The Wedding DJ Saga (this actually applies to all DJs)

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Anna and Mac,

This is just my opinion. It's not meant as a slam at either of you folks. :)

So you've called scores of DJ companies and are not yet satisfied? What exactly are you looking for?

I get the impression that you're finding things wrong, possibly because they're things you don't do yourselves. I would respectfully suggest a change of mindest. Start looking for things that are right instead.

We don't have a customized voice mail message. We don't answer the phone most of the time 'cause we're either working or sleeping. We don't answer the phone after business hours but will return mesages if they're not garbled beyond the point of comprehension. If you can get past that, we have some rather impressive black tie and wedding references that we'll gladly share.

Hey... gettin' the good stuff ain't easy. :D

When asking a vendor what sets him apart from his competition, you are in effect placing him in an uncomfortable situation by asking why he is "better". Not in as many words but it can be interpreted as such. No professional vendor in his right mind would disrespect the competition to a prospective customer. That type of thing turns customers off.

That said, if you get the answer you're looking for, it may be a turn off for you. :)

Also, it can turn off the vendors you talk with. Don't put them on the spot. Place yourselves in their shoes for a moment. How do you think they'll interpret a question like that? If you called me and pressed me on the why-should-I-book-you routine, I'd honestly presume you were a tire kicker. If a vendor's credentials are not satisfactory, what is?

Being as you folks work in this biz, you're naturally going to be a bit biased. It's understandable. All I'm askin'... please don't look for yourselves in prospective vendors. You won't find it. You're the B&G in this scenario, not a B&G who happen to manage a DJ company.

My recommendations on shopping for a DJ company: Professional wedding references. Get references and call those references. Ask if the DJ has worked in the venue before. That helps. Ask the venue management for suggestions. Once you've made your decision, spell out your peace of mind requirements ~ a neat setup, no plastic banners, dressed appropriately etc.

Why should you book with us? Because we want to work with you to make your wedding day as special and as fun as we possibly can. You're the bride and the star of your wedding. We do things your way. This day is all about you.

What makes us different? Nothing. Every DJ is different. I think you knew that before you asked the question. ;)

Be an informed bride. Don't be an impossible one. :)

Thoughts?
 
No offense to either of you, but if I ever got those questions from a prospect, I would simply reply:

"I am not the company for you, good luck in your marriage". The reason is because those questions just scream out "Bridezilla".

My company was much to casual and laid back to ever have to deal with a client like would come off as being with those questions.

Once again, not slamming you in any way, just my own observations.
 
Alright..........have I got your answers.................



What makes you different??

Some DJs have the ability to gather enough information to "sell" what they need to. Everyone wants to know...."What sets your company apart?"

Let me say.....first hand experience....if you are customer driven....a conversation as yours certainly would be no problem!

If you called me, I would listen to what things you are looking to hear. I am very good at reading a "what a clients needs to hear!"

Here is what a I offer....NOT UNIQUE!

1) 13,000 Songs in a legal Library
2) Will customize playlists to suit your tastes
3) Friendly Customer service: (Friend first, then your DJ)
4) Work with you and your timeline of events
5) Will adapt to all situations presented
6) $2000-$4000 Light Show
7) Cocktail Music
8) Will meet with you 20 times (if needed..usually only once) to make sure everything is planned
9) If you need references, I could give you a huge list
10) I give my clients the event I promise


Personally, when a client is on the phone....I can read into where the conversation needs to go. I also throw in my dry humor as well!

I have honestly say I have lost only .o117% of the phone call bookings I have received! I got a call from a client about two weeks ago, and they had a meeting with two other DJs on a Sunday......I happened to be the third DJ they called. When I talked to the bride to be....she said I was the most helpful of the three, and she would call me back....well that Sunday came, and she never called. This "so far" was/is a lost booking. However they were calling about Sept 09. So it is possible...that they never did book?? Either way, .0117% is not to shabby.


