Need a Disco

[simonp]

I mentioned at the start of the year that one of this years aims was to turn around and convert an 'enquiry' from needadisco. I've decided this is absolutely impossible. The latest gem I've been invited to bid for states a 16-21st party in the price range it states

'Customer requires a quality DJ' - ok I think I'm in here

next line

Most Important Aspect: Lowest Price

what is the point :shrug: :shrug: :shrug:

There's no facebook account associated with the email address, what kind of a 16-21 year old doen't have a facebook account!

I'm not even going to waste 5 minutes of me life replying, I've wasted that 5 minutes ranting here and feel better for it :D

[Mark Wild]

'Customer requires a quality DJ' - ok I think I'm in here


Ya think? :D

[simonp]

Ya think? :D

bum hole - that's where it's all going wrong......................... :(

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Simon, I've been signed up for a year to the day on needadisco. Currently trying to work out if it is worth the money and to be fair if Martin wasn't running it there wouldn't be any question about it.

I have yet to receive a single reply yet alone a booking!. On balance the AMPDJ leads are just as bad so debating about using the money from a few of these sites and going for one quality site such as hitched etc....

[Excalibur]

Simon, I've been signed up for a year to the day on needadisco. Currently trying to work out if it is worth the money and to be fair if Martin wasn't running it there wouldn't be any question about it.

I have yet to receive a single reply yet alone a booking!. On balance the AMPDJ leads are just as bad so debating about using the money from a few of these sites and going for one quality site such as hitched etc....

I have converted a few of those Neil. The failure rate is admittedly very high, but since I have my PLI with them, it's a bonus.

[simonp]

Simon, I've been signed up for a year to the day on needadisco. Currently trying to work out if it is worth the money and to be fair if Martin wasn't running it there wouldn't be any question about it.

I have yet to receive a single reply yet alone a booking!. On balance the AMPDJ leads are just as bad so debating about using the money from a few of these sites and going for one quality site such as hitched etc....

Same as RE: not a single reply - and the Martin connection is the only reason for me too. I've converted a few with AMPDJ (these have filled a blank date close to home) - But definitely on the same wavelength as you in considering a different site.

[Vectis]

To be fair guys, Neil in particular, you've not really made best use of the site from a lead generation point of view.

For instance, the best quality leads tend to come via the needaweddingdisco route - and here Neil isn't even represented due to lack of DJmark. Simon is running at a Silver level therefore not particularly well ranked and probably missing out on a lot of leads where the client has requested the top 3 or top 5 DJs (quite common).

Also, needadisco isn't just about lead generation.

Happy to answer more specific questions and offer advice by email or PM.

:beer1:


Edit: When did "Lowest Priced, Quality DJ" stop being a valid requirement?

[Dynamic Entertainment]

I have converted 3/4 high paid needadisco gigs

[yourdj]

I have converted 3/4 high paid needadisco gigs

how many in a year out of interest :) and what net fee.

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Ok, having just checked, 3 this year alone, and each of then over £450, which in this area is at the top end from what im lead to believe by more experienced folks round here.

One last year which was £375.

needless to say, I will be signing up again....and it is worth noting that these 3 came in after i reworded my reply ;)

[marting]

As an un established dj in my area starting out i have to say that need a disco has paid for itself several times over.

[DeckstarDeluxe]

I didn't even know there was a needaweddingdisco site.........:S

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I have taken one booking and that was a £700+ booking.

Personally, I think they have too much choice in terms of contacting 10+ people at the same time.

If people get 10+ replies, they are just going to look for the cheapest price IMO.

[Shaun]

Simon, I've been signed up for a year to the day on needadisco. Currently trying to work out if it is worth the money and to be fair if Martin wasn't running it there wouldn't be any question about it.

I have yet to receive a single reply yet alone a booking!

That sums up my whole experience of said site for me too. :(

[DeckstarDeluxe]

I have taken one booking and that was a £700+ booking.

Personally, I think they have too much choice in terms of contacting 10+ people at the same time.

If people get 10+ replies, they are just going to look for the cheapest price IMO.

See if I replied to one that was posted 30 minutes ago the client has received at least ten replies.

[Vectis]

See if I replied to one that was posted 30 minutes ago the client has received at least ten replies.

Hence why we go out of our way to provide more insight into the customer's buying criteria, such as homing in on their budget expectations and asking them how they will judge the responses.

If you find, for example, that responses to requests for high quality DJs for 21st birthday parties in community centres are not for you, then use the extensive filtering tools to ensure you don't receive such quotes in the future.

For the quotes you DO receive, use the additional information provided to decide whether they're for you or not before you put time into responding.

Simples.

:)

[simonp]

I didn't even know there was a needaweddingdisco site.........:S

Me neither :o


See if I replied to one that was posted 30 minutes ago the client has received at least ten replies.

and gone with the cheapest - exactly.

and as Martin said earlier about a Quality DJ at the lowest price being a valid requirement - yes I suppose in the strictest sense of the word it is a valid requirement, but c'mon let's be real, surely if you're asking for a budget price (and let's not play around with words, it's what she's after (lowest price, cheapest or however you want to dress it up)) you shouldn't be putting quality DJ in the other bracket as the two statements don't really marry together do they - Quality DJ = Lowest Price - Naw, not buying that at all I'm afraid.

[Shaun]

If you find, for example, that responses to requests for high quality DJs for 21st birthday parties in community centres are not for you, then use the extensive filtering tools to ensure you don't receive such quotes in the future.


:)

One of the main niggles for me is that I have my settings set to only receive leads from those that have specified "Quality DJ" leads (at least I think I do*). Yet I still get leads for people requesting "a range of quotes". I'd be much happier if I only received leads only from the ones that have specified wanting a "quality DJ".

Have I gone wrong somewhere within my settings?


*Edit: Yep, just checked that I have my settings set to just "quality leads". I can't see any opt out for "range of leads".

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Hence why we go out of our way to provide more insight into the customer's buying criteria, such as homing in on their budget expectations and asking them how they will judge the responses.

If you find, for example, that responses to requests for high quality DJs for 21st birthday parties in community centres are not for you, then use the extensive filtering tools to ensure you don't receive such quotes in the future.

Simples.

:)

The thing is Martin I am more than happy to quote for those types of functions. I've yet to actually filter out the budget leads. I consider myself a "Mid priced DJ" yet I bet the clients view of mid priced isn't the same as mine.

[Vectis]

Have I gone wrong somewhere within my settings?

Edit: Yep, just checked that I have my settings set to just "quality leads". I can't see any opt out for "range of leads".


Originally there were just 3 to choose from - budget, mid-priced and quality.

Feedback from customers showed that a LOT (I'm talking 70%+) didn't have a clue about DJ costs as they very rarely if ever book one (despite us putting up a table of example costs based on actuals).

Therefore "A range of quotes" was added.

Unfortunately, for the recipient DJ, this can be vague. But everything we do is in line with customer feedback, and this 'range' feature is commonly used.

In these cases you need to look at the other information provided with the quote to determine whether or not to reply.

Hopefully, in time as we build up a decent tail of purchase data, we'll be able to provide indicative costs for any given function type, venue type or geographic area so that they can make a more informed choice and ultimately lose the 'range' option.

:beer1:

[AndyC]

I give the site the thumbs up I have converted a good few since joining and will continue to subscribe when the year is up.

[STEVE HANLEY]

I've converted about 4 in the last 12 months. Will renew again. I must admit though I thought the conversion rate would be higher.

[Charlie Brown]

One £350 wedding. Tis all...

[Vectis]

One £350 wedding. Tis all...

To be fair, your settings state only Quality DJ enquiries in the NG area. Hardly a wide catchment ;)

[Paul The Party Dj]

I've done OK from Need A Disco, not great just OK. I'll certainly stick with it. I've converted several, including a pub that rebooked me - both pub events at a good rate for pub work.

As a search site it's bound to attract a lot of people who are price driven, discerning potential clients would probably search in a different way - using key word searches or asking friends for recommendations. I always hope enquiries for "a range of quotes" will want to know why some of us charge three times more than others - and that's the angle I try and work.

Less face it, even if you only get one booking a year it's well worth it.

[simonp]

Thing is, I'm sure I'd convert at 100% if I quoted £100, but I don't!

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Thing is, I'm sure I'd convert at 100% if I quoted £100, but I don't!

Put your prices up then...:D

[simonp]

Put your prices up then...:D

:D and therein lies the answer - Cheers Daz :p

[Vectis]

One £350 wedding. Tis all...


To be fair, your settings state only Quality DJ enquiries in the NG area. Hardly a wide catchment ;)

... and 243 direct clicks through from your listing to your own website in the last 12 months... :o

[Shaun]

Originally there were just 3 to choose from - budget, mid-priced and quality.

Feedback from customers showed that a LOT (I'm talking 70%+) didn't have a clue about DJ costs as they very rarely if ever book one (despite us putting up a table of example costs based on actuals).

Therefore "A range of quotes" was added.

Unfortunately, for the recipient DJ, this can be vague. But everything we do is in line with customer feedback, and this 'range' feature is commonly used.

In these cases you need to look at the other information provided with the quote to determine whether or not to reply.

Hopefully, in time as we build up a decent tail of purchase data, we'll be able to provide indicative costs for any given function type, venue type or geographic area so that they can make a more informed choice and ultimately lose the 'range' option.

:beer1:

Martin,

Thank you for the detailed reply.

Hopefully I'll have more luck with the site in future. :)

[Vectis]

Hopefully I'll have more luck with the site in future. :)

I'm sure you will... ;) Watch this space :)

It's a living site and all feedback from both members and clients is borne in mind when taking planning decisions. It is currently playing to all market sectors but over time we have a roadmap to change this which should help members servicing specific verticals to receive more realistic enquiries. needaweddingdisco.com is the first step on that roadmap and is a free benefit to all members who've achieved a DJmark award.

I'll stop there before I spill too many beans :daft:

[Shaun]

:thumbsup:

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Funnily enough...theres another one coverted...not a massivly paying gig (£250)...but filled a hole in the diary ;)

[DJDC]

I've converted one or two from NAD.com - but the majority never heard a thing following the initial response. Also I do pick and choose which ones to quote on, but at the price I paid even one booking made has paid for itself. I covered a job only last Sunday, the crowd were far from a dancing crowd, but the client was happy at the end of the night, and would recommend so job done, he found NAD quite easy to use ad saved a lot of hassle he did not tell me how may responses he had or the range of prices, other than he did get some. Done the same with AMPDJ but the leads are fewer and far between in comparsion but managed to turn 2 of these into bookings in the last 12 months, so again paid for itself. I would sign up to both again, as every little helps!!!!

[Vectis]

Interesting client comment from a quote closure request this evening...

(copied and pasted)

"All the DJs that sent me an email were cheap and either had no website or had a useless one..."


:zip:

[DeckstarDeluxe]

What did she put as the budget Martin?

[Vectis]

What did she put as the budget Martin?

This specific quote was for 'a range of quotes' for a wedding in a 4* hotel, evening do only in August next year.

[Andy Collins]

What area was that in?? I'll add it :D

[Mark Wild]

Interesting client comment from a quote closure request this evening...

(copied and pasted)

"All the DJs that sent me an email were cheap and either had no website or had a useless one..."


:zip:

So she won't be using need-a-disco again, will she.

[sandysounds]

Whether the lead is from Need a disco, AMPdj, NADJ or your own site there's going to be clients that:
1. just want the cheapest
or
2. have an unrealistic idea of fee...but can be persuaded

One thing many people forget when replying to either a lead from Need a disco or AMPdj is that they know very little about you, so your response needs to take this into consideration. Only the other day I helped an AMPdj member with his email response because he couldn't convert... and he immediately converted.

It's very easy to blame the source of a lead.... but if you get 20 leads... they can't all be 'bad'. My advice is to look at your response.

Sites like Need a disco get criticised because more than one DJ gets that lead. Errrr....when a client contacts you via your own site, the chances are they have contacted others too.... so no difference. I know this for an absolute fact! If I receive an enquiry from my site, I can guarantee my partner will receive the same one!

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Funnily enough, as AMP has been mentioned.

Ive had a couple of enquiries through from them since signing up...mainly for the PLI...in July. I had one last minute enquiry come through for last night as their DJ had let them down....it was a £350 booking which I got.... so AMP has more than paid for itself too...

[marting]

Two leads converted this week i'm obviously too cheap

[pdarnett]

Thinking about ditching my "gold" UK Disco listing this time, and fancied needadisco instead.

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Thinking about ditching my "gold" UK Disco listing this time, and fancied needadisco instead.

UK Disco does nothing at all for me...waste of time ;)

[Vectis]

You wonder why some people struggle to win work.... :confused:

Very occasionally a member inadvertently replies to the "Do Not Reply" notification email address instead of sending their pitch to the client address provided.

Just had one back tonight. I've copied and pasted the entire reply below.


Hi our price is £250.00 please advise as soon as possible rgds


End of. :o Not even a company name, and the email used to send the "quote" is a personal one.

Next they'll be on some forum moaning that they've never converted a needadisco lead.... :sofa:

[Shaun]

Next they'll be on some forum moaning that they've never converted a needadisco lead.... :sofa:

:lol:

[ian8limelight]

I'm a fairly new member to 'needadisco.com'. The number of leads is certainly greater than 'AMPdj' and I'm still working on converting my first lead to a booking :o , so have read the posts here with great interest.

If anyone has any advice about the 'responses' that they have provided to prospective clients (which have worked :) ), I would appreciate it.

[Vectis]

If anyone has any advice about the 'responses' that they have provided to prospective clients (which have worked :) ), I would appreciate it.

