New Year Discounts

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Hi all,

Hope you had a good Christmas and enjoyed the break.

Just wondered whether any of you offered discounts in the New Year to get those bookings in the diary for the early part of the year where it's a bit quiet?
For the past 3 years I have and it seems to work well for me. January is usually quiet as is February so I like to offer discounted prices to entice people to book.

I have to say that for some reason March is absolutely dead for me at the moment. I don't have 1 booking as yet. I have lots of others spread across the year with both June and August full up already. I think they were both filled in October.

Does anyone else do this or do you stick to your guns price wise?

[Excalibur]

Does anyone else do this or do you stick to your guns price wise?

As I posted on another forum " 75% of something is better than 100% of nothing ".

And then another member posted " but not as good as 100% of something else ". I refrained from replying " first fimd your something else ".

Gary, I'm not ( usually ) quoting top whack for January/February. Neither am I offering 50% discount. ;)

[musicology]

I haven't offered any special offers but am not that expensive to start with. I have 4 bookings in each of Jan, Feb & March. 24 in the diary so far.

[Benny Smyth]

I rule out January every year for several reasons, one of which is so I don't have to deal with potential clients expecting me to take a cut in pay because of the time of the year.

And yet when you suggest that they should take a cut in salary because it's January, they don't seem to warm to the idea. :rolleyes:

[Excalibur]

And yet when you suggest that they should take a cut in salary because it's January, they don't seem to warm to the idea. :rolleyes:

Not comparing apples with apples. Historically, people have less money in their pockets after being profligate over Xmas, and as service providers, we have to tempt them to part with what little they have left. We're not a must have, like rent/mortgage, food, utilities etc.

Retailers have usually overstocked for Christmas, and need to shift things quickly, rather than keep them too long.

Benny, you don't have to take a pay cut. Just offer add ons free. Yes, I know technically, it's a pay cut, but you still go home with a full disco fee in your pocket.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I look at it like this (rightly or wrongly).

I currently have 33 bookings for 2016 with the majority of them being from mid April onwards.

I am self employed like many of you so I need the work to come in. If it means offering 'discounts' or freebie add-on's then I don't mind doing it. For example: When I updated my website the day before Christmas Eve I added a discount page that offers free uplighting when the Disco is booked with me and that offer runs from 1st January to 29th February. I may extend it if it proves popular and of course, there are terms and conditions.

I wouldn't normally discount stuff and I guess that in a way I am not really but I am offering the customer something extra for their money and (hopefully) getting a booking in the diary at the same time. I had one call on Christmas Eve believe it or not from someone for a wedding in July and they took advantage of the free uplighting. That wasn't really my intention to be honest. I want to get bookings for the early part of the year.

Most of the time I know what I will go out for and sometimes it is not worth my while going out at a stupidly reduced rate, especially mid year. I still believe that when it is early in the year BUT BUT BUT....there does come a point when something is better than nothing at all and again, I am not talking stupidly cheap either. I am offering extras as freebies. Difficult to explain really.

[Excalibur]

I am self employed like many of you so I need the work to come in.

BUT BUT BUT....there does come a point when something is better than nothing at all and again, I am not talking stupidly cheap either. I am offering extras as freebies. Difficult to explain really.

Makes sense to me, Gary. With you all the way.

[surround sounds]

I don't normally offer much of a discount but I may offer Led Love letters for example half prices or extra uplighters.
I am fairly busy Jan and Feb anyway so I will not discount this year

[Benny Smyth]

Benny, you don't have to take a pay cut. Just offer add ons free. Yes, I know technically, it's a pay cut, but you still go home with a full disco fee in your pocket.

Unfortunately, it's not an option for me as I don't offer add ons anyway.


Most of the time I know what I will go out for and sometimes it is not worth my while going out at a stupidly reduced rate, especially mid year. I still believe that when it is early in the year BUT BUT BUT....there does come a point when something is better than nothing at all and again, I am not talking stupidly cheap either. I am offering extras as freebies. Difficult to explain really.

It's explained perfectly and I applaud that you have options to give extra bang for buck.

Like I say, I don't have extras to offer and I price myself as lean as possible already to cover my costs/overheads and give me a profit that I'm happy with.

I always have a target of 80 gigs over 40 weeks (12 weeks break to cover the quiet periods). If I work more weeks, then great but I always try to account for a 'worst case scenario'.

I've worked out that I can 'survive' on 40 gigs. If I fall below that then I will reassess but I like to think that accounting for not working for nearly 3 months a year has me covered.

Touch wood!

