Let down

[chrisj]

I have just had a call from a lady who has been told today that her DJ cannot make it. Saturday July 7th in north Norfolk. I said I am not available but asked her budget. It is for a double 16th she said and I was going to pay the DJ £100.
So we know sixtyquid Sid hasn't let her down.

This is the 3rd call like this since Saturday. Not for the same date though.

Do you get many enquiries where people have been let down?

[spin mobile disco]

Yes sadly I do. Usually budget DJ's in this area. I have even had calls when their DJ has turned up and they have been so appaled they have called me in to supplant them for the night.
Not all budget Dj's are bad so won't tar all with same brush but I have suspected a scam in my local area with the amount of last minute calls i get.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Over the past 2 years I reckon I have had around 10 calls where people have been let down.
The latest was at the weekend and it was gone 8.00pm and I was at another gig.
A couple of them in the past called the day before, sounded very desperate and I could have helped them out. I provided quotations yet they still didn't go for it and they were weddings.

[funkymook]

My Spider sense tingles with some of these last minute let down enquiries I've seen - I'm sure some are genuine, but I don't believe them all.

[lazersounds]

Had one friday night at 7pm, £60 sid hadn't turned up, luckly i was only 2 miles away and having a night off!

[mattydinx]

I had a call off another DJ no less asking me to cover a wedding for him on Saturday just gone, didn't catch his reasoning - I suspect a double booking.

He said the venue pays £100, I told him it would take an awful lot more than that to get me out the door! - Given his dues he dropped the extra cash off a couple of hours later!

Oddly enough, the booking manager claims she only spoke to him on Thursday confirming everything was still ok (he's normally their resident DJ) and that the wedding had been booked for months!

Not the best party I've ever done, with no client meeting, no brief - nothing, I felt so under-prepared - made me appreciate my client meetings so much more lol

[NKR]

We get the calls every now and again, but as people on here probably know by now I won't do them on principal as they are a hiding to nothing. Reasons-

a) you will invariably be late starting and the message does not always get through that you are the fill in so you get grief.
b) you are invariably a lot more expensive so will get grief off some drunk relative for fleecing them in their time of need.
c) should have booked a proper operator in the first place.

Before we get the usual what if their DJ was genuinely blown up by a meteor on the way the gig scenarios thrown in. If its genuine we may go out, may and it had better be as genuine as the above scenario.

[djdave01]

ive recently took a booking for a client, who's first dj apparently phoned her to say he was going on holiday instead

[yourdj]

Used to get this every weekend when i started out on a lower price/service band. Never happens now.

No offense but if they book a service on price they have more chance of being let down. Originally when they booked they rang round loads of people chose the cheapest and probably did not look at what they were getting. They then did nothing to check before the date of the event and now wonder why the guy has not turned up.

Thats fair enough, but when they then ring round just before or on the night and then still expect a cheap DJ then i have no time for them.

[lazersounds]

Thats fair enough, but when they then ring round just before or on the night and then still expect a cheap DJ then i have no time for them.

I Agree, I told them the price, got a gasp on the phone, agreed to it and said it must be paid soon as I walk through the door (not falling for that one again but thats another story), was done and the night was saved

[Shakermaker Promotions]

As I mentioned above, on a couple of occasions I have had the same scenario. I give up now really. I am all for helping out as much as I can but there has to be a cut off line where it really isn't worth it.
NKR has listed 3 perfect examples in my opinion.

One particular call the day before the wedding was almost laughable. The woman was getting married the next day for gawds sake. She told me that she was paying the other guy (the one that let her down last minute), £175.00. I was busy the next day but did have availability. I apologised and said I couldn't match that price. She then asked what the price would be and I said "Double that" and she said "You're joking?".
No, I wasn't joking and that was a couple of years ago. She wouldn't have it and I had to put it bluntly really. I told her that I had availability and could provide her with a DJ for her big day and she wouldn't need to stress anymore. She didn't go ahead.

