Are some DJ's not bothered?

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Hi all,

To carry on from another topic, today I have had 2 calls and 2 confirmed weddings for next year (I now have 13 weddings already for next year and that's without my hotel residency), on BOTH occasions this morning the people that I spoke to said that they got back to me for a number of reasons but the main one being that I responded to their enquiries almost instantly and the information and advice I gave was excellent (their words not mine).

During the conversations, both said to me that they had contacted other companies as well as myself yet they hadn't heard back from them. Both of these people contacted me around a fortnight ago and I thought that they were enquiries that wouldn't come off...I was wrong.

So, why is it that some DJ's or Companies just don't make the effort to get back to enquirers? Even if I am busy on the date booked I will still send an email reply to the person saying "Thankyou for your enquiry regarding Disco Entertainment for the above date. Unfortunately we are unable to supply our services on this occasion as we are fully booked. Please bear us in mind for any future functions that you may be organising. All the best and good luck, Shakermaker Promotions"
I think that, or words to that effect is common courtesy and good customer service don't you?

Remember, the other day I mentioned that I had got my missus to contact 3 companies regarding a mock wedding for next year. As yet (6 days later) she has still not had a reply from any of them and if I am honest I think that's disgusting.

Do some companies or DJ's just ignore enquiries if they are full up already?
On another note, if the enquirer leaves their mobile number, I always send a text saying "Thankyou for your enquiry regarding Disco Entertainment. A quotation has been emailed to you. Regards, Shakermaker Promotions" I get enough free texts each month that it's no big deal so I would say to those people out there that can't be bothered that maybe IF the enquirer leaves their number too then maybe they should do something like that too?

Just by being good, courteous and on the ball, I have confirmed 2 bookings today that I thought were dead and buried so it's worth thinking about dontyathink?

[theoloyla]

Agreed!!!

[Key2]

So, why is it that some DJ's or Companies just don't make the effort to get back to enquirers?

It's not just DJ's. I have found in most businesses (builders, plumbers, electricians, etc) that this is quite normal. I used to run an Artexing business. When I set up, there was already a few 'well-established' companies in my area. Without exception, I took work from all of them for exactly the reasons you mention. No wonder 4 out of 5 businesses fail! Nice to hear that you are reaping the rewards of their unprofessional attitudes.

John:)

[rob1963]

Hi Gary,

I completely agree.

It never fails to amaze me how many companies either take ages to respond to queries, or just don't bother at all.

I'm very big on efficiency, which is why I answer all email queries within a few hours (unless they come in on a Saturday evening when I'm out working).

My quick responses have got me MANY bookings which I simply wouldn't have got if I'd taken a number of days or weeks to respond.

All the time there are people out there who don't bother to reply, that's more work for people like you & me!

:)

[discomobiledj]

It does amaze me, I had one yesterday where they emailed and I sent a return email back 5 minutes later, have I heard anything? Not a sausage!

[Dragonfly]

alot of the time to be honest ive found it makes no difference when........ ive had people book with me because they have liked what i do say etc then 2 weeks later when x disco comes in with a better (cheaper) offer i get a phone call to cancel .......... most have been honest on this front suprisingly.

then again ive sent out quotes and had people come back to me a month later because they wanted to get all the quotes in and have a think.

i do try and reply to all enquiries as its a bit rude not to .

[Larry B Entertainment]

I always reply as i get just as annoyed when people dont reply to me.

[Corabar Entertainment]

We've had a lot of customers book us because we bothered to respond quickly with relevant information. They have stated that it gives them confidence in us..... which is half the battle.

Like Shakermaker, we reply even when we can't do the job (either booked or out of area).... a similar email to his, but we suggest that they try MDD Directory to find a DJ as we can't help: hopefully push a few jobs in everyone else's direction! ;)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Like Shakermaker, we reply even when we can't do the job (either booked or out of area).... a similar email to his, but we suggest that they try MDD Directory to find a DJ as we can't help: hopefully push a few jobs in everyone else's direction! ;)

Yep, I do the same.

I must admit to struggling though in the last few months in answering enquiries.

Anyone want a part time office job? :rolleyes:

[Corabar Steve]

No thanks, we've both got one.

[screamersTess]

I totally agree that getting back to someone should be uppermost in everyone's minds if they really want to be successful.

I am always getting people saying they don't get replies and am usually thanked for quick response. It has definitely given me some gigs and you have to remember that one gig can lead to another so it pays to be communicative.

And Gary I know what you mean about weddings for next year I'm up to 12!

[DMX Will]

I agree whole heartedly with whats been said. Companies should be emailing back within a reasonable amount of time, not leaving it a week or two.

My usual method of email system (exchange on home server) hasn't been working properly recently, meaning my email response time has increased (check emails every evening via POP3 at the moment), and I haven't seen a change in response backs...or quotes to booking conversions. Then again I do check every night, without fail. Hopefully normaility will be restored in the near future, as like everyone I agree that the faster the response time the better.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

It's good to hear that everyone thinks the same. What makes me laugh aswell though is this.....Say for example someone looking for a Disco makes an enquiry to a company that they have seen advertised either on the Internet or in the local press and that company doesn't get back to them for whatever reason...well then that company gets a black mark from the customer surely.