Let me kinda sum this all up even shorter....if you have customer skills, you will have no problem reading your clients, and you should have no trouble picking apart the conversation and "hitting on your sell points!"

And to tell you the truth......"Most if not all of my previous clients, loved the fact I wanted to be their friend before I was there DJ!"

I just did a wedding last Saturday, and once again (positive comments)..."If we need need a dj in the future, you are our top choice!"

Oh...and being honest and realistic with your clients really helps! I keep rambling, but there is so many things a DJ/Businessperson/Friend needs to keep in mind when dealing with clients!

I hope this helps you out!
 
Perhaps some people are missing the point to our asking what sets them apart. I've run into $900 DJs and I've run into $1800 DJs, each with the same equipment and in the same area. I want to know what's the difference. If you're going to charge me double the price of the other guy, why? If it's a good answer, I just might pay the higher price.


(And don't get me started on why there is a double-price upcharge for weddings. I'll leave that alone to assumption. :) )
 
Websites

Websites are another issue. Most websites that these DJs have are pretty useful in information. There were actually more that had ballpark pricing on them than I anticipated, which is very helpful. (In my area, my company is the only one that does not guard its rates like a golden egg.)

My biggest gripe are websites that are stuck in the 90s - long-loading Flash intros, music playing, animated GIFs, multiple font colors/sizes, lots of scrolling. At the very least, please get rid of the sound because it doesn't always play at the same, quiet volume on everyone else's computers. The sound trouble has been my pet peeve for websites of DJs and photographers.
 
Hello prospective client, thanks for getting in touch in regards to your wedding. What type of day do you have in mind? Tell me about it.

Go from there.

Dave
 
I Know It's the Digital Age, But....

Another concern I have is, well, why don't a lot of DJs want to meet face-to-face? I've run into many DJs who allow one free consultation to take care of the contract and discuss a little bit about the event, but that's all. I've had countless DJs push their online wedding planners, online request systems, and phone meetings. All I'm asking for is an initial meeting, so I can get to know the DJ and a second meeting about a month before the wedding. I just want to meet face-to-face...why should that cost extra money? I'll even drive down to your town's local Dunkin' Donuts to meet.
 
Okay guys and gals, here's the deal. The reason I started this thread in the first place was to bring in a different perspective we rarely ever see on this forum, the bride and groom. All we are doing is relating our story, our findings, things that irk the living crap out of us (and if it irks someone, it can irk others). I'm not sure if Ducky and I have ever mentioned how old we are, but at 27 and 25, we're right smack in the target age range for our clients. We've been able to turn our youth into a huge advantage in our area because potential clients like the fact that we are around the same age and can relate to them easier.

Really, I don't care if people agree or not with what we find or how we feel about it all. We're just going to give some food for thought that people may be able to take something away from.

As for making a DJ compare themselves to others, yeah, you may not see others perform, etc and that's cool, but to say you don't know what can set you apart from your competition, that's uncool.

There are many ways to say why you're better than the next guy without knocking them. DJ Wes gave the best example yet, he can do magic tricks. If I were a client who was worried about my pictures taking too long and guests starting to get bored waiting for us, then Wes's magic tricks could be the thing that sets him apart from everyone else. But, if the question was never asked, then I would haev never known about the magic tricks.
 
DJ Ducky said:
Perhaps some people are missing the point to our asking what sets them apart. I've run into $900 DJs and I've run into $1800 DJs, each with the same equipment and in the same area. I want to know what's the difference. If you're going to charge me double the price of the other guy, why? If it's a good answer, I just might pay the higher price.


(And don't get me started on why there is a double-price upcharge for weddings. I'll leave that alone to assumption. :) )
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Why don't you just meet with the DJ in person? If I meet with someone, I usually know within the next few minutes if this is the job for me. Personality is the key for us.
 
trafficgoo said:
Why don't you just meet with the DJ in person? If I meet with someone, I usually know within the next few minutes if this is the job for me. Personality is the key for us.
Click to expand...