[Jonathan Ford]

I tend to think that if a client has been let down through unforseen circumstances by a pro, it will be the pro trying to fill the gig rather than just abandoning the client to it.

The last one of these I had was on a Monday night toward the back end of last year. Their DJ hadn't shown, and they were pretty desperate (he eventually arrived 2 hours late just as I was starting). I didn't get actual numbers, but was told that I was significantly more expensive than the guy I replaced. As it was, I did reduce my fee slightly for fear of been thought of as profiteering.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I don't understand why you would think of being thought as 'profiteering'.
At the end of the day, if someone has been let down and the price they have paid is below the price you charge, how is that profiteering?
If you charge £350.00 and they've booked someone at £200.00 and been let down, all you are doing is going out at what you usually go out for.
It's a nice gesture reducing the fee and the likelyhood is that if it was a Monday and I was in the same situation, I'd maybe have done the same but I wouldn't see it as profiteering.

[Pink Elephant]

Profiteering would be to load the price higher than normal.

Some people do do this for last minute jobs (or flights with Ryanair!), but I feel it may come back later and bite you. :D

[Jonathan Ford]

I don't understand why you would think of being thought as 'profiteering'.
At the end of the day, if someone has been let down and the price they have paid is below the price you charge, how is that profiteering?
If you charge £350.00 and they've booked someone at £200.00 and been let down, all you are doing is going out at what you usually go out for.
It's a nice gesture reducing the fee and the likelyhood is that if it was a Monday and I was in the same situation, I'd maybe have done the same but I wouldn't see it as profiteering.

I can't really justify it to myself now, Gary. At the time, I knew they'd booked somebody they knewfor £120 - my quote for the same gig would have been £420. Had the problem occurred a day or so before, I'd more than likely have stuck to my guns to get my full fee, knowing that there were alternatives. In this case, 1845 on the day, crying bride, angry father etc. the "you get what you pay for" patter didn't seem appropriate, so I went out for somewhere in the £275-£325 mark (can't remember off the top of my head - suspect it was under £300 though). I know that they found this very expensive, and had to borrow money to afford my fee.

I know I wasn't profiteering - exactly the opposite in fact. However, I was pretty sure they would think I was if I stuck my full fee in, and though I was digging them out of a hole, it had the potential to make for an awkward night.

[Shaun]

Re: the term "profiteering". If a very last minute enquiry comes in (i.e. on the day of the event) I do charge a higher fee than normal. If I'm not working I'll already have made alternative plans for the evening. Having a weeked off is a rare and precious thing to me and I tend to make the most of them, so dropping everything and cancelling plans last minute does come at a price.

The term "profiteering" by definition means to profit by methods deemed 'unethical'. I certainly don't think it's unethical to charge a premium in such circumstances. It's the same in a lot of professions. If I have a leak and call I plumber out, and I expect him to drop everything and come out at the last minute, I know I'll be paying a higher fee than I would if I call and make an appointement for him to come at a pre-agreed time. It's no different.

As always the decision is down to the client. Just like any enquiry they have the option of deciding if the fee is within their budget, or they have the option of looking elsewhere for a cheaper alternative. Whichever they choose works for me. If they book then it's worth my while, if they don't I get to enjoy my evening as planned. If they tell me that they simply cannot afford it I'll happily supply them with some other DJs contact numbers. At the end of the day I'll ultimately try to do my best to get them out the situation they find themselves in, regardless as to whether they book me or not.

[DazzyD]

Re: the term "profiteering". If a very last minute enquiry comes in (i.e. on the day of the event) I do charge a higher fee than normal. If I'm not working I'll already have made alternative plans for the evening. Having a weeked off is a rare and precious thing to me and I tend to make the most of them, so dropping everything and cancelling plans last minute does come at a price.

The term "profiteering" by definition means to profit by methods deemed 'unethical'. I certainly don't think it's unethical to charge a premium in such circumstances. It's the same in a lot of professions. If I have a leak and call I plumber out, and I expect him to drop everything and come out at the last minute, I know I'll be paying a higher fee than I would if I call and make an appointement for him to come at a pre-agreed time. It's no different.

