended to you. If this is not possible then asking the DJ if you can see some references or client testimonials is a good idea. I would also suggest that you ask your DJ if they hold current PAT and PLI certificates, whilst this does not mean that they are good at their job it does show that they have some commitment and take their business seriously.

I hope you will make the right choice when selecting your disco entertainment and have a fantastic party. Please do not hesitate to get back in touch with me should you wish to discuss your event further...

That's a bit rough because its still early and I'm still knackered but you get the idea of the kind of reply I would send.

I always try to avoid the "the other dj you get might not be any good" approach.

Having just refurbed a house this was exactly what we got from Everest and it seemed like a cheap shot and didnt explain at all why they were so expensive.

What I would do is explain in detail, if required, why £xxx represents value for money and what we do well.

[Vectis]

My reply would have gone like this...

Dear...

I appreciate you taking the time to reply to me. I am sorry that my quotation does not fit within your budget. I run a professional service and am unable to appear at your function for the price that you mention.

I hope that you will not be offended but I would advise you to be extremely careful if you are selecting your entertainment based on price alone. It is common for an event to be spoilt due to making the wrong choice. I would always suggest that you try to book someone that you have seen working or that a reliable person has recommended to you. If this is not possible then asking the DJ if you can see some references or client testimonials is a good idea. I would also suggest that you ask your DJ if they hold current PAT and PLI certificates, whilst this does not mean that they are good at their job it does show that they have some commitment and take their business seriously.

I hope you will make the right choice when selecting your disco entertainment and have a fantastic party. Please do not hesitate to get back in touch with me should you wish to discuss your event further...


Wrong on SO many levels ... sorry!




If they ask why you are so expensive,use that to your advantage.
By this time they are all ears.

1,tell them you are paying for my expertese in this field as I am a professional and have many weddings under my belt and testemonials to prove it.
2,tell them that you opperate in a proffessional manor from start to finnish by looking after the cliant and guest needs.
3,Tell them that your equipment is neat and tidy and all pro gear with back up.
4,And if they are still listening try and sell them extras like uplighting(if it will enhance the venue),or a slideshow ect.

5,Always be in control of the conversation but always welcome any input by the client and act on it.Never pull down compettitors as it makes you look desperate and unproffessional.


6. Run it through a spellchecker before you click Send... ;) I, for one, having received an email response from a 'professional' with so many errors would just bin it and move on.

Good advice though. Sell the positives about you, not the (unprovable) negatives about others.





I always try to avoid the "the other dj you get might not be any good" approach.


:agree:

They may well have seen their chosen DJ work and think he/she's the mutts. Worse, it might be a relative. Receiving an email effectively slating their choice isn't going to stand you in good stead for the future.

[surround sounds]

If they ask why you are so expensive,use that to your advantage.
By this time they are all ears.

1,tell them you are paying for my expertese in this field as I am a professional and have many weddings under my belt and testemonials to prove it.
2,tell them that you opperate in a proffessional manor from start to finnish by looking after the cliant and guest needs.
3,Tell them that your equipment is neat and tidy and all pro gear with back up.
4,And if they are still listening try and sell them extras like uplighting(if it will enhance the venue),or a slideshow ect.

5,Always be in control of the conversation but always welcome any input by the client and act on it.Never pull down compettitors as it makes you look desperate and unproffessional.

Hope this helps.

Paul

In my first email i sent out with all my wedding packages it clearly states why i may not be the cheapest dj around with or the normal things you would say eg PAT tested,PLI and it also clearly states pricing costs etc when it comes down to back ground music.

[supersound]

6. Run it through a spellchecker before you click Send... ;)

.

I agree with you Mr vectis.
I am a bit naff with computers and for some reason the right click dosen't bring up the words like an Email does.
Im sure there is another way but I'm clueless.

Regards Paul

[surround sounds]

Update....
He as just emailed me asking if i would meet him half way with my quote and his £150.So in other words he was trying to talk me down,
I have sent him a nice email back explaining why i am more expensive(which was explained in my 1st email with wedding packages)and offered different service at cheaper prices..

[DazzyD]

I wouldn't have answered the way you did , they asked a question - how can you be so expensive ?

I would have given a detailed reply explaining that i run a legitimate business with expensive overheads and equipment and that my price reflects a quality service.


It's easy for us to say what's cheap and expensive because we know what things cost and how much time an effort we put in. Unless you tell the client then your just another Dj and for all they know your the guy who does the local pub for £60 as generally punters think all DJ's are the same.

I have converted many clients by explaining the differences , I always try to get a meeting face to face for weddings for a few reasons. 1 I can sell myself better and offer custom solutions. 2. I can explain the difference between me and the pub DJ if price is an issue. By offering to meet them I've already won their trust by showing an interest. My Client meetings have a 100% conversion rate .


