Does the venue affect your pricing ??

[ppentertainments]

Yes, another pricing thread :p . Pure interest this.

Simple question really. Do you alter your prices based on venue at all. For instance if you had 2 identical bookings, 1 in a workingmens club, 1 in a stately home would you charge the same fee or different ??

I have put this with a private poll to hopefully get truthful answers - no-one sees what you vote for.

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Why on earth would the type of venue make a difference unless it has an access issue?

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Why on earth would the type of venue make a difference unless it has an access issue?

Not to us good people here...but I do know of a few local operators who put their price up when they see that the client can "afford" a nice venue ;)

[Excalibur]

Why on earth would the type of venue make a difference unless it has an access issue?

The $64,000 question.
Two nearby venues spring to mind.
One has access via a set of steps like the fabled Stairway to Heaven, requires a team of Sherpas and preferably Oxygen.
The other one makes it virtually possible to reverse the van onto the stage.

Same price? Phone a friend?

[ppentertainments]

Why on earth would the type of venue make a difference unless it has an access issue?
Many reasons have been given to me, but will go into that later so as not to influence any votes at present.

[DeckstarDeluxe]

The $64,000 question.
Two nearby venues spring to mind.
One has access via a set of steps like the fabled Stairway to Heaven, requires a team of Sherpas and preferably Oxygen.
The other one makes it virtually possible to reverse the van onto the stage.

Same price? Phone a friend?

If you (and I mean this directed at the forum not you Peter) have to incur extra costs in form of a roadie then I see no issue passing that onto the client.

[Sapphire Disco]

If I had a couple having their reception at a working mans club because money was tight and they were getting the hall free I'd do them a good price say maybe £200.00. I probably would be doing 7 til 11 I would wear trousers and a smart shirt and take a more basic kit.

On the other hand if it was a venue that was costing many thousands I would probably be there early afternoon until at least midnight I would probably take more kit and wear a suit and bow tie.
Maybe some of you will disagree but I would charge much more for that one.

[Dynamic Entertainment]

But thats different Paul...your are tailoring your service to suit their budget and charging accordingly. Not just ramping the price up because its a posh venue.





Oh crap...ive said that word...Posh...quick...hide...before Charlie gets here :D

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I personally don't see what difference it makes. It'll be interesting to see the replies to what I am about to say when I get back from my meeting.....

The customer pays for ME and the service that I provide. It doesn't matter to me whether the venue is a pub down the road that the customer is hiring out or a nice stately home. (By the way I would wear the same to both unless black tie etc was requested).

I think (I don't know the reason the OP has asked the question but...),just because someone may appear to have a bit of money doesn't mean you have to try and get as much out of them as possible.....does it?

I am sure someone will come on and maybe use the words 'Bad' and 'Practice' again. I guess everyone is different and may have their reasons and as said above, unless it's bad access.....No, I would charge the same.

[funkymook]

I've voted 'No' solely on the venue itself influencing my quote.

Of course there are other factors that have to be taken into consideration, but for me, the actual bricks and mortar do not enter into it.

[Sapphire Disco]

[QUOTE=Dynamic Entertainment;536779]But thats different Paul...your are tailoring your service to suit their budget and charging accordingly. Not just ramping the price up because its a posh venue.



Yes I guess that's true but I would be happy giving the couple with not much money a really good deal , on the other hand if the couple who were spending much more on a very expensive venue wanted to push me down on price I wouldn't budge very much.

[JTRS]

Why on earth would the type of venue make a difference unless it has an access issue?

I didn't read the original question as asking the 'type' of venue, I read it as based on the venue concerned so I voted Yes.

I have two venues that use me on a regular basis, they are both over 40 miles away and take me an hour to get to and an hour to get back from, so I charge more to do them than I charge for venues in my home city.

Personally I don't add anything on to local venues that have difficult access, nor do I add increase my prices if it's a local 'upmarket' venue.

JTRS

[DJ James Lake]

Had to vote yes as I have an additional charge for upstairs venues

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Just to remind people of the wording of the OP "For instance if you had 2 identical bookings, 1 in a workingmens club, 1 in a stately home would you charge the same fee or different ??"

