The Wedding DJ Saga (this actually applies to all DJs)
- Thread starter DJ J Mac
- Start date
Congrats! You seem to have found a fit for you. That is the goal.
Meanwhile, back in "99%ofthetimeland," experienced providers deliver a better, more valuable, successful product.
Scenario for hypothetical:
1) You have an extremely important and potentially beneficial job/promotion/news interview scheduled in one week.
2) You are in need of a haircut. (Sorry Chuck you can't play)
3) The barber that has cut your hair for years is on vacation and your Flo-bee is in the shop.
4) The only available appointments are with:
A) The local beauty school, locate at #1 Main Street, student that only charges $5
B) The stylist at and owner of the salon, located at #3 Main Street, that has been in your area for 10+ years but charges $30
If you can honestly choose "A" you have a different experience database than I.
Is it plausible the salon could mess up, Certainly. Is it likely, probably not but it is definitely substantially and enormously less likely than the prospects of having the rookie mess up.
It's your die, roll em if you want.
BTW, there is not a right or wrong answer, just different and revealing.
P.S. Using the potential to stare at beauticians' knockers for an hour is not to be included as a factor.
Mike,
How can anyone sell a DJ just on price? I'm willing to bet there are $1,800 that are a bargain for what they provide and $1800 djs that are extremely overpriced. Same goes for the $900 group.
So, mr dj, how come your service is twice as expensive as the guy down the street? what makes you better than them?
I have no idea if I am better value than them or not. Without knowing their business, how they run it, who they will have at your reception, it would be impossible for me to tell you that i'm a better value than they are. I can, however, tell you about my company and how we do things and what we will do to give you the evening you want. I would encourage you to find out the same from them and then make a decision that works best for you.
Answer me this. Why does Tom Cruise make more than other actors? They all can recite lines.
It's because of PERSONALITY and the (very subjective) TALENT he poccesses. We are no different.
I can hear it now - "Tom, we're considering you for this part. What makes you different than other actors?"
How should he answer that question?
It's because of PERSONALITY and the (very subjective) TALENT he poccesses. We are no different.
I can hear it now - "Tom, we're considering you for this part. What makes you different than other actors?"
How should he answer that question?
Rox.. it is an ASSumsion on your part that I don't go to a barber...
On my birthday, well about a week before I don't shave my head, so on the day (Jan, 5th in case you want to send a gift) I go down to an "old school" barber shop. B&W checkered floors, bubble jukebox, old style Coke machine and a very cute female barber who shaves my head and fave, massages my head (no not THAT head!, but I might pay extra for it,,, anyway) does the whole "Hot Towel" treatment and it takes about an hour...
And BTW I suggest that you all do it if you can... it's very relaxing and if they serve you a drink with an umbrella in it, so much the better!
Okay, back to the regular topic.....
On my birthday, well about a week before I don't shave my head, so on the day (Jan, 5th in case you want to send a gift) I go down to an "old school" barber shop. B&W checkered floors, bubble jukebox, old style Coke machine and a very cute female barber who shaves my head and fave, massages my head (no not THAT head!, but I might pay extra for it,,, anyway) does the whole "Hot Towel" treatment and it takes about an hour...
And BTW I suggest that you all do it if you can... it's very relaxing and if they serve you a drink with an umbrella in it, so much the better!
Okay, back to the regular topic.....
I'm a Scientology Actor,, and I look cute in tighty whities ...
he asked about tom cruise, chuck. Not about you.
sorry Wes...
I'm not the O.P. but we all know that it would come down to how the actor interpreted the part, IF in fact they were choosing between more than one and didn't just want that actor and are willing to take whatever interpretation he gives them and hope that people like it.
I'm not the O.P. but we all know that it would come down to how the actor interpreted the part, IF in fact they were choosing between more than one and didn't just want that actor and are willing to take whatever interpretation he gives them and hope that people like it.
No problem Chuck. Are you saying we should we all be holding private auditions for our potential clients?