Pretty much the same response as you would give to any quality enquiry, really. But bear in mind that the person receiving the communication doesn't know you from Adam. Most users of the site simply instruct us to provide them with X number of quotes based on the basic information that you are provided - ie. contact details, venue, date, type of function, budget expectations, most important aspect and so on, so you need to start the response with a brief introduction and mention needadisco so they know where it came from!

We rarely get complaints from site visitors, but when we do they generally tend to be along the lines of "rubbish responses, poor websites, no confidence in the company" so it's imperative that responses are informative, targeted, well worded, SPELCHEKKD and read well.

80% of this can be done from a base template of course, topped and tailed with specifics pertaining to the lead in question.

HTH.

[ian8limelight]

Pretty much the same response as you would give to any quality enquiry, really. But bear in mind that the person receiving the communication doesn't know you from Adam. Most users of the site simply instruct us to provide them with X number of quotes based on the basic information that you are provided - ie. contact details, venue, date, type of function, budget expectations, most important aspect and so on, so you need to start the response with a brief introduction and mention needadisco so they know where it came from!

We rarely get complaints from site visitors, but when we do they generally tend to be along the lines of "rubbish responses, poor websites, no confidence in the company" so it's imperative that responses are informative, targeted, well worded, SPELCHEKKD and read well.

80% of this can be done from a base template of course, topped and tailed with specifics pertaining to the lead in question.

HTH.

Indeed Martin, points well made and I hope that I manage to capture all of these within a professionally formed reply.

IMO, these need to be made in a reply that is 'to the point' but without being too much of a "rambling", as some people get put off having to read too much detail :eek:

Guess I need to update my profile and get to the 'quality standard' mark :D

[simonp]

You wonder why some people struggle to win work.... :confused:

Very occasionally a member inadvertently replies to the "Do Not Reply" notification email address instead of sending their pitch to the client address provided.

Just had one back tonight. I've copied and pasted the entire reply below.


Hi our price is £250.00 please advise as soon as possible rgds


End of. :o Not even a company name, and the email used to send the "quote" is a personal one.

Next they'll be on some forum moaning that they've never converted a needadisco lead.... :sofa:

I don't think anyone is surprised if that's how they reply - And if that's a veiled dig at me Martin, think on!

My generic template for a reply is pretty much the same whether the lead comes direct via my website, AMDj, needadisco etc etc - so how does that same reply convert a very high %age with the others and 0% with needadisco? answers on a postcard ...............

Anyway, this is a direct copy paste from my latest need a disco lead - but hey at least I'm getting somewhere, I got a reply :lol:

"Hi, thank you very much for the quote you do sound great and Like you know exactly what the customer wants, unfortunately I think I completely underestimated the cost of a dj, and it seems a lot over our budget, but maybe I'll get back to you if that's ok? Many thanks "

[Vectis]

If that's a veiled dig at me Martin, think on!


Not at all Simon. Not my style. :)

T'wasn't a dig at anyone except perhaps the member who thinks that "Hi our price is £250.00 please advise as soon as possible rgds" is a valid response to a client quote request.

[simonp]

Not at all Simon. Not my style. :)

T'wasn't a dig at anyone except perhaps the member who thinks that "Hi our price is £250.00 please advise as soon as possible rgds" is a valid response to a client quote request.

Fair enough, but to a casual glance from the uneducated it looks like a direct reference to me and implies that I'm the one who sent the £250 quote. Have a re-read, you'll see what I mean - you're last sentence looks like a reference to me as it's me who started the thread about not converting a lead and the way it's phrased it looks like me who sent the quote.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Fair enough, but to a casual glance from the uneducated it looks like a direct reference to me and implies that I'm the one who sent the £250 quote. Have a re-read, you'll see what I mean - you're last sentence looks like a reference to me as it's me who started the thread about not converting a lead and the way it's phrased it looks like me who sent the quote.

I think you're getting paranoid in your old age Pridders...:lol:

As Martin says, and I know this to be true, it ain't his style.

[Vectis]

Fair enough, but to a casual glance from the uneducated it looks like a direct reference to me and implies that I'm the one who sent the £250 quote. Have a re-read, you'll see what I mean - you're last sentence looks like a reference to me as it's me who started the thread about not converting a lead and the way it's phrased it looks like me who sent the quote.


Not at all ... I know who sent the quote and I'm 99% sure they're not a member here, unless they're under a totally unidentifiable handle, which is why I posted.

[Shaun]

Yay! Finally got a booking via needadisco.

[soundmaster mobile disco]

Yay! Finally got a booking via needadisco.



Congratulations Shaun Thats one more than i ever had.Hence the reason i am no longer part of it.

[Vectis]

Yay! Finally got a booking via needadisco.

:beerchug:

[hammy]

Well done Shaun. :beer1:

[Shaun]

Congratulations Shaun Thats one more than i ever had.Hence the reason i am no longer part of it.

Low paying mid-week 2 hour event. Still, it's a start.

[JDB Entertainment]

In my opinion for the price I pay and the amount of leads and traffic i get to the site, it is well worth it.

You only need 1 booking a year to make it worth while in my opinion. :)

[Roger T]

Nothing for me via this route so far either.

[simonp]

Yay! Finally got a booking via needadisco.

I've had more luck finding hens teeth :lol: Care to share the secret of your success? ;)

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I am getting around 3 enquiries per day from Needadisco. Most of them want a Budget DJ and are too far away for me to make it worthwhile doing so I have not sent a quotation. I have had a few that I have sent quotations to that have been a bit more local and want Mid Price or Higher and I have converted 2 bookings but that's out of about 15 that I have sent quotes too.

[simonp]

Actually in all honesty I haven't bidded for the last few that have come through 1. the location wasn't right or 2. the event wasn't me or 3. they are requesting a mid price DJ, and I've come to realise the mid-price mindset on there isn't me. The other week I called a number (requesting mid price etc etc) but it rang through so I left a voicemail message. About 5 miniutes later the phone went - I answered as floorfillerz, the person on the other end said "Oh hi is this 'name' from 'whatever discos?"
Before I could even breathe to say it wasn't, the caller went on" thanks for the quote, £125 sounds absolutely perfect, can we go ahead a book you" :shrug:

nuff said really!

[Shaun]

I've had more luck finding hens teeth :lol: Care to share the secret of your success? ;)

No secret other than it was a very low paying in store promotion. It's for a couple of hours on a Wednesday night so I decided to bite the bullet and go out for the low fee (which was set in stone). I replied quickly and got the impression (rightly or wrongly) that the first one to be able to confirm they could handle the brief and accept the fee would secure the job. which I did.

It's no surprise that we're losing out to the cheap operators by the way the terminology is worded on the site ("You are invited to bid"), the chances are the low cost DJ will win the majority of the time. I'd be really interested to hear how many of the £400 - £600 DJs are securing work from the site. I know one or two have gained a booking at higher fees but I bet that's the exception to the rule. I've not had a sniff or even a reply back from those I have sent a quote to at my regular rates. In the past it's been mentioned that our own responses should be looked at, which I've did. I've tweaked my email response to improve it and still nothing at my regular price via needadisco.

So what's the secret? .....I fear it's to become a low cost DJ. :d

Still, I'll persevere. I always said if i got one booking out of it then it would be worth renewing. I've now got a booking so I will be renewing again when it comes time. :)


Just wanted to add...my comments are honest and based on my personal thoughts and experience with the site, and in no way a dig at Martin or his service. I have the utmost respect for Mr Vectis, he's a really top bloke and has gone out of his way on many many occasions to offer help and advice to me, which I'm truly indebted to him for. :beer1: :beer1:

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Most of them want a Budget DJ and are too far away

You do know that you can get rid of the budget enquiries and set your areas accordingly?

[Vectis]

You do know that you can get rid of the budget enquiries and set your areas accordingly?

... and types of venues (ie no pubs / no community centres)

... and types of gigs (ie no fundraisers / no sports & social events)


Without wanting to open up an inappropriately-placed discussion, let's just reiterate that I'm always open to comments and suggestions as to how to improve the site. The biggest, and already beginning to show its worth in respect of the types of enquiries, is needaweddingdisco.com and there's lots more to come to help correctly 'pigeonhole' enquiries to ensure they're routed appropriately to members at all price levels.

And for what it costs, I'm pretty sure you'll get your moneys worth in terms of venue associations, clickthroughs, backlinks, DJmarks and validator logos even if you never answer a single quote request!

[Shaun]

You do know that you can get rid of the budget enquiries and set your areas accordingly?

To an extent, yes. I have mine set to 'quality leads only', but if someone with a specific budget in mind selects the option to 'request a range of quotes', I receive those leads too, despite selecting quality leads only. I've already previously mentioned this to Martin which he has responded to. :)

[Daryll]

I get one or two enquires a week , some I look at and decline , other's I will quote for , so far I have converted three weddings in the last year , so it works for me.

Daryll

[Fullforceeventsltd]

I pick and choose what I quote. Some are too far to compete for a budget or mid price enquiry but ok if they want a quality one.

I like the site and have converted quite a few leads. I've also pointed potential clients to the site that have contacted me but I was not free.

I'm constantly looking at my responses and updating and rewriting as necessary.

[DJDC]

I review each enquiry before deciding which ones I can accomodate, some I'm already booked, some too far away, for the specific date (high risk winter period), and there's always just don't interest me, I know that might sound wrong, but whilst I want to earn money I don't DJ just for that, my key driver is to see people enjoy a good night and for me to finish the night feeling it's a job well done, so with some enquiries I don't feel inspired enough to bid.

I try to ensure my responses are unique, that I respond on the day of receipt, and try to keep responses more detailed than once sentance.

I do respond to about 60% of those I get and have turned one into a booking, and did get to discuss one possible enquiry with a client, other than that I've never had any other feedback or response on any quote.

When I quote I only price a job in accordance with the prices I know other local DJ's would charge for the event type, venue, times. For example I know other DJ's who charge far more than me but don't offer much more in the way of kit, or service. I can only assume that there's always someone who's quoting cheaper.

I think the hardest aspect is that you don't get any feedback on your quote, so it's hit and miss until you find the best mix.

[Vectis]

I think the hardest aspect is that you don't get any feedback on your quote

Watch this space ;) Highly dependant upon co-operative customers though :o

[DJDC]

I appreciate that's the hardest part Vectis, that's the only reason why I cannot convert my DJ mark to Platinum, plenty of customers give me positive verbal feedback, but often nothing in an email / etc so cannot vailidate it. I've only managed to get this year to get 2 comments on facebook that could possibly be validated. Virtually none of my work comes from the net, a fair proportion of it is last minute DJ referals, with some work coming from friends.

[simonp]

I think the hardest aspect is that you don't get any feedback on your quote

Absolutely, I think that's certainly part of the frustration - how can a reply convert nearly everything elsewhere convert nothing with need a disco.


Watch this space ;) Highly dependant upon co-operative customers though :o
I'd really look forward to that if I could be put in place - my gripes aren't a dig at you Martin but more aimed at the people placing the requirements for a disco/dj on the site but not being completely honest with themselves and what they actually really want.

[Vectis]

I'd really look forward to that if I could be put in place

Now in beta :)

Those who place a bid (successful or not) will get an email **IF** the customer closes the quote request (they do get a reminder after 2 weeks) and you'll get to see everything we see EXCEPT the amount agreed which will always be confidential (but is used to hone our averages table) or who won the job if not you (although with a bit of patience you can get this from the site).

In due course we will add some kind of marker to show whether the agreed amount is in line with the expected average for the type of event, area etc..

Just one exception - if you choose not to bid, you don't get told the result.



Incidentally in testing this tonight I've personally closed three leads - one at £155 for a home-based 16th, one at £400 for a 40th birthday and a wedding at £595, so the jobs are definitely there ;)

[DJDC]

Martin I do like the site, the format took a little bit of gettign used to, felt strange everyone been able to see everything i.e no actual log in, but in my first year it has given me one booking at £175, so it has paid for itsel.

My conversion rate from AMPDJ has been much higher % wise, this year (3) bookings converted out of around 12 quotes. I've lost count how many NAD.com ones I've responded to.

I'm not overly worried I will quote what I believe is appropiate, and the client can take it or not, it's their choice. I will say i've not quoted once yet over £200, and am putting more time into my responses, and I would join again next year! It's paid for itself, so must not grumble. And between both have 4 jobs I would not have had, which paid for my holiday / visit to family on the IOW.

[AndyC]

My conversion rate from AMPDJ was a big fat zero lots of quotes sent out but nothing back.

So far, and this is my first year with need a disco I have converted 3 all at £250 and above so I am happy with the results but it would be nice if the clients responded one way or another even when you mark the e-mail as response requested most people tend to ignore it.

I have only had one enquiery from the disco directory site since i joined which I converted so 100% conversion rate there:D

UK disco is another site I get very few from but this year managed to convert one

Every little helps Keep up the good work Martin

Andy

[Daryll]

Some people do respond to a quote , I received this yesterday.

Many thanks for getting back to me so promptly, however I have decided to go with another quote I have been provided with.

Kind regards

H**** L****

Which I think is nice , even though I did not get the gig

[hammy]

Watch this space ;) Highly dependant upon co-operative customers though :o

That would be good


Some people do respond to a quote , I received this yesterday.

Many thanks for getting back to me so promptly, however I have decided to go with another quote I have been provided with.

Kind regards

H**** L****

Which I think is nice , even though I did not get the gig

Wish most of them did that

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I've had 4 enquires from the site today.
2 of them I was already booked for.
1 of them was too far away and wanted a Budget DJ.

The other one I have responded to as it's local and I am free so we'll see how that progresses.