[CRAZY K]

My business is not totally disco based so different rules apply which also applies to my son who is into Rodeo Bulls, Wild West entertainments and the like.

We are becoming quite seasonal ( summer ) and don't expect to do much in quarter one,

However we have strangely got 3 out of 4 Saturday's booked in January for top of the range packages priced as normal but booked a long time ago, two Birthdays and a Corporate late XMAS PARTY.

I could have had 4 but I declined a top paying Corporate job because I don't do SOUND LIMITERS :daft:

Also Burns Night is a premium charge event in January although weirdly instead of a lot of enquiries as in the past there have been virtually none, changing markets I guess.

Just as well I'm booked on Saturdays in question--23rd and 30th.

Not much else for 2016 but not really being in the Wedding Market means nothing booked ahead for the summer but expect another good run in the warmer months so not losing any sleep.

I agree with Gary, there's no harm in adding a few free extras in slack periods but not reducing a basic price below which it's not worth turning out, bit like well it costs x which is for a standard evening but I'll be throwing in these extras free

I have learnt from the Rodeo Bull business that people always like something for free--even if it only means chucking in a few extra bits in the back of the van.

So discounts in general no-- freebies yes---might not be much difference:

I guess the other factor is we performers work in a very labour intensive business, so it's all very well retail discounters knocking 70 per cent off their prices BUT we have to go and come back very tired out all hours doing manual work and having to deal with some pretty difficult people at times ( according to some of the XMAS Party posts:daft:)

Hope you all have success in 2016.:beer1::beer1::beer1:

[ukpartydj]

I offer discounts based on how short notice they are.
One for next week for example might be as much as 50% off with reduced gear and less frills.

I've got one for January so far and 3 for February at normal enough prices which is the best it's been for me since I started.
Work finally seems to be just coming to me with little effort. Good really as spent hours and hours working on promotion previously.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Thanks for the replies. Interesting reading your thoughts on this.
I kind of liken it in a round about way to this scenario - Yesterday me and the missus went out shopping in the sales (something I can't really stand but I did see a few things I liked so the 'task' wasn't as bad). We were in one shop and there were some chairs that had supposedly been reduced from £1400.00 to £700.00, a stupidly massive reduction or so it seemed. My missus isn't silly but she commented that it was a massive reduction. I said that the shop had probably put the price up and then reduced it so they were only offering a slight discount in the end. I am not sure if that makes sense either but what I am getting at is that customers like to think that they are getting a good deal or something for nothing (didn't buy them in the end by the way).

Put that scenario into what we do and by offering something like free uplighting or free photo projection isn't much of a big deal. The price of the Disco isn't going to change in reality but adding something gives the customer extra value for their money. Should they not be interested in the free services offered and ask for a discount on the Disco itself....well, I'd offer a small one, no problem.

I think little things like designing some kind of voucher or discount page promotes it and gets potential customers interested. I did it this time last year working off the same idea and it worked very well which is why I will do it again this year.

[DeckstarDeluxe]

I think ideally you would of been offering Jan/February discounts a couple of months ago at least to maximise impact.

Like Benny mentioned though I always write it off as a running costs loss when budgeting for the year. I do actually have two weddings and some club gigs to keep me going so won't be so bad but it'll give me to time to bring right up to date accounts and all the horrible admin stuff that's required.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I did mention the discounts via my facebook business page in advance.
Last year I did the same thing and the impact was good so I wasn't too worried but I know what you mean.

[CRAZY K]

Thanks for the replies. Interesting reading your thoughts on this.
I kind of liken it in a round about way to this scenario - Yesterday me and the missus went out shopping in the sales (something I can't really stand but I did see a few things I liked so the 'task' wasn't as bad). We were in one shop and there were some chairs that had supposedly been reduced from £1400.00 to £700.00, a stupidly massive reduction or so it seemed. My missus isn't silly but she commented that it was a massive reduction. I said that the shop had probably put the price up and then reduced it so they were only offering a slight discount in the end. I am not sure if that makes sense either but what I am getting at is that customers like to think that they are getting a good deal or something for nothing (didn't buy them in the end by the way).

Put that scenario into what we do and by offering something like free uplighting or free photo projection isn't much of a big deal. The price of the Disco isn't going to change in reality but adding something gives the customer extra value for their money. Should they not be interested in the free services offered and ask for a discount on the Disco itself....well, I'd offer a small one, no problem.

I think little things like designing some kind of voucher or discount page promotes it and gets potential customers interested. I did it this time last year working off the same idea and it worked very well which is why I will do it again this year.

Make that a small one Gary ( the discount ) its one thing chucking in gear that you can pop in the van, its another parting with real money. !!!!!!!!