As always the decision is down to the client. Just like any enquiry they have the option of deciding if the fee is within their budget, or they have the option of looking elsewhere for a cheaper alternative. Whichever they choose works for me. If they book then it's worth my while, if they don't I get to enjoy my evening as planned. If they tell me that they simply cannot afford it I'll happily supply them with some other DJs contact numbers. At the end of the day I'll ultimately try to do my best to get them out the situation they find themselves in, regardless as to whether they book me or not.

I totally agree with Shaun on this one.

I used to offer a "last-minute emergency DJ" service and, the prices were slightly (20%) higher my normal rates. But that's because these enquiries usually meant me running around like a lunatic and having to do things in extra-quick time. I tended to find that these potential clients were not happy to pay my usual prices so the higher prices, well, you could almost hear them hit the floor!! So, I gave up on the service and stopped offering it about a year ago.

Mind you, at the extreme I've had three of these enquiries on the same night - from the same village!!! It's amazing to think that 3 people were holding parties in different venues in the same village and had all been let down by their DJs!! :eek: Obviously, I couldn't cover all 3 shows but i've always wondered if they all booked the same DJ!

[Vectis]

i've always wondered if they all booked the same DJ!

"The only DJ in the village" perchance? :p

[Corabar Entertainment]

That being the case, I wonder if there was a 4th party on in the village that he was DJing at! :D

[Jonathan Ford]

Good points. I suppose the difference in my little mind is what the client will perceive. For example, there are tons of "emergency" tradesmen, plumbers, glaziers etc.. However, there should never be a need for an "emergency" DJ...

As I said earlier, now, I can't justify my decision to myself, but at the time it seemed the right thing to do. I know that it would leave a sour taste in my mouth at the thought of someone making an excessive, unethical profit from my misfortune.

[katman]

That being the case, I wonder if there was a 4th party on in the village that he was DJing at! :D

Was thinking the same thing.

Reminds me of the scene in the movie "Money Pit" where the builders arrive....

"your name came up in the draw so we work today" :lol:

[DazzyD]

"The only DJ in the village" perchance? :p

I've got a feeling I know who the DJ might have been. To be fair, with all the work I've gotten from the people he's let down in the past I really should be sending him a Christmas card!!


That being the case, I wonder if there was a 4th party on in the village that he was DJing at! :D

Nah. There's only 3 venues in that village!! ;)

[Excalibur]

I don't understand why you would think of being thought as 'profiteering'.
.


Profiteering would be to load the price higher than normal.




I know I wasn't profiteering - exactly the opposite in fact. However, I was pretty sure they would think I was if I stuck my full fee in, and though I was digging them out of a hole, it had the potential to make for an awkward night.
Exactly the point I was going to make. Jonathan is spot on, if they've booked someone for £50-£100, and genuinely don't know this isn't the going rate, they'll think you're doubling or trebling the price. And how much weight will the argument " Ah yes, but for this money, I offer unlimited pre-event meetings, the facility to create playlists online for your guests", etc etc when all they want you to do is load up the van/people carrier/bicycle/rickshaw/tuk tuk and get your bottom to the gig as quickly as posible.



It's the same in a lot of professions. If I have a leak and call I plumber out, and I expect him to drop everything and come out at the last minute, I know I'll be paying a higher fee than I would if I call and make an appointement for him to come at a pre-agreed time. It's no different.
.
Mayhap, but isn't the plumber charging you for working "unsocial hours"? The emergency callout at seven o'clock on a Saturday night is a time when he's expecting to be putting his feet up and watching The Voice, or down the pub having a small sweet sherry, having already worked a full day. At that time, we're expecting to be down the Village Hall playing Agadoo or whatever. So it's not anti social in that respect.

[Shaun]

Mayhap, but isn't the plumber charging you for working "unsocial hours"? The emergency callout at seven o'clock on a Saturday night is a time when he's expecting to be putting his feet up and watching The Voice, or down the pub having a small sweet sherry, having already worked a full day. At that time, we're expecting to be down the Village Hall playing Agadoo or whatever. So it's not anti social in that respect.