[Vectis]

1 of them was too far away and wanted a Budget DJ.

So ...

1. Change your coverage area
2. Change your price bands

Simples bow out

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Getting on to that now mate.

[funkymook]

Out of interest how many people who are listed on NeedaDisco (or similar sites) have actually looked at what the client goes through to get a quote? As in following the process themselves (but stopping before generating a lead of course).

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Well, I got an enquiry from a Hotel looking for DJs for Xmas and next year. I emailed 4 times and rang and left messages several times and eventually got an appointment to see them.

Had a meeting earlier this week and sent a proposal to them and?

I was too expensive....

[Vectis]

I was too expensive....

Well at least they know who to call when it all goes pear shaped with the cheaper supplier :o

Sorry it didn't work out Darren, but you've at least highlighted the site's potential to reach out of the box, which is a direction we've been pushing our marketing of late.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Well at least they know who to call when it all goes pear shaped with the cheaper supplier :o

Sorry it didn't work out Darren, but you've at least highlighted the site's potential to reach out of the box, which is a direction we've been pushing our marketing of late.

Yep, I was making the point that there is work worth chasing and the enquiries are there, but also that they do seem to be very price driven.

[hammy]

I was just looking and in September I received 45 leads from NAD I didnt quote for them all but to me just the leads alone where there is potentially 45 gigs is worth the yearly fee

[Fullforceeventsltd]

I've just confirmed another 3 gigs this week as a direct result from needadisco. 1 high end all day wedding and 2 mid priced gigs.

Just out of interest does anyone follow up quotes they send out from enquiries from needadisco. To be honest I dont usually bother. I send the quote and that's it. Just wondered if anyone has had and conversions or any luck following their quote up after a few days or so.

[yourdj]

I've just confirmed another 3 gigs this week as a direct result from needadisco. 1 high end all day wedding and 2 mid priced gigs.

Just out of interest does anyone follow up quotes they send out from enquiries from needadisco. To be honest I dont usually bother. I send the quote and that's it. Just wondered if anyone has had and conversions or any luck following their quote up after a few days or so.

What fees were they. I know DJ's who do high end weddings for £150 ;)

[marting]

I have recently emailed 10 clients that i had given quotes to but had no response to either the quote or the quote feedback request.

[Fullforceeventsltd]

What fees were they. I know DJ's who do high end weddings for £150 ;)

The top one is near £700 and the others are standard parties. Any of our all day wedding packages start from £500 and go upwards depending of various factors.

[simonp]

I was just looking and in September I received 45 leads from NAD I didnt quote for them all but to me just the leads alone where there is potentially 45 gigs is worth the yearly fee

Not if you're just wasting your time replying and getting nothing back from those 45 leads!

[theoloyla]

I have only just joined needadisco and have many more leads than I have ever received from UK disco, MDD, SEDA or any of the other various sites I have been listed on. I have quoted for several jobs but not captured one yet. Others I have already been booked on or I didnt fancy at all. I can see I need to improve my listing and will try to do so but may struggle. I too have loads of written testimonials but not e-mails. I have made a living in this biz for 45 years and dont have a website and when I am likely to retire in a few years time I am in no rush to make one. I am also on a hiding to nothing as I am mid price. I dont appeal to the budget market and I dont do all the things that the top end wedding specialists do (and I dont intend to start).
Every now and then I use a search engine to look for discos and today I did so. The usual candidates came up (they must be very clever with computers) including UK Disco and MDD but needadisco wasnt on the first 3 pages to my surprise. How are they getting so many enquiries?

[Vectis]

I can see I need to improve my listing and will try to do so but may struggle.

Don't struggle ... just give me a nudge for anything that's not obvious.



I too have loads of written testimonials but not e-mails.

We're happy with copies - so long as we can contact the clients we don't mind how they arrive, electronic or otherwise. If you want to use snail mail, PM for an address.



How are they getting so many enquiries?

Because I understand from 25 years in the game the thought process of your typical disco booking punter. When building out the site I decided not to compete head-on with UK Disco et al because all that would do is bring duplicate enquiries for the same functions from different sources. Which helps no-one. So we do it differently... ;)

[theoloyla]

Thankyou! Most helpful and attentive. All power to you and lets hope I get a couple of bookings from it!

[tony hollis]

that site seems to be just a vehicle to sell pli, yes their pli price is very good. but why should anyone feel that they have to buy from them. I certainly wouldn't swap from my broker of many years. I'm of the same opinion as Simon.

[Jonathan Ford]

that site seems to be just a vehicle to sell pli, yes their pli price is very good. but why should anyone feel that they have to buy from them. I certainly wouldn't swap from my broker of many years. I'm of the same opinion as Simon.

As far as I'm aware, www.needadisco.com doesn't sell PLI.

[Vectis]

As far as I'm aware, www.needadisco.com doesn't sell PLI.

And you would be 100% right ;)

And we have no intention of ever doing so :beer1:

[tony hollis]

sorry guys didn't mean needadisco i meant the other one mentioned in the thread

[Roger T]

Well after 6 months of trying I've finally got my first booking from needadisco so it was worth the special offer of £20 to sign up.

[Fullforceeventsltd]

Had a disco on Saturday. Bit out of my catchment area. Asked the client how she found us and she said she found the Venue and myself listed via one of the needadisco sites.

[NKR]

Okay after trying a few and failing on many I just got our first need a disco job booked in. Nice little job in the lakes for less than our usual singer DJ fee (from wedding breakfast on), but it starts later than normal, so works out okay.

Therefore I think I will probably renew the subscription when it ends as one of those a year is definitely worth it.

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Okay after trying a few and failing on many I just got our first need a disco job booked in. Nice little job in the lakes for less than our usual singer DJ fee (from wedding breakfast on), but it starts later than normal, so works out okay.

Therefore I think I will probably renew the subscription when it ends as one of those a year is definitely worth it.

:boxer2: Want me to come down there and nick your gigs ;) :D

On a seriousl not, spot on....i find that the site is definately worth the outlay.

Which gid did you win? PM me if you prefer....i may be able to offer some info on the venue if its one youve never been to :)

[NKR]

:boxer2: Want me to come down there and nick your gigs ;) :D

On a seriousl not, spot on....i find that the site is definately worth the outlay.

Which gid did you win? PM me if you prefer....i may be able to offer some info on the venue if its one youve never been to :)

May have to PM you actually as 2012 we are picking up a lot of work in the Lakes area. We seem to have somehow managed to get our SEO right for that area, but can't hit the town next door.

They are all singing jobs mind, I am not running up to the Lakes for pure DJ work that we will leave to you lads.

Got North Lakes Hotel in Penrith in November - We are doing the 25th November Themed party Night http://www.northlakeshotel.com/default.aspx?code=1-9525

Then April we have a cancelled job from last year reorganised to Lodore Falls and then we are at the Newby Bridge Hotel the week after.
Got one at Wordsworth Hotel in Grasmere next year and also Graythwaite Manor in Grange.

I might just have a day out next year and go and vist them all in between a bit of walking :)

[simonp]

Earlier on in this thread (somewhere) I said it was my mission (or likewise words) to get a gig through needadisco by the end of the year











TA DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH


I've only gone and got one - a nice little £500 job for a couple who wanted a mid price DJ - spot on :)


As far as needadisco admin is concerned, I've deleted the original email (from needadisco) giving you the initial information so can't find where to click the 'got the gig' bit on the website.............Martin???

[Chris G]

I've made it my mission to get one through this site after sending some 40 plus e mails. Someone wanted to book one with me yesterday but I had another lower paying one in the meantime for the same date, aargh!

[Vectis]

I've only gone and got one


:clap:



can't find where to click the 'got the gig' bit on the website..........

Member Dashboard -> Leads -> <lead in question>

[Dynamic Entertainment]

May have to PM you actually as 2012 we are picking up a lot of work in the Lakes area. We seem to have somehow managed to get our SEO right for that area, but can't hit the town next door.

They are all singing jobs mind, I am not running up to the Lakes for pure DJ work that we will leave to you lads.

Got North Lakes Hotel in Penrith in November - We are doing the 25th November Themed party Night http://www.northlakeshotel.com/default.aspx?code=1-9525

Then April we have a cancelled job from last year reorganised to Lodore Falls and then we are at the Newby Bridge Hotel the week after.
Got one at Wordsworth Hotel in Grasmere next year and also Graythwaite Manor in Grange.

I might just have a day out next year and go and vist them all in between a bit of walking :)

All decent hotels...if you do get up this way for the day, give me a shout and ill meet you for a beer somewhere :beer1:

[NKR]

All decent hotels...if you do get up this way for the day, give me a shout and ill meet you for a beer somewhere :beer1:

Sounds like a plan. :D

[STEVE HANLEY]

I had an enquiry through need a disco the other week. Someone looking for a mid-price dj. So after I gave the price she said "Oh I was looking for something nearer £120ish"......Me! "So you're looking for a budget dj then?"....Her! Well yes I guess so:Censored: :Censored:

Is there an easier way to alert the mods when an enquiry isn't as it seems?

[simonp]

Member Dashboard -> Leads -> <lead in question>

cheers Martin - typing on the mobile at the moment so will get on that tomorrow :)

[Vectis]

All that happens if you mark it 'won' is that it shows green on your leads table until such time as we've had confirmation from the client that they have indeed booked you, the lead is otherwise closed or the event date passes, whichever comes first.

So it's more for your own records than anything else at this stage :beer1:

You wouldn't believe how many leads have 2 or 3 greens by them.... :muppet: :muppet: :muppet: s

[simonp]

All that happens if you mark it 'won' is that it shows green on your leads table until such time as we've had confirmation from the client that they have indeed booked you, the lead is otherwise closed or the event date passes, whichever comes first.

So it's more for your own records than anything else at this stage :beer1:

You wouldn't believe how many leads have 2 or 3 greens by them.... :muppet: :muppet: :muppet: s

you know what, I'm going senile - I cat find a link on the website to email you for the pin I dont have any more to get to the lead!!!!!!

I'll ask the customers to visit the site and confirm they've booked me as well.

[Vectis]

you know what, I'm going senile - I cat find a link on the website to email you for the pin I dont have any more to get to the lead!!!!!!

I'll ask the customers to visit the site and confirm they've booked me as well.


PM coming, as I'm sure the mods would rather this didn't become the NAD support forum :)

[djkevday]

I must admit I have found Need a disco as a good source of bookings
While the ratio to actual bookings my be low, it does work.There will be loads of djs out there putting a few false email address's and checking out the competation.
So when you get a lead its up to you to put forward what you offer and please the customer.
I for one have had some great bookings from need a disco and will continue to re-book ( I bet the price goes up now) As for Quality disco you will only get these booking's if you supply all revevent doc's
It does take alot of your time but it is worth it.

Be lucky

Kev

www.kevdayroadshow.com

[deltaforce]

Thing is, I'm sure I'd convert at 100% if I quoted £100, but I don't!

no you would'nt!!

[simonp]

no you would'nt!!

Who rattled your cage :lol:

Care to expand, why wouldnt I?

Then again when your prices start at £140 and you're not converting everything you should (maybe), then why should the rest of us, right? :muppet: ;)

[NKR]

Going to bring this back to the forefront in an odd kind of way. If it is ignored I may start a new thread.

Needadisco.com has been a rather strange experience for me. I quote loads and hear nothing, which is why I have posted in this thread again as that was the general theme.

The weird bit is I have never managed to book a disco through needadisco.com, however I will renew my membership once it comes up yet again.

It should be called we thought we wanted a disco but actually have sorted our whole day out.com for me. The only two bookings I have managed to engage have been all day weddings with a full service. A very lucrative site for bookings to price for us (unless you are seriously anal and start engaging time spent responding to each and every enquiry against the jobs we won, etc, etc, which I can't really be arsed to do as I have a life).

Odd one, but it works for us. Its all about having a platform to find the clients that can't find you. One has been in Cumbria and one in Yorkshire, so would never have found us otherwise.

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Going to bring this back to the forefront in an odd kind of way. If it is ignored I may start a new thread.

Needadisco.com has been a rather strange experience for me. I quote loads and hear nothing, which is why I have posted in this thread again as that was the general theme.

The weird bit is I have never managed to book a disco through needadisco.com, however I will renew my membership once it comes up yet again.

It should be called we thought we wanted a disco but actually have sorted our whole day out.com for me. The only two bookings I have managed to engage have been all day weddings with a full service. A very lucrative site for bookings to price for us (unless you are seriously anal and start engaging time spent responding to each and every enquiry against the jobs we won, etc, etc, which I can't really be arsed to do as I have a life).

Odd one, but it works for us. Its all about having a platform to find the clients that can't find you. One has been in Cumbria and one in Yorkshire, so would never have found us otherwise.

Oi....get of my land! ;)

On a serious note....I agree, its worthr enewing as theres plenty of budget type stuff, but the decent paying gigs are there.

[Excalibur]

Oi....get of my land! ;)
.


. One has been in Cumbria and one in Yorkshire, so would never have found us otherwise.

Yeah, and get off mine as well, or I'll have your Visa revoked. ;) :D :D

Well done for travelling mate, I'll have to loook into NAD, we were discussing it yeaterday.

[NKR]

Yeah, and get off mine as well, or I'll have your Visa revoked. ;) :D :D

Well done for travelling mate, I'll have to loook into NAD, we were discussing it yeaterday.

You quote loads of stuff you never hear from, so I now have a template I send out changing the details on. It covers everything we do with the phrase, you may only be looking for a DJ from needadisco.com, but we do so much more.

Its just odd that the two jobs we have won are a fair dustance, but you gotta follow the work as it sure as hell won't follow you.

