Kinda complicated, opinions please

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One thing i've learned is that if I am driving some distance to meet someone...the first thing I do is tell them i will be calling them to confirm before I leave...I get the phone number they will be at...and then i always ask for a cell phone so I can call them If we can't find each other.

Just recently I had an appointment with someone that I had scheduled a few weeks before. I called the day before and asked her to confirm...called twice that day and asked her to confirm....no response...so I didn't drive 45 miles...I left her a message saying I didn't hear from her so I'm not coming....a few days later she sent some email about having some challenges and I told her to call me to reschedule.
We accept faxed contracts, scanned contracts, credit cards and use on-line planners...that way we can quickly find out who is serious about booking us for a wedding and letting us know what they want. When we get together, it's more about getting to know them than going over what songs they want played.

In my opinion, it's much more help to this bride to guide her into getting this thing planned and off her plate than to keep holding her hand while she doesn't follow through.
 
Without a signed contract, I wouldn't be wasting my time with planning, I don't care who referred them. Business is business.
 
OK, I was kind of in the same situation. Another company, a single op and friend messed up an double booked. He asked if I was available and I picked it up from him.

He refunded the retainer (now called Contract Signing Payment) and they sent me the retainer with a signed contract. I sent them the contract via e-mail.

We met at their home (a 45 minute drive for me).

Anyway, Carolyn's idea of a fax or e-mail should take care of the contract. I would also consider looking into one of the on-line planning systems. DJEP is a sponsor here and offers a very nice package.

In your case, these folks are making it difficult. Go back to plan A and refund the retainer and send them packing. Not worth the time.
 
Puma,

It’s safe to say that none of us likes flaky clients but most of us find that we have to deal with them.

Ask yourself this: Is the $550 you may receive at the end of this road worth the aggravation you have experienced so far plus all else that is likely awaiting you, not the least of which is providing your $900 package for just 60% of your regular fee?

Based on what you have explained so far, I would cut this client loose, and if need be, enjoy a Saturday night off, but that’s me and I have a low PITA tolerance.

I’m certainly not advising you to do the same because only you know your personal situation and your personal PITA tolerance.

Best wishes.
 
I also wouldnt care what happens as if there is no SOLID Contract then sorry no job...
 
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Well, today is the wedding. I have to leave in about 2 hours. I have about 1 hour travel time and I am alotting myself 2 hours for set-up. Its a 4 hour event and I am thinking about 45 minutes tear down and 1 hour travel back home. Almost a nine hour day. Not too bad really.

I am planning on going and giving them the best I have and maybe I can snag a referral. Even though this has been a rough wedding up to now I still hope for the best and plan on giving them the same treatment I give all my clients.

I will let y'all know how it went when I get back.

-Puma-

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SoftJock Rick said:
Not sure if it'll help, but here is how I do business:

If YOU are paying me, and absolutely feel the need to meet me beforehand,I will pick up the tab, and either meet you at your home, or the venue (venue preferred).

If *I* am paying you, you need to come to me (I honor above).


Why people like to meet at restaurants, or coffee shops, is beyond me. You are telling them you will make the most important night of their lives, the best!

You better know their life then, and either meet them at home, or at the venue, where both parties can brainstorm.


It should be in DJ101, that you meet them at the venue!

Feel free to credit me :)
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Wow! I'm actually about to disagree with you on something for the first time.

I'll agree that you should never meet at a pub, etc. However, if everyone that "I was going to pay" for something had to come to me, I would never have to leave the house. The reality is that if I want something, I have to go and get it.

If someone has an interest in my services, they can come and shop me. Did they make the venue, the caterer, or photographer come to them? No. The only time I go out to the venue for a meeting is when we need to physically be there for detailing. I'm not a brush salesman. You have to come see me. I'll put out some coffee & cookies, set up my gear and we'll have a nice chat.
 
However, if everyone that "I was going to pay" for something had to come to me, I would never have to leave the house.
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Exactly how I work :)

The reality is that if I want something, I have to go and get it.
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I have it delivered -- even my groceries, beer and dog food :)

Don't take me wrong, as I am far from "uppity" -- but I am busy. It costs me more to lock up the farm, and walk out the door, then it does to have things brought to me. It literally takes me a couple hours to "lock up", just to go out.


Back on topic:

The way I see it, is if I am selling you a product or service, the onus is upon me to meet your needs. And, vice versa...


Give ya an example:

We've been dealing with insurance agencies for property insurance. The agent calls me and has some concerns, and says "Come on down to the office, and we can discuss it.".

Whoa Nelly!
Dude, I'm paying you good money, drag your sorry ass down here!

If he was buying, I would go to him.
 
SoftJock Rick said:
Give ya an example:

We've been dealing with insurance agencies for property insurance. The agent calls me and has some concerns, and says "Come on down to the office, and we can discuss it.".

Whoa Nelly!
Dude, I'm paying you good money, drag your sorry ass down here!

If he was buying, I would go to him.
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But, your example is not in the same category. It's apples and oranges. The insurance company is most likely going to have to send an agent out to the farm at some point. Delivery services are well...just that.

