Price increase

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Proformance said:
Well, you caught me.
I'm in the customer service industry. Admittedly, I probably lack the sophistication and certain je ne sais quoi of a DJ like yourself, and therefore I must suffer with the mundane reality of relentless referrals.
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You love pissing people off. You avoided the question and you did that on purpose.

My thing is there are some potential clients that have an idea on what they want to pay someone for their services. The price they have in mind is so low that you're forced to say no to the price they want to pay.
 
MIXMASTERMACHOM said:
My thing is there are some potential clients that have an idea on what they want to pay someone for their services. The price they have in mind is so low that you're forced to say no to the price they want to pay.
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It's been 40 years and that hasn't happened to me yet.
I'm simply acknowledging that your experience is obviously very different.

I don't have these lines in the sand that you want to draw. I build event solutions customized to a specific goal - that means I start a $0.
You have a chore for which you want to be paid a fixed price to complete. Very different model.
 
I have the first ceiling drapery panel installed. I used a 10'X40' drapery. Yes, I know I should be using 20' width to cover the 10' space, but I'm tight on money right now and this is a definite improvement over the exposed wood purlins. I ordered a drapery panel with rod pockets on both ends but they sent me a panel with only 1 end sewn. I ended up stapling it to one end, pulled it over the top-center purlin then stapled to the other side. They sell a 300ft roll so I think that's what I'll order for the rest of it. Will have to pull down and re-mount my movers and track lights to spot the center dance floor and head table but I think it'll be worth it. I'll also be ordering more greenery and like the pots I hung this week.

IMG_5180.jpg
 
Proformance said:
It's been 40 years and that hasn't happened to me yet.
I'm simply acknowledging that your experience is obviously very different.

I don't have these lines in the sand that you want to draw. I build event solutions customized to a specific goal - that means I start a $0.
You have a chore for which you want to be paid a fixed price to complete. Very different model.
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So Bob I need a DJ to do an event. The pay is $1. Will you do the event? LOL. I'm sorry I couldn't resist that one.
 
MIXMASTERMACHOM said:
So Bob I need a DJ to do an event. The pay is $1. Will you do the event? LOL. I'm sorry I couldn't resist that one.
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You just don't get it.

The $1 is irrelevant,
I take the gig when there is something worthy of my time or attention. If monetary gain is the ONLY thing that moves you - then you are indeed poor.
 
rickryan.com said:
I have the first ceiling drapery panel installed. I used a 10'X40' drapery.
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If the room is 40' wide then it will take 45' or more of length to span the full breadth of the roof arch.

The difference between using 2 runs pleated (or even 3 if necessary) is worth the extra cost to not have to try and salvage what you've already done. It's also advisable to buy the fabric in a single lot because you want to be sure there are no color variations between bolts.
 
Proformance said:
You just don't get it.

The $1 is irrelevant,
I take the gig when there is something worthy of my time or attention. If monetary gain is the ONLY thing that moves you - then you are indeed poor.
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I see you're missing the point. What I'm talking about is when do you say no to doing an event for a potential client because what they want to pay to book you is not enough to get you to do that event? Now to be fair when it comes to someone just starting out, that person may do an event where the pay isn't much just to get exposure and experience on doing an event. What I'm talking about is a DJ that's been doing this for no more than a year.
 
Proformance said:
If the room is 40' wide then it will take 45' or more of length to span the full breadth of the roof arch.

The difference between using 2 runs pleated (or even 3 if necessary) is worth the extra cost to not have to try and salvage what you've already done. It's also advisable to buy the fabric in a single lot because you want to be sure there are no color variations between bolts.
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42' is perfect, cross-wise. I'm still going back and forth on whether to use 1-10' width or 2. I kinda like the way this first one has turned out.

