Weddings Pricing on your web site?
- Thread starter Capital Disc Jockeys
- Start date
Sorry about that.My name is John.
BTW, I hope you find your answer at the franchise meeting.
Thanks John, I hope so too. I'm pretty stoked for it.
:sqerr:
:sqconfused:Maybe I should go back to being a DJ (or con man, whatever you folks are calling it these days)...
If I do -- I'll put my prices on my site
That would mean you'd have to socialize with people, actually talk with them. They don't just hire because they see a price. You couldn't do all that without leaving your house.:sqerr:
Maybe I should go back to being a DJ (or con man, whatever you folks are calling it these days)...
If I do -- I'll put my prices on my site
Actually I could, if I really wanted to...
BTW, I talk with hundreds of people a week -- mostly DJs. So, I have just a little, teeny-weeny bit of knowledge in this area.
One of the things that bit of knowledge brings, is knowing BS artists when I hear them... If yer interested, one of the quickest ways to spot one, is to hear them mention to other DJs the following: how much more valuable they are then other DJ's; how much better their gear is; how they make sooo much more money; and their clients love them to death.
They also generally don't put their prices on their websites, because they don't want the other DJ's to know how little they are really making -- if they even work at all.
Just my humble experience... YMMV
Actually I could, if I really wanted to...
BTW, I talk with hundreds of people a week -- mostly DJs. So, I have just a little, teeny-weeny bit of knowledge in this area.
One of the things that bit of knowledge brings, is knowing BS artists when I hear them... If yer interested, one of the quickest ways to spot one, is to hear them mention to other DJs the following: how much more valuable they are then other DJ's; how much better their gear is; how they make sooo much more money; and their clients love them to death.
They also generally don't put their prices on their websites, because they don't want the other DJ's to know how little they are really making -- if they even work at all.
Just my humble experience... YMMV
Sorry, but what a load of bunk.
My rates are as follows, you tell me if you think you could sell them without talking to the client. I do between 40 and 50 events each year at these prices.
1 May River Package 1495.00 - Professional PA, Wireless Mics, Love Story, Online Planning, Customized Reception planning and MC to act as Reception Coordinator
2. New River Package 1695.00 - Professional PA, Wireless Mics, Love Story, Small light setup, Online Planning, Customized Reception planning and MC to act as Reception Coordinator
3.Colleton River Package 1795.00 - Professional PA, Wireless Mics, Lighting setup, photo montage, Love Story , Online Planning, Customized Reception planning and MC to act as Reception Coordinator
4. Calibogue Sound Package 1995.00 - Professional PA, Wireless Mics, Love Story, Photo Montage, TV with pictures during, ultimate light show. Online Planning, Customized Reception planning and MC to act as Reception Coordinator
• Ceremony Set-up $350.00
• Cocktail Hour Set-up $300.00
• Photo Scanning $100.00
• Rehearsal Party $600. 00
I do a ceremony setup on about 60% of the events I do, and a cocktail set up on 20 - 30%.
Honestly, if you guys would stop patting each other on the back and telling each other how bad things were and try to find out how it is that others who make more than you are doing it you just might see that it can be done. Life is bad, the little guy just can't get ahead, the economy is down, woe is us. Come on guys, let's find a way to do what we do better and make ourselves more valuable.
Here is the long and short of it, could have saved all these pages of typing, if pricing is your main weapon put your prices on your website. If prices are not your main weapon and what you do needs an explanation to make the client understand what you do, then don't put them on your website.
And I'm sure all those DJ's will hire you if you get back into it. Thank goodness I don't market to DJ's. I'd have to set my prices on ego. I listen to my brides and grooms and what they want, not at what another DJ needs.Actually I could, if I really wanted to...
BTW, I talk with hundreds of people a week -- mostly DJs. So, I have just a little, teeny-weeny bit of knowledge in this area.