If you were planning a wedding, you would have to leave the farm. If you didn't, you would never truly know what you're getting. I just feel that as the provider, my time is no less valuable than that of the purchaser.

I haven't had a couple refuse or complain about coming to me for the 18 years I've been in business. That means I don't have to sweat the ones that will down the line. They will just miss out on a great deal and an even better value.

Oh well, we're both right when you get down to it. Different strokes and all.
Neither one of us is out of business.

Just thought it would be fun to rib ya' a little. :sqwink:
 
I totally enjoy going to meet the client.

Especially on their turf. ( their home )

It really gives me a good idea of who they are by examining many things to help determine their personality.

Art? Furniture? Family pictures around? Pets? General decor around? Cleanliness?

Any help I can get from them and their personality helps me better serve the client and provide the proper entertainment for their event.

Example...

Grooms apartment rebel flag proudly displayed above the fireplace in the Chicago area.
Loves country music, but proudly brags about the boom in his car.
Talks with all the typical slang of the Chicago area.
Takes me to the home of the parents (hers) where the wedding is to be held.
Classy million dollar (easily) spread in secluded area.
New groundskeeping going in.
New remodeling going in for wedding.
New deck being put in for wedding.
(step-Father of bride) proudly show a 63 corvette in garage.
Mother of bride recently married this guy. (so he's the step dad).
Doesn't want to do a mother son dance cause she's a ***** but will do one anyway.

What can be learned about this wedding, couple, and party you will be in charge of???
(there's more, but you get the picture...)

No phone conversation, or meeting on my turf would have let me learn like this 2 hours did.
 
If you were planning a wedding, you would have to leave the farm.
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Nah, it'd be held here :)


The insurance company is most likely going to have to send an agent out to the farm at some point.
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She's buried next to Hoffa :sqwink:


Oh well, we're both right when you get down to it.
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Nah, I'm from New York -- you are from Boston.

We all know who is right :sqlaugh: :sqwink:
 
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Well, I did something I have never done before. I mis-cued the first dance song. I had to play it from cd with a non cd based system due to this being poorly planned. Anyhow this was a computer based system and I miscued the cd track to the wrong number. I didnt have a pair of headphones to hear the song cued cuz it isnt part of this smaller system. I felt bad, but it only took 3 seconds to recue the right song.

After that I gave them a great reception, photo montage went very well. The dances went well. The anniversary dance was great. And the final dance went great with the big circle and a final hug at the end.

It started out bad but kept going better all the way through. The personality of this couple was very flaky. All the participation dances were on the dont play list. After I announced that the rest of the evening would be for requested songs I only had 1 person come request a song. Nobody requested anything else all night.

The bride and groom looked zoned out and didnt really talk to anyone. They had no bridal party cuz they said they had no friends. Kinda a weird vibe overall, but I gave them a good reception with all things considered. After the reception they just left without thanking anyone for coming or even saying a word to any of the vendors.

I found something really interesting. I talked to the photographers and they were paid to stay in a hotel for the night before the event and paid to travel from out of town. They paid for 2 photographers and bought a very expensive package. These photographers were top notch, carrying remote strobe flashes the whole nine. But when they hired the original dj they gave him some sob story to why they couldnt pay him very much money and he agreed to this pretty big package for $550. Just kinda funny.



I learned a lesson , I wont take anymore hand me down gigs.

-Puma-

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DJ Puma said:
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Well, I did something I have never done before. I mis-cued the first dance song. I had to play it from cd with a non cd based system due to this being poorly planned. Anyhow this was a computer based system and I miscued the cd track to the wrong number. I didnt have a pair of headphones to hear the song cued cuz it isnt part of this smaller system. I felt bad, but it only took 3 seconds to recue the right song.

After that I gave them a great reception, photo montage went very well. The dances went well. The anniversary dance was great. And the final dance went great with the big circle and a final hug at the end.

It started out bad but kept going better all the way through. The personality of this couple was very flaky. All the participation dances were on the dont play list. After I announced that the rest of the evening would be for requested songs I only had 1 person come request a song. Nobody requested anything else all night.

The bride and groom looked zoned out and didnt really talk to anyone. They had no bridal party cuz they said they had no friends. Kinda a weird vibe overall, but I gave them a good reception with all things considered. After the reception they just left without thanking anyone for coming or even saying a word to any of the vendors.

I found something really interesting. I talked to the photographers and they were paid to stay in a hotel for the night before the event and paid to travel from out of town. They paid for 2 photographers and bought a very expensive package. These photographers were top notch, carrying remote strobe flashes the whole nine. But when they hired the original dj they gave him some sob story to why they couldnt pay him very much money and he agreed to this pretty big package for $550. Just kinda funny.



I learned a lesson , I wont take anymore hand me down gigs.

-Puma-

.
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You survived the event.
You gave it your best.
You learned important lessons from the event.

IMO. Great job!
 
Agreed with Dan. Great show. :)

Don't lose any sleep over the little things. You got paid. That's what matters.
 
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