Another thread regarding residencies...

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Hi all,

Just wanted to mention this....
I know there are pros and cons regarding residencies and we've all gone over them before but.....
From my own personal point of view, I am so glad I have them. The reason being is that especially at this time of the year, I get guaranteed multiple bookings.
Loads of bookings throughout the year is great too but most of the time a lot of the private bookings come in too.
If I didn't have residencies, I personally think I'd struggle during the Christmas period (especially this year).
This period has been pretty quiet for me this year and I have noticed more people than usual saying that they have availability?
Is it quieter than previous years?

Saying that though, the residency parties this year are the busiest they have ever been?
Those with residencies, would you agree?
Those struggling with dates, have you noticed that it's quieter for enquiries than previous years?

[Excalibur]

Saying that though, the residency parties this year are the busiest they have ever been?
Those with residencies, would you agree?
Those struggling with dates, have you noticed that it's quieter for enquiries than previous years?

I wonder if folk are taking the line of least resistance, and foregoing control of their functions by simply booking x slots at a local venue Xmas party? No planning headaches, no finding an available venue, and no Disco to locate and pay.

Re enquiries, I have no residencies, my recommended venues don't do the parties now, so it's really quiet here. :(

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Regarding the last line of your post Peter and the enquiries being quiet. Sorry to hear that by the way.
That's the main point of my post really mate. It does seem to be pretty quiet for enquiries at the moment.
One of the most common comments I hear from people (and I am sure it's the same for most of us), is "Ooh, I bet you're busy at this time of the year". Well, yes I am but if I didn't have the residencies and guaranteed work, I would definitely be struggling and pretty concerned.
I've had a number of other local DJ's contacting me asking if I have any dates going free as they are available and I don't often get that. Last year I contacted a few myself as although I was very busy I wanted to fill in the midweek slots too but nobody had anything available midweek.

[lazersounds]

I agree this year private functions do seem to be slow and am glad of a few residencies in a local venues I have this year otherwise I would just have one wedding and one birthday all month.

A lot of venues are now having party packages from £20 down here, which has been said, takes all the hassle out of organising everything yourself. :)

[Ryu]

As you'll have seen in the Availability threads, I've had to work hard to cover some key dates this year, as I too don't have any residencies or any regular work at venues any longer (used to). I have attempted to pitch to venues, however, I do think this time of year is better suited to multi ops, and to that end, I'm happy to opt out of promoting my own business, to a certain extent, and take on offers of work from 3rd party Multi Ops as required. It works for me, as I continue earning and it works (I hope) for the Multi Ops, as I have good corporate event experience, and have no ego about working hard for others....at this time of year, its all about putting a Turkey on the Christmas table! :D

In the meantime, the wedding work for next year continues to trickle in, so have booking fees on the way to support it all the more.

[HeartandSoul]

Hi, I do agree that this year is quiter. I don't do residencies which is a personal choice ( and I have had a few more bookings instead where clients have been let down by others) so I have been able to do these at short notice. I have chosen not to work on NYE, and will spend it with the family this year, but last year had far more enquiries for it, than so far this month.

On the plus side the diary is looking ok for next year, but there is definitely pricing pressure at the moment, with budgets absolutely driving conversions.

[megamixevents]

Hi all,

Just wanted to mention this....
I know there are pros and cons regarding residencies and we've all gone over them before but.....
From my own personal point of view, I am so glad I have them. The reason being is that especially at this time of the year, I get guaranteed multiple bookings.
Loads of bookings throughout the year is great too but most of the time a lot of the private bookings come in too.
If I didn't have residencies, I personally think I'd struggle during the Christmas period (especially this year).
This period has been pretty quiet for me this year and I have noticed more people than usual saying that they have availability?
Is it quieter than previous years?

Saying that though, the residency parties this year are the busiest they have ever been?
Those with residencies, would you agree?
Those struggling with dates, have you noticed that it's quieter for enquiries than previous years?