I'm not just talking about a plumber coming on a Saturday. Try calling one at ANY time and pleading with him to drop what hes doing, leave the task hes doing and run to your aid. I'd expect a premium to be added if he had to change plans come to my rescue. Say you called him on a Monday, which just happeneded to be a day off he'd taken. He agrees to come out to fix your leak, do you think it would be out of order for him to charge a premium for coming on his day off? The actual day is neither here nor there if the person is in the middle of a day off.

At the point I make plans because I don't think I'm working, the weekend becomes 'unsociable hours' as far as I'm concerned, and the premium applies. Yet another instance where we'll have to agree to disagree Peter.

[NKR]

I can't really justify it to myself now, Gary. At the time, I knew they'd booked somebody they knewfor £120 - my quote for the same gig would have been £420. Had the problem occurred a day or so before, I'd more than likely have stuck to my guns to get my full fee, knowing that there were alternatives. In this case, 1845 on the day, crying bride, angry father etc. the "you get what you pay for" patter didn't seem appropriate, so I went out for somewhere in the £275-£325 mark (can't remember off the top of my head - suspect it was under £300 though). I know that they found this very expensive, and had to borrow money to afford my fee.

I know I wasn't profiteering - exactly the opposite in fact. However, I was pretty sure they would think I was if I stuck my full fee in, and though I was digging them out of a hole, it had the potential to make for an awkward night.

Exactly why I don't do them. You help someone out and can end up being the target for peoples frustrations.

Did one years ago where one of their mates who was going to DJ for them let them down. It was a long time ago. We had very limited lighting and as we were coming in, we got digs for being late, then the 'I am not paying that much' and the brides uncle was already trying to knock our fee down with Kev as I was bringing kit in.

I heard it as I was going past with a speaker spun on my heal and started to take it back out. Kev looked at me oddly and I said loudly 'Going to the pub mate, I don't need this, its not my gig, its not my problem!'. At which point the bride burst into tears and I had to be talked back into the venue.

They were taking the micky after one of their mates let them down and were taking it out on us.

That is just one experience of it.

Had the same thing after loading up and getting out to help someone else out. Bringing the gear in ' Where have you been?' and 'I hope you are knocking money off for being late'. Not from the people that were frantically trying to get someone there, but from other guests.

So its not worth it don't bother.

[Shaun]

Exactly why I don't do them. You help someone out and can end up being the target for peoples frustrations.

Did one years ago where one of their mates who was going to DJ for them let them down. It was a long time ago. We had very limited lighting and as we were coming in, we got digs for being late, then the 'I am not paying that much' and the brides uncle was already trying to knock our fee down with Kev as I was bringing kit in.

I heard it as I was going past with a speaker spun on my heal and started to take it back out. Kev looked at me oddly and I said loudly 'Going to the pub mate, I don't need this, its not my gig, its not my problem!'. At which point the bride burst into tears and I had to be talked back into the venue.

They were taking the micky after one of their mates let them down and were taking it out on us.

That is just one experience of it.

Had the same thing after loading up and getting out to help someone else out. Bringing the gear in ' Where have you been?' and 'I hope you are knocking money off for being late'. Not from the people that were frantically trying to get someone there, but from other guests.

So its not worth it don't bother.

Interesting. I think in that situation I'd be making an accouncement on the Mic as soon as I was set up. Letting people know that the original DJ 'cancelled' but I was called and had rushed along to ensure they had a good time.


Just wanted to add. Although I add a premium for last minute enquiries, to date nobody has booked me for for a last minute gig. Perhaps the fee I quote is just too high for them. I can see why some people just refuse to do them (especially after reading the above scenario). I personally would feel more guilty not offering (albeit at a higher fee) than just saying "sorry, I can't help". I'd be sitting all night thinking about some Bride in tears with no party. That's just me though, and that's in no way a dig at those that turn away last minute calls - I can fully appreciate why you do.