BTW, I've been rolling around your comments on showing package pricing on the website and you may have a good point. Seeing that $13k package is likely going to discourage a number of would-be tour takers. Maybe it really would be better to just go with "All-inclusive, starting at $8,500. Single-day (venue only) rental from $2,500." and then have photo and planner as add-ons.
 
rickryan.com said:
I'm still going back and forth on whether to use 1-10' width or 2. I kinda like the way this first one has turned out.
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You like the first one because it's the only one you've seen. Do the next one pleated and then make a decision on how to do the rest.
rickryan.com said:
I've been rolling around your comments on showing package pricing on the website . . . .
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Every customer has a unique potential. When you create a package you are gambling on a direct match. Many customers will make an immediate decision and never bother to contact you at all, when in fact - a slight adjustment on your part might land an excellent and even repeat customer.

I can have ideal packages established in my sales plan - but, truly I'm the only one who needs to know what they are.

Like Mixx above - you want a NUMBER to do all the work for you. I want to listen and talk with EVERYONE who might have work for me and find out if there's a way to make it worth my while. Most of the time there is - because the person seeking me out has already measured my potential in some way and sees a good fit.

The thing that stands out most to me is that you have created these packages with virtually no operational experience. I could see if you had years of bookings and hundreds of past events to base these packages on - but you've more or less pulled them out of thin air based on what you see other long standing businesses doing. Buyers want the real deal not imitations - it's important to grow your own tree.
 
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Proformance said:
You like the first one because it's the only one you've seen. Do the next one pleated and then make a decision on how to do the rest.

Every customer has a unique potential. When you create a package you are gambling on a direct match. Many customers will make an immediate decision and never bother to contact you at all, when in fact - a slight adjustment on your part might land an excellent and even repeat customer.

I can have ideal packages established in my sales plan - but, truly I'm the only one who needs to know what they are.

Like Mixx above - you want a NUMBER to do all the work for you. I want to listen and talk with EVERYONE who might have work for me and find out if there's a way to make it worth my while. Most of the time there is - because the person seeking me out has already measured my potential in some way and sees a good fit.

The thing that stands out most to me is that you have created these packages with virtually no operational experience. I could see if you had years of bookings and hundreds of past events to base these packages on - but you've more or less pulled them out of thin air based on what you see other long standing businesses doing. Buyers want the real deal not imitations - it's important to grow your own tree.
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I designed these packages base on my experience with selling DJ and Photography services. The 3-tier packaging has worked well for 17 years now. I still believe in the concept but selling a block of services, and at a larger price than DJ/Photo, I think that top number might be scaring prospects away. I need to simplify things, get more people in the door for a tour, then look them in the eye as I pitch a price.
 
rickryan.com said:
I designed these packages base on my experience with selling DJ and Photography services. The 3-tier packaging has worked well for 17 years now. I still believe in the concept but selling a block of services, and at a larger price than DJ/Photo, I think that top number might be scaring prospects away. I need to simplify things, get more people in the door for a tour, then look them in the eye as I pitch a price.
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You're not selling DJ services, You're not selling Photography.
You can't do either of those things at your venue unless or until you book a hospitality experience.

You're packages might be largely ineffective (IDK) until they address the correct desire. It's also not even clear that "packages" are the correct way to do this - you are not a cruise ship. You are on dry land and with a multitude of greater variables, and wider competition.

Your advertising screams: "look at this price!" It should be conveying "look at our great care."
 
Proformance said:
You're not selling DJ services, You're not selling Photography.
You can't do either of those things at your venue unless or until you book a hospitality experience.

You're packages might be largely ineffective (IDK) until they address the correct desire. It's also not even clear that "packages" are the correct way to do this - you are not a cruise ship. You are on dry land and with a multitude of greater variables, and wider competition.