I think things like stairs etc.. don't apply here its more of charging more just because its a "nicer" venue.

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Just to remind people of the wording of the OP "For instance if you had 2 identical bookings, 1 in a workingmens club, 1 in a stately home would you charge the same fee or different ??"

I think things like stairs etc.. don't apply here its more of charging more just because its a "nicer" venue.

That was my reading of it Neil.

If a working mens club has stairs...theres a charge...same goes for a stately home!

[spin mobile disco]

No with the proviso that the access isnt awful.

[Javlingames]

Yes I Always charge more if I feel the clients can afford it.

[Corabar Steve]

What's your company called again Gavin?

[simonp]

What's your company called again Gavin?

Looks to be 'Dings'

[STEVE HANLEY]

It's highly unlikely you'll get your couple getting married in a WMC paying your stately home type prices;) ;)

I might be wrong but I doubt it. There are lots of djs who only target the higher end market cos they know they'll get they're price and wouldn't dream of targeting the WMC paying punter.

So yes horses for courses as far as the venue is concerned. Just ask your mate Coiln Cook. Chris;) ;)

[ppentertainments]

Yes I Always charge more if I feel the clients can afford it.
An honest answer (unless tongue in cheek) and when I talk to DJ's away from the spotlight of a public forum, the answer I often get.

[Javlingames]

An honest answer (unless tongue in cheek) and when I talk to DJ's away from the spotlight of a public forum, the answer I often get.

Yes an honest answer

[Corabar Steve]

Yes an honest answer
So let me get this straight, Dings Entertainment Ltd charge more if you feel the client may be more affluent or they have booked a more upmarket venue?

[funkymook]

Yes I Always charge more if I feel the clients can afford it.

and less if you feel they can't?

(serious question).

[ppentertainments]

So let me get this straight, Dings Entertainment Ltd charge more if you feel the client may be more affluent or they have booked a more upmarket venue?
If more people were honest, Steve, I reckon the majority would agree. Fair play to Gavin for admitting it.

That is the reason for a private poll ;)

[Javlingames]

So let me get this straight, Dings Entertainment Ltd charge more if you feel the client may be more affluent or they have booked a more upmarket venue?

I'm talking about my personal Dj gigs. Not dings entertainment ltd. Dings entertainment is not my company.

[Javlingames]

and less if you feel they can't?

(serious question).

I have a minimum fee

[Corabar Steve]

I'm talking about my personal Dj gigs. Not dings entertainment ltd. Dings entertainment is not my company.
Why do you have it listed as your website in your profile then?

[Javlingames]

Why do you have it listed as your website in your profile then?

Because I don't have my own website. I often refer to dings on the forum as I have a job in their offices.

[soundmaster mobile disco]

If the venue has limited access,plus upstairs without a lift then yes i will charge extra,to cover my costs of a helper

[Corabar Steve]

Because I don't have my own website. I often refer to dings on the forum as I have a job in their offices.
Thanks for clarifying

[Javlingames]

Thanks for clarifying

No problem.

How about corabar entertainment ltd? Do you charge more to clients whom you think could afford it?

[Corabar Entertainment]

Nope. Same service gets the same price.

Obviously, if there are differences in the service, then, yes, the price is different.

[Excalibur]

Nope. Same service gets the same price.

Obviously, if there are differences in the service, then, yes, the price is different.

Aha, the nub of the matter. ;) I don't think you can have identical gigs in the venues specified. Paul was spot on in his assessment, I feel.

The WMC gig is likely to be minimal kit, no early setup fee, usually good access, and sensible finish times.

Stately home is probably bells and whistles, awful access, and an ungodly finish time.

Apologies for the sweeping assumptions, but it's to illustrate the possible/probable differences in the" Identical "gigs.

[Corabar Entertainment]

It's certainly not improbably (let alone impossible) to have a ground floor, easy/mid access, 7:30pm-Midnight gig for 100 people at either, and that's what I was basing my post on.