[theoloyla]

2 weeks ago I got rushed into hospital on a Wednesday night for an emergency appendectomy. It was me who rang around other SEDA members to get my Saturday wedding covered and the mate who did it worked at my fee which was a little bit less than he usually charges (I had already been paid in advance). I was also booked for this Saturday and had to ring the agent and tell him I couldnt do it and I also rang a couple who's wedding I was due to do on the 15th and gave them the details of another SEDA member who was available. It is part of providing a professional service.
I too sometimes get calls from people who have been let down. I have done a few and as others have said the atmosphere is often not good with people thinking that I am late when in fact I am the cavalry coming to the rescue. People who have been let down have invariably booked a cheap dj or relied on a friend of a friend who has not organized it.

[Shaun]

2 weeks ago I got rushed into hospital on a Wednesday night for an emergency appendectomy. It was me who rang around other SEDA members to get my Saturday wedding covered and the mate who did it worked at my fee which was a little bit less than he usually charges (I had already been paid in advance).

Now, this is a sutuation where I would be happy to go out for less, especially if it's someone I knew (either personally or from the forum). Glad to hear you got your gigs covered. And hope you're on the mend! :beer1:

[theoloyla]

Thankyou. Yes wounds healing well. Hospital said no work for 6 weeks but I think I will be back dj'ing from 22nd (4 weeks). Am going on holiday for a week on Sunday to Ilfracombe to continue convalesence. Have got to have colonoscopy beginning of July to check all is well.

[Shaun]

Best of Luck Theo, and best wishes for a speedy recoverey.

[NKR]

Now, this is a sutuation where I would be happy to go out for less, especially if it's someone I knew (either personally or from the forum). Glad to hear you got your gigs covered. And hope you're on the mend! :beer1:

If a DJ in need calls me then thats a different matter as the profession is dealing with the situation in a professional manner.

As for the earlier worries of a bride being sat in tears. Not my problem.

Do your research, the internet makes it easy. Work out what a sensible rate is and make sure you book someone who comes recommended in one way or another.

Every venue in the land has cards of people they know have turned up, been professional and done a brilliant job. There are a few clubs (cricket, bowling, RAF etc where we have done jobs which the staff were very impressed with and took cards.) I still get calls from people having do's there and have only ever booked one in due to as you can guess price.
So if you don't do any research, pay a professional rate or take recommendations from people who have experience you get what you deserve. I have no problem with saying no.

I will of course make an excuse rather than blurt out its your own fault and i don't do no shows. I am always unfortunately otherwise engaged as that is a professional response.

[Shaun]

So if you don't do any research, pay a professional rate or take recommendations from people who have experience you get what you deserve. I have no problem with saying no.


I can't argue with that. :)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Now, this is a sutuation where I would be happy to go out for less, especially if it's someone I knew (either personally or from the forum)

I'll bear you in mind Shaun...:sj:

[Shaun]

I'll bear you in mind Shaun...:sj:

I can foresee the conversation now.

Phone Rings

"Hello Shaun, It's Darren"

"Darren who?"

click Burrrrrrrrr

"Hello Shaun, hello?"

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

And I was going to send my helicopter...

[Shaun]

I get airsick. :d

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I get airsick. :d

:D

[Shaun]

:D

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

:lol:

[DazzyD]

Thankyou. Yes wounds healing well. Hospital said no work for 6 weeks but I think I will be back dj'ing from 22nd (4 weeks). Am going on holiday for a week on Sunday to Ilfracombe to continue convalesence. Have got to have colonoscopy beginning of July to check all is well.


Best of Luck Theo, and best wishes for a speedy recoverey.

What Shaun said. And hope everything does well for you, Theo! :)

[Vectis]

Get well soon Theo :)



I have just processed the SEVENTEENTH "we've been let down by another DJ" request for 2nd June.

17!!!!!!! :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: For one date!!!!

:confused:

[Excalibur]

2 weeks ago I got rushed into hospital on a Wednesday night for an emergency appendectomy. .
All the best Theo, hope you're soon on the mend.