The feedback I'm getting is the more established mobile disco companies are far too expensive for a typical recession busting Christmas Disco. So many people are opting either to go into a pub or club that already has a DJ playing or by using the free classified site and getting a cheap DJ for £100-£150 with the bare min of fancy frolics, they just want the bare essentials lights, music and DJ.

Until things improve financially for the public they will continue to hunt for bargains, but people will always be getting married and have Civil Partnerships so this I think is still pretty safe for mobile disco companies which are more reputable.

But unless some mobile disco owners who are much more established become more competitive on price and in some cases cut down on the fancy equipment, and give prospective clients clear pricing options on websites things will become even more tougher.

[chrisj]

I have not had a residency since the mid 80's. This year bookings are not quite so good as last but I am a children's entertainer/dj/magician so that brings work in. In fact I have more children's parties than adult discos this year.
Several children's parties that have been regular every year such as schools, are cutting back but then I have others filling the dates. Early nights as well which is fine with me.
Would be nice to have a res but not much chance in this area as most hotels and social clubs work through agencies.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

But unless some mobile disco owners who are much more established become more competitive on price and in some cases cut down on the fancy equipment, and give prospective clients clear pricing options on websites things will become even more tougher.

What does this have to do with how established you are and what equipment you use?

If some DJs and companies learned to stick to their guns and charge what they are worth rather than panicking and just putting prices down, then the industry would be a lot better off.

What difference does putting prices on websites make?


The feedback I'm getting is the more established mobile disco companies are far too expensive for a typical recession busting Christmas Disco. So many people are opting either to go into a pub or club that already has a DJ playing or by using the free classified site and getting a cheap DJ for £100-£150 with the bare min of fancy frolics, they just want the bare essentials lights, music and DJ.



In my experience most Xmas parties are held in venues which organise their own DJs, so the general public don't have to be talking to them about pricing. They pay their £30 for a dinner/dance type situation and get everything thrown in.

[Corabar Entertainment]

We've got a bumper Christmas: haven't been this busy since 2006.

New residency this year (we've been working there all year, but this is the first Christmas) - more bookings, better priced, and great hotel staff who appreciate what we do and work WITH us to get the best for the end customers.

Plus, as well as the shared party nights, many of the private parties at the hotel have opted for 'extras'.

Plus, all of our regular private parties have come back to us again this year, plus a couple of new ones.

Oh, and a wedding or two and a birthday party or two!

Can't ask for more!

Residencies are perfect for us during December, but it is very demanding and it can be difficult (if not impossible) for one-man operations to do because of the situation with constantly shifting dates, and hotels dropping on you quite late on that they need an extra DJ on a particular night!

[Corabar Entertainment]

In my experience most Xmas parties are held in venues which organise their own DJs, so the general public don't have to be talking to them about pricing. They pay their £30 for a dinner/dance type situation and get everything thrown in.:agree:

[megamixevents]

What difference does putting prices on websites make?


I think the answer to that question speaks for it self...lol

[megamixevents]

We've got a bumper Christmas: haven't been this busy since 2006.

New residency this year (we've been working there all year, but this is the first Christmas) - more bookings, better priced, and great hotel staff who appreciate what we do and work WITH us to get the best for the end customers.

Plus, as well as the shared party nights, many of the private parties at the hotel have opted for 'extras'.

Plus, all of our regular private parties have come back to us again this year, plus a couple of new ones.

Oh, and a wedding or two and a birthday party or two!

Can't ask for more!

Residencies are perfect for us during December, but it is very demanding and it can be difficult (if not impossible) for one-man operations to do because of the situation with constantly shifting dates, and hotels dropping on you quite late on that they need an extra DJ on a particular night!

Please don't take this the wrong way but you can't be that busy you sat on the forums most of the time.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

What difference does putting prices on websites make?


I think the answer to that question speaks for it self...lol

Does it? Perhaps you'd like to explain to me then?

I'm looking forward to your answer.

[Corabar Entertainment]

What difference does putting prices on websites make?


I think the answer to that question speaks for it self...lolNo, it doesn't speak for itself at all. Educate us!

