BAD WEDDING DJ?

wifedj said:

Safe to presume it went HORRIBLY based on the little information we can rely on AND the fact that the client made the effort to seek media attention to garner some retributive justice, albeit based solely on her weak judgment.
NO ONE would go to that extreme waste of energy and of limited intelligence to talk smack about a successful event...but she does sound like a whiny little moron.

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Presume? Yes!
But since the report was one-sided from the start....
can you really be sure that it went horribly?

And yes, people have been known to make a big stink over nothing...especially if there is money involved.
After all....if he sucked the REST of the night, too...
you can be darn sure that "whiny little moron" would have mentioned it...especially if there is money involved.

Just ask Rick Ryan if a great event can be marred, and a reputation ruined
over ONE thing that went wrong during an otherwise great event.
(...especially if there is money involved...)
Because...you know...the "squeaky wheel"...

Beside all the other stuff, the really big issue is that he didn’t play the music the bride required. If he played what was requested And had/played of the formal songs requested there wouldn’t have been too much she could complain at Ruined her wedding. You get a list that isn’t working ask/tell her what corrective action is needed. Sometimes they want songs played irregardless of how it affects the dance floor. You stay in this business long enough and you’ll find just because the dance floor is packed does not mean the client is happy. I’ve had events where dancing wasn’t supposed to happen, even though I could’ve easily put on one song and had everyone dancing . One of my guys learned this the hard way. He sub for me and didn’t play what he was told to play, even though he had the CDs. He could’ve press play and just let one song after the other play. It was the only time I ever had a client call the next day to complain. It was worse than getting root canal and Colonoscopy at the same time. The following year I did the job again, played the songs she wanted and had one happy client.

I don't like the report.

However, either the DJ company owner/manager is a weak, scared business person who shakes when news report or bad review might be written about them, OR they really acknowledged that the DJ dropped the ball, AND the DJ they sub contracted on it did a poor job, gave the $200 refund back knowing it was the right thing to do. ....Seeing the photo of the guy dressed in a polo, when their marketing showed DJs dressed in tuxedos is disengenous.

...Also, why did the DJ not CALL THE CLIENT BEFORE THE EVENT to discuss specifics, songs, and attire??? ...Poor customer service.

So, the client may not or may not have deserved the $200 refund, BUT judging from the photo of the DJ's attire, and the fact that the DJ company did not offer a rebuttle to the client's claim's of poor service shows that the service probably did suck, and that person in the photo did not look like a professional DJ. He probably did not even mix the music. More than likely played one song after the other, and played full songs.


$600 wasn't a super cheap price in 2010 in most markets, it was on the lower side, but it appeared she spent a lot of time trying to research DJ companies before choosing one.

In 2010 we booked many $600 events, including weddings

wifedj said:

...and your (<-specific) defense of cheepazzness is added evidence to the logic of the very assumption you failingly attempt to refute.

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What I'm saying is don't assume that because of a price a DJ is charging automatically tells weather that DJ is good or not.

Now my questions to the bride is when did she start looking for a DJ and with what amount of money? Some will prioritize one thing over another. They will spend a ton of money on other things and not on the DJ. To some they don't see what we do as a big deal. The DJ will just be playing music.

What I see as a problem is what some will see as a cheap DJ doing a wedding since that's what the event was. For some on here if the DJ isn't charging 1k or more than that DJ is a cheap DJ. I won't ask that question because that will start a whole big discussion that will never get resolved.

DJ Ricky B said:

, and the fact that the DJ company did not offer a rebuttle to the client's claim's of poor service shows that the service probably did suck, and that person in the photo

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You don’t know if he gave a rebuttal or not. All you know is what the crappy reporter presented, which was entirely one-sided.

DJ Ricky B said:

I don't like the report.

However, either the DJ company owner/manager is a weak, scared business person who shakes when news report or bad review might be written about them, OR they really acknowledged that the DJ dropped the ball, AND the DJ they sub contracted on it did a poor job, gave the $200 refund back knowing it was the right thing to do. ....Seeing the photo of the guy dressed in a polo, when their marketing showed DJs dressed in tuxedos is disengenous.

...Also, why did the DJ not CALL THE CLIENT BEFORE THE EVENT to discuss specifics, songs, and attire??? ...Poor customer service.

So, the client may not or may not have deserved the $200 refund, BUT judging from the photo of the DJ's attire, and the fact that the DJ company did not offer a rebuttle to the client's claim's of poor service shows that the service probably did suck, and that person in the photo did not look like a professional DJ. He probably did not even mix the music. More than likely played one song after the other, and played full songs.


$600 wasn't a super cheap price in 2010 in most markets, it was on the lower side, but it appeared she spent a lot of time trying to research DJ companies before choosing one.

In 2010 we booked many $600 events, including weddings

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What happened to all of this be taken care of way before time. It was mentioned that the DJ was told to wear a tux. Also how was that Dj given the sheet he was supposed to have with him to tell how the bride wanted things to go and the specific music she wanted for what time? If in a certain form the DJ could have used a flash drive to put it on for backup just in case he forgot the paper..

