"Is there anywhere we can see what you do before we book?"

[WWDJ]

Wedding Enquiry - "Is there anywhere we can see what you do before we book?"

So i'm primarily DJing Weddings and a few birthdays, anniversaries this year.

I might do a few 11-15 year old charity chart music nights and if booked I'll do NYE (the one night I do have a few pints as it's 100 yard walk), but not the kind of gigs I would want a potential client turning up at.

How would you answer this question and still try and get the 'gig' :D

[dehayco]

In situations like this (actually just had this question) i explain that all of my gigs are private functions so its isn't possible for you to come and see me at a event in person, however here is some video footage from previous events.

This is followed by a youtube link or similar with some large photos of my setup sent as well.

[Larry B Entertainment]

The way I see it is every function is different so how you work one night might not work with another.

As above, showing them some videos would be the best bet.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

As above (again).
I'm sure I've mentioned it before but I don't think it's a great idea anyway.
Say for example, your customer said it was ok for someone to pop in and have a look and it just so happens that you have a crowd that really aren't up for it and unusually, you're struggling. It's not going to look good is it?
On the other hand, you could have a crowd of people that are well up for a party and it will look great.
I still don't like the idea of someone looking in on someone elses function.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I would love to say to a client "Well actually, I would like to see you after a few drinks, so that I can see that you're not a complete arse and you are my kind of customer" :sj:

[WWDJ]

As above (again).
it just so happens that you have a crowd that really aren't up for it and unusually, you're struggling.

I can't recall this has ever happened :D

I have already replied to the lady, but I am interested in how you guys handle it as it does come up from time to time.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I can't recall this has ever happened :D

I have already replied to the lady, but I am interested in how you guys handle it as it does come up from time to time.

:D ;) Yeah, Ok...I believe you!

I've had it a few times aswell. I usually say that I am busy with bookings or meetings which is generally the case to be honest.
The problem I have with it is that just like those that want to meet you before they even consider booking you, I feel like it's a bit of an audition.
I don't like that and I like to think that seeing as I am my own boss, I can pick and choose when or who I want to work for just as the customer can audition and shop around for the DJ that they want to do their function.

[funkymook]

Sounds like they've looked at a '10 things to ask a DJ' list!

As others have said, explain they're private functions.

Why are they asking in the first place? Many people book without requesting this so what's making them doubt you.

Just leaving it with a 'no you can't' (with the above valid reasons) will probably lose you the booking, however nicely you phrase it, as you haven't addressed any underlying concerns (if they have them).

Have you spoken/met them yet or has it all been by email?

I'd be looking at arranging a meeting with them.

Then see if you can find out why they feel the need to see you. Is it just a case of making sure you exist, that your set-up matches what's on your website - or, and most likely in my experience, they just don't know what else to ask as they've never booked a DJ before.

[WWDJ]

Here is what I said ... a bit wordy, but I wanted to cover different elements of my service --- and there are some grammtical errors -- hey ho.

"Hi xxxx,

The nature of weddings in particular is that they are private functions so this isn't possible. I rarely do functions outside of weddings now.

I can appreciate it is difficult to get an idea of what a DJ is like without seeing them.

I do offer a face to face pre-meeting where we can have more detailed discussion about your requirements.

You'll have already seen pictures of my setup in the gallery section on the website. My style there is to keep everything looking tidy, professional and modern. I don't do flashing traffic lights and rope lights, we can leave them safely in the 80s ... The setup changes fairly frequently usually adding more lighting to my collection so that I can cover different situations and provide different effects.

Music wise, my style is to try and avoid those non cliched cheesy tracks like Agadoo and Superman, so it's party classics consisting of 'happy upbeat music' mixed with modern tracks that are popular across the generations. Music is something I would always encourage your input on, as I want you and your guests to enjoy the evening and I provide a list for your input at the point of booking and will take requests right up to the evening and with your permission on the evening (i do apply common sense to requests that come in on the night as there is always one joker asking for the Birdie Song!). I've done all sorts of functions with different music so I can think of weddings this year where I've played mostly 60s,70s and 80's and others where I've played mostly chart music and a few classics. It really depends on what you like really.

Other things I get asked are 'Are you going to talk all over the records'. I use the microphone for announcements and to encourage people to dance and enjoy themselves. Apart from that I tend to let the music do the talking.

In terms of dress. I wear a smart shirt and trousers which is practical and usually appropriate for the job in hand.

