Lighting set-up

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Just a quick question that's slightly off topic, do the different packages that i see offered on various websites work?

i.e bronze, silver, gold, platinum packages.

Not a criticism in anyway, i'm just curious to know in the eyes of a customer, do they book a disco or do they specifically ask for a specific package, or do you manage to upsell when they contact you for a bigger package.

The reason why i ask is that i generally charge a standard fee for the night, regardless of size of audience, size of venue, running timings etc (obviously this has a limit to what i can cover with my 'standard' rig (or should i say the standard amount of gear that's included in my trailer).

Any comments most welcome.

I thank you...

[Vectis]

Just a quick question that's slightly off topic, do the different packages that i see offered on various websites work?

i.e bronze, silver, gold, platinum packages.

Works for me, but I have a slightly different "Take" on this.

I offer 3 packages for adult gigs (plus a seperate one for teens/kids but that's out of scope for this discussion) - but my standard offering is the middle one.

So if a new customer comes along who isn't familiar with what we do, then we start by talking about the 'Premier' option. If it transpires that it's too fancy for their needs (or budget ) we have the 'Junior' option available instead, with a lower-spec sound system (ie Tops only) and fewer lights / smaller deckstand if the venue needs it etc. But we also have 'Platinum' which is an upsell from Premier for those 'wanting something a little more special'.

Platinum is more of a services-oriented package; technically it's the same gear as Premier but includes goodies such as early setup, video recording, more customer choice over the lighting used, face-to-face meeting etc. etc.

About half of my adult gigs go out as Platinum, the majority being weddings or corporate. The others are split 50/50 between Premier and Junior.

I also tell customers upfront that nothing's cast in stone and we can chop and change to their exact requirements.

[Dynamic Entertainment]

I dont just take a booking for a disco, so to speak. I explain that i have different packages to suit different venues, functions etc (weddings usually involve a meeting at the venue to go through the best options). Ive got to put on the website that the packages are able to be modified (just jogged my memory), so anyway we work out what sound system the client wants (i,e plenty of bass, nice rounded sound etc (you can pretty much guarantee that the 18ths want the biggest sound system possible and the 60ths want a more rounded, lower, sound)) then look at the size of the venue, and tailor the lighting to match so that its not blinding everyone, or too little lighting either.

It works quite well for me and ive a clear pricing structure which the client gets aswell then they make their choice. Ive had clients on a tight budget still book with a smaller system because they want me (not being big headed or anything) and thought the smaller system was just as good for their needs. It just gives more flexibility in a competative market, IMO.

Should have just waited and said....like Vectis

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

We don't do packages.

We provide a bespoke service which is tailorable, so I really can't see the point of set packages.

Supply what the client wants not what you think they want.

If it's a bigger venue, and it requires a bigger show, that is what I will sell to the client. If they want white lighting, that is what they will get. If they want extra speakers for another room, then they can have that.

[Dynamic Entertainment]

I agree Darren, but most clients ive dealt with dont have a clue what they want when they approach me other than "a disco", so the packages are a starting point for them to work from, then its tailored to their specific needs. Usually repeat custom phone as say they want such and such a sound system, with a, b, and c lighting as weve already been through the whole process before.