Another interesting one is the jokers that phone up at the last minute looking for a cheap night and say well if you are not doing anything at least its something-- tried that one on Dynorod lately or Thomson Holidays ??:rolleyes:

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Another interesting one is the jokers that phone up at the last minute looking for a cheap night and say well if you are not doing anything at least its something-- tried that one on Dynorod lately or Thomson Holidays ??:rolleyes:

It's funny you say that!
I was sitting there this afternoon and a local pub called up to see if I could supply a Disco / Karaoke this evening. I said I could as I was available and told them the price. The landlord (at a guess), said more or less what you've said above. He also said the classic "I'll pay in cash" (as if that makes any difference). I told him that he was lucky I wasn't adding a premium with it being a bank holiday. He said "I'll let you know".

I was that confident he wouldn't call back that at 5.00pm I decided to pour myself a large whisky.

Jokers indeed!:muppet:

[CRAZY K]

It's funny you say that!
I was sitting there this afternoon and a local pub called up to see if I could supply a Disco / Karaoke this evening. I said I could as I was available and told them the price. The landlord (at a guess), said more or less what you've said above. He also said the classic "I'll pay in cash" (as if that makes any difference). I told him that he was lucky I wasn't adding a premium with it being a bank holiday. He said "I'll let you know".

I was that confident he wouldn't call back that at 5.00pm I decided to pour myself a large whisky.

Jokers indeed!:muppet:

Sums it up perfectly
:muppet::muppet::muppet:

[scott23]

Iv often find that when you give a discount (after being persuaded) Or offer a Discounted price for whatever reason, you attract a not to great clientèle or end up in some shocking venue.

For me I think its not worth the stress! I have been burned so many times cos I was a little cheaper that the guy they where going to go with (Not just discos) That I feel its best to keep your prices higher to avoid the nonsense. Plus I get burned out from summer until jan, its good to refresh and have a rest.

[musicology]

It's funny you say that!
I was sitting there this afternoon and a local pub called up to see if I could supply a Disco / Karaoke this evening. I said I could as I was available and told them the price. The landlord (at a guess), said more or less what you've said above. He also said the classic "I'll pay in cash" (as if that makes any difference). I told him that he was lucky I wasn't adding a premium with it being a bank holiday. He said "I'll let you know".

I was that confident he wouldn't call back that at 5.00pm I decided to pour myself a large whisky.

Jokers indeed!:muppet:

I would have gone and done the job (as long as the price wasn't too silly). You never know when helping someone out pays dividends down the line. Plus the benefit of stuffing some money in your wallet. Still, someone else has that opportunity now and could well have the last laugh. Who knows?

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Firstly, and most importantly...I got time to spend with my wife.
Secondly, the money WAS stupid.

I knocked pub work on the head earlier this year when my regular slot was ended by the owner of the pub because of him selling up. That now has new owners and they are trying a few different things (despite the punters not liking them).

Better gigs, more money...that's been my outlook since.

[CRAZY K]

I would have gone and done the job (as long as the price wasn't too silly). You never know when helping someone out pays dividends down the line. Plus the benefit of stuffing some money in your wallet. Still, someone else has that opportunity now and could well have the last laugh. Who knows?

Unfortunately in our experience cheap gigs give you---more cheap gig enquiries .:rolleyes:

Who exactly is going to be at these events --probably people with small budgets.

The better the quality of the gig generally the better the chances of a quality enquiry---in my experience.

I was in Southampton Docks in August doing a promo Western Theme Night for a Charity ( normal fee :beer1:) run by the Boat Yard owners
for some seriously wealthy people, so I was happy to give out my phone number to a gent who owned an Island or something on the River Thames.:rolleyes:

Quite often if I dont think the enquirer looks like they have the budget I tell people to check with the organiser who has my details.

I no longer waste my money on handing out business cards to people with low or no budget.:daft:

I well remember the lady punter who said she absolutely definitely, no maybes--- wanted my set up for her Birthday and confirmed she had an adequate budget--thats when I stopped bothering handing out cards at all as predictably she never rang.

No doubt others will have had better experiences with all these situations ( maybe ) :D:D:D

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Ok Musicology (sorry, I don't remember your real name), I will reveal the price to you....which is not something I usually do.

Are you ready for it?

£120.00

I don't recall EVER taking on a booking at that price. Even the regular pub gigs I was doing were more than that!
The price I told the guy was 3 times that and I also said he was lucky I wasn't adding a premium with it being Christmas!