Your advertising screams: "look at this price!" It should be conveying "look at our great care."
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Okay Bob/Taso, how about this? I'm pretty confident that $8.5k is not going to scare anyone away (at least not the kinds of prospects I want to deal with). I've made the photography and planner options at $2.5k each. I think this also clears up the confusion over whether we do the decorating and/or attend the rehearsal and direct the ceremony.

www.ryanacres.com

Packages | Ryan Acres | Oneonta Alabama wedding and event venue

Here are our standard packages and optional add-ons. Everything can be customized to exactly what you need. We offer DIY options, or all-inclusive (easy). Very affordable and with easy payment plans available. Wedding & event venue, up to 200 guests and climate-controlled. Venue+DJ+Lighting...
www.ryanacres.com www.ryanacres.com
 
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rickryan.com said:
Okay Bob/Taso, how about this? I'm pretty confident that $8.5k is not going to scare anyone away (at least not the kinds of prospects I want to deal with). I've made the photography and planner options at $2.5k each. I think this also clears up the confusion over whether we do the decorating and/or attend the rehearsal and direct the ceremony.

www.ryanacres.com

Packages | Ryan Acres | Oneonta Alabama wedding and event venue

Here are our standard packages and optional add-ons. Everything can be customized to exactly what you need. We offer DIY options, or all-inclusive (easy). Very affordable and with easy payment plans available. Wedding & event venue, up to 200 guests and climate-controlled. Venue+DJ+Lighting...
www.ryanacres.com www.ryanacres.com
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I mean it's fine but why are you insistent on adding dj and the gimmicky stuff. Just have 8500 be the venue itself. The venue is the focus, which is what we're both trying to tell you (I think... sometimes I read Bob wrong lol). No sparklers, no photo booth etc. I'm telling you, no one is going to pick your venue because of that. If you want to make the price $7950 by taking them out thats fine. Would you be upset if you didn't dj the event?

It's funny, last night on tik tok I saw a venue in long island that has a similar concept to you. Venue is all inclusive at $25-35k depending on date for 100 people (NY prices, fancier ballroom type, etc). They then offer a Vendor Package for $5500. Includes photo/video, dj, and photo booth. They then break it down if you want them individually ($2500 for photo, $1750 for video, $1950 for dj, $900 for photo booth). They also say which companies are part of that package so you know they're reputable (they're all generic multi ops, but reputable nonetheless). The way the vendors make their money is when they upsell them after they get booked on sparklers, lights, albums, engagement sessions, etc.
 
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djtaso said:
I mean it's fine but why are you insistent on adding dj and the gimmicky stuff. Just have 8500 be the venue itself. The venue is the focus, which is what we're both trying to tell you (I think... sometimes I read Bob wrong lol). No sparklers, no photo booth etc. I'm telling you, no one is going to pick your venue because of that. If you want to make the price $7950 by taking them out thats fine. Would you be upset if you didn't dj the event?

It's funny, last night on tik tok I saw a venue in long island that has a similar concept to you. Venue is all inclusive at $25-35k depending on date for 100 people (NY prices, fancier ballroom type, etc). They then offer a Vendor Package for $5500. Includes photo/video, dj, and photo booth. They then break it down if you want them individually ($2500 for photo, $1750 for video, $1950 for dj, $900 for photo booth). They also say which companies are part of that package so you know they're reputable (they're all generic multi ops, but reputable nonetheless). The way the vendors make their money is when they upsell them after they get booked on sparklers, lights, albums, engagement sessions, etc.
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Thanks. At this point, I want to keep DJ in house. Of the events I've had with outside DJs, I've had hassles, mostly with them wanting to use subs and/or play too loud and annoy my neighbors. It's also partially an issue of comfort level. If I'm conducting the event, problems are greatly minimized. As for photobooth or sparks, I have them already, they have a minimal cost and they DO have an effect on the sales outcome.
 
rickryan.com said:
Thanks. At this point, I want to keep DJ in house. Of the events I've had with outside DJs, I've had hassles, mostly with them wanting to use subs and/or play too loud and annoy my neighbors. It's also partially an issue of comfort level. If I'm conducting the event, problems are greatly minimized. As for photobooth or sparks, I have them already, they have a minimal cost and they DO have an effect on the sales outcome.
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If they have such a powerful impact on the sales outcome, don’t you then think people would pay even $250 for the sparklers and $500 for the photobooth which are very minimal costs… and worst case include em for free if needed to close the deal or as you get closer to look like you did something really special for them. Seems like you’re underestimating their potential for revenue and/or awesome customer service moments.