Not from need a disco, but we are even in Harrogate this year. Nice big do at The Old Swan. So getting deeper into enemy territory every year. :D

[Vectis]

I'll have to loook into NAD

It's not a huge gamble, especially as the first year is half price :o



I now have a template I send out changing the details on.

You might want to consider having the system automatically send out PDFs on receipt of new bid invitations - then you only really have to respond to the jobs that really interest you. Appreciate it's not for everyone, but it's there as an option if you wanted to try it out.



Don't just consider NaD as a lead-generation machine. It's good at that, of course, but it's strength lies in its ability to get your name and details in front of clients in many more ways than your typical directory listing site can, through clever use of venue reviews, ad banners, awards and so on. The more you put in, the more you'll get out.

Also, unlike any other site I've ever come across, you can exactly define your coverage area right down to postal outcode level and a whole host of other filters eg. stated budget, type of venue, age groups and so on. You're not tied to the county that you live in. If you're in or near a city, you can omit the "less salubrious" areas from your map whilst keeping the nicer parts, for example.

You generally find that those who are swamped with low-value or mismatched enquiries haven't taken the time to set it up appropriately ;)

[Excalibur]

It's not a huge gamble, especially as the first year is half price

Indeed. Not disputed. However, it's the "Add ons" that I'm contemplating, like a couple of websites, which may boost the final tally somewhat. I shall speak in the foreseeable future.

[Spirits High]

Wooooo Hoooooo :D

After being with needadisco from the start I've got my first booking from it :)

The client was after a range of quotes and it came through to both my Spirits High page & Derbyshire Wedding Dj page.

I had great pleasure in clicking the "I won" button and let's just say she didn't go for the budget option ;)

[NKR]

Wooooo Hoooooo :D

After being with needadisco from the start I've got my first booking from it :)

The client was after a range of quotes and it came through to both my Spirits High page & Derbyshire Wedding Dj page.

I had great pleasure in clicking the "I won" button and let's just say she didn't go for the budget option ;)

Was that the midweek one in Derbyshire that recently popped up as satisfied?

[Charlie Brown]

Well done Paul!

I've just noticed I need to submit my info again.

The most important aspect of Need a disco for me is DJ Mark. I'd pay the annual subscription just for that service alone!

[djdj]

Of the Jobs I have Bid on got 50% so quite a good average!
The others seem to go to the cheapest quote despite askining for a mid range DJ

[Spirits High]

Was that the midweek one in Derbyshire that recently popped up as satisfied?

No, it was a May wedding next year.


Well done Paul!



Think it was mainly down to me be the preferred supplier for the venue......and no it wasn't Shottle :D

[SC Events]

No, it was a May wedding next year.



Think it was mainly down to me be the preferred supplier for the venue......and no it wasn't Shottle :D

The one at Stancliffe hall?...I quoted for that one :D

[DJDC]

I respond to at least 4 each week at present and since joining not yet even had a reply from one, irrespective of how I've tailored my response or price, however following up on enquiries recieved from another source using the same format responses have recieved responses and secured everyone i've had a response on.

[Spirits High]

The one at Stancliffe hall?...I quoted for that one :D

That's the one.

Oh, BTW Get off my land..... Southerners ;)

[hammy]

That's the one.

Oh, BTW Get off my land..... Southerners ;)

Bit off topic but............ Scott is a northerner :D :D

[SC Events]

Bit off topic but............ Scott is a northerner :D :D

I'm not a bloody northerner lol! I had all this in Kent at the weekend... I live in the middle of England in the former Capital of Mercia (For those Guardian readers); Glasgow is North, London is South, Aberystwyth is West and Norfolk is East ;) :D :D

[Dynamic Entertainment]

I'm not a bloody northerner lol! I had all this in Kent at the weekend... I live in the middle of England in the former Capital of Mercia (For those Guardian readers); Glasgow is North, London is South, Aberystwyth is West and Norfolk is East ;) :D :D

Your still a southerner as far as I'm concerned ;)

[Spirits High]

Bit off topic but............ Scott is a northerner :D :D

Tamworth is south of Chesterfield so that makes him a southerner to me :p :D

[SC Events]

Tamworth is south of Chesterfield so that makes him a southerner to me :p :D

Oh shhh lol! :moon: :P :D

[Jonathan Ford]

I was honestly beginning to believe that it would never happen...but I've gained my first gig from needadisco today! Faith restored.....

[Spirits High]

I was honestly beginning to believe that it would never happen...but I've gained my first gig from needadisco today! Faith restored.....

Well done! I saw that on twitter. Anywhere nice?

[Jonathan Ford]

Well done! I saw that on twitter. Anywhere nice?

Cheers, Paul. Nowhere special - The Derbyshire at South Normanton, but it was the only free Saturday I'd got in June.

[Spirits High]

Cheers, Paul. Nowhere special - The Derbyshire at South Normanton, but it was the only free Saturday I'd got in June.

Got one there in July. Not been there before.

[CRAZY K]

Got one there in July. Not been there before.

Great venue, played there a couple of times two years ago.

I remember it well as on the second booking the :Censored: DJ who was supposed to be supplying me with a mike gave me a radio mike with a flat battery and then a corded mike with about a 12 inch cable.

Completely useless.

The most unprofessional DJ I have ever worked with.

The faithful JTS solved the problem.;)

He apparently has the regular Contract there---:daft: :daft: :daft: :daft:

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Great venue, played there a couple of times two years ago.

I remember it well as on the second booking the :Censored: DJ who was supposed to be supplying me with a mike gave me a radio mike with a flat battery and then a corded mike with about a 12 inch cable.

Completely useless.

The most unprofessional DJ I have ever worked with.



Because he didn't have a spare battery? :confused:

Why would you rely on someone else to supply something that is so important to your job?

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Because he didn't have a spare battery? :confused:

Why would you rely on someone else to supply something that is so important to your job?

I must admit, that was my thought too.

Whenever I've worked with a caller they've supplied their own microphone and only asked for a place to wire it in.

[Jonathan Ford]

Got one there in July. Not been there before.

Nor have I. I'll give you the lowdown when I've had a look around.

[Excalibur]

Whenever I've worked with a caller they've supplied their own microphone and only asked for a place to wire it in.

But they have to be careful not to ask " Where can I stick this" while holding the mic plug. ;) :D :D

[Gary]

I've wasted that 5 minutes ranting here and feel better for it :D

Actually there's two things to feel better about.

1) You spent 5 minutes ranting here and felt better for it.

2) The 5 minutes ranting here wasnt "wasted"

Even if you post something on a forum and get zero replies - the chances are, a few people read it, and a percentage of those readers got value from it.

This bit of the post is where I'm clearly supposed to type about 3 paragraphs of extremely lively, well thought-out, thought-provoking pep talk.. but actually dont have anything much to add about leads and conversions. ([Cue]: Family fortunes "Wrong" buzzer......and [Play]...)

I agree with Sandysounds that if you get 20 leads, then they cant all be bad leads. Although I'm not about to start suggesting that I would have personally converted 19 of those...blah blah blah.

I have to admit the lead-providing sites idea leaves me feeling only a degree or two warmer than cold calling would do (which I dont do). But, for some, lead-sites are a(nother) source of bookings, just like wedding fayres (the un-diluted ones), websites, google-optimized meta tags, and (my fav) the good ol' word' o' mouth.

Are the Lead-feeding sites asking the potential customers the wrong questions? Is area realllllllly all that important? For the right price wouldnt most of us drive a couple of hours further than our comfort zone? If our price is supposed to be a secondary consideration (which I've heard said in enough american accents to almost believe it...almost), should lead-feeder sites ask the "price" question at all? Would some potential customers feel that if they've set an upper limit of say £400, that then any attempt to sell-up, mood lighting, first dance photo montages, video, bluetooth slideshows etc will just end badly with "all for your £400 max upper limit Mr(s) DJ?...oh? extra?...more than £400??? oh :-(" - Yes...I know that it's down to how well we sell the idea...

Over half our job involves saying the right thing, even without pressing "Mic On" first.

And that last sentence is what I'm going to declare as my thought-provoking pep talk...all-be-it 2.8 paragraphs short. :)

[NKR]

In Need a Discos support.

I have responded to lots of enquiries. I have landed only 2 jobs from it in 18 months of trying.

Both are 1 hour drives away from base - one in Cumbria and one in Yorkshire.

Total value of those two jobs is £1,550 (no extras, no dance floors, uplighting, flying pigs, chair covers, other extras that are buy in serivces with costs attached - Just DJ and singer service with our usual kit).

By the way neither of them will have come onto need a disco looking for what we are providing.

Time well spent if you ask me.

[Vectis]

Is area realllllllly all that important? For the right price wouldnt most of us drive a couple of hours further than our comfort zone?

Suggest you take a look at how needadisco (the subject of the OP) deals with coverage area.

Which leads are forwarded to DJs are entirely within the member's control even if they want to play venues 800 miles away :)

[CRAZY K]

I must admit, that was my thought too.

Whenever I've worked with a caller they've supplied their own microphone and only asked for a place to wire it in.

My reply seems to gave gone AWOL.

Ere goes again--

I was in the revered company (according to the DJ I chatted to in the Bar prior to my performance) of the Midlands leading Disco company that had supplied Discos to the Hotel for years and was the real dogs doo das when it comes to Professionalism, Sound Equipment etc.

I had a suspicion he was trying to impress the attractive Girls in the bar;)

I was invited to use their Radio Mike for my set.

This has happened before and saves me a bit of clearing away time at the end as I had a long journey home.

Sooo decided there was no harm in taking up his offer and using his Mike seeing as it would be perfectly matched to the equipment.

Bad decision as he obviously was talking :BS: and my suspicions were confirmed.

i.e. flat battery in Radio Mike.

Just goes to show--you cant believe all people tell you.:daft: :daft:

[Dynamic Entertainment]

My reply seems to gave gone AWOL.

Ere goes again--

I was in the revered company (according to the DJ I chatted to in the Bar prior to my performance) of the Midlands leading Disco company that had supplied Discos to the Hotel for years and was the real dogs doo das when it comes to Professionalism, Sound Equipment etc.

I had a suspicion he was trying to impress the attractive Girls in the bar;)

I was invited to use their Radio Mike for my set.

This has happened before and saves me a bit of clearing away time at the end as I had a long journey home.

Sooo decided there was no harm in taking up his offer and using his Mike seeing as it would be perfectly matched to the equipment.

Bad decision as he obviously was talking :BS: and my suspicions were confirmed.

i.e. flat battery in Radio Mike.

Just goes to show--you cant believe all people tell you.:daft: :daft:

Now thats a different thing....lol :)

[theoloyla]

ALWAYS have a spare battery

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I've just secured my third confirmed booking from Needadisco.
I changed my settings about a month ago because I was getting lots of enquiries every day and I was quoting for jobs but not hearing anything. I realised that I had clicked the button to receive all budgets so a number of them were shopping around by the looks of it.

Anyway, this enquiry came in on Thursday and I noticed that there were quite a few that had responded to it. I quoted for it (Midweek Corporate event with an 80s Theme) and then the lead was closed. Got a call this afternoon and the lady booked me.

Right up my street too. I'm going to create an 80s Quiz for them, provide 80s Visuals and then a 2 hour 80s Disco and it's a good earner aswell.
Looking forward to it already.

[SoundONE]

needadisco is a great site, very well layed out with some good leads, it has given us a few bookings, around 10 this year, strange thing is I would say around 60% have either emailed us and I have already sent them a quote, so I just go and click responded on needadisco, or shortly after the lead is posted they will then find us via google etc and email us direct.

This just leads me to believe that the majority of people who post the work on needadisco are also actively seeking quotes from other sources, obviously looking for the best deal, DJ, setup and price as anyone would and when some of the leads are closed, it basically says client didn't book via needadisco, didn't give a reason: the reason is they simply found one cheaper.

I don't template any of our replys to anyone, I personalise it based on the requirements. The budget they often state means nothing, many will pay more than they state if they feel there getting something good, one stated a budget priced DJ on needadisco, but had actually emailed me previously with her requirements and I quoted her £485.00, I didn't think she was interested and then a day or so later it was posted on needadisco and saw it say budget and just thought to myself ah no wonder she didnt come back to me, yet the next day she emails: I'd like to book you and she has.

I've also quoted for one that was in the mid range price at what I would consider a budget price, simply because it's a regular venue for us they only expected around 30-40 guests, we know the majority of staff at this venue and we will have actually been in it the night before for another wedding, I checked with the staff and we could leave the system in situe and hence not even need to takedown or re-setup. I even explained I can do a really good deal as only my DJ needs to attend I will arive at the end at 12:00 to takedown and yet they emailed back and told me they can get cheaper, Yet they stated mid price and I actually quoted budget, because bar paying the DJ I only had to takedown.

I just politely email back and say thank you but I am afraid we cannot match that price, we wish you all the best hope it goes well etc etc.

It's like fishing you mostly catch tiddlers sometimes you catch a big one and you shoulda seen the one that got away.

But I have to say I am very impressed with needadisco service, it's always improving infact pretty much every week I give out my referal scheme link, so far only seen one I reconise and they didn't use my link :( but I suspect that's not needadisco fault, but the client didn't use the whole url.

Infact I only sent another one to needadisco last night because we are booked every Saturday until mid November, but she obviously hasn't posted it yet and as I told her the venue shes booked always wants to see the PLI and everyone on needadisco has some sort of verification from bronze to platinum so you will see some of the best in the area and everyone on there has pli. She said it was a friend who let her down because of unusual circumstances, I suspect they didn't have PLI so have to find another DJ.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

When I had a meeting with the customer for the corporate function I did on Tuesday, one of the things she mentioned was the ease of using the site. She said it was her first time using it and she was a bit surprised at the reaction she got and the number of emails and telephone calls she received.
She said that she had to close the enquiry after a few hours because she had enough quotations to make a decision.