One of the things that bit of knowledge brings, is knowing BS artists when I hear them... If yer interested, one of the quickest ways to spot one, is to hear them mention to other DJs the following: how much more valuable they are then other DJ's; how much better their gear is; how they make sooo much more money; and their clients love them to death.
They also generally don't put their prices on their websites, because they don't want the other DJ's to know how little they are really making -- if they even work at all.
Just my humble experience... YMMV
I've listed my prices here many times. I can't speak for the other DJ's but I've got nothing to hide about pricing nor have I ever. Weddings starting at $1295. And I'm not the most expensive. But since we don't market to old guys like myself or other DJ's I guess their opinion really doesn't matter.
I do understand your frustration. Seeing how many of us are able to do successfully thinking you might be able to do the same. But I can't see to many in your area worried.
What I see is those who put their prices on their websites in my area are usually $500 less on average for weddings and $150 for regular parties than me. They compete on price. That's a smart move when they wish to work more trying to make the same as I do. But I can't blame them. I was there once and did the same thing.
I can see how someone who isn't a DJ not quite understanding this without actually experiencing this type of selling. But it's working for me for now. If something different comes along I'll certainly examine the idea. NSMD
DUTL
I do know that if somone shows me a way to make more money as a DJ I will be all over it. So if anyone has a way please don't hold back.
I do know that if somone shows me a way to make more money as a DJ I will be all over it. So if anyone has a way please don't hold back.
So, tell us what we are doing wrong. Don't just criticize, help. You offer condesention without action. If you have the answer share it with us.
I look forward to hearing how to expand my business and my income.
Jamie
I look forward to hearing how to expand my business and my income.
Jamie
It's too early -- wait till I have a few beers later, and I shall share the wisdom of the ages, to all those who would follow me...
Not any more... You can click the cute MP3 Goat beneath my name, to see how I make my living these days.
Cool, so your soul source of income is your DJ software? Good for you, I wish I had the knowledge to create software.
Hey did you create the MDIS software to keep external drives ready to go? It works great.
Hey did you create the MDIS software to keep external drives ready to go? It works great.
Just an observation here... not pointing fingers... but, wasn't this about posting rates on your site or not posting them?
I'm just not following how that translates into a whole "Worth" BS that I see here....
Could someone please explain this Phenom?
I'm just not following how that translates into a whole "Worth" BS that I see here....
Could someone please explain this Phenom?
We are just trying to help each other figure out how to make more money. The original issue is related. What is your take on how to make ourselves better and earn more money?
No worth BS, just trying to learn. Show me something new or old that helps me make a better living.
Jamie
No worth BS, just trying to learn. Show me something new or old that helps me make a better living.
Jamie
Actually no, it's not my sole source of income -- in fact, I haven't paid myself yet since I incorporated years ago. The business just keeps reinvesting in itself. I have my hands in lots of diversified pies though...
Yeah, MDIS is one of my fine works of art
Should've charged for that one...
Anyway, back to the topic at hand, before Rob has a hissy, and starts pulling at that thing under his lip...
I am probably going to post my rates for custom programming of Rockit (and my other software packages) on my websites soon -- since I have been getting lots of inquiries lately.
I completely discourage that, because it is far too expensive, and people don't realize it. They think a minor change will take five minutes, when in reality it may take a day, plus another day for retesting, etc. An 8 hour day of mine, costs the customer $2000, so they are looking at roughly a $4000 bill, for a minor change!
When they see that on the website, I won't have to worry about explaining it over the phone
I'm sure I'll have more, after beer time starts...
Per-mile travel rates are on the same page, and easy to calculate.
It is (*should be*) standard anywhere - but you know what? With a lot of guys, it's not.
That is a package, and IS what is included. Its not that anyone on this site includes anything in a package that I don't, what makes us different is HOW we go about doing each and evey one of those items. Therein lies the difference.