Hopefully this gives you an idea about me and the service I offer but if you have any further questions please let me know

Best Regards"

[Corabar Steve]

You have a face to face before your meeting?

Pre-meeting = before the meeting.

Pre-event meeting?

[Alchemy]

I would love to say to a client "Well actually, I would like to see you after a few drinks, so that I can see that you're not a complete arse and you are my kind of customer" :sj:

:like:

:Laugh: :Laugh: :Laugh: :Laugh:

[WWDJ]

I would love to say to a client "Well actually, I would like to see you after a few drinks, so that I can see that you're not a complete arse and you are my kind of customer" :sj:

I'd missed this.. I might use that as a reply if she comes back with a no lol :D

[hadyn]

well if you sent me an answer like that, i'd book you
perfectly good answer!!!

[HeartandSoul]

I would love to say to a client "Well actually, I would like to see you after a few drinks, so that I can see that you're not a complete arse and you are my kind of customer" :sj:


:D :D :D :D Brilliant!

[STEVE HANLEY]

A bit like asking an electrician if you can go and see him on a job he's on. So you can watch him wire up the consumer unit before hiring him;) :D

[weekender45]

Really good answer

[welby]

I would love to say to a client "Well actually, I would like to see you after a few drinks, so that I can see that you're not a complete arse and you are my kind of customer" :sj:

I'm with you on this one~! :eek:

[Ecstatic Events]

You have a face to face before your meeting?

Pre-meeting = before the meeting.

Pre-event meeting?

Personally offering this as standard now. I have 2 this week alone.

It's a two way process. You may not be their DJ and THEY may not be your customer.

Ever had a gig where you've hated every second and smiled through gritted teeth :D :D :D :D

[Jonathan Ford]

Just to echo what others have said, I always explain that it would be impossible for me to invite them to someone else's private party. I'd worry about saying you're too busy...might look as though you're avoiding it.

[paulg]

It doesn't happen too often so as long as it's OK to do it, and it usually is, why not let people pop along and see what you can do? I'm always happy to oblige.

There's an awful lot of variability in disco / DJ offerings so I don't think you can expect to charge quite a lot of money and yet ask people to accept your own assessment of your worth. I'm with the punters on this one. I'd need more assurance.

[Jonathan Ford]

It doesn't happen too often so as long as it's OK to do it, and it usually is, why not let people pop along and see what you can do? I'm always happy to oblige.

There's an awful lot of variability in disco / DJ offerings so I don't think you can expect to charge quite a lot of money and yet ask people to accept your own assessment of your worth. I'm with the punters on this one. I'd need more assurance.

And, if I were a groom, I'd go mental if you invited one of your potential clients to MY wedding reception.

[CRAZY K]

Usually I offer videos or recommendations from people that I have worked for--

The one thing no one seems to have mentioned is looking at this from the clients point of view--- this is possibly the most important booking of Entertainment the client will be making and they dont want to get it wrong if at all possible.

You cant blame them wanting to have something to work off.

[sweetie]

this happens a lot in ireland particularly for bands. Its always oked in advance and it not unusual to see two or three couple hanging around for half an hour at a wedding reception. Personally, I prefer my references to speak for themselves.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

And, if I were a groom, I'd go mental if you invited one of your potential clients to MY wedding reception.

It's not just that. Everyone has a different idea of what they want their DJ to be. Chances are you could be playing music they don't like, or the buffet could be on, or you may have an empty floor...

[Shaun]

It's not just that. Everyone has a different idea of what they want their DJ to be. Chances are you could be playing music they don't like

That's a very good point, and something I always mention in my reply whenever I'm asked if they can see me play. :beer1:

[paulg]

I did say 'so long as it is OK' i.e. you had permission.

In the main, people just want a quick look to see that you are decent, your kit is decent, your sound and lighting is OK, and you can put music and a spoken sentence together at the appropriate time. By agreement, they won't stand there all night or tuck into the buffet!

Unfortunately, quite a lot of DJ's don't meet the basic criteria above and websites are commonly becoming misleading (stock photo's, unsubstantiated claims etc). So although it can be a hassle, I fully understand people wanting some re-assurance over what to them amounts to 'take it or leave it'.

[djtrev]

I did say 'so long as it is OK' i.e. you had permission.