[funkymook]

I thought it was an 'all things being equal', 'level playing field' type question? (original post stated 'for instance...identical bookings' - it's hypothetical)

Once you start introducing real world variations between our two imaginary bookings then you will obviously get a different answer - which makes the exceptions people are adding a bit pointless - unless I've missed the point myself? :confused:

[Excalibur]

I thought it was an 'all things being equal', 'level playing field' type question? (original post stated 'for instance...identical bookings' - it's hypothetical)

Once you start introducing real world variations between our two imaginary bookings then you will obviously get a different answer - which makes the exceptions people are adding a bit pointless - unless I've missed the point myself? :confused:

Or I may have missed the point.:daft: Equally likely.

Angela, check Google images for the steps at Carlton Towers. ;) ;) ;) The only club I know to rival it is the RAOB in Goole!:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:
Those stairs appear to be nearly vertical.


Personally, I don't think we can expect to have identical gigs in such disparate venues.

Oh, and do you realise that with these two differing venues it's quite likely that you'll offer the identical service, but not an identical service. ;) ;)

If we could only agree on what the question was, this would be a good thread. :D :D :D

[Corabar Entertainment]

I have to be frank here, Peter.... I'm having difficulties in comprehending why you (and others) are having difficulties in comprehending the question!

:lol:

[Mark Wild]

I have to be frank here, Peter.... I'm having difficulties in comprehending why you (and others) are having difficulties in comprehending the question!

:lol:

Indeed !! lol

[funkymook]

Or I may have missed the point.:daft: Equally likely.

Angela, check Google images for the steps at Carlton Towers. ;) ;) ;) The only club I know to rival it is the RAOB in Goole!:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:
Those stairs appear to be nearly vertical.


Personally, I don't think we can expect to have identical gigs in such disparate venues.

Oh, and do you realise that with these two differing venues it's quite likely that you'll offer the identical service, but not an identical service. ;) ;)

If we could only agree on what the question was, this would be a good thread. :D :D :D

I read it as - do you charge more for gigs in expensive upmarket venues than for the same gig at cheaper downmarket venues? (or less for vice versa). Taking it as a given that they are equal access, equal mileage, equal hours, equal set-up etc. to avoid clouding the question with real world variables.

Otherwise it's just - do you charge different prices for different gigs?
With all the 'exceptions/inclusions/what if's/and's/but's' that entails.

[Excalibur]

I have to be frank here, Peter.... I'm having difficulties in comprehending why you (and others) are having difficulties in comprehending the question!

:lol:

Probably because some think the scenario illustrated in the original question is like the square root of minus one: Imaginary.

I'm quite happy to compare apples with apples, but not pineapples. ;)

If you like, I shall try to suspend disbelief, and have a go at the question as posed, but I'll have to have a run up at that one. ;)

[funkymook]

It's pretend! :D

[Excalibur]

It's pretend! :D

Whaaaaaaaat? :eek: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: Nobody told me that.

Blimey, I make one of my rare excursions to the Real World, and you lot move the flamin' goalposts. Harrumph.

[Takeiteasy]

I would say its human nature to always try and get the best deal out of someone whether it be you buying something or selling your services.

[funkymook]

I would say its human nature to always try and get the best deal out of someone whether it be you buying something or selling your services.

You can say it - but you'd be wrong!

If some people are happy to bung on a few extra quid for no other reason than 'just because they can' that's up to them - but some people have more integrity than that.

[Corabar Entertainment]

I have to say, I am really surprised at this thread and the poll!

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Makes two of us Angela

[Javlingames]

Nothing to do with integrity, just business. Some DJ's charge cancellation fee's even when they replace the cancelled date with another booking.

[funkymook]

I have to say, I am really surprised at this thread and the poll!

I'm taking the poll results as an indication of how many people understood the question. Well I'm hoping a fair few answered 'Yes' to their own (wrong) interpretation of the question and would've answered 'No' if they'd understood it!

As for those who understood it correctly and answered 'Yes' and also commented on the fact they would charge more - well done for being honest!

[funkymook]

Nothing to do with integrity, just business. Some DJ's charge cancellation fee's even when they replace the cancelled date with another booking.

You appear to be saying integrity has no place in business?

[Javlingames]

You appear to be saying integrity has no place in business?

Er no i didnt. I said it's business.

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Er no i didnt. I said it's business.