Because my pricing is based on a simple cost-plus pricing model and based on TANGIBLES that can readily be accounted for and understood BEFORE they hire me, and aren't based on a bunch of worther-based whooey that takes an in-person meeting or some kind of great sales-pitch to justify their leap of faith to hire me. With what they get for my price, there is no sale to be made - the value perception is inherent.
If you have to try too hard or go to special lengths to sell yourself or justify your rate, you may be charging too much - or your just not very good at communicating your value in writing as I said earlier.
I can, and I do. Take the time to read my site. Nothing more cushy, personable, or warm-and-fuzzy that you can convey in a one on one meeting that I dont convey on my site. Difference is, with me, they see it all before they call me, so I don't spin my wheels with meetings with a lot of folks who might not hire me. And when I do meet with them, Im not giving a pitch or trying to sell. I gather a little bit of info about their wedding, drop my planning materials on them to show them how I do what I do and how we will go about getting where they want and need to be, and Im done - driving back home to the family, and showing them why I am a better deal than any dj who charges 3x as much.
Again my friend, its not voodoo science - its dj pricing and marketing. My site is filled with as much if not more than all the "creamy filling" for brides that you insist on delivering in person. My issue isnt with the fact that you prefer to do it in person, or that I do it on the site - of course we have different ways of delivering the same warm and fuzzies - so what? What gets me is how you seem to think/assert that it "can't" be done any way but the way you do it!
Maybe YOU can't be effective doing it any other way, but maybe others can. Works for you? Great! Just don't make it sound like there's no way to easily communicate the touchy-feelies needed to justify pricing - because there are.
Yes, thats called references. That you have the "basics" or requisites, as we identified above is already communicated in writing before they get to me. Thats why they call me. That I can "get the job done" is a given at this point. I don't need a meeting to convey that knowledge. When we meet now its a matter of personalities and fit with them.
Well first off, I'm a facilitator, not nan entertainer. But thats a topic for another thread - please don't derail this one.
Secondly, it can be conveyed in writing. My level of presence, personality, energy-level, etc are all in writing on the site, along with the diclaimer that I will work withy them to give them the level of presentation and involvement/energy they want. Done. "Uncommunicatable" information communicated just fine without a meeting. Netxt?
Nah, but they will understand why you think you are worth that difference. In the end, they may or may not agree with that value perception. If the couple doesn't hire you, they obviously didin't.
No offense taken - BUT - I am squarely in the middle in my market, as I said. More dj's occupying the bracket than I am in than floating ethereally above it, so I'm really not competing on price as much as you might think.
Secondly, I make it very clear on my site that I don't CARE what other djs are pricing, and that the majority of our industry is filled with djs charging based on NOTHING. That my prices are lower means nothing... thats talking as if Mr. $1200 dj's pricing should be some kind of gold-standard - but you know what? It isnt.
In an industry with pricing based solely on the overly opportunistic "what the other guy" is charging, or what the "average" in the market is, my pricing is a breath of fresh air because I am pricing based on a simple cost-plus business model, and can justify my price without relying on emotional warm and fuzzies.
So am I beating the "worthers" out based on price? Yes. Do I find that some kind of issue? Hell no! Should I be ashamed of myself? Nope. I keep things honest by forcing them to sufficiently justify their price. If they can't, they can't. I'm running a fully licensed business, providing insurance, offering backup equipment, doing all those "above-average-dj thing," so I'm not operating under the table or providing less, and I cover all the costs of those "on the up and up" business aspects with my pricing. So where does the problem lie? Who's guilty of shady business pricing ethics? Not me... If they can't justify why they're charging more for the same thing, then that's THEIR deficiency and detriment - not mine.
What other dj's are charging - higher or lower - is meaningless to me. I really don't care, because I know how much it costs me to do business, how much I need to make, and that I don't want to artificially inflate or add to that base because of some touchy-feely subjective qualities that I have convinced myself "deserve" more compensation.