[Corabar Entertainment]

Please don't take this the wrong way but you can't be that busy you sat on the forums most of the time.Firstly, the forum is open all day and night - yes, but that doesn't mean I'm on the forum all that time. It opens when I turn on the computer in the morning, and it goes off when I turn the computer off.

Secondly, don't ever again insinuate that I am a liar.

Lastly, if you bothered to get to know the members on here rather than spouting your mouth off without knowing what you're talking about, you'd know that it's an extremely rare occasion (something about snowstorms in Satan's house springs to mind) that I go out and DJ. I run the business, oh, and the only household income comes from the business - including paying the mortgage, the bills, the vehicles, and the food on the table.

[megamixevents]

Does it? Perhaps you'd like to explain to me then?

I'm looking forward to your answer.

1. Been open and transparent with pricing
2. Make it fair for everybody - some gigs and postcodes you will profit more others not so
3. The public want answers now, they don't want to be waiting for replies to quotes from 50 odd different companies.
4. People like to compare prices in there own time, without the sales spiel consumers have to endure from DJ's before getting the price


It really does seem the younger disco owners do place prices on the websites for the older disco companies are dead against it, if you haven't ever tried why not give it a go it may just work for you

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

1. Been open and transparent with pricing
2. Make it fair for everybody - some gigs and postcodes you will profit more others not so
3. The public want answers now, they don't want to be waiting for replies to quotes from 50 odd different companies.
4. People like to compare prices in there own time, without the sales spiel consumers have to endure from DJ's before getting the price


It really does seem the younger disco owners do place prices on the websites for the older disco companies are dead against it, if you haven't ever tried why not give it a go it may just work for you

I repeat, what has this got to do with the 'older' disco companies?

Every quote I do is tailored for the client.

So er...the public want answers now, but also like to compare prices in their own time. Slightly contradictory I would have thought...Being transparent with pricing? Why? People email or ring and get a quote from me. I don't hide anything.

[megamixevents]

I repeat, what has this got to do with the 'older' disco companies?

Every quote I do is tailored for the client.

So er...the public want answers now, but also like to compare prices in their own time. Slightly contradictory I would have thought...Being transparent with pricing? Why? People email or ring and get a quote from me. I don't hide anything.

Some people don't want to 'ring' thats why the yellow pages is nearly obsolete, they want to visit websites and get the information instantly and the most important aspect to the visitor is price and second reviews.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Some people don't want to 'ring' thats why the yellow pages is nearly obsolete, they want to visit websites and get the information instantly and the most important aspect to the visitor is price and second reviews.

No, the most important factor in your market is price and second reviews.

I suppose if I ran a budget company then it may be the same.

[funkymook]

1. Been open and transparent with pricing
2. Make it fair for everybody - some gigs and postcodes you will profit more others not so
3. The public want answers now, they don't want to be waiting for replies to quotes from 50 odd different companies.
4. People like to compare prices in there own time, without the sales spiel consumers have to endure from DJ's before getting the price


It really does seem the younger disco owners do place prices on the websites for the older disco companies are dead against it, if you haven't ever tried why not give it a go it may just work for you

I think there are pros and cons to both approaches, it all depends what works for your particular business model.

One thing with a multi-op though is if you have he same price for all your DJ's how do you make sure the clients are getting an equal service?
Do you have a standardised approach where everybody has the same lighting, speakers, booth etc?

For instance say a repeat customer loved one DJ and their lighting set-up - they book again, the same one isn't available and they don't like the other DJ's lighting and complain (bit of a lame example I know, but it gets the point across)

And do all the DJ's carry the same music - it would make sense to have a central bank of tunes that everyone could access if required - sort of scenario I'm thinking of is a wedding with a fairly strict playlist of obscure tunes - original DJ falls ill on the day, how does the replacement DJ ensure they have all the requested tunes at such short notice?

I'd be happier working for an agent if I knew I had that sort of support - rather than just being told to turn up at a certain time and get on with it.

[megamixevents]

I think there are pros and cons to both approaches, it all depends what works for your particular business model.

One thing with a multi-op though is if you have he same price for all your DJ's how do you make sure the clients are getting an equal service?
Do you have a standardised approach where everybody has the same lighting, speakers, booth etc?