So your clients know about this sur-charge then you apply? Do you make it clear to them that if they got married at a different venue it would be cheaper, not because the access is more difficult or its further away but purely because you think if they got the money then that allows you to get paid more for your services?

[Javlingames]

So your clients know about this sur-charge then you apply? Do you make it clear to them that if they got married at a different venue it would be cheaper, not because the access is more difficult or its further away but purely because you think if they got the money then that allows you to get paid more for your services?

If the client thinks you are worth it, they will pay it. Simples.

[DeckstarDeluxe]

If the client thinks you are worth it, they will pay it. Simples.

Nicely dodged the question there, so I will take that as a no.

[Javlingames]

There is no question to answer from your post because its not a surcharge, and i wouldnt ever advice them where to get married.

For the record I dont charge extra for awkward access, which you do im guessing?

[DeckstarDeluxe]

There is no question to answer from your post because its not a surcharge, and i wouldnt ever advice them where to get married.

For the record I dont charge extra for awkward access, which you do im guessing?


There is a question you just don't want to admit on here that you do charge the client extra without them knowing so don't go trying to turn it on me.

In regards to your question if I have a venue where I require to employ an roadie be it access issues or a time scale thing then I will pass this onto the client with them knowing the extra cost involved. This of course isn't what the OP was about.

[funkymook]

Er no i didnt. I said it's business.

Fair enough - shoddy business in my opinion though!

[Javlingames]

There is a question you just don't want to admit on here that you do charge the client extra without them knowing so don't go trying to turn it on me.

In regards to your question if I have a venue where I require to employ an roadie be it access issues or a time scale thing then I will pass this onto the client with them knowing the extra cost involved. This of course isn't what the OP was about.

Like I said its not a surchage. Ive already admitted I charge more for upmarket venues as apposed to dives., im not hiding anything. I think Im the only one who has admitted to it.

Well as i stated I dont charge extra for awkward get in's.


Fair enough - shoddy business in my opinion though!

Thats your opinion and i have to respect that.

[ppentertainments]

I have to say, I am really surprised at this thread and the poll!
I'm not, hence why I started it to check if it was a nationwide issue. I know a few have misunderstood the question, but I think even if we discounted those votes the poll is 'interesting'

[yourdj]

For the record I dont charge extra for awkward access

What happens if you turn up to a venue that takes 1-2 hours more than normal to set up then?
Surly thats wasted time. If you were Djing you would be charging £50-100 an hour.
TBH I would rather be Djing than lugging equipment through fields and up stairs etc. :D

Seems more logical than moving your pricing goal posts to suit (what you think) is someone's budget based on the venue they are having a function.

I have people all the time getting married in Five star hotels that have decided to spend £500 on a cake and £200 on a DJ.
I do not think budget and venue have anything to do with what a client will pay unless as you say it is a real dive.

Some people realise that a DJ can make a wedding and others do not. Some weddings do not need that either as they have other things going on.
Neither of which have nothing to do with the venue but more to do with how the client sees (or requires) the service.


I think Im the only one who has admitted to it.

Fair enough - good for admitting it and its common practice. I must admit a venue does have influence on the gigs I take or leave.

But changing your prices willy nilly to suit what a client may want to pay is not good business. But thats my opinion :)
Seeking the types of clients you want and setting a defined pricing structure is. Again IMO.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Ok.... 2 examples from last year as to why I charge the same no matter what (whether the customer is rolling in it or not).

2010 - Wedding in June - Very posh couple, parents absolutely stinking rich and the party was in a huge marquee on the grounds of their mansion. No expense spared, it was amazing and probably one of the most expensive, extravagant weddings I have done. I was booked from 7.30pm - Midnight but by the time the speeches were done etc etc...I started at just before 9.00pm. Around 200 guests, half of which stood outside all evening. The other half....well, around 30 people dancing all evening (which I guess is ok but that's not my point).

To that customer, the Disco didn't seem to be important but they didn't even flinch at the price (pennies to them I suppose?) and it didn't seem to be important to the guests either but the customer was more than happy at the end of the day.