What I mean is, say one day that same person needs a Disco for another occasion or is asked by someone else to recommend a Disco, I doubt it very much if they would mention that company...you know "Oh, don't use that lot, they never got back to me" type thing.

These people should realise that although they may not be able to help at the time, they should still reply back etc because they are still advertising themselves and first impressions DO count. If you are pleasant on the phone or professional with emails then that gives a good impression....Good customer service is something I really think about a lot. I think it's the whole package really. When I have a consultation with someone and I visit them at their house, I always make sure that I am never ever late because I am bothered about first impressions etc...What is stopping them from thinking.. "Well if he was late for a meeting maybe he would be late for our wedding?" and I wouldn't blame them at all would you?

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

What I mean is, say one day that same person needs a Disco for another occasion or is asked by someone else to recommend a Disco, I doubt it very much if they would mention that company...you know "Oh, don't use that lot, they never got back to me" type thing.



I don't think clients would remember who they phoned and emailed.

I phones several plumbers to get quotes for an extra radiator a few years ago and not one phoned back, but do you think I can remember who they are?

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Fair comment but not everyone will have a bad memory like yourself mate (lol) but I know what you're saying.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Fair comment but not everyone will have a bad memory like yourself mate (lol) but I know what you're saying.

Mind you that was 4 and a half years ago.

I can't remember what I had for my dinner....:(

[Vectis]

Guess it depends how much effort you put into picking your discos/plumbers/whatever.

If you just did a random choice from the YP you probably won't remember who they were after 10 minutes.

If you spent time researching and boiling it down to a shortlist, you probably would.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Guess it depends how much effort you put into picking your discos/plumbers/whatever.

If you just did a random choice from the YP you probably won't remember who they were after 10 minutes.

If you spent time researching and boiling it down to a shortlist, you probably would.

Sorry Martin, but I disagree.

Why would I be boiling it down to a short list? I wanted a radiator putting in my office and no-one was interested 'cos it wasn't a big enough job.

Even if people did have a 'shortlist', do you really suppose that they'd remember who was on there years later?

[Corabar Entertainment]

Erm...... not trying to be awkward, but I can remember booking a DJ (long before I had anything to to with the business) I can recall that I narrowed it down to 2 companies and then made my final decision. A couple of years later when I was asked, I could remember both companies I had on my shortlist...... but I couldn't remember which one did the job!!!!! I had to go and look at my old paperwork to find out!!!

[Corabar Steve]

Didn't I use to work for them?

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

And that possibly might be the reason you remembered then?

[Corabar Steve]

I didn't do it.

[Corabar Entertainment]

...and I didn't know Steve at that time

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Alright, so we all remember an insignificant company from years ago who we sent an email to and they never replied.

Please.

[Corabar Steve]

It was them though?

[Corabar Entertainment]

Alright, so we all remember an insignificant company from years ago who we sent an email to and they never replied.

Please.
Didn't say that..... I remember the companies that DID reply and seemed decent - even though I didn't use one of them.

[Corabar Steve]

Well was it them?

[Corabar Entertainment]

Well was it them?One of them - yes

[Corabar Steve]

Wasn't life easier when she wasn't here lads?

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Wasn't life easier when she wasn't here lads?

I was thinking the opposite actually...

She keeps you in order. :sj: :D

[Corabar Steve]

http://planetsmilies.net/not-tagged-smiley-16031.gif (http://planetsmilies.net)

[rob1963]

I think it's worth mentioning that when someone has a good experience with a company, they will tell about 4 people.

However, when they have a BAD experience they tell about 10 people.

Therefore, unprofessional companies will get a bad reputation much quicker than it takes professional companies to get a GOOD reputation.

:(

[soundtracker]

I think it's worth mentioning that when someone has a good experience with a company, they will tell about 4 people.

However, when they have a BAD experience they tell about 10 people.

Therefore, unprofessional companies will get a bad reputation much quicker than it takes professional companies to get a GOOD reputation.

:(

Tis the Truth!

[sandysounds]

bit behind on this one cus just got back from hols in Greece.....having left my mobile phone and e-mail loggin with a friend so that any enquiries didn't have to wait for my return! Needless to say while I've been away my diary has been filling up!

[Vectis]

Sorry Martin, but I disagree.

Why would I be boiling it down to a short list? I wanted a radiator putting in my office and no-one was interested 'cos it wasn't a big enough job.

Even if people did have a 'shortlist', do you really suppose that they'd remember who was on there years later?


Well where I live it's a small place - everyone knows everyone else and reputation is king - and I guess that's why when I don't get the service I'm expecting I remember!

[Shakermaker Promotions]

That's good news mate!
Little things like Auto responses on emails, confirmation texts etc all seem to work and project a professional image and that's what most people will want to see when they are looking for Discos for their events. It's not rocket science is it although it does seem that way to some people.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Well where I live it's a small place - everyone knows everyone else and reputation is king - and I guess that's why when I don't get the service I'm expecting I remember!

Fair enough. :)

[sandysounds]

That's good news mate!
Little things like Auto responses on emails, confirmation texts etc all seem to work and project a professional image and that's what most people will want to see when they are looking for Discos for their events. It's not rocket science is it although it does seem that way to some people.

Yep!