She mentioned that she had not clicked a budget range hence why she received so many different quotations. She also said that she wouldn't consider anything under £250.00 either which I found interesting. Obviously, I didn't know what her budget was at the time and quoted for what I thought would be ok for the requirements she had. The price I quoted was between £350.00 and £400.00 and she was happy with that.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

When I had a meeting with the customer for the corporate function I did on Tuesday, one of the things she mentioned was the ease of using the site. She said it was her first time using it and she was a bit surprised at the reaction she got and the number of emails and telephone calls she received.
She said that she had to close the enquiry after a few hours because she had enough quotations to make a decision.

She mentioned that she had not clicked a budget range hence why she received so many different quotations. She also said that she wouldn't consider anything under £250.00 either which I found interesting. Obviously, I didn't know what her budget was at the time and quoted for what I thought would be ok for the requirements she had. The price I quoted was between £350.00 and £400.00 and she was happy with that.

That's why I didn't get it then...;)

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Why's that? Did you quote under £250.00 then Darren or above £400.00? ;)

I've literally just had a call and taken a booking from someone who was at the function for December in Hertfordshire midweek so it was definitely well worth doing.

[Corabar Steve]

That's why I didn't get it then...;)
So you're admitting to quoting under £250 then :sj:

[Corabar Entertainment]

I've literally just had a call and taken a booking from someone who was at the function for December in Hertfordshire midweek so it was definitely well worth doing.Oi! Get orf our land! ;) :D :D :D

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Why's that? Did you quote under £250.00 then Darren or above £400.00? ;)



What do you think? ;)

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Oi! Get orf our land! ;) :D :D :D

Hanbury Manor? Ever been there?

[Shakermaker Promotions]

What do you think? ;)

I don't know Darren, that's why I asked. I have a good idea but then you may have surprised me.
As I understand it, if you quoted for the job too, that makes 4 of us on here that quoted for it as I know someone else did too (informed via PM yesterday) and I was also informed by the customer that she spoke to someone local to me who was quite complimentary about me which in all honesty I found a bit strange.

[Corabar Entertainment]

Loads of times! :)

[Corabar Steve]

Hanbury Manor? Ever been there?Loads. Which room?

EDIT: I'm actually distantly related by marriage to the Hanbury family who built it (sadly they don't own it anymore)

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I haven't found that out yet and am still awaiting the full details. The lady said she would call me later as I have another meeting at 4.00pm.

[Kernow]

EDIT: I'm actually distantly related by marriage to the Hanbury family who built it (sadly they don't own it anymore)

Illegitimacy was rife in the early 17th Century ;) :D

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I don't know Darren, that's why I asked. I have a good idea but then you may have surprised me.


If you think that I quote under £250 for a corporate Gary, you really can't have taken much in of what is posted on here! :rolleyes:



EDIT: I'm actually distantly related by marriage to the Hanbury family

When did you get married then? :sj:

[Shakermaker Promotions]

If you think that I quote under £250 for a corporate Gary, you really can't have taken much in of what is posted on here! :rolleyes:

Did you not read my post Darren?
I said "I have a good idea but then you may have surprised me.."
That should tell you?
I may have said "I don't know...that's why I asked" but I had a good idea.
Just to add - She didn't actually say what she had budgeted for the event but did say that the price wasn't important. I found it interesting that she said she wouldn't consider anything £250.00 and below.
When I asked why she decided to book with me, she said that one of the reasons was because of the enthusiasm I showed. I'm not VAT Registered just yet Darren so maybe that was a factor? I don't know.

[Ecstatic Events]

...someone local to me who was quite complimentary about me which in all honesty I found a bit strange.

Why would you find that strange Gary??? I knew you'd do a great job :rolleyes:

For the record, as this was mid-week, I quoted £245 as this would of had me out working 5/7 days which would of been nice. I guess I priced myself out...

But in all fairness Gary there was a fair amount of value added selling from you as you offered a quiz, visuals etc. I guess you were enthused because I see 80's as being a specialist genre for you. Probably the best man for the job IMO.

Sincerely,

Bungle.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Thanks Bungle!
Can I just say, I didn't offer the Quiz. She wanted to do that and mentioned it when I spoke to her. She asked if I would be able to ask the questions as she didn't feel comfortable doing it. I said no problem and then remembered that I still had an 80s Quiz on my system that I created for another function a while back so I thought I would use that one. All I had to do was create the answer sheets with their logo on etc.

I did mention the visuals as I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to use them and when she mentioned that they were launching a new product, I mentioned that it may be a good idea to show it on the screens too and she liked it.

I thought it was strange that YOU were complimentary towards me Mike because (obviously to everyone else) we're not exactly 'besties' are we.

Saying that though, I did appreciate it and if it means anything....I've done exactly the same for you on more than one occasion and as recently as this week...funnily enough, today (which is even stranger considering earlier!).

Yours sincerley....Zippy (and I'm zipping it up now...).

I don't normally talk prices on here but I was PM'd by another member who also quoted for the job. I priced the job at £355.00 orginally but then the organiser wanted me to meet her at the venue a few days before to work out where we were setting up etc and have a chat so I added on additional £25.00.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I'm not VAT Registered just yet Darren so maybe that was a factor? I don't know.

Er, why would that be a factor? I charge a company VAT and if they are registered, they claim it back...


I priced the job at £355.00 orginally but then the organiser wanted me to meet her at the venue a few days before to work out where we were setting up etc and have a chat so I added on additional £25.00.


That's why I didn't get it then...;)

:sj:

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Fair enough!

£380.00 was a good midweek earner for me to be fair.
...and it's already proved given me additional work too so it was definitely worth it.

[Ecstatic Events]

I also quoted low due to the origin of the lead. One assumed I needed to be super competitive as it was a mid-week and most guys would of been free...

Multiple emails were exchanged so I may of made the short list - Lol...

£380 is a good earner.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

You did, so she told me.

[dehayco]

After reading this thread have decided to give it a go, after working for someone else just started out on my own so for £25 was well worth it.

[Shaun]

I keep seeing this on 'needadisco' whenever I get an 'average priced DJ lead'


Budget Validated. The client has indicated a budget which is within the normal range for this type of event and area.

Is there anyway of finding out the ballpark budget figures that needadisco has on each area? I have my account set to send out an auto PDF for 'average priced DJ required' requests, but even at that I think it may be a complete waste of time as I'm probably over-priced for those type of enquiries.

Still haven't had a private booking from needadisco yet. Just a very poorly paid last minute shop promotion. On needadisco I use similar responses to the ones I to enquiries via my website. My conversion rate is pretty good from my website these days, but zero from needadisco.

I'd be interested to hear how others are doing from needadisco that charge in the higher price bracket for their area.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Taken from the site...for RG30 area.

[Vectis]

I'd be interested to hear how others are doing from needadisco that charge in the higher price bracket for their area.

Shaun - I'm just off out for a while but expect a PM from me later as I've just run a couple of checks and can see several confirmed £400+ jobs on your patch that have gone to other members - in fact one at £1250 to include a floor and uplighting.

Obviously I'm not going to say who or what ;)

[marting]

A little bemused quote came in for job in my area spoke to the lady twice, she confirmed she wanted to book sent the booking form and updated the lead on the web page to get an email back today from the web site to say she has booked someone else far more expensive. must be time I put my prices up then.


and congrats do who did get the job maybe Could I get some advise on my marketing strategy...

[marting]

and congrats do who did get the job maybe Could I get some advise on my marketing strategy...
Other than learning to type and proof reading first:D

[Corabar Entertainment]

:Laugh:

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I wonder if that's the same one I had?
Lady called me the other day and we spoke at length (she wouldn't stop! and that says something because we all know I can rabbit on a bit).
She said that she'd received various quotations following her enquiry on Needadisco and mentioned that she was amazed at some of the replies she had received (she gave the reasons but I won't go into them).

She said she'd arranged to meet one of the guys who quoted but he never turned up. She then said that my email quotation stood out (so why call me when she'd apparently already made her mind up?). I went over everything with her and she said "What if I book you and then decide that you can't cater for what I require?" (which obviously had the alarm bells ringing in my ears). I was starting to wonder why I was bothering taking the time to talk to her (we were on the phone for 40 minutes!).

I explained that I would require additional information from her so that I could do the booking forms for her and that a non-refundable booking fee would be required to secure the date. She then asked about cancellation charges and "What if I want to cancel? I know I will lose the deposit but would there be any cancellation charges?", So I explained the situation regarding those. "I think I'll take a chance" She said (Don't do me any favours eh!)...She asked me to email the information I required as she had to go off and also mentioned that she wouldn't get to look at the email until Saturday as she would be out and about.

(sorry to go on but this really was a strange one!).

Like I said, I had pretty much sussed this out already but I still emailed the information and thought to myself that I'd hear something back at the weekend. One of the main things she kept on about was that she really wanted some classical music and laid back stuff (she was in her late 60's apparently) early on in the evening. She also didn't want the music to be too loud and wondered if I could meet her at the venue beforehand to test the levels etc... I agreed to this but I did add it into my quotation. I told her that she could have whatever she wanted music-wise. She said "You may not have some of the music so are you happy for me to provide it?". Yes, No Problem at all.

So, it wasn't that much of a surprise really when the following day I received an email from her. Obviously I won't print it word for word but it more or less said "I've decided that I think we have different ideas with regards to the music at the start of the evening and therefore I don't think I will be progressing any further with the booking".

No "Thanks for your time" or anything. It was around 10 minutes later that I received an email from Needadisco that said the lead was now closed. It also gave the reason too which was "The customer booked someone from the site that had quoted and it was less than their budget".

So, it was down to price in the end? She could have easily said that to me when she sent me her email instead of making me feel as if I wouldn't be able to cater for what she wanted, especially as some of the music she was mentioning was on my system already! I told her that she could have whatever she wanted. A child could have done it in reality, a Monkey could have done it too because how can you muck up if the customer has requested certain tracks and you've got them and you're pressing the play button? Absolutely bloody stupid and slightly annoying for all of 5 minutes.
Whoever got the job - GOOD LUCK! She seems like an awkward one to me in all honesty.

Saying that though, as I said...I have changed my settings on budget ranges on the site and it's worked for me on a number of occasions now. I have literally ended my Yell.com advertising today and reduced it to a free listing just to have a presence because my stats went downhill during the past year. I'd rather enhance my listings on other sites and continue using the likes of Needadisco. It's far better than UK Disco (for me anyway) because I've had nothing from that in 2 years.

[Charlie Brown]

Pretty much sums up why I don't use Need a disco anymore. In regards to DJ mark, well, that's a farse. If Tom L can be a 'gold' or 'platinum' member, anybody can.

& remember, Martin (VV) doesn't own these sites anymore.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

What does it matter who owns them?
It doesn't bother me at all.

[ppentertainments]

Pretty much sums up why I don't use Need a disco anymore. In regards to DJ mark, well, that's a farse. If Tom L can be a 'gold' or 'platinum' member, anybody can.

& remember, Martin (VV) doesn't own these sites anymore.
I never knew that - I always found DJ Mark a farce anyway with the amount of people without produb, using transferred digital music, yet still getting an award :confused:

[Vectis]

Martin (VV) doesn't own these sites anymore.

He does. He just doesn't handle most of the day-to-day admin ;)



I always found DJ Mark a farce anyway with the amount of people without produb, using transferred digital music, yet still getting an award :confused:

None of the award categories consider "transferred digital music" because how on earth can anyone police that within the bounds of a subscription fee that most members would feel comfortable with?

With respect to ProDub, a disclaimer can be signed by the company owner or a director in lieu of ProDub if the company does not require them (ie because they use original media or whatever). This is pretty much accepted on a trust basis for the above reason, but I can confirm that in the last year we have provided copies of two such disclaimers to the relevant authorities in response to formal investigations. And that's where I'll leave that topic :zip:

With respect to relatively inexperienced operators meeting the DJmark criteria, well I'd argue that no matter what criteria you set, someone will always manage to tick all the boxes. As you might expect, though (with me ;) ) there are changes planned for 2013, as with each year, which will shake up the tiers somewhat in favour of established businesses with positive feedback directly attributable to work won through the site. There will be a formal announcement of the changes after the summer season.

Nice to see folks getting behind schemes that help improve the image of the mobile disco industry ... I have stacks of examples of positive comments from former clients who appreciate the level of professionalism that the scheme supports.

We're always open to suggestions for improvement and even run a detailed annual member survey to collect thoughts and experiences which are fed into the following year's development plan. So how about instead of complaining on a public forum about the way the scheme is set up and run, you provide direct suggestions on how you'd like to see it improved? ;)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Just taken another £450 booking and only my second booking (the other one bing a £700+ booking), so not a complete waste of time...

[Pink Elephant]

Gary,

Your lady is (I think) the one who booked with us the other day. :)

Yes she has set ideas that she wants, and obviously she wanted to meet the DJ first before booking.

The reason for the cancellation questions is that the birthday person is getting on in life, so she was worried due to illness etc.

She is a very nice lady, who knows what she wants, and it seems I fitted the bill - this time.