For instance say a repeat customer loved one DJ and their lighting set-up - they book again, the same one isn't available and they don't like the other DJ's lighting and complain (bit of a lame example I know, but it gets the point across)

And do all the DJ's carry the same music - it would make sense to have a central bank of tunes that everyone could access if required - sort of scenario I'm thinking of is a wedding with a fairly strict playlist of obscure tunes - original DJ falls ill on the day, how does the replacement DJ ensure they have all the requested tunes at such short notice?

I'd be happier working for an agent if I knew I had that sort of support - rather than just being told to turn up at a certain time and get on with it.

It's important that DJ's have virtually the same equipment such as lighting, speakers etc. But this is getting into the more technical side which clients are not too fussed about. It's explained clearly to the client that the DJ's equipment maybe slightly different to what is shown on the website as new equipment is either upgraded or replaced by modern stuff.

If a particular DJ wasn't available you could try and swop a few around, if this isn't possible then introduce a DJ with a similar style and personality. All my team have dongles or a huge library of music files and CD's so chances are they should have a particular song etc. But if this wasn't added to the playlist beforehand we don;t want to promise things we cannot always produce.

[funkymook]

It's important that DJ's have virtually the same equipment such as lighting, speakers etc. But this is getting into the more technical side which clients are not too fussed about. It's explained clearly to the client that the DJ's equipment maybe slightly different to what is shown on the website as new equipment is either upgraded or replaced by modern stuff.

If a particular DJ wasn't available you could try and swop a few around, if this isn't possible then introduce a DJ with a similar style and personality. All my team have dongles or a huge library of music files and CD's so chances are they should have a particular song etc. But if this wasn't added to the playlist beforehand we don;t want to promise things we cannot always produce.

Unless your actually branding each DJ Roadshow I suppose the variations in set-up aren't so important.

So if you have specialist DJ's do they help the others out if they don't have particular tracks? I do a lot of Northern Soul and Ska for instance and I know not many people would have the same in depth collection as me, so obviously if you work closely with other DJ's you might give them some key tunes if they get some specialist requests.

- - - Updated - - -


It's important that DJ's have virtually the same equipment such as lighting, speakers etc. But this is getting into the more technical side which clients are not too fussed about. It's explained clearly to the client that the DJ's equipment maybe slightly different to what is shown on the website as new equipment is either upgraded or replaced by modern stuff.

If a particular DJ wasn't available you could try and swop a few around, if this isn't possible then introduce a DJ with a similar style and personality. All my team have dongles or a huge library of music files and CD's so chances are they should have a particular song etc. But if this wasn't added to the playlist beforehand we don;t want to promise things we cannot always produce.

Unless your actually branding each DJ Roadshow I suppose the variations in set-up aren't so important.

So if you have specialist DJ's do they help the others out if they don't have particular tracks? I do a lot of Northern Soul and Ska for instance and I know not many people would have the same in depth collection as me, so obviously if you work closely with other DJ's you might give them some key tunes if they get some obscure requests.

[katman]

1. Been open and transparent with pricing

I just took a look at your website and I have to say that I am more than a little confused.

Your bronze package seems perfect for my little party, dont need many lights and will only have about 50 guests so the sound system will be fine...... BUT..... we do like to boogie for about 5 hours and that only covers 3 hours.

I notice your Gold package will give me the required dancing time but the rig seems a little on the large side for the smallish venue we have.

It says "3 easy steps to book us" and as far as I can see on the prices page, step 1 is to pay you some money via pay pal before any mention is made of venue, date or other requirement.

I havent got my own website done yet but it will most certainly be based on other members websites that I have seen where a variety of options are explained and I certainly wouldnt be taking money from anyone before having discussed availability.

If I have misunderstood your pricing page then I apologise but the comments above are based on what I saw when I looked.

[megamixevents]

Unless your actually branding each DJ Roadshow I suppose the variations in set-up aren't so important.

