Do you hold a date for an enquiry?

[Jim - Scotland's Party DJ]

As a general rule I've held an enquired date for 7 days for a client to decide whether they're going to book or not and it's not created any issues.

As most of my enquiries come directly through specific channels so people like what they see and probably aren't doing a lot of shopping around but on thinking about it, it has no value for me as I could be knocking back work from someone else when the initial enquiry doesn't amount to anything.

Obviously if they say they are going to book and waiting on the e-sign and deposit is a different matter.

Just wondering what your thoughts are.

[Shaun]

I don't hold dates without a deposit. Even if they have indicated they wish to book and request payment details, the date still isn't crossed off until the payment is received and the booking form signed. My booking process is pretty much exclusively done online now. Bookings can be complete and fully confirmed within less than half an hour, so there really is no excuse for stalling if they are serious about securing the date.

[ukpartydj]

I don't hold dates until I get a contract come through.
Just missed out on a wedding which wanted more extras so more money because they were too slow and I got booked for a birthday party (they didn't reply for 10 days though).

Bit of a shame but it's really up to the client, if you hold a date and don't accept a potential booking I think that's just silly unless the first client has asked you to give them a call should it happen.

[Shaun]

...unless the first client has asked you to give them a call should it happen.

I do that as a matter of course anyway. If another enquiry comes in before the booking is finalised I always contact the first enquirer to make them aware that there is another interested party.

[funkymook]

As a rule I don't hold a date.

I'll tell a genuine enquiry (as in we've had a few email and phone chats and it's looks very promising) that if they need some time to think about it, check other DJ's, go to Glastonbury (as is a current example) I'll advise them if anyone else asks about the same date so they know it's still available unless they hear from me. But they're aware it's not a saved date, just a courtesy heads up if someone else shows an interest and I'll continue to send out quotes until a deposit secures it.

Contracts and deposit payment details are only emailed out when a client says 'yes, we want to book you' - payment is then usually received within 2 days. I can't remember ever having reached this stage and having someone back out.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Generally, no. People mess you around too much in my experience.

Though I did hold a date recently, but only because the client was going to spend a couple of K...:)

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I don't hold a date either.
I had 2 enquiries this week for 10th August, both weddings. I quoted both on the same day and one got back to me instantly and confirmed so the date is theirs.
I haven't heard back from the other one but I've just sent them an email saying I no longer have availability.

[goldensounds83]

Generally speaking its the first person to return the booking form and deposit... that said if I get multiple enquires for the same date I will always contact the first in to let them know the situation and that if they really want to make the booking they need to do it before the other person dose that way fairs fair all the way round.