I too received the email saying it was closed and was less than she was budgeting for, but I quoted a good price (more than Dave at RSD says!) and if that is less than she would have paid then she will be happy. :p

It was a stipulation on the Needadisco info that a pre booking meeting was needed, but out of the 15 (I think) who replied more than half wouldn't do a visit!?!? Why waste your time and the customers if you don't read the info given (not aimed at you Gary, just a general observation). :o

Cheers

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I actually didn't see that requirement on the enquiry but she mentioned it when she spoke to me and I said it would be ok, no problem.
I always mention that a meeting is included in the price when I provide a quotation and I confirmed that when I spoke to her too.
I just found it strange that she was talking to me on the phone (at length) and everything she wanted, I could provide. She was more than happy and the price was good too. She never mentioned anything regarding illness.

As I said, she had plenty to say about OTHER suppliers and was very complimentary towards me so I found it strange when she decided not to go ahead. I've filled that date twice now actually so it's no loss but I found it confusing at the time because I don't normally get people who confirm yet ask weird questions about cancelling before they've even received booking forms but not only that, as I said...music wise it is simple isn't it but for some reason she had doubts that I wouldn't be able to cater for her and had different ideas...Wrong.
As I said mate, good luck with that one and thanks for the post.

[Paul The Party Dj]

Good morning all.

Just wanted to let you know (without willy-waving) I just confirmed my first £1k booking through Need A Disco. The client specified she was interested in a DJ who could provide music throughout the day and wanted a special first dance. Their Ceremony is at 3:30pm and the party finishes at 1am, so I'll probably be on site from just after 2pm to just before 2am.

Thank you Needadisco.co.uk :)

[yourdj]

Good morning all.

Just wanted to let you know (without willy-waving) I just confirmed my first £1k booking through Need A Disco. The client specified she was interested in a DJ who could provide music throughout the day and wanted a special first dance. Their Ceremony is at 3:30pm and the party finishes at 1am, so I'll probably be on site from just after 2pm to just before 2am.

Thank you Needadisco.co.uk :)

Where is that - probably one I ignored :p

I must say there are a few questionable platinum awards on there for my area. To get one I need to show a completed risk assessment as well as some other things. in 5-600 events I have never been asked to do one (and I have been in all sorts of venues), yet other people on there who do one venue (who would never ask for a risk assessment) have, which I fail to believe.

Other than that its a good site I think and a great concept. :)

Its great to have someone (trying too) push the industry forward with such a thing and it is generating people good work so well done martin for coming up with the idea. As he says the fee is only £25 so policing it on an individual level is not easy and if you convert one booking then its money well spent.

I spend twice that on Gaffa tape in a year!!



-

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Where is that - probably one I ignored :p

I must say there are a few questionable platinum awards on there for my area. To get one I need to show a completed risk assessment as well as some other things. in 5-600 events I have never been asked to do one (and I have been in all sorts of venues), yet other people on there who do one venue (who would never ask for a risk assessment) have, which I fail to believe.

Other than that its a good site I think and a great concept. :)

Its great to have someone (trying too) push the industry forward with such a thing and it is generating people good work so well done martin for coming up with the idea. As he says the fee is only £25 so policing it on an individual level is not easy and if you convert one booking then its money well spent.

I spend twice that on Gaffa tape in a year!!



-

Why is it difficult to believe some one has a RA?

Ive never been asked for one...but I have it. It takes 10 minutes to knock something basic up that does the job.

If DJ Mark says that the operator has one, then I believe them...they have to be submitted and Martin (or whoever now) checks them does a good job of keeping on top of it. I had my first one returned because if didn't have the paragraph "The person responsible for health and safety is..."

Put that in, and it got me the tick.

[yourdj]

Why is it difficult to believe some one has a RA?

Ive never been asked for one...but I have it. It takes 10 minutes to knock something basic up that does the job.

If DJ Mark says that the operator has one, then I believe them...they have to be submitted and Martin (or whoever now) checks them does a good job of keeping on top of it. I had my first one returned because if didn't have the paragraph "The person responsible for health and safety is..."

Put that in, and it got me the tick.

I was told by them that it has to be a working example and not a template. I could also
"knock one up" in ten mins but it would not be a legitimate one, which was my point. :p

I am actually looking at getting one done for Careys manor this December as we are there three nights a week and the
load in is though the reception and the set up between a main access route to the other restaurant so lots of potential trip hazards etc.

Even then they have not requested it and I do not think it wholly necessary as we did last year with no issues.

[hammy]

Toby, I`m not being funny but for some of us its normal practise to do one, If you had to claim on your PLI and they asked where your RA was what would you tell them?

[yourdj]

Toby, I`m not being funny but for some of us its normal practise to do one

Really? most DJ's I know well do not do it, unless they are not telling me?
Do you do one for every gig then?

I have never had anyone trip, no hotel has burnt down or any injury PLI claim as of yet

sods law - it would happen at the small event with the easy in / out access and compact
out of the way set up in the corner when you can bet your bottom dollar that is when you do not do one.

Also do I have to cost this in if it takes time to do??

I will look into it as although I do not feel it wholly necessary for my small
set up it is a legal obligation that may well have to be adhered to in the future.

Bureaucracy huh.

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Once you have one....9 times out of 10 youre merely changing the venue and date, or adding and removing the odd issue.

[SoundONE]

About 3 months ago we did a new venue, I went to check it out before the day I made some notes and while having a look around I filled in a quick RA, one of the managers saw me writting stuff down and asked what I was doing, so I explained. He said he'd never seen anyone do that before in all his years. I then pulled out copies of our PLI and PAT certs from the clip board for him to check and file. He said to me they have had dozens of discos and not one has shown then anything like this before and didn't realise DJ's did this stuff. I explained many don't, but it's better to be safe than sorry and a lot of the hotels we do actually wont let the DJ connect anything without a PAT and many insist on PLI, so we always have them as a matter of course. I left him the copies and a biz card and left, the following week I got a call asking if we could do an event for them later that month even before he had seen us perform. We settled on a price which he said was more than he normally pays but he still went for it. We've now done that gig for them and have since picked up another two at the same venue for this year and one for next, plus hes said to me at least three times now that they only recommend us as their DJ of choice.

I believe this was only because he saw me doing an RA, I would have given someone their copies of our certificates to check/file or bin anyway, but I believe it was because he actually saw me doing the RA that got the deal.

Maybe a one off but I now make it more than obvious I'm doing some sort of risk check at any venue we have never been to before just incase it works again.

[minty]

Do you guys really get any decent work from NAD:eek:

[DJDC]

Yes I must recieve about 10-20 enquiries a week, I respond to about 4-6 per week I've converted 2 in the last 18 months into work, and been passed on at least one enquiry secured by another DJ from NAD. Any job can be decent but it depends on the budget of the client and what your willing to bid on.

I do find it much harder quoting and securing work via email, when I phone or recieve a call I can convert about 85% of enquiries, converting via email it is poor despite creating an auto response, and writing individual emails based on a basic template. I will crack it at some point.

[Ryu]

Yes I must recieve about 10-20 enquiries a week, I respond to about 4-6 per week I've converted 2 in the last 18 months into work, and been passed on at least one enquiry secured by another DJ from NAD. Any job can be decent but it depends on the budget of the client and what your willing to bid on.

I do find it much harder quoting and securing work via email, when I phone or recieve a call I can convert about 85% of enquiries, converting via email it is poor despite creating an auto response, and writing individual emails based on a basic template. I will crack it at some point.

That's kinda like using a really wide net to catch a specific type of fish no?...

Some quick maths suggests you've had 1140 enquiries (at an average of 15 a week) in the last 18 months, of that 380 (33%) were worth responding to, and of those responses, you've converted 2. That's 0.18% success rate.

Appreciate that those two bookings would cover the cost of the advertising (and then some), and appreciate that, in my case, there's more tweaking to be done with regard to my "Award" (PAT cert pending) but, as it stands, I'm still waiting on NAD to deliver me something other than people looking for the cheapest DJ (for example, I was undercut by £80 in my own village - as reported to me by the customer, who I'd spoken to, and asked for feedback as to why she went with the other provider - the other provider was travelling from 15 miles away, but could still underprice me by that much!)

[funkymook]

That's kinda like using a really wide net to catch a specific type of fish no?...

Some quick maths suggests you've had 1140 enquiries (at an average of 15 a week) in the last 18 months, of that 380 (33%) were worth responding to, and of those responses, you've converted 2. That's 0.18% success rate.

Appreciate that those two bookings would cover the cost of the advertising (and then some), and appreciate that, in my case, there's more tweaking to be done with regard to my "Award" (PAT cert pending) but, as it stands, I'm still waiting on NAD to deliver me something other than people looking for the cheapest DJ (for example, I was undercut by £80 in my own village - as reported to me by the customer, who I'd spoken to, and asked for feedback as to why she went with the other provider - the other provider was travelling from 15 miles away, but could still underprice me by that much!)

Sorry but how does 15 miles come into the equation? I consider that sort of distance to be on my doorstep.

For the £80 to have relevance we need to know the quote, it's a different scenario for a £160 booking to a £600 one.

It's too easy to blame every lost booking on price shoppers after the cheapest deal - that's down to them and the other supplier and nothing we can do about it. But change it to 'after the best deal' and it starts to become something we can effect.

Offered an identical product and a like for like service there's no reason for the customer to pay more - you have to show them your worth, if they don't see how and why you're worth more than a cheaper option then of course you'll lose out everytime.

[Ryu]

Sorry but how does 15 miles come into the equation? I consider that sort of distance to be on my doorstep.

For the £80 to have relevance we need to know the quote, it's a different scenario for a £160 booking to a £600 one.

It's too easy to blame every lost booking on price shoppers after the cheapest deal - that's down to them and the other supplier and nothing we can do about it. But change it to 'after the best deal' and it starts to become something we can effect.

Offered an identical product and a like for like service there's no reason for the customer to pay more - you have to show them your worth, if they don't see how and why you're worth more than a cheaper option then of course you'll lose out everytime.

Of course, I understand that, and my salesmanship has been in overdrive, believe me...but ultimately, there will always be the type of customer who doesn't care about a lot of the "selling points".

And yeah, 15 miles isn't far, but its further than the less than a mile I'd have to travel to do it.

[funkymook]

Of course, I understand that, and my salesmanship has been in overdrive, believe me...but ultimately, there will always be the type of customer who doesn't care about a lot of the "selling points".

And yeah, 15 miles isn't far, but its further than the less than a mile I'd have to travel to do it.

It all depends on what points you're selling!

[DJDC]

NAD does get a lot of enquiries and I do believe that it can deliver good regular work, for those in all price brackets but there just a knack to securing it. It is fundamentally a good site with a lot of good leads out there. I've quoted £160 on an average priced events for 4 hours, to loose out by a tenner I know this as on one occasion I covered the booking for the Dj who had secured the work but worked for a tenner less ( my own job had been cancelled), the work was passed on through a forum.

I have everything except one thing on the DJ mark and thats client feedback, until recently I've never formally asked for any, but I am addressing that aspect so things will change.

[simonp]

I've quoted £160 on an average priced events for 4 hours

And that in a nutshell is where NAD falls down for me. Quoting £160 for an average/middle price bracket. That is absurdly low, that should belong in the rock bottom bargain basement bracket, no wonder people quoting 'average' prices aren't getting anything from enquiries because of exactly this practice. Ridiculous :mad:

[Andy Collins]

And that in a nutshell is where NAD falls down for me. Quoting £160 for an average/middle price bracket. That is absurdly low, that should belong in the rock bottom bargain basement bracket, no wonder people quoting 'average' prices aren't getting anything from enquiries because of exactly this practice. Ridiculous :mad:

:agree:

[surround sounds]

:agree:

Yes agree with above £160 for 4 hours that's a budget dj

[Charlie Brown]

:agree:

Don't ruin it for the rest of us.

[DeckstarDeluxe]

If someone wants to book at DJ at £160 instead of me then they aren't really my customer or my marketing/emails etc.. needs improving.

I might get flamed for making this comment but its how I look at it. Admittedly I left NAD some time ago......

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

If someone wants to book at DJ at £160 instead of me then they aren't really my customer or my marketing/emails etc.. needs improving.

I might get flamed for making this comment but its how I look at it. Admittedly I left NAD some time ago......

Why?

I have only taken 2 bookings, but worth over £1200 together. Both are in the premium category which is supposedly priced at £300-£400.

[funkymook]

I don't believe every single booking is lost solely on a small price difference.

I think it's become the default cop out to blame the slightly cheaper 'other supplier' for losing a gig.

If you can't show a prospective client you're worth an extra £10/£20 then you're either actually not worth it or if you are, you haven't shown it and need to improve your marketing and selling skills.

But that takes more effort than having a whinge and doing nothing about it.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

If an enquirer requests that they can be contacted by both Phone and Email then I will always choose the Phone option first. I believe that I can sell myself better over the phone than via email and I think it's a lot more personal than an email which the enquirer will no doubt get multiples of if the don't choose a particular price bracket.

I've had a few confirmed bookings now via NAD and each of them were contacted almost immediately by phone and each of them were worth more than the price they originally budgeted for.

[Ryu]

If an enquirer requests that they can be contacted by both Phone and Email then I will always choose the Phone option first. I believe that I can sell myself better over the phone than via email and I think it's a lot more personal than an email which the enquirer will no doubt get multiples of if the don't choose a particular price bracket.

I've had a few confirmed bookings now via NAD and each of them were contacted almost immediately by phone and each of them were worth more than the price they originally budgeted for.

I agree generally. Much easier to say no to an email and you can build better rapport on the phone. Having said that, the one I lost out on last week....had a good 10 minute chat on the phone...customer, in her feedback later, said she was all but ready to book, before "The Undercutter" swept in and stole it away.

You win some you lose some. In the case of NAD so far, I've won none and lost lots, so wonder if Neil's view of things is close to the mark.