So if you have specialist DJ's do they help the others out if they don't have particular tracks? I do a lot of Northern Soul and Ska for instance and I know not many people would have the same in depth collection as me, so obviously if you work closely with other DJ's you might give them some key tunes if they get some specialist requests.

- - - Updated - - -



Unless your actually branding each DJ Roadshow I suppose the variations in set-up aren't so important.

So if you have specialist DJ's do they help the others out if they don't have particular tracks? I do a lot of Northern Soul and Ska for instance and I know not many people would have the same in depth collection as me, so obviously if you work closely with other DJ's you might give them some key tunes if they get some obscure requests.

To have a entertainer with an interest in Northern Soul and SKA I would be more than happy to have a chat with you sometime. Diverse cities such as London and Birmingham etc certainly require more specialist DJ's the same goes for DJ's with a more specialist interest in Irish themed nights.

[megamixevents]

I just took a look at your website and I have to say that I am more than a little confused.

Your bronze package seems perfect for my little party, dont need many lights and will only have about 50 guests so the sound system will be fine...... BUT..... we do like to boogie for about 5 hours and that only covers 3 hours.

I notice your Gold package will give me the required dancing time but the rig seems a little on the large side for the smallish venue we have.

It says "3 easy steps to book us" and as far as I can see on the prices page, step 1 is to pay you some money via pay pal before any mention is made of venue, date or other requirement.

I havent got my own website done yet but it will most certainly be based on other members websites that I have seen where a variety of options are explained and I certainly wouldnt be taking money from anyone before having discussed availability.

If I have misunderstood your pricing page then I apologise but the comments above are based on what I saw when I looked.

The new bronze, silver and gold packages where introduced to the site in the last few hours, so therefore you will see changes made such as adding extras etc.

Regarding the 3 easy steps you need to click on the 'book us' now page.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

It would be very useful if you actually answered people's questions rather than skirting round them, ignoring them or posting about something else.

Funky Mook asked some very specific questions.

[funkymook]

To have a entertainer with an interest in Northern Soul and SKA I would be more than happy to have a chat with you sometime. Diverse cities such as London and Birmingham etc certainly require more specialist DJ's the same goes for DJ's with a more specialist interest in Irish themed nights.

Thanks for the offer, but I suspect I'd be way above your going rate.

There's only one other London based DJ I know that has the same sort of music interest as me (and we can both do a mean Irish night as well) - shall I see if they're interested?

[katman]

The new bronze, silver and gold packages where introduced to the site in the last few hours, so therefore you will see changes made such as adding extras etc.

Regarding the 3 easy steps you need to click on the 'book us' now page.

OK, just looked again. Your prices page is still the same, not showing anything about extras but does have pay now buttons wich take me straight to paypal

Looked at the "Book Us" page and went to step 2 - T&C's

The bronze package conflicts with T&C #1
There is a link about extra playing time in T&C #13 which takes me to the afore mentioned prices page.
T&C #17 conflicts with the wording of the last FAQ

The wording of T&C #6 seems to imply "Sorry mate, cant make it, heres your money back, try calling sid on 0898 654 4321" whereas from what I have observed on this forum, ALL of the active members would go out of their way to arrange cover rather than leave it to the client to panic at the last minute.

Sorry, but in the words of the Dragons..... "Im out!!!"

[megamixevents]

Thanks for the offer, but I suspect I'd be way above your going rate.

There's only one other London based DJ I know that has the same sort of music interest as me (and we can both do a mean Irish night as well) - shall I see if they're interested?

Please do and get him or her to email me directly [email protected]

[funkymook]

Please do and get him or her to email me directly [email protected]

Will do - they're also excellent rock and alternative DJ's as well - do you have clients for that sort of stuff as well?

[Corabar Steve]

The feedback I'm getting is the more established mobile disco companies are far too expensive for a typical recession busting Christmas Disco. So many people are opting either to go into a pub or club that already has a DJ playing or by using the free classified site and getting a cheap DJ for £100-£150 with the bare min of fancy frolics, they just want the bare essentials lights, music and DJ.

Until things improve financially for the public they will continue to hunt for bargains, but people will always be getting married and have Civil Partnerships so this I think is still pretty safe for mobile disco companies which are more reputable.