Again, no one… I promise you… no one is choosing your venue because of the photobooth or sparklers. They’re just the icing on the cake.
 
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djtaso said:
If they have such a powerful impact on the sales outcome, don’t you then think people would pay even $250 for the sparklers and $500 for the photobooth which are very minimal costs… and worst case include em for free if needed to close the deal or as you get closer to look like you did something really special for them. Seems like you’re underestimating their potential for revenue and/or awesome customer service moments.

Again, no one… I promise you… no one is choosing your venue because of the photobooth or sparklers. They’re just the icing on the cake.
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Yes, I totally agree with you on the icing on the cake part. I get that. My hesitancy to breaking everything out is that one of the main compliments I hear from prospects is how much they appreciate everything being rolled in. It's convenient, it's affordable and they appreciate that I'm throwing in goodies without nickel-and-diming them for every little thing. In fact, that's probably one of the main compliments I hear from prospects. It makes it easy to understand how much the total event cost is. I could be wrong but I really think there's a marked difference in the sophistication between the clients you deal with and the ones I deal with. I will say though that I do like making photography and planner as add-ons. It gives me a single, main package with 2 simple options that are available. I really like that.
 
Proformance said:
There is no misunderstanding.
You need a number to get your ass off the couch.
My ass is never on the couch.
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That's not totally true because if that was the case I would never go to Montclair and play for the seniors I hangout with. That one for me is an easy gig.

Now for certain potential clients I do have a thing where I will discuss the price to do an event. In some cases what that person wants to pay is too ridiculously low and I will let them keep looking.
 
rickryan.com said:
. . . one of the main compliments I hear from prospects is how much they appreciate everything being rolled in. It's convenient, it's affordable and they appreciate that I'm throwing in goodies without nickel-and-diming them for every little thing. In fact, that's probably one of the main compliments I hear from prospects. It makes it easy to understand how much the total event cost is.
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Compliments shouldn't be the thermometer you use. They are a check point - but you want to be selling rather than simply pleasing. I also think making your self the DJ handicaps you in any larger event. People want their venue manager to be managing - not performing. Being a lone wolf presents a risk most people will recognize early on in the booking process. If your are cueing up the parent dances who's dealing with the plumbing issue in a restroom? The caterer that is short handed, or the multitude of other things that could at any time require the attention of a manager rather than a DJ? Where's your backup for all of these roles?

Taso's correct - we're trying to get you to focus on the venue alone and realize that all these other things are just menu items. You being the DJ is a point of divergence - the venue booking should be made without such condition. There are easy enough ways to set a maximum sound level for visiting entertainers.
 
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Proformance said:
Compliments shouldn't be the thermometer you use. They are a check point - but you want to be selling rather than simply pleasing. I also think making your self the DJ handicaps you in any larger event. People want their venue manager to be managing - not performing. Being a lone wolf presents a risk most people will recognize early on in the booking process. If your are cueing up the parent dances who's dealing with the plumbing issue in a restroom? The caterer that is short handed. or the multitude of other things that could at any time require the attention of a manager rather than a DJ? Where's your backup for all of these roles?

Taso's correct - we're trying to get you to focus on the venue alone and realize that all these other things are just menu items. You being the DJ is a point of divergence - the venue booking should be made without such condition. There are easy enough ways to set a maximum sound level for visiting entertainers.
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I have to say I put a like to Bob's post because I agree with Rick being the owner of the venue and should act that way. I understand Ryan that you have been a DJ for many years and have a ton of experience as a DJ. That's great and maybe you feel if you do the wedding yourself you can save money and do a great job. There's a judge that her famous saying is stay in your lane. You're the owner and you should act like you're the owner.

Only in case of an extreme emergency should you pickup the headphones.
 
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