His attire for doing the wedding was ugly. If that DJ had been doing this for a good amount of time he easily would know that would make him look tacky at this wedding and no matter how great a job he did that wouldn't make up for him being poorly dressed.

MIXMASTERMACHOM said:

What happened to all of this be taken care of way before time. It was mentioned that the DJ was told to wear a tux. Also how was that Dj given the sheet he was supposed to have with him to tell how the bride wanted things to go and the specific music she wanted for what time? If in a certain form the DJ could have used a flash drive to put it on for backup just in case he forgot the paper..

His attire for doing the wedding was ugly. If that DJ had been doing this for a good amount of time he easily would know that would make him look tacky at this wedding and no matter how great a job he did that wouldn't make up for him being poorly dressed.

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There was a company called "Davis Deejays" here in Maryland. The owner started in 1975. Anyway, They were the largest multi op in Maryland back in the 80s and 90s. Well, they were known for sending out DJs poorly dressed DJs from time to time.

Problem was the owner was cheap. He would hire just about any one, and put the DJs into a "DJ Training class" for 3 days at his office. Then start putting them on cheap events. Most of the events were booked between $350 and maybe $600. ...The DJ was paid $125to $150 for a 4 hour event wether it was a wedding or a party, or back yard bbq! The pay was $125, and he would throw the DJ another $25 if they had to drive over 30 miles.

So anyway, all of the pissed off clients, bad word of mouth about the quality of the DJs, and bad reviews ended up putting a big dent in his business by the time 2007 came around. They were known as the cheesy DJ company that sucked at that point.

Some times the client would receive a DJ wearing flip flops and black spandex pants! (Yes, that was in a review). ...He lost a major account at a Wedding Venue because they had too many bad DJs showing up who either could not put the sound system together, did not have important music, OR was dressed really bad.
He tried to save face after 2010 or so and went down to only his 12 best DJs on the roster, but that did not work. He ended up closing up in 2015.

There were at least 10 reviews online at one point where they mentioned getting a 25% or 30% refund from the owner because of the bad experience the customers had.

DJ Ricky B said:

There was a company called "Davis Deejays" here in Maryland. The owner started in 1975. Anyway, They were the largest multi op in Maryland back in the 80s and 90s. Well, they were known for sending out DJs poorly dressed DJs from time to time.

Problem was the owner was cheap. He would hire just about any one, and put the DJs into a "DJ Training class" for 3 days at his office. Then start putting them on cheap events. Most of the events were booked between $350 and maybe $600. ...The DJ was paid $125to $150 for a 4 hour event wether it was a wedding or a party, or back yard bbq! The pay was $125, and he would throw the DJ another $25 if they had to drive over 30 miles.

So anyway, all of the pissed off clients, bad word of mouth about the quality of the DJs, and bad reviews ended up putting a big dent in his business by the time 2007 came around. They were known as the cheesy DJ company that sucked at that point.

Some times the client would receive a DJ wearing flip flops and black spandex pants! (Yes, that was in a review). ...He lost a major account at a Wedding Venue because they had too many bad DJs showing up who either could not put the sound system together, did not have important music, OR was dressed really bad.
He tried to save face after 2010 or so and went down to only his 12 best DJs on the roster, but that did not work. He ended up closing up in 2015.

There were at least 10 reviews online at one point where they mentioned getting a 25% or 30% refund from the owner because of the bad experience the customers had.

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What you're describing is a guy that was only concerned with making money and not concerned with the company image. He was getting DJs willing to do 4 hour events for $125. What would you expect he should have gotten but hack DJs. 3 days training on what to do as a DJ. The only thing funnier than that is that some of them not knowing how to setup the gear.

Then there's the issue about how some of the DJs were dressing. What would you expect with someone picking anything goes to do an event? I would expect a hot mess. Only the ones taking this seriously and not looking at what they were getting paid would want to look presentable for the future when they decide to go on their own. So people would want to book them to do an event for them.

The sad part is that because of his practices people might see us all as the same like those DJs.

The report is certainly one sided. However I would have to agree with the bride. Poor music judgement, less than stellar dress and not arriving with the timelime and music choices means poor service.

Even if the DJ only wore a bad shirt and all the other stuff never happened I still think she had a legitimate complaint.

It's not that hard, just do it right, and keep your customers/brides satisfied.

REPLAY: "video is from 2010"...so WGASWGAF

djcrazychris said:

These keep popping up in my youtube recommendations... lol... if u notice in this one...the dj didnt return a dime...and the news channel was sure to mention his name... guess the "shakedown" didnt work this time...