[Vectis]

If you can't show a prospective client you're worth an extra £10/£20 then you're either actually not worth it or if you are, you haven't shown it and need to improve your marketing and selling skills.

I suspect this is much closer to the truth.

I'll probably get a slap for posting this but there are some very interesting stats on this page (http://www.needadisco.com/pages/memben.php) which show

a) what clients' stated budgets are (and the proportion of sub-£200 isn't as high as some posts here suggest)

and

b) that many members are indeed booking lots of work through the site. One member had 50+ confirmed bookings taken between January and June when they chose to leave the site after receiving a number of bad feedback reports.

We've had quite a few £1k+ jobs through the site this year and plenty of hotels and pubs looking for residents on top of your day-to-day weddings and birthdays etc..

Anyway...

... mods feel free to slap away and remove the link if you see fit :)

[Ryu]

I suspect this is much closer to the truth.

I'll probably get a slap for posting this but there are some very interesting stats on this page (http://www.needadisco.com/pages/memben.php) which show

a) what clients' stated budgets are (and the proportion of sub-£200 isn't as high as some posts here suggest)

and

b) that many members are indeed booking lots of work through the site. One member had 50+ confirmed bookings taken between January and June when they chose to leave the site after receiving a number of bad feedback reports.

We've had quite a few £1k+ jobs through the site this year and plenty of hotels and pubs looking for residents on top of your day-to-day weddings and birthdays etc..

Anyway...

... mods feel free to slap away and remove the link if you see fit :)

Is there any there any stats on the difference between stated budgets and the quote that won the deal?

[Vectis]

Is there any there any stats on the difference between stated budgets and the quote that won the deal?

Yes, but this comparison is something we only started doing recently so there isn't a history yet worth publishing. But based on figures available to date there's only slightly more (maybe 10%) going under budget than going over.

To help steer this in the right direction you'll now see some indication of this in the closure emails; hopefully if gig winners regularly see that they won jobs under what the client was willing to pay that eventually they'll level it up a bit :beer1:

When we have meaningful data sets the numbers will be published.

[Ryu]

Yes, but this comparison is something we only started doing recently so there isn't a history yet worth publishing. But based on figures available to date there's only slightly more (maybe 10%) going under budget than going over.

To help steer this in the right direction you'll now see some indication of this in the closure emails; hopefully if gig winners regularly see that they won jobs under what the client was willing to pay that eventually they'll level it up a bit :beer1:

When we have meaningful data sets the numbers will be published.


Be interesting to see, thanks Vectis.

As a suggestion, would it be possible/workable to be able to select more specific price bands for leads you are interested in? I haven't see what the customer sees when looking for quotes, but does it currently match the Budget/Average/Premium price bands we can select? or do they get the 0-100, 100-199, 200 -299 etc choices?

[Andy Collins]

One member had 50+ confirmed bookings taken between January and June when they chose to leave the site after receiving a number of bad feedback reports.

Not to mention that this particular member was quoting low to get the work and trying to cover the jobs using forums!

[Vectis]

Not to mention that this particular member was quoting low to get the work and trying to cover the jobs using forums!

Let's not go there.... :zip:

[funkymook]

Be interesting to see, thanks Vectis.

As a suggestion, would it be possible/workable to be able to select more specific price bands for leads you are interested in? I haven't see what the customer sees when looking for quotes, but does it currently match the Budget/Average/Premium price bands we can select? or do they get the 0-100, 100-199, 200 -299 etc choices?

Obviously don't hit enter at the end - but it's always a good idea to go through the process as a customer on any site like this to see what they see.

(Martin - hopefully this is OK as long as nothing gets posted?)

[STEVE HANLEY]

I've just received two confirmed bookings in the last 24 hours from NAD.

The lead closure statements from NAD said I'd been confirmed as the winner of both quotes.

One said I'd quoted bang on the limit of the customers budget (That was for a standard price dj)

The other stated was only very slightly less than her stated budget, but this one was for a premium dj. So I'm certainly not complaining.

Oh and both were using the email only contact option

[Vectis]

does it currently match the Budget/Average/Premium price bands we can select? or do they get the 0-100, 100-199, 200 -299 etc choices?

As we all know there IS regional variation in pricing. But it's not as vastly different as some might suggest!

What we've done over the last couple of years is collect budget information across many thousands of leads to determine what the "Budget / Mid-Price / Premium" ranges ought to be for any given type of gig in any of our venue categories in any given area.

So an "average price" 4-hour evening adult birthday in a pub in B42 for example is going to have lower price expectations than a 4-hour evening adult birthday in a livery hall in EC1A.

At the moment when each lead is processed this is a manual matching task - the client specifies the type of DJ they're hoping for and their maximum budget (as a number) and we categorise accordingly. If the expectations are wildly different (eg. Premium DJ requested for a £100 budget) then we bounce it back to them for clarification before processing.

Before the end of the year we're hoping to have sufficient historical data to be able to automate this somewhat as the client is entering their request.

So, to answer the question, the client currently states their expectation of DJ type and their maximum budget in whole pounds, not a range.




The other stated was only very slightly less than her stated budget, but this one was for a premium dj. So I'm certainly not complaining.


I noticed that one - well done :beer1: - IIRC you were £20 under, but on a booking of that value it's hardly a vast difference ;)

[Ryu]

As we all know there IS regional variation in pricing. But it's not as vastly different as some might suggest!

What we've done over the last couple of years is collect budget information across many thousands of leads to determine what the "Budget / Mid-Price / Premium" ranges ought to be for any given type of gig in any of our venue categories in any given area.

So an "average price" 4-hour evening adult birthday in a pub in B42 for example is going to have lower price expectations than a 4-hour evening adult birthday in a livery hall in EC1A.

At the moment when each lead is processed this is a manual matching task - the client specifies the type of DJ they're hoping for and their maximum budget (as a number) and we categorise accordingly. If the expectations are wildly different (eg. Premium DJ requested for a £100 budget) then we bounce it back to them for clarification before processing.

Before the end of the year we're hoping to have sufficient historical data to be able to automate this somewhat as the client is entering their request.

So, to answer the question, the client currently states their expectation of DJ type and their maximum budget in whole pounds, not a range.







So if the customer can specify in whole pounds what there budget is, would it not make sense to mirror that in terms of what the DJ specifies is there "Preferred" type of lead, instead of selecting Budget, Average or Premium leads (or have I missed something?)

[STEVE HANLEY]

[I noticed that one - well done :beer1: - IIRC you were £20 under, but on a booking of that value it's hardly a vast difference ;)]

Thanks Martin. Yes NAD has it's faults,but it's got it's good points as well:beer1:

[Vectis]

So if the customer can specify in whole pounds what there budget is, would it not make sense to mirror that in terms of what the DJ specifies is there "Preferred" type of lead, instead of selecting Budget, Average or Premium leads (or have I missed something?)

We do.

Let's say customer X says he wants an average price DJ for a 4-hour private function in a pub in a Birmingham suburb B42. His budget is £Y.

Our database says that £Y is in the normal range for a 4-hour pub gig in B42, so the lead is processed on that basis.

All members covering B42 who have 'average' jobs selected on their profile, haven't deselected pubs, private functions or the guest predominant age group, and whose calendar shows available on the date of the gig will be offered the lead.

What they choose to bid is out of our control, but will affect our pricing database over the long term. If everyone consistently bids £50 for jobs worth £200, then over time the database will normalise towards £50 for that type of job and "average" will drift down. Or vice versa.

Our pricing database goes down to postal incode level (ie typically less than one square kilometre) and is subdivided into three price ranges, twelve venue types, seven gig types and five guest age groups. It contains data on over 30,000 events. We think we have a pretty good handle on what pretty much any disco should cost :)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I've just been looking at the page of the DJs who have won the most bookings and one of them who has won a lot of business has atrocious looking equipment. Horrible. It just makes me think he's very very cheap and there's no other reason he would be winning all those gigs.

And yes, of course I know it's not all about the gear, but there are certain standards...

[funkymook]

I've just been looking at the page of the DJs who have won the most bookings and one of them who has won a lot of business has atrocious looking equipment. Horrible. It just makes me think he's very very cheap and there's no other reason he would be winning all those gigs.

And yes, of course I know it's not all about the gear, but there are certain standards...

Going by the number of very nice wedding venues that are surprised I don't need their table to set-up on I conclude expectations are often low when it comes to the DJ's presentation.

[STEVE HANLEY]

Going by the number of very nice wedding venues that are surprised I don't need their table to set-up on I conclude expectations are often low when it comes to the DJ's presentation.

I get the same whenever I turn up at posh venue and they say "We've put a table out for you over there"......."Oh you have your own stand do you?":eek: :eek: :D :D

[WWDJ]

I get the same whenever I turn up at posh venue and they say "We've put a table out for you over there"......."Oh you have your own stand do you?":eek: :eek: :D :D

Got that in the last hotel I was in. I shudder to think, I really do. :(

[DJDC]

I don't believe every single booking is lost solely on a small price difference.

I think it's become the default cop out to blame the slightly cheaper 'other supplier' for losing a gig.

If you can't show a prospective client you're worth an extra £10/£20 then you're either actually not worth it or if you are, you haven't shown it and need to improve your marketing and selling skills.

But that takes more effort than having a whinge and doing nothing about it.

I did pen a detailed response to this but i've decided not to post it, those who know me know what I am worth and when I work for other DJ's £160 is not reflective of what I earn, with the exception of one or 2 those who know me don't use forums, so there won't be a rush of responses in my defence. When I speak to a client I covert the vast majority of enquiries into bookings. However with NAD leads there have been several reviews on responses. I also price in accordance with their recommendations. But as yet it has made no difference. I do note that those I see the the response rate to most enquiries is often 7+ responses. So it's not necessarily going to be that easy.

[Excalibur]

Out of curiosity, I checked out which Discos covered my area on NAD. I was slightly surprised to find that one from over three hundred miles away was professing to offer to cover work here.

[funkymook]

I did pen a detailed response to this but i've decided not to post it, those who know me know what I am worth and when I work for other DJ's £160 is not reflective of what I earn, with the exception of one or 2 those who know me don't use forums, so there won't be a rush of responses in my defence. When I speak to a client I covert the vast majority of enquiries into bookings. However with NAD leads there have been several reviews on responses. I also price in accordance with their recommendations. But as yet it has made no difference. I do note that those I see the the response rate to most enquiries is often 7+ responses. So it's not necessarily going to be that easy.

Though prompted by your post it was meant as a general comment, not directed to you personally (otherwise I would've quoted you), so apologies as I should've made that clear.


So as a general question (as I'm sure many do it, and others have an opinion) - why would a DJ actively seek out and quote for jobs at a substantially lower fee than they know they are worth and can get on sites like GoodParty and NAD?

The very occasional last minute (as within 7 days or so) filling an empty night I can understand but personally I wouldn't chase after them.

[Ryu]

So, finally got upgraded back to a "Silver" DJ Mark award after getting this years PAT testing done...

The only thing holding me back from a Golden award was a "Golden Testimonial", ...which you only get if you take a job from NAD and get Feedback provided. All of the other boxes are ticked, which I find a little frustrating. I don't deem the "Silver" mark as a colour to be particularly proud of....I certainly don't want to promote myself as a "silver" standard DJ....yet the only way I can step up is by gaining work through NAD and hoping the night is a great one (to an extent, out of my control), that the customer can provide good feedback (again, to an extent, out of my control). Aside from anything else, the number/quality of the leads provided to me are, at least in part, determined by my ranking and enquiries in my area, which includes....yup, you guessed...the measures that got me my existing DJ Mark. :confused:

Seems like an unneccessary loop to jump through, given I've done everything I can to meet DJM criteria, the only thing missing is something which is largely out of my control.

[Vectis]

the number/quality of the leads provided to me are, at least in part, determined by my ranking and enquiries in my area, which includes....yup, you guessed...the measures that got me my existing DJ Mark. :confused:

In terms of "quality" of enquiries, now you have a DJmark (yes, even Silver) you are entitled to receive the "Premium" leads and those from the premium directories. It's only if a client specifies Gold/Platinum/Diamond that you might miss out. Very few do.



Seems like an unneccessary loop to jump through, given I've done everything I can to meet DJM criteria, the only thing missing is something which is largely out of my control.

The DJmark criteria are clearly advertised before you make the decision to join the scheme and any changes are announced months in advance.

The recent change in the way testimonials are handled mainly came about because of the abuse of the old system by folks who set up false email addresses, used their Aunt Mabel etc. to try to squeeze forged feedback through. We usually trapped these by IP or style of writing but we're sure a few made it through :rolleyes:

[deltic]

So, finally got upgraded back to a "Silver" DJ Mark award after getting this years PAT testing done...

The only thing holding me back from a Golden award was a "Golden Testimonial", ...which you only get if you take a job from NAD and get Feedback provided. All of the other boxes are ticked, which I find a little frustrating. I don't deem the "Silver" mark as a colour to be particularly proud of....I certainly don't want to promote myself as a "silver" standard DJ....yet the only way I can step up is by gaining work through NAD and hoping the night is a great one (to an extent, out of my control), that the customer can provide good feedback (again, to an extent, out of my control). Aside from anything else, the number/quality of the leads provided to me are, at least in part, determined by my ranking and enquiries in my area, which includes....yup, you guessed...the measures that got me my existing DJ Mark. :confused:

Seems like an unneccessary loop to jump through, given I've done everything I can to meet DJM criteria, the only thing missing is something which is largely out of my control.


Which is why I have just terminated my membership with need a disco

I went from a platinum membership to silver overnight due to the new unfair feedback system,in 2 years I had one job from the site,but was happy just to support the site until the new feedback rules.