But unless some mobile disco owners who are much more established become more competitive on price and in some cases cut down on the fancy equipment, and give prospective clients clear pricing options on websites things will become even more tougher.What a load of twaddle!


If some DJs and companies learned to stick to their guns and charge what they are worth rather than panicking and just putting prices down, then the industry would be a lot better off.
Therein lies the problem. A lot of them are charging what they are worth.


What difference does putting prices on websites make?


I think the answer to that question speaks for it self...lolIt does indeed & the answer to that particular question is a resounding none

& as this thread is about residencies, wouldn't they already know your prices anyway from when you negotiated the contract? (Unless of course you don't have a contract in place with your residencies)


It really does seem the younger disco owners do place prices on the websites for the older disco companies are dead against it, if you haven't ever tried why not give it a go it may just work for youI'd suggest that you have a look around the forum at some posts regarding pricing by some of our former / inactive / banned members most of those I'm thinking of are over 50 & they seem to agree with your policy on prices & websites. Largely dealing in packages / one size fits all approach as opposed to tailoring each gig to suit their client's needs. I know which approach I'd prefer if i was booking a disco.

[DazzyD]

The services we offer are tailored to the needs of the client. That's what we're all about. Yes, we do have some "off the shelf" services but I've converted two enquiries over the weekend who have both told us the reason they're booking us is that we said we treat every client as individual and never presume to know what the client wants. This seems to be our big selling point at the moment and long may it continue!

[megamixevents]

The services we offer are tailored to the needs of the client. That's what we're all about. Yes, we do have some "off the shelf" services but I've converted two enquiries over the weekend who have both told us the reason they're booking us is that we said we treat every client as individual and never presume to know what the client wants. This seems to be our big selling point at the moment and long may it continue!


We all know why certain mobile disco owners prefer to hide the prices and force consumers having to go through the historic 'quote' process, and here are the exact reasons, and what's funny is the CONSUMERS are fully now fully aware why some companies are against it:

“Oh, because I don’t want my competitors knowing what I charge.”

“I don’t want to put people off from contacting me.”

“I want to be flexible so I can charge more if I feel I can get away with it.”

"Gives some owners the opportunity to double book, get a higher price on the second client and ditch the first one"

Research in business has shown that no matter how hard potential clients searched 50% of the more 'historic' mobile disco companies, you just couldn’t find the page called “Prices” or “Packages”. All you could do was to either fill out a repetitive boring quote form, sit back and wait for the answer or by been forced to call a disco owner and been worn down by the endless sales speal that he or she has asked about 10,000 times in there limited career as a mobile DJ.

By not having the price on their website easily accessible, clients only thoughts are “bet they are too expensive!”

Wasted time on enquiries. If you want consumers to contact you for a price, you have to have the systems and spend the time to respond to these enquires. And from what clients say about mobile disco owners, they can wait between 1-72 hours! You offer a free consultation or quote – up to an hour of your time – only for the potential client to say “thanks, but I’ll have to go away and think about it”. Translated: “Thanks but it’s more than I thought. I can’t afford your services but I don’t want to say this to you directly”

My percentage rate when I first started out went from 40% to 70% as soon as I put my prices on my website. If the prices put people off before contacting me, great. It saved me that consultation hour and I was able to get on with other stuff that did make me money.

If you have created the right product/service to provide a solution for your client’s problems, be confident about your pricing. If you are not overcharging or under selling yourself, charging the “right” price is a good business decision! It’s nothing to be ashamed of ;o)

Makes the sale easier. If someone knows what you charge before they start talking to you, the whole sales process becomes so much smoother. There is no need for you to stumble over the question “What do you charge?” They already know, so you don’t need to feel embarrassed or awkward discussing it. (We really don’t like talking money, do we?!)

Stuff the competition. So what if your competitors know your price. If you don’t put it on your website, I am pretty sure – if they really wanted to – they would find a way of getting your price lists. You don’t have time to be getting in to petty price wars with other businesses.