400 dollars.... dang that would be a heck of a deal if he showed up and did what he was supposed to...

cc

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KlA1KzVVTQ

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The reason these things keep “popping” up is because you keep watching them.[emoji1] If you click on the little vertical ... menu, and select “Not Interested”, they’ll eventually go away. I watched this one video for the song, but started getting all kinds of video recommendations with the same theme as the video (but not the same song). Took a while to get it to STOP![emoji1]

And as for the reporter recommending that clients NOT pay the DJ in full before the event, how many of us would be OK with that? It works for me because of the clients who hire me and the types of events I do, but I have a clause in my contract requiring payment 10 days before the event. Too many wedding client’s have given DJ’s bad checks, or would stiff them altogether by claiming the DJ made a mistake that ruined their event, knowing it costs too much to go to court to get what you’re owed. There’s low-lifes on both sides. Obviously, the DJ in this case is certainly unethical.

So here we have the news telling consumers the following in regards to hiring a DJ:

NEVER PAY THE FULL AMOUNT UNTIL AFTER THE EVENT HAS BEEN COMPLETED.

...Yet that goes against what most professional DJs preach about in regards to payment. Most want payment in full before the event, and usually 1, or 2 weeks prior as well.

That is a problem for the DJ Community.

ittigger said:

Who is 'most'? How many is 'most'? Do you pay for your meal before you get it? 'Most' restaurants would probably prefer you did. Do you pay before you sleep in a hotel? 'Most' hotels would probably prefer you did. As a customer, I agree with the news - if I pay you the full amount and you don't show, now I'm out the full cost. As a customer, if you want me to trust you, then you have to trust me - it's a 2 way street. The 'benefit' of a customer prepaying in full is that they don't have to worry about it on the day of. There is no other benefit for them to prepay.

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Actually, at most restaurants, you do pay before you get your meal. There are many more fast food, and fast casual restaurants out there compared to dine in restaurants. At hotels, you reserve the hotel room with your credit card. It is pre authorized the night before, or the morning of the first day. ...If the customer does not show up and take their room, or they cancel on less than 24 to 72 hours notice, they are usually charged 1 night cancellation fee.


I do believe in the 2 way street. However, the Venue is paid ahead of time. The Caterer is paid completely in full ahead of time. I'd like to see the news tell the public to not pay for their venue rental in full until after the event was completed! ...I'd like to see the News tell the public that they should not pay a photographer in FULL until the Bride/Groom receive their wedding photos, and make sure they like them before they pay the balance...

How about a Limo ride. Should the limo not be paid for until after they are dropped off at their destination after the wedding?

A DJ has no service to withold once the event is done. If a client "forget's their check book" or does not want to pay, the DJ has no service or tangible item to take back.

Years ago, I use to use the "50/50" payment term and 80% of the time be waiting around while I am packing up for the father/mother of bride, or the couple to drop off a balance check to me. Sometimes they would forget their check book. ...I won't bother with that any more! I hope I have been in business long enough, and with enough reviews and/or recommendation from others to ensure confidence in my service and showing up on their wedding day. It's rare that I am going into a wedding without the balance paid in full these days, but it does still happen. Most pay 10+ days before hand now though.

ittigger said:

Fast food, sure. The 'finer' restaurant's don't. Are you fast food - or finer? Funny, I have used sedan service quite a bit in the past. I never once paid before the ride. I know venue's not paid ahead of time, caterer's, sedan/limo service, photographers, decoraters, etc. There is no everyone does this all the time. It's up to each individual how they want to run it. A hotel puts a $1 hold on your card - it does not bill your card until the next day.

Again, you want your customer to trust you - you should trust them too. The customer doesn't need you as much as you need them.

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Can you name a venue that accepts payment in full after the event has taken place? ...I'd like to verify because I have never seen one, or heard of one that does business in that fashion.

There are hotels which will come up with an additional bill for any extras, or extra time etc after the event is over, but typical venues get paid well in advance of the event. ...Same goes for caterers. I don't know any off site caterer not getting paid in full up front.

Uber/Lyft runs the customer's credit card as soon as the ride is over. As for Limos. ...Maybe you know some individual limo driver in business for themselves? In general, event transportation companies run the card in full before hand. At least all the ones I communicated with back when I got married in 2009 did.

Photographers are much like DJs, but I suspect the % of photographers who don't take balance until after they deliver the pictures to their client is very, very low. Probably less than 1%.

Decorators usually get paid up front due to needing to rent the things they use. However, I'm sure there are some that accept payment after the event.

I'm sure I will be in the minority, I never ask for prepayment and never ask for the payment to be paid in full before the day of the event. Although most brides do pay me prior to their wedding day, many pay on the day of.

OK, so here is my reason. I am beyond confident that the customer will be so excited with the DJ services, she'll not only want to pay want to pay that night, but she will insist I take a tip. Been doing this for 40 years and have only had a couple brides pay a few days after their wedding.

This isn't being arrogant, this is being confident. I don't make mistakes, never forget music and show up on time etc etc.

Post #30.....it's not that hard, just do it right. Deliver what you promise.