Longer playing times?

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Something I have noticed in the last few months, is that people seem to want to pay the same price, but for longer playing times. I have quoted for quite a few functions in the last few days, with a 6 - 6:30pm start and 12:30am finish.

Is this because people are expecting more for their money due to the recession?

[Nexus]

Funny you should start this thread, I was about to post on good gig bad gig but its seems more appropriate here. Did a wedding recently where I quoted for a four hour function (8 - 12) with an early set up. Following the set up they suddenly wanted background music from 5.30pm - 6.30pm then the disco until 12midnight. However, they didn't want to pay any more money and were quite shocked when I quoted for the extra hours with the comment 'but you'll be there anyway'. Ended up coming to a financial compromise on the extra hours but was made to feel guilty!

Also had more enquiries such as yours for longer functions for the same money.

I've also noticed more enquiries for functions where they want a quote for two hours as there's a band playing until 10pm!

Funny though, I wonder what their response would be if in their employers asked them to work 2 extra hours for the same money?

[funkymook]

Sounds like they have the venue booked for that time so don't want it standing empty.

I'm prepared to play from the moment I'm ready. As I never go off site once set-up it's easier for me to have the one quote to cover either scenario.

I quote all functions based on 5 hours regardless of start and end times - any more time than that I'll add extra charges.

[Danno13]

I have two this month, booked till 12 but have sent my request form back with a 1am finish, fine.. but it'll cost you!

[Nexus]

I agree, If I've qouted for an 8pm start and I've set up by 7pm I'm more than happy to start playing. But for this one on the original quote it was specifically for 4 hours and when I mentioned background music etc at the time they said no. It was definitely a case of get him in early and have a longer disco for no extra cost.

I've even had a 2pm set-up for an 7pm start. They also expected music immediately after set-up, where does it end and when do you say no? As soon as I started on that one i started getting requests.

I'm more than happy to play background music all day but will quote appropriately. Before you know it a four or five hour function turns into a 6 or 8 hour one for the same price.

[sweetie]

Then people think you're a crap dj when the people aren't dancing from 6.30pm even though the first dance hasn't even happened yet.

[Mark Wild]

I think they're unsure of what time they want the DJ to start to be honest, 8P.M - buffet is bad enough for us guys but when they ask you to start at 6/6.30 P.M ! Nightmare !

I've had a few of these recently too, personally I think 8.30 P.M - 12.30 a.m is about right, although I do quote for 5 hours as standard.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Yes Darren, I've had a few like that over the past few weeks too. I think it may be down to people getting married earlier and don't want to hang around all day waiting for the evening's entertainment to start. The ones that I have had like that are mainly when the majority of the guests are there all day and there aren't many attending in the evening.

At the one I did on saturday, they got married at Midday and I wasn't starting until 7.00pm. They has their own P.A. set up and were singing songs etc...

I have suggested on a couple of occasions that should it be the case that they want you to start earlier because everyone is there all day, maybe it's worth finishing earlier? I always quote for 4.5hrs so they could do 6.00pm - 10.30pm and then everybody isn't too knackered and the 2 enquirers that I mentioned it to have booked it that way....mind you, they are thursday weddings in September.

I've also had someone come back to me this morning for a wedding in April 2012. They were going to have a band aswell and I quoted them for the Disco as I normally would. They've decided that they may not have a band now and have asked if the price is the same or if it will go up.

[Wayno]

Noticed here too, I've even had some book 8-12 then try to stretch the timings closer to the event expecting there to be no additional cost.

In my honest opinion I think 4hours is the optimum time for DJing, any longer than this really is just background music and quite boring playing to an empty floor.

[kieran Griff]

I get this a lot, pricing gigs is something I am struggling with at present.

[Shaun]

Hi Kieran,

Please take a moment to click on the link below.

http://www.forum.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/showthread.php?t=11711

Thanks.