So be bold. Be brave. Clearly state your prices or packages so your potential clients know exactly what they are in for, so that when you get to speak to them or they click the order button, they are ready to make the decision to buy.

The most successful brands out there are the ones that are open and honest! Time and time again consumers want this.

[Corabar Steve]

For so many words, that really doesn't say a lot & what it does is a load of twaddle.

You're clearly clueless as to how to run a business & have obviously got where you are today more by luck than judgement.




Incidentally, am I the only one who finds giving a customer a price before you've found out what they actually want a little crass & fairly stupid?

[Excalibur]

“I want to be flexible so I can charge more if I feel I can get away with it.”

"Gives some owners the opportunity to double book, get a higher price on the second client and ditch the first one"
What? Words fail me, because if they didn't, I'd be saying goodbye to the Forum. :mad:


My percentage rate when I first started out went from 40% to 70% as soon as I put my prices on my website. If the prices put people off before contacting me, great. It saved me that consultation hour and I was able to get on with other stuff that did make me money.

If they're low enough, that would be little surprise. It's turning out a quality product at a sensible price that matters to some of us, not simply shifting the greatest possible number of units at cost plus five or ten per cent.


The most successful brands out there are the ones that are open and honest! Time and time again consumers want this.
Ah, now there we agree totally.


Incidentally, am I the only one who finds giving a customer a price before you've found out what they actually want a little crass & fairly stupid?
Doubt it mate. The Procrustean approach has many failings.

Most gigs are unique in some way, some of them are downright one offs. They're not all the same price therefore. Simples.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Thanks guys!!!
I THOUGHT this thread was about residencies. That's why I started it.
It seems to have gone off on one and is now all about Megamixevents.
Forget I said anything eh?

[Corabar Entertainment]

Thanks guys!!!
I THOUGHT this thread was about residencies. That's why I started it.
It seems to have gone off on one and is now all about Megamixevents.
Forget I said anything eh?
You are absolutely right, Gary. This has turned into the megamixevents show, but it's very hard to ignore when people post up such bad information! Like:-

We all know why certain mobile disco owners prefer to hide the prices and force consumers having to go through the historic 'quote' process, and here are the exact reasons, and what's funny is the CONSUMERS are fully now fully aware why some companies are against it:

“Oh, because I don’t want my competitors knowing what I charge.”

“I don’t want to put people off from contacting me.”

“I want to be flexible so I can charge more if I feel I can get away with it.”

"Gives some owners the opportunity to double book, get a higher price on the second client and ditch the first one"... which is pure fabrication, not to mention insulting and bordering on libellous!

And:-


Research in business has shown that no matter how hard potential clients searched 50% of the more 'historic' mobile disco companies, you just couldn’t find the page called “Prices” or “Packages”. All you could do was to either fill out a repetitive boring quote form, sit back and wait for the answer or by been forced to call a disco owner and been worn down by the endless sales speal that he or she has asked about 10,000 times in there limited career as a mobile DJ.

By not having the price on their website easily accessible, clients only thoughts are “bet they are too expensive!”Is this 'research' published? Who was it conducted by? How many clients were polled? How many of the country's DJs were included? Do you have a link to this research?

Can you not accept that we are all working in different markets and what may be true for your market is not true in others? I don't think I've ever come across anyone so ageist as you are. Do you not think that, just maybe, when you've been in business for longer that you might know more about the industry than you do now? Or do you really think that you already know all there is to know and that it can only be downhill from here on in?

...and, to finish off, and to try and bring this topic back to what it should be about, do you have any residencies this Christmas, and what are your thoughts about them?

[Excalibur]

I THOUGHT this thread was about residencies. That's why I started it.


Gary, I'm sorry. As often happens, I'd forgotten the original post, and was merrily going with the latest ones. Slapped wrist for me.

[DazzyD]

Thanks guys!!!
I THOUGHT this thread was about residencies. That's why I started it.
It seems to have gone off on one and is now all about Megamixevents.
Forget I said anything eh?


Gary, I'm sorry. As often happens, I'd forgotten the original post, and was merrily going with the latest ones. Slapped wrist for me.