I think he wanted me to do 7.00pm - Midnight too. It's not the 80's anymore is it? Unless he's jumped in the car from Back to the Future?

There you go!

[Benny Smyth]

Are you ready for it?

£120.00

Ugh! You'd never get that rarnd 'ere! :rolleyes:































































































































































;)

[musicology]

Ok Musicology (sorry, I don't remember your real name), I will reveal the price to you....which is not something I usually do.

Are you ready for it?

£120.00

I don't recall EVER taking on a booking at that price. Even the regular pub gigs I was doing were more than that!
The price I told the guy was 3 times that and I also said he was lucky I wasn't adding a premium with it being Christmas!

I think he wanted me to do 7.00pm - Midnight too. It's not the 80's anymore is it? Unless he's jumped in the car from Back to the Future?

There you go!

That's absolutely fine. Entirely up to you. Each to they're own. Good luck to you.

[CRAZY K]

That's absolutely fine. Entirely up to you. Each to they're own. Good luck to you.

REGIONAL PRICING AGAIN?

You can get a decent disco in Birmingham/Wolves for £250- ive worked with a few.

£120 in Garys area--cant see it personally other than a hobby dj.

But the reduced cost of the basics ie copied music, cheap equipment, no insurance, pat or pro dub means people can do it I guess.

Possibly the public are so used to 70 per cent discounts in shops they believe Entertainers can do it. Err no they cant stupid.

Doesnt help the rest of us trying to be Safe, Legal and Professional.

[musicology]

"REGIONAL PRICING AGAIN?"

We don't discuss such things here. :)

[CRAZY K]

"REGIONAL PRICING AGAIN?"

We don't discuss such things here. :)

Course not--it doesnt exist--except up North and down South:rolleyes:

[Benny Smyth]

You can get a decent disco in Birmingham/Wolves for £250- ive worked with a few.

Being based in Norwich, I suspect that Mark doesn't do a lot of travelling to Brum. :lol:

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Guys can we avoid another pricing thread please.......

[Excalibur]

Guys can we avoid another pricing thread please.......

Aw, gwan. We haven't had one for over a week. :)

[yourdj]

I like Jan-March & November.

Quiet months are a good time to get kit in check, have consultations, take booking fees and go on holiday.
I thought about it but I would rather not encourage more bookings as I usually get a few through last minute anyway at normal price. :)

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Mods - For the record, I wasn't getting into a pricing thread and I didn't want my thread to go off topic.
I've been on this forum long enough now and those that take notice will know that I never talk prices. I just felt the need to reveal the price on this occasion as it seemed like I was being questioned about throwing away work and money.

[Excalibur]

Mods - For the record, I wasn't getting into a pricing thread and
Your thread raised a valid and relevant basis for discussion, no problem.


I didn't want my thread to go off topic.


:fp: :D:D

[musicology]

And I offered a different point of view which is what forums are for. No prices quoted by me!


I like Jan-March & November.

Quiet months are a good time to get kit in check, have consultations, take booking fees and go on holiday.
I thought about it but I would rather not encourage more bookings as I usually get a few through last minute anyway at normal price. :)

It's usually like that for me but both Oct and Nov were exceptionally busy, and now I'm busier than usual for Jan - March. Maybe time to increase prices (Oops!)
Mind you, I'm taking the whole of June off as I'm getting Married so probably just as well I'm busier now!

[Excalibur]

And I offered a different point of view which is what forums are for. No prices quoted by me!

Indeed you didn't, but your view that the gig was worth doing " if the price wasn't too silly " led Gary to publish the price, quite justifiably, in my view.
I think most of us had guessed a likely figure, and even I wouldn't have done five hours in a pub for that. Cash in hand isn't an attraction, either for professionals, only Sids, and we know Gary is not one of them.

[musicology]

I completely agree. No problems with the discussion this end.

[DazzyD]

Aw, gwan. We haven't had one for over a week. :)

Sorry, Peter. I'm just not very good at making decisions. Or am I?*




*Fr Dougal McGuire when asked "Heads or tails, Dougal?"

[HeartandSoul]

Iv often find that when you give a discount (after being persuaded) Or offer a Discounted price for whatever reason, you attract a not to great clientèle or end up in some shocking venue.

For me I think its not worth the stress! I have been burned so many times cos I was a little cheaper that the guy they where going to go with (Not just discos) That I feel its best to keep your prices higher to avoid the nonsense. Plus I get burned out from summer until jan, its good to refresh and have a rest.

I agree. If prices are already competitive you just end up attracting the type of clientele who are hard work and you spend the evening at the gig thinking " and I am doing this :Censored: for how much?"