2010 - Wedding in August - This was at the opposite end of the scale! It was in a venue in town which is near to a pretty dodgy estate. Again, around 200 guests and every single one of them knew how to enjoy themselves! It was a kind of D.I.Y. wedding with the buffet being homemade etc etc....it looked like a budget wedding but the price they paid for the Disco Entertainment was exactly the same as the other one I mentioned above. This customer didn't even question the price because he said that the Disco, in his mind was very important and it was important to him that his guests enjoyed themselves....and they did! The feedback was fantastic!

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Ok.... 2 examples from last year as to why I charge the same no matter what (whether the customer is rolling in it or not).



Probably being a bit thick Gary, but I'm not seeing the reason why you are charging the same for everyone?

[Shakermaker Promotions]

No, you're not being thick...It's probably the way I wrote that and it didn't come out too right.

What I mean is.....(for example) - If 2 customers enquired about Disco Entertainment and they were both 7.30pm - Midnight jobs, both nearby but in different venues etc...I would charge them the same.
The venue makes no difference to me to be honest, it's ME they are paying for and the service.

[djtrev]

Ok.... 2 examples from last year as to why I charge the same no matter what (whether the customer is rolling in it or not). ................................

!

Spot on.

What on earth is there not to understand about that

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Spot on.

What on earth is there not to understand about that

Are you purposely being rude?

[djtrev]

Gary is saying that his price is the same for both examples.Rich man poor man.
Are you saying that that you would be charging the rich man more for the same level of service.
If you are then perhaps you could explain why.
And no I was not being rude.Not even on purpose.
I was a bit surprised that you needed to ask Gary the question though.lol

[Excalibur]

Gary is saying that his price is the same for both examples.Rich man poor man.
Are you saying that that you would be charging the rich man more for the same level of service.
If you are then perhaps you could explain why.
And no I was not being rude.Not even on purpose.
I was a bit surprised that you needed to ask Gary the question though.lol

If it helps, I was just as baffled as Darren, until Gary explained.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Are you saying that that you would be charging the rich man more for the same level of service.

Er...no. :confused:



I was a bit surprised that you needed to ask Gary the question though.lol

So you thought you'd add your own concerned reply? Thanks.

[soundtracker]

I have one venue where I charge more than my standard cost......why? Because the venue tipped me off that I was way too cheap compared with the other suppliers! When I was quoting my standard price, I wasn't getting any takers, now the price has gone up, I do! Go figure!

[Excalibur]

Right folks, I have applied considerable thought to what the question actually asks, which world we're talking about, real or otherwise, and having done that to my satisfaction, I was then able to consider the question in depth.

After giving the matter deep thought ( and rejecting the answer 42 ) I have come to the conclusion that there is no way I can answer the question with the options and information provided. Why?

Becuase I never do two identical gigs. I provide a bespoke service, tailored exactly to the client, the occasion, and the venue. Once any one of those three variables changes, so does the whole ballgame. I can't be giving blanket assurances when I follow the practice: "Never the same twice"!

Sorry for that and all, but there we are.

[ppentertainments]

One thing I have learned from this thread is people must have some really complicated pricing strategies :confused: :confused:

[Excalibur]

One thing I have learned from this thread is people must have some really complicated pricing strategies :confused: :confused:

Nah. Dartboard. ;) :D

[yourdj]

Spot on.

What on earth is there not to understand about that

I can see what he is on about and cannot se why that would be perceived as rude. :)

There are allot of people who cannot afford me or people who have budgeted below what a good DJ should be paid and spent the rest of the budget on a cake. Or people who are rolling in it and can afford to pay three times more.

Either way my fee is a calculated estimation of what I think I am worth to perform for the alloted times required as well as access, distance and what not. :) I would not change it willy nilly just because I can, or perhaps think I can based on the venue or how posh the client sounds. :D

There are allot of cor blimy rich people out there living in normal houses, just being careful but will shell out a fortune for their child's wedding. :)
Or poor people getting married in big venues and not having much budget left for anything else. :)

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Done two events in WMC's this month and both awesome events. Full price and lovely people.

[chrisj]

Just home from a 50th birthday party at Anglian Windows Social Club, Norwich where access is easy, stage is ok and staff were great. Just because it is aneasy place to work does not mean I do it any cheaper.
But if I work at avenue where it is upstairs I will charge more. I do not have a standard fee.