The free market IS about competing on price. If you're running an above-board and legitimate business and providing the same or better services, and can or are WILLING to do it for less, more power to you. The problem isn't with guys like me who force worthers to raise their game and justify themselves, which they can or can't do at the end of the day - its with guys who aren't running above-board who rely on price alone by undercutting those of us running legitimate businesses.
*Should I* raise my prices to be better in line with a whole previous-turned current generation of opportunistic worthers who feel they are worth some nebulous dollar amount? Whooey!
Wow,
That's a lot of defending your business plan to someone 3000 miles away. What do you do with those in your own market? Hey, if getting $750 for what you include is good for you then I can understand why you're prices are average. Being a facilitator or average DJ I can see how posting prices would be important. I don't know what your competition is but you do need to be one step ahead. Average to lower prices is one way. But posting an average price is the tag of getting them to call you. Once you get the call then you explain the real deal. After all the whole idea is to get them to call in the first place. An average to cheaper posted price should make that happen. You post $750 and the DJ up the road posts $1000, which one will most brides call first? So posting a price on your website is clearly a tag in order to get that call. After that the rest is up to you.
I think if you've visited my site it's quite obvious I don't use it for sales. I offer very little of that sales information that seems to bother certain other. There is no elaborate decriptions of myself or services. I don't post what's included or even offer packages. Not a great way of doing business I know but for me it's what works. The majority of my business comes from referrals so there is no need of me posting prices. We in this area tend to use the personal contact way of doing business. It's what most couple want. If I was offering the same as most of the other DJ's around then I'd probably have to be more elaborate with regards to the website informational tag lines.
You have nothing to prove to anyone as to why you do what you do, why you post prices. If it works to get you business then who cares. In the end the only one who wins or loses is you. I'm sure as a full time company you've worked out your business plan that suits your needs. Stick with it until something new and innovated comes along.
That's a lot of defending your business plan to someone 3000 miles away. What do you do with those in your own market? Hey, if getting $750 for what you include is good for you then I can understand why you're prices are average. Being a facilitator or average DJ I can see how posting prices would be important. I don't know what your competition is but you do need to be one step ahead. Average to lower prices is one way. But posting an average price is the tag of getting them to call you. Once you get the call then you explain the real deal. After all the whole idea is to get them to call in the first place. An average to cheaper posted price should make that happen. You post $750 and the DJ up the road posts $1000, which one will most brides call first? So posting a price on your website is clearly a tag in order to get that call. After that the rest is up to you.
I think if you've visited my site it's quite obvious I don't use it for sales. I offer very little of that sales information that seems to bother certain other. There is no elaborate decriptions of myself or services. I don't post what's included or even offer packages. Not a great way of doing business I know but for me it's what works. The majority of my business comes from referrals so there is no need of me posting prices. We in this area tend to use the personal contact way of doing business. It's what most couple want. If I was offering the same as most of the other DJ's around then I'd probably have to be more elaborate with regards to the website informational tag lines.
You have nothing to prove to anyone as to why you do what you do, why you post prices. If it works to get you business then who cares. In the end the only one who wins or loses is you. I'm sure as a full time company you've worked out your business plan that suits your needs. Stick with it until something new and innovated comes along.
Actually I could, if I really wanted to...
BTW, I talk with hundreds of people a week -- mostly DJs. So, I have just a little, teeny-weeny bit of knowledge in this area.
One of the things that bit of knowledge brings, is knowing BS artists when I hear them... If yer interested, one of the quickest ways to spot one, is to hear them mention to other DJs the following: how much more valuable they are then other DJ's; how much better their gear is; how they make sooo much more money; and their clients love them to death.
They also generally don't put their prices on their websites, because they don't want the other DJ's to know how little they are really making -- if they even work at all.
Just my humble experience... YMMV
For me it is when they start talking about how much they are "worth" or when they promise they can tell me how to make more money while doing the same amount of work, without knowing anything about the market I operate in.
Mike