And apologies from me. I seemed to have been replying to a specific post which was already way off topic. I won't do it again! :zip:


You are absolutely right, Gary. This has turned into the megamixevents show...
...and, to finish off, and to try and bring this topic back to what it should be about, do you have any residencies this Christmas, and what are your thoughts about them?

I don't have any residencies this year due to losing two of them in the early autumn due to very low turnouts. With having the day job to contend with, I find it difficult to work midweek which a lot of residencies would expect me to do. So, Christmas residencies don't really fit in with my personal circumstances. That's not to say I'm against them. If you want a decent income over the festive period, which may well involve more work at lower price per show rates, then they're a good opportunity. You may well be able to set up once and leave it there for the whole festive season meaning a lot less physical work. You could even run the same core playlist every show only adding to and taking away from it as you receive requests and begin to read the crowd a bit better. So, it could well be easier work for someone who can do it.

The downside is that, if you're a specialist as something like a wedding DJ, then by taking on a residency over Christmas, you'd be signed in to a contract meaning you couldn't accept more lucrative one-off bookings. But it's swings and roundabouts really.

As for people wanting quotes for Christmas parties, I haven't had any. This is most probably due to me stepping back on advertising this year (won't happen again!!) so I can't really complain or, for that matter, compare like-for-like with previous years when I've done a fair bit of advertising. However, I will say that last year was pretty quiet, too, and I know a lot of businesses and work places are booking up for all-in parties (meal, entertainment etc all run by the venue) so I'd assume that less people would be booking their own festive entertainment anyway.

[theoloyla]

I am happy to report that I have a residency and I am there again for the 15th year in a row; so starting this Saturday I am working 6 nights a week :).
Getting enquiries and converting them for next year at the fees I want.
As for advertizing your fee on your website (I dont have a website). If a VIP wants Status Quo to play at his daughter's wedding or birthday do you think he is looking for a price on their website? I doubt it.

[funkymook]

I don't have a residency, nor a run of Christmas parties at the same venue. I'm still trying to stick to my guns and only do the gigs that are predominately my preferred genres and styles - obviously it limits my options, but so far this December has been one of my highest earners with no seasonal work at all (and I've still got a couple of dates I could fill).

I may look around in the new year for a regular venue to do some midweek gigs for soul/Motown type nights (or punk/rockabilly/indie etc).

[Excalibur]

I am happy to report that I have a residency and I am there again for the 15th year in a row; so starting this Saturday I am working 6 nights a week :).


Well done Theo. I fondly remember when I had a particular residency, one year I worked every night from 13th December to 24th. That was when I was a wage slave, and it was hard staying awake. I remember being delighted that Sundays finished at midnight, rather than 1am.

I got into trouble on Christmas Day though, because I slept through most of it. :o

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Funny you should say that regarding timings Peter.
I remember my previous hotel residency - The parties finished at 1.00am and that was pretty hard work especially (as you said) Sundays.
Where I am now, they finish at Midnight which is a lot easier and I have literally just found out that the Sunday ones (I have 2) are 11.00pm finishes for some reason?
I asked if the customers were aware of this and was told yes, they are. If they aren't quick scoffing down their grub etc, they may get me for 90 minutes worst case scenario.
Thanks for getting the thread back on track.

I have to say, fair play and well done to you Martin if you can get through December with no residencies and can concentrate on the gigs you would like to do. I'd like to be in the same position in the future. As I said at the beginning of this thread, if I didn't have this particular residency I'd probably struggle or be working on behalf of someone else if possible.
I have another residency but just do Weddings and other private functions there and generally the last function (whatever it is) is around now. He closes up for Christmas if there isn't anything booked in. I've asked him about Christmas parties and he was straight down the line really, he said that he'd tried them one year and it wasn't really worth it as year on year the rest of the year is full with Weddings. He's already fully booked next year. It was worth asking anyway.

It's probably another topic and I don't want to take this off track again but I think it's easy to say that you could get yourself a couple of midweek gigs doing something. It's a lot harder than it sounds these days.