With regret I had to terminate my membership,I was not prepared to let need a disco give potential clients the wrong impression of the quality of my business.

[Vectis]

I went from a platinum membership to silver overnight

You must have long nights in Cumbria then ... as you had several reminders over 2 months to submit fresh testimonials prior to the change kicking in, both by email and as clear alerts on your dashboard :confused:

Two sides to every story... sorry to see you go Andy but respect your decision.


The DJmark criteria are reviewed annually to ensure they remain fit for purpose, and to respond to any loopholes that some less scrupulous members seem to find. This means that over the years they have become more and more difficult to achieve and retain, which is a good thing from the client's perspective because the higher ranked members must really have earned it. There's no point having a multi-tiered accreditation scheme if everyone's sitting on the top tier!

[Ryu]

In terms of "quality" of enquiries, now you have a DJmark (yes, even Silver) you are entitled to receive the "Premium" leads and those from the premium directories. It's only if a client specifies Gold/Platinum/Diamond that you might miss out. Very few do.




The DJmark criteria are clearly advertised before you make the decision to join the scheme and any changes are announced months in advance.

The recent change in the way testimonials are handled mainly came about because of the abuse of the old system by folks who set up false email addresses, used their Aunt Mabel etc. to try to squeeze forged feedback through. We usually trapped these by IP or style of writing but we're sure a few made it through :rolleyes:

Thanks Vectis.

Given this issue around Feedback, what is the reasoning behind using Feedback within the DJ Mark criteria? This is still not a watertight method of sifting the real from the fake, so why not side step the whole issue, grade DJs on the tangible business management measures you currently do?

[Vectis]

what is the reasoning behind using Feedback within the DJ Mark criteria?

a) it's demanded by clients and users of the service
b) any idiot can buy PLI, get their gear PAT'ed and call themselves a DJ
c) when we costed out other options (e.g.. team of "inspectors" or "mentors" for want of a better description) it was clear no-one would pay this

so feedback is the best compromise. It's also the process that Joe Public is familiar with and has a certain amount of trust in.



This is still not a watertight method of sifting the real from the fake

It would take a very determined and extremely cleverly executed effort to subvert the process (much of the behind the scenes checking methodology is not advertised for obvious reasons).

If a member were to somehow get a fake testimonial credited, they would also need to keep on doing it on a regular basis to stay ahead of the 5:1 and 10:1 positive/negative requirements for the higher awards.

[ppentertainments]

I think if the produb disclaimer was scrutinized more, about 99% of DJ Mark holders would find they no longer qualified.

[Vectis]

I think if the produb disclaimer was scrutinized more, about 99% of DJ Mark holders would find they no longer qualified.

As has been mentioned previously, two DJmark disclaimers have now been supplied to the relevant authorities in response to official requests, and the wording was amended earlier this year to better reflect their needs.

If you have evidence that a member has submitted a disclaimer fraudulently, there is a 'Report Problem DJ' facility on the DJmark.org website. Or, of course, the 'official' channels via PRS for Music or Trading Standards.

Incidentally, only 38% of DJmark holders as of this morning are running on a disclaimer rather than an actual licence.

[Ryu]

a) it's demanded by clients and users of the service
b) any idiot can buy PLI, get their gear PAT'ed and call themselves a DJ
c) when we costed out other options (e.g.. team of "inspectors" or "mentors" for want of a better description) it was clear no-one would pay this

so feedback is the best compromise. It's also the process that Joe Public is familiar with and has a certain amount of trust in.




It would take a very determined and extremely cleverly executed effort to subvert the process (much of the behind the scenes checking methodology is not advertised for obvious reasons).

If a member were to somehow get a fake testimonial credited, they would also need to keep on doing it on a regular basis to stay ahead of the 5:1 and 10:1 positive/negative requirements for the higher awards.


Ok, so, fair enough... one more question...

1) Why a golden testimonial ahead of Testimonials provided by Non-NAD work? If you have the behind the scenes vetting stuff, would that not provide as much assurance?

I've yet to secure a NAD booking...and have none currently "lined" up, so am likely to remain Silver in the near future. Even then, I can't be guaranteed to receive great feedback (not for want of trying). All the while, I am regularly working on Non-Nad bookings, receiving feedback regularly (always offered, never asked for). How about a little Photo evidence perhaps :D me and some B and G's with Thumbs Up, set up in the background maybe?

[Vectis]

Why a golden testimonial ahead of Testimonials provided by Non-NAD work? If you have the behind the scenes vetting stuff, would that not provide as much assurance?

Because we have a full audit trail from initial enquiry through to follow-up report, which we don't have with non-NAD clients. This is essential for validation and also for the weight that golden testimonials carry. These are extremely difficult to fake and this fact will be reinforced to future site visitors.

As alluded to previously, too many folks were "playing the game" trying to get Gold+ awards based on false feedback.

We have no plans to accept anything other than golden testimonials in the future irrespective of the source, although we *may* be able to do something for DJEP/DJI users at some stage depending on the outcome of due diligence studies and co-operation from the product owners.

[deltic]

Because we have a full audit trail from initial enquiry through to follow-up report, which we don't have with non-NAD clients. This is essential for validation and also for the weight that golden testimonials carry. These are extremely difficult to fake and this fact will be reinforced to future site visitors.

As alluded to previously, too many folks were "playing the game" trying to get Gold+ awards based on false feedback.

We have no plans to accept anything other than golden testimonials in the future irrespective of the source, although we *may* be able to do something for DJEP/DJI users at some stage depending on the outcome of due diligence studies and co-operation from the product owners.

Too late was the cry !!!!!

[DazzyD]

Whilst I can see the reasoning behind what Martin is saying about the service from a customer's point of view, I do think it's a shame that a service that promotes higher standards in the industry makes decisions that appear to alienate an operator like Andy Neen whose professionalism is undoubted and his desire to raise the quality bar led him to being a founder of member of the North East & Cumbria branch of NADJ.

From looking at this thread, it would appear that a lot of DJs, that have commented here, are not getting the leads / securing the work through NAD that they now need to able to get the necessary feedback to progress up NAD's ratings ladder. This makes me wonder if Andy is feeling like he's banging his head against a brick wall enough to withdraw his support to NAD then how many other DJs are feeling this way and will follow suit?

Martin, you've stated that the feedback criteria changes were brought in because "it's demanded by clients and users of the service", however, have you actually asked your DJ users what their needs are or is this really driven more by the "consumer"? I ask this as I find it hard to believe that DJs have asked for these changes when many of them are finding it hard to secure the work that is needed for the appropriate feedback in the first place. Why would they then want to make it even harder to get the gigs by having a lower rating? Something really doesn't sound right. I know you're a good businessman, and I totally respect your business acumen, but, from the comments I've read on this thread, I can't help but feel you're going to lose some really good operators who just want a fair bite at the ratings cherry especially when they're paying the same as the DJs who do get all the leads and convert them to gigs and can get the good feedback.

Just to point out that I'm not part of NAD and the comments I've made are simply my opinions formed by reading this thread as someone "outside of the box" so to speak.

[funkymook]

Whilst I can see the reasoning behind what Martin is saying about the service from a customer's point of view, I do think it's a shame that a service that promotes higher standards in the industry makes decisions that appear to alienate an operator like Andy Neen whose professionalism is undoubted and his desire to raise the quality bar led him to being a founder of member of the North East & Cumbria branch of NADJ.

From looking at this thread, it would appear that a lot of DJs, that have commented here, are not getting the leads / securing the work through NAD that they now need to able to get the necessary feedback to progress up NAD's ratings ladder. This makes me wonder if Andy is feeling like he's banging his head against a brick wall enough to withdraw his support to NAD then how many other DJs are feeling this way and will follow suit?

Martin, you've stated that the feedback criteria changes were brought in because "it's demanded by clients and users of the service", however, have you actually asked your DJ users what their needs are or is this really driven more by the "consumer"? I ask this as I find it hard to believe that DJs have asked for these changes when many of them are finding it hard to secure the work that is needed for the appropriate feedback in the first place. Why would they then want to make it even harder to get the gigs by having a lower rating? Something really doesn't sound right. I know you're a good businessman, and I totally respect your business acumen, but, from the comments I've read on this thread, I can't help but feel you're going to lose some really good operators who just want a fair bite at the ratings cherry especially when they're paying the same as the DJs who do get all the leads and convert them to gigs and can get the good feedback.

Just to point out that I'm not part of NAD and the comments I've made are simply my opinions formed by reading this thread as someone "outside of the box" so to speak.


But to be fair, Andy says he's had one NaD booking in two years - it's not a great loss on either side.

I honestly don't see the issue with NaD - these are leads you'd never get to see if you weren't a member, so unless you're relying on it as your main lead generator (and market yourself appropriately) I see it as a punt for cherry picking the good ones. (I suspect most on here fall under that category).

If it doesn't work for you then you're no worse of by leaving (in fact you save a few quid) and you no longer see leads that aren't any use to you.

Now GoodParty really annoys me, you pay for a lead only to find out it's already been filled ages ago (or it's a kid messing around, I had to write to a headmistress about that scenario when they used the school computer!), or they put it as a higher budget not realising you pay more to access their contact details.

These are obviously the type of scenarios NaD are trying to prevent, and with so many cowboys mobile DJ's and stupid customers around it can't be easy to satisfy everybody.

[Excalibur]

But to be fair, Andy says he's had one NaD booking in two years - it's not a great loss on either side.

.
I think you're missing the point Martin. Andy's not bothered about missing out on work, he's aggrieved that now he has ( had ) a verification status on his own website, which suddenly appears to have downgraded his status to that of new arrivals like myself. Whereas before, he could legitimately point to the DJ mark's highest award as evidence of his high standards and customer service, now although he has changed absolutely nothing about his business, or business practices, and he's showing up as merely one of the herd, with absolutely no chance of advancing further.

As he says, it could now have the opposite effect on his own website customers, who might easily assume that he's done something untoward. Viewed from this standpoint, it does seem very unfair to me. I understand that Vectis can't spend time and money checking that every member's feedback isn't from family and friends, but I wonder if it might be helpful to allow "historic" feedback, so that people like Andy aren't penalised.

[Ecstatic Events]

I won my first lead the other week ;)

[hammy]

Andy isnt the only one feeling that way, Although I have had a few good ones from NAD, the client has sent me feedback instead of doing it via NAD so no golden testimonial for me, I have them on my DJ Event planner so that would have been a good idea I have now got to the stage where I maybe wont be renewing either, Most of the time I dont even look at the leads anymore, As Martin (Funky) says, I am one of those that pick and choose(when I look).

[Andy Collins]

I have to say, that if my rating was downgraded for the lack of golden testimonials then I too would not re-join. I currently have 2 golden testimonials but could have had more IF the client used the facilities on nad, but instead have chosen to write to me directly (which is nice)

So we are being penalized for clients writing to us directly.

Surely, if the job was won from nad, and the client sends us a nice testimonial - surely that could be sent in and counted as a golden testimonial as nad could easily verify the legitimacy of such a testament?

[deltic]

Andy isnt the only one feeling that way, Although I have had a few good ones from NAD, the client has sent me feedback instead of doing it via NAD so no golden testimonial for me, I have them on my DJ Event planner so that would have been a good idea I have now got to the stage where I maybe wont be renewing either, Most of the time I dont even look at the leads anymore, As Martin (Funky) says, I am one of those that pick and choose(when I look).

my feedback comes through DJEP and when sent to NAD was promptly sent back and refused as it did not contain the client email address,re submitted with valid email address's and lo and behold the system changed.

Now i will admit to not getting the biggest pile of feedback or testimonials from clients,this is due to the fact a high proportion of customers i work for,i either know personally or have worked for for over 30 years spanning sometimes 3 generations of the same family and they know exactly what i do and who i am.

i never expected to gain much if any work from the NAD site and was quite happy to look and pick through the leads,and have a bid for the ones i fancied and was quite happy to pay my money and support the site,however when the new feedback system came in and penalised my good name i felt it could have an impact on the way potential customers saw my business,after trying to work things out with vectis i took the decision to terminate my listing on the site.

I fully understand what vectis has changed and why,although i see it to be grossly unfair on genuine operators like myself,it is at the end of the day his choice to operate the NAD site how he sees fit and implement/change as much of the criteria as he deems necessary,i certainly have no hard feelings towards him and wish him well,at the moment the way the award criteria stands it just isn't for me.

and like me current members of NAD have a choice fulfil the current criteria.......or opt out.

[funkymook]

I think you're missing the point Martin. Andy's not bothered about missing out on work, he's aggrieved that now he has ( had ) a verification status on his own website, which suddenly appears to have downgraded his status to that of new arrivals like myself. Whereas before, he could legitimately point to the DJ mark's highest award as evidence of his high standards and customer service, now although he has changed absolutely nothing about his business, or business practices, and he's showing up as merely one of the herd, with absolutely no chance of advancing further.

As he says, it could now have the opposite effect on his own website customers, who might easily assume that he's done something untoward. Viewed from this standpoint, it does seem very unfair to me. I understand that Vectis can't spend time and money checking that every member's feedback isn't from family and friends, but I wonder if it might be helpful to allow "historic" feedback, so that people like Andy aren't penalised.

Unfortunately with that track record he is one of the herd, why should he be rated any higher when he's hardly had any bookings or feedback from NaD customers? What's validating his status?

People were complaining it was too easy to get Gold or Platinum and the DJ Mark was worthless, that's now being addressed.

The levels have to be based on something and there will always be people who in theory should be graded higher but in practice aren't. Wherever you draw the line it will be unfair to someone.

(sorry to use you as an example Andy - it's not a reflection on you, as I'm sure you know).