In the main, people just want a quick look to see that you are decent, your kit is decent, your sound and lighting is OK, and you can put music and a spoken sentence together at the appropriate time. By agreement, they won't stand there all night or tuck into the buffet!

.

I think I would agree with this.
Pictures on a website are all very well but seeing and listening would be an advantage.

[Shaun]

I did say 'so long as it is OK' i.e. you had permission.



There lies the crux of the issue with me though. I would never want to be in a position where I had to ask a client if it were ok to do so. And on the flipside, if I was booking an entertainer for my wedding I would resent them asking me if it's ok if other potential clients could gatecrash my wedding - the fact that it may just be a quick look wouldn't matter to me, It just wouldn't be something I was comfortable with and I'd be extremely unhappy if I was faced with such a situation where I was put on the spot with being asked if it was ok.

Perhaps it's because it's the way I would feel in a similar situation that has partly prompted me to never allow it. And if I feel that way there's the potential that some of my clients may feel the same way too.

Just my thoughts...

[Corabar Entertainment]

There lies the crux of the issue with me though. I would never want to be in a position where I had to ask a client if it were ok to do so. And on the flipside, if I was booking an entertainer for my wedding I would resent them asking me if it's ok if other potential clients could gatecrash my wedding - the fact that it may just be a quick look wouldn't matter to me, It just wouldn't be something I was comfortable with and I'd be extremely unhappy if I was faced with such a situation where I was put on the spot with being asked if it was ok.

Perhaps it's because it's the way I would feel in a similar situation that has partly prompted me to never allow it. And if I feel that way there's the potential that some of my clients may feel the same way too.

Just my thoughts...:agree:

[surround sounds]

I get asked this alot and i normally say would you like some of my customers to come to your wedding and watch me. They normally say no. So then they understand its not possible for this to happen..

[Kernow]

I think I would agree with this.
Pictures on a website are all very well but seeing and listening would be an advantage.

I agree too :) Would you invest in speakers or lights without hearing/seeing them demonstrated first ?

[djtrev]

And on the flipside, if I was booking an entertainer for my wedding I would resent them asking me if it's ok if other potential clients could gatecrash my wedding - the fact that it may just be a quick look wouldn't matter to me,

..

For the life of me I can't think of a reason to say no.Apart from the fact you 'just wouldn't feel right' is there any other reason.Why the resentment for,as you say,just a look.

[Corabar Steve]

For the life of me I can't think of a reason to say no.Apart from the fact you 'just wouldn't feel right' is there any other reason.Why the resentment for,as you say,just a look.
Do you just post to see if you get a reaction?

[djtrev]

Dont get me wrong Shaun,I respect your decision,but I just cant see the problem.
The only problem I would have is asking for permission.I see nothing wrong with the request but It appears that most of you think that your clients would not approve of the intrusion.

[djtrev]

Do you just post to see if you get a reaction?

Reaction? No.Answer? Yes.

I thought it was a perfectly acceptable question.

[Corabar Steve]

How would you feel if a builder building an extension for you turned up one day with a potential customer to show them some of his work?

It's not too different.

[djtrev]

As I have answered before,I can see no reason to object.What possible objection could I have?

[funkymook]

I've never seen a venue showing prospective customers around during someone else's wedding breakfast - it's just not done.

But if anyone thinks it's OK to ask a bride if they can invite strangers along to see them perform at their reception try asking before you get the deposit and see how it effects your bookings.


As I have answered before,I can see no reason to object.What possible objection could I have?

So have you ever invited people along to a wedding to see you? Ever actually been asked?

[djtrev]

Ok,in the interest of harmony on the forum and the fact that I seem to be in a regular minority of one,although I personally see no problem I will refuse the request should it be asked.


So have you ever invited people along to a wedding to see you? Ever actually been asked?

No on both counts.

[COOL HAND LUKE]

I have been asked on a couple of occasions and say it is not my decision to make, but it is an open Hotel where it is very easy to have a crafty look, without anyone being any the wiser or causing any harm. I have nothing I wouldn't want you to see. Even if the dance floor is empty or I'm playing music you may not like. I'm sure you will satisfy yourself, if I am the DJ for your event.
I think that most won,t even bother looking, if you give them a positive answer.

[paulg]

How would you feel if a builder building an extension for you turned up one day with a potential customer to show them some of his work?

It's not too different.


I'd think he had his/her head screwed on the right way and was proud of the work being done. I'd also feel confident I'd got the right people. I'd offer tea and biscuits too.