The trouble is that we are planning this from a 16-hour drive away. We will have all of one week next month to secure vendors for the wedding. I have to narrow down the pool of prospectives in each vendor category (DJ, photographer, cake maker) before meeting with them. Ideally, I would like to narrow it down to just one DJ out there, but I don't think I can...that thought comes from some complaining I've seen on this forum from DJs who drive somewhere to meet a prospective client but don't get the job.
 
Just my observation but what you guys seem like is the clients most of us would rather pass on. Asking questions is good but when you start to micromanage the planning process, you end up with the DJs who lack the experience dealing with troublesome couples. Those of us who have been doing this for awhile know when to say no thanks to a couple and let them find someone they can deal with.

I got lucky when I got married. I wasn't a dj then and knew a DJ already.
 
Karl, we set criteria for each vendor to meet. We're not applying for their services; we're doing the hiring.

For a DJ, we're not asking for much...great sound, fun lights, MC skills, the ability to read a crowd and handle requests, easy accessibility for questions, and the willingness to meet face-to-face twice.

We want a good service for a reasonable price. We're not discrediting a DJ if he/she runs a different service, as some folks in this thread seem to be suggesting...like if he/she runs a laptop and/or powered speakers. We're not nixing a DJ if he/she refuses to eat the yummy food we're offering (although it would be a bonus if he/she was willing to sit down and eat). We're not even ditching them on price unless it's way out of our range.

I'm not trying to be a "bridezilla" or a "tire-kicker" here but I want quality for my money. Is that too much to ask for?
 
DJ Ducky said:
Karl, we set criteria for each vendor to meet. We're not applying for their services; we're doing the hiring.

For a DJ, we're not asking for much...great sound, fun lights, MC skills, the ability to read a crowd and handle requests, easy accessibility for questions, and the willingness to meet face-to-face twice.

We want a good service for a reasonable price. We're not discrediting a DJ if he/she runs a different service, as some folks in this thread seem to be suggesting...like if he/she runs a laptop and/or powered speakers. We're not nixing a DJ if he/she refuses to eat the yummy food we're offering (although it would be a bonus if he/she was willing to sit down and eat). We're not even ditching them on price unless it's way out of our range.

I'm not trying to be a "bridezilla" or a "tire-kicker" here but I want quality for my money. Is that too much to ask for?
Click to expand...

No. That isn't too much to ask. I was just stating my observation. That is how you came across to me and maybe others.

Most likely you would not have liked my answer to the question and I would not have made you list. So there would not have been an issue.

Sorry if I touched a nerve.
 
DJ J Mac said:
Okay guys and gals, here's the deal. The reason I started this thread in the first place was to bring in a different perspective we rarely ever see on this forum, the bride and groom. All we are doing is relating our story, our findings, things that irk the living crap out of us (and if it irks someone, it can irk others). I'm not sure if Ducky and I have ever mentioned how old we are, but at 27 and 25, we're right smack in the target age range for our clients. We've been able to turn our youth into a huge advantage in our area because potential clients like the fact that we are around the same age and can relate to them easier.

Really, I don't care if people agree or not with what we find or how we feel about it all. We're just going to give some food for thought that people may be able to take something away from.

As for making a DJ compare themselves to others, yeah, you may not see others perform, etc and that's cool, but to say you don't know what can set you apart from your competition, that's uncool.

There are many ways to say why you're better than the next guy without knocking them. DJ Wes gave the best example yet, he can do magic tricks. If I were a client who was worried about my pictures taking too long and guests starting to get bored waiting for us, then Wes's magic tricks could be the thing that sets him apart from everyone else. But, if the question was never asked, then I would haev never known about the magic tricks.
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With all due respect....

What is NOT cool is how YOU dont even know the right questions to ask.

Asking a DJ what sets him apart has NOTHING to do with what he can do during the time you are lagging behind. Dont be Bride/Groomzillas and follow the timeline with the Photog and you SHOULD be fine. No Dilly Dallying or allow enough time for photos. PLAN ACCORDINGLY.