I worked in sales for years so part of it is objection handling , emails are easier as it gives you time to think of a responce , on the phone is harder as you have to think on your feet . Face to Face they can hear you out or get up and leave.

If you want to keep trying with these type of clients then think of an answer for every objection .

If your happy to walk away from a potential booking that's your choice though. I'll be honest and say I do have a bit of fun with these ones as I like to be cocky and Try have an answer for everything.


Try selling double glazing !

Good post. Typical salesman, though! :D


My reply would have gone like this...

Dear...

I appreciate you taking the time to reply to me. I am sorry that my quotation does not fit within your budget. I run a professional service and am unable to appear at your function for the price that you mention.

I hope that you will not be offended but I would advise you to be extremely careful if you are selecting your entertainment based on price alone. It is common for an event to be spoilt due to making the wrong choice. I would always suggest that you try to book someone that you have seen working or that a reliable person has recommended to you. If this is not possible then asking the DJ if you can see some references or client testimonials is a good idea. I would also suggest that you ask your DJ if they hold current PAT and PLI certificates, whilst this does not mean that they are good at their job it does show that they have some commitment and take their business seriously.

I hope you will make the right choice when selecting your disco entertainment and have a fantastic party. Please do not hesitate to get back in touch with me should you wish to discuss your event further...

That's a bit rough because its still early and I'm still knackered but you get the idea of the kind of reply I would send.

Nothing like a bit of scaremongering to get people on your side... NOT!! This is opening yourself up to a response of "Well, I'm just letting you know that the I did make the right choice as the DJ I booked was fantastic and a lot cheaper than you! Thanks, anyway, for your concern!". Sell yourself and forget about everyone else. It's the ONLY way!


Update....
He as just emailed me asking if i would meet him half way with my quote and his £150.So in other words he was trying to talk me down,
I have sent him a nice email back explaining why i am more expensive(which was explained in my 1st email with wedding packages)and offered different service at cheaper prices..

What should have been a closed door is still open. Can't help but feel you're on the road to getting the booking - at your full fee! ;)

[STEVE HANLEY]

Update....
He as just emailed me asking if i would meet him half way with my quote and his £150.So in other words he was trying to talk me down,
I have sent him a nice email back explaining why i am more expensive(which was explained in my 1st email with wedding packages)and offered different service at cheaper prices..

Looks like I was right then.;) ;)

[surround sounds]

Looks like I was right then.;) ;)

yes typical of the area of dudley really..

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Oh good, yet another pricing thread...

[thex-faders]

I always try to avoid the "the other dj you get might not be any good" approach.

Having just refurbed a house this was exactly what we got from Everest and it seemed like a cheap shot and didnt explain at all why they were so expensive.

What I would do is explain in detail, if required, why £xxx represents value for money and what we do well.

My house mate is an Everest Salesman! Ive heard that line before... along the lines of all other windows are inferior? Not triple A start rated with titanium inserts or some rubbish...

Sorry to take off topic .
Tom

[CRAZY K]

I had a email this morning for a quote for a disco 2 miles from me with the following details
Town-- Dudley
hours--4.00pm till midnight
guests--200
Other details-- Hi need a dj with good equipment for my wedding reception,can you send me you best prices please..

I emailed him back with my quote this morning.I just recieved a email back to me saying i was way to expensive and was looking for a dj under £150,how can i charge so much..
I just replied back saying best of luck and hope he turns up on the day of your wedding.I can not believe some people.

What do you expect from Dudley?

I am informed by friends from the Midlands its a bit of a joke town :daft:

[DeckstarDeluxe]

What do you expect from Dudley?

I am informed by friends from the Midlands its a bit of a joke town :daft:


I'm sorry but I dont think putting that on a public forum that is viewable by anyone is a smart idea.

[JTRS]

I've read this thread with interest.

My own thoughts are that if someone responds by email telling me I am too expensive then I would have replied thanking them for their interest and wishing them all the best. I personally don't feel that email is a good medium for explaining the downsides that sometimes come with a cheaper DJ.

Had it been a telephone call rather than an email then that is when I would have tried to explain the dangers and pitfalls and sell my services, my way of thinking is that a telephone call is dynamic and interactive, you can gauge what the customer is taking in from what you are telling him and you get a feel for how much or how little to expand on the shady dealings of less reputable DJ's.

It also allows you to explain that not all of them work like that, whilst at the same time if you are engaging them in conversation (as opposed to email tennis) you can slip in experience and discuss music requirements and make a few suggestions.

To be honest (and I mean no disrespect here), if a DJ sent me a reply to my email telling him he was too expensive and suggested that the cheaper DJ might not turn up I would probably look at that as scare mongering or sour grapes (I know that isn't the case here, but that's because I am a DJ and I know it happens, but the customer isn't).

JTRS

[CRAZY K]

I'm sorry but I dont think putting that on a public forum that is viewable by anyone is a smart idea.

Its a joke!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!