Yeah crap happens and we all run behind, but how is this the DJs fault? If you want a DJ who can amuse a crowd, then get that type of DJ.

Instead of asking what sets them apart, maybe try not be so vague and ask the real questions. None of this running around the bush so to speak. If you want to know how I will handle the situation if pictures are taking too long, what will I do, then ask me, WHAT WILL YOU DO IF WE ARE RUNNING LATE AND THE GUESTS LOOK BORED-how hard was that?

Its like asking me what is the meaning of life and expect to find out how I will handle a specific sitution, kinda absurd.

How will you feel if you asked me what is 1 + 1 and I answered " Well it depends, is 1 really one ? How do we know that each 1 is really just 1?"

Youre probably thinking in your head " Its 2 da##t!"


Again, this has nothing do with what sets me apart. Every DJ is unique.
In my area, there are a lot of Craigslisters that God know dont have Liability Insurance.
What if I answerd your questions this way" I HAVE LIABILITY INSURANCE"
Did my answer give you any clue as to how I will handle a specific situation if it ever happened? NO.


ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS AND YOU WILL GET THE ANSWERS YOU ARE LOOKING FOR.
As fellow DJs, dont you ever ask the client, " If this happen, or if that Happens, what do you want me to do"? So ask THAT question.

Yeah so I know magic, do you want me to just start doing card tricks? Really now, I dont think so. You paid for a DJ, not some sideshow freak. AND NOW THE AMAZING MUMFORD.:sqlaugh:

I could always grab one the bridesmaids and tell her-

Boy would I like to spread your deck you could roll my dice - If you know what I mean.....:sqlaugh:

Just my .02.
 
eezee said:
With all due respect....

What is NOT cool is how YOU dont even know the right questions to ask.

Asking a DJ what sets him apart has NOTHING to do with what he can do during the time you are lagging behind. Dont be Bride/Groomzillas and follow the timeline with the Photog and you SHOULD be fine. No Dilly Dallying or allow enough time for photos. PLAN ACCORDINGLY.

Yeah crap happens and we all run behind, but how is this the DJs fault? If you want a DJ who can amuse a crowd, then get that type of DJ.

Instead of asking what sets them apart, maybe try not be so vague and ask the real questions. None of this running around the bush so to speak. If you want to know how I will handle the situation if pictures are taking too long, what will I do, then ask me, WHAT WILL YOU DO IF WE ARE RUNNING LATE AND THE GUESTS LOOK BORED-how hard was that?

Its like asking me what is the meaning of life and expect to find out how I will handle a specific sitution, kinda absurd.

How will you feel if you asked me what is 1 + 1 and I answered " Well it depends, is 1 really one ? How do we know that each 1 is really just 1?"

Youre probably thinking in your head " Its 2 da##t!"


Again, this has nothing do with what sets me apart. Every DJ is unique.
In my area, there are a lot of Craigslisters that God know dont have Liability Insurance.
What if I answerd your questions this way" I HAVE LIABILITY INSURANCE"
Did my answer give you any clue as to how I will handle a specific situation if it ever happened? NO.


ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS AND YOU WILL GET THE ANSWERS YOU ARE LOOKING FOR.
As fellow DJs, dont you ever ask the client, " If this happen, or if that Happens, what do you want me to do"? So ask THAT question.

Yeah so I know magic, do you want me to just start doing card tricks? Really now, I dont think so. You paid for a DJ, not some sideshow freak. AND NOW THE AMAZING MUMFORD.:sqlaugh:

I could always grab one the bridesmaids and tell her-

Boy would I like to spread your deck you could roll my dice - If you know what I mean.....:sqlaugh:

Just my .02.
Click to expand...

Chill, dude. It was just an example...albeit not the greatest example, but that was all it is. :sqcool:

I've just added another issue to my list...if the DJ gets pissy really easily, like you just did, I might not even say goodbye before I hang up the phone! :sqmad:
 
Ducky,

Please recognize that unless you verify the claims of every claimant, you are relying on bad data.
 
Karl Langford said:
I have had that question asked and I have a hard time answering it. Why?

Because I don't see other DJs in action. I tell them that straight out. I let them ask questions. I don't give a sales pitch. After they are done asking questions I will hit on some things that they might have missed but I never have had a "Big" pitch.

When I a booked sometimes I get asked if I know any good DJs. I tell them the same thing. I don't see any other DJs because we work the same days.

Best of luck finding the right DJ for your wedding.

Karl
Click to expand...

I rarely get to see other dj's in action. But I do talk to a lot of brides that were brides maids or guests at weddings and told me what happened at weddings they were at or were involved in. That's what I compare myself to.
 
DJ J Mac said:
What sets you apart from everyone else?
Click to expand...

A serious answer:

What sets Total Impact DJ Service apart from other DJ services is a tough question to nail down. We offer easy to use online planners that include such things as your wedding planner, time lines, music request, and guest music request systems. From my research on area DJs not many others here offer that and for a bride like yourself who is planning a destination event and where meetings in person are difficult this is going to be an advantage for you because you can plan your event anytime that is convienent for you online. That is just one thing that sets Total Impact DJ Services apart from other DJs in this area.

Now if you could tell me how you envision your reception I may be able to detail how we can make that happen for you.
 
eezee said:
With all due respect....

What is NOT cool is how YOU dont even know the right questions to ask.

Asking a DJ what sets him apart has NOTHING to do with what he can do during the time you are lagging behind. Dont be Bride/Groomzillas and follow the timeline with the Photog and you SHOULD be fine. No Dilly Dallying or allow enough time for photos. PLAN ACCORDINGLY.

Yeah crap happens and we all run behind, but how is this the DJs fault? If you want a DJ who can amuse a crowd, then get that type of DJ.

Instead of asking what sets them apart, maybe try not be so vague and ask the real questions. None of this running around the bush so to speak. If you want to know how I will handle the situation if pictures are taking too long, what will I do, then ask me, WHAT WILL YOU DO IF WE ARE RUNNING LATE AND THE GUESTS LOOK BORED-how hard was that?

Its like asking me what is the meaning of life and expect to find out how I will handle a specific sitution, kinda absurd.

How will you feel if you asked me what is 1 + 1 and I answered " Well it depends, is 1 really one ? How do we know that each 1 is really just 1?"

Youre probably thinking in your head " Its 2 da##t!"


Again, this has nothing do with what sets me apart. Every DJ is unique.
In my area, there are a lot of Craigslisters that God know dont have Liability Insurance.
What if I answerd your questions this way" I HAVE LIABILITY INSURANCE"
Did my answer give you any clue as to how I will handle a specific situation if it ever happened? NO.


ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS AND YOU WILL GET THE ANSWERS YOU ARE LOOKING FOR.
As fellow DJs, dont you ever ask the client, " If this happen, or if that Happens, what do you want me to do"? So ask THAT question.

Yeah so I know magic, do you want me to just start doing card tricks? Really now, I dont think so. You paid for a DJ, not some sideshow freak. AND NOW THE AMAZING MUMFORD.:sqlaugh:

I could always grab one the bridesmaids and tell her-

Boy would I like to spread your deck you could roll my dice - If you know what I mean.....:sqlaugh:

Just my .02.
Click to expand...


Ok, so apparently I don't know what questions to ask, a fair enough opinion based on what has been presented.

However, when I am looking for a service of any kind, I treat it as if I am interviewing a prospective employee. I want as much of a profile as possible of the person before I decide to go with them.

Asking a question such as, "what sets you apart from the other DJs in your area" or "what do you do outside of being a DJ" may not tell very much on its own, but when combined with other questions they can provide quite a bit of insight into the DJ and what they do. There is an old saying that comes from psychology, "the whole is greater than the sum of it's parts."
A group of single questions may not seem to say much, but when they are viewed as a whole and in the context of the conversation those questions can speak volumes.
 
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