Again, how should Tom Cruise answer the question 'What makes you different than other actors?' There IS a difference. But to put it in words, is not exactly easy. It's one of those intangible things, IMO.
Again, how should Tom Cruise answer the question 'What makes you different than other actors?' There IS a difference. But to put it in words, is not exactly easy. It's one of those intangible things, IMO.
No Wes, I don't think it shows us in our best light to do "auditions" for clients or invite them to our events.
But Tom could say that he is a box office draw and people will come to see the movie because he is in it, and that if you hire him, you, upon your death will be met with 22 Virgins in the afterlife....
But Tom could say that he is a box office draw and people will come to see the movie because he is in it, and that if you hire him, you, upon your death will be met with 22 Virgins in the afterlife....
Ducky & Mac, first of all, I can't thank you enough for relating your experiences from the B&G perspective, and PLEASE continue!
Second, I'll ask as I did in another thread. You don't need to answer here, but your answer will be the one required from YOUR DJ.
Excluding all equipment and music ( which anyone can buy), the skill to use them ( which most can learn), and assuming prices are all equal: Why should a client choose YOU over another DJ for their event?
That question, when posed to this forum was answered by 8 people out of over 1000- so for most, it's a toughie. However, if you can answer it ( to yourselves) honestly, you will also be able to find the DJ you want..
Personally, when I started out, I had garbage equipment and an even worse library, and yet was profitable and successful in terms of popularity the first year. I KNOW I'm not equipment dependent ( though having the good stuff sure as hell IMPROVED business...)
Good Luck!
Second, I'll ask as I did in another thread. You don't need to answer here, but your answer will be the one required from YOUR DJ.
Excluding all equipment and music ( which anyone can buy), the skill to use them ( which most can learn), and assuming prices are all equal: Why should a client choose YOU over another DJ for their event?
That question, when posed to this forum was answered by 8 people out of over 1000- so for most, it's a toughie. However, if you can answer it ( to yourselves) honestly, you will also be able to find the DJ you want..
Personally, when I started out, I had garbage equipment and an even worse library, and yet was profitable and successful in terms of popularity the first year. I KNOW I'm not equipment dependent ( though having the good stuff sure as hell IMPROVED business...
)Good Luck!
how about: non-cheesy, doesn't try to go "over the top," has great knowledge, experience, reliability, and reputation.
(in our area of flaky & cheesy DJs, THAT should be enough to make us different!)
I never get flustered when someone asks about equipment and lights-- that just means its another DJ calling as a phantom shopper.
If I get this question, I laugh and say "Usually, its only other DJs who ask this question, but I'll tell you about my bi-amplified system using 18" powered subwoofers and 15" JBL bi-amplified powered speakers, 3 to 4 separate speaker cabinets. Most DJs only bring 2 speakers and one amplifier, with no backups."
My answer to why my price is 2x more than Joe The DJ (he's the DJ equivalent of Joe The Plumber -- the guy without a plumber's licence):
Usually, the cheapo services that are 1/2 my rates, don't have Liability Insurance, they don't carry backups, they don't have backup DJs.
Our company thrives on its reputation, so when I send out other DJs under my company name, I'm paying top dollar to ensure that DJ will actually show up and perform in the non-cheesy manner you've requested, dressed accordingly.
Whenever someone says that I'm high priced, I just laugh and send them to one of the High Priced shops that have $1,500 as their bottom wedding rate. (My prices average around $950 for most events)
I'm one of THOSE djs: Hey I figure my time is worth $$$. You want 2 meetings? No problem, then it will cost you $50 extra in my rate quote. That covers the gasoline, and the time of travel to-and-from the Starbucks (please, no dunkin' donuts for DJ-MC).
Not only do I only provide ONE consultation hour, but I also won't meet until I have a deposit -OR- the prospect says "we have eliminated all other options, and want to hire DJ-MC" (and are bringing checkbook).....we'll be glad to meet under one of those circumstances.
Those who want to meet pre-book are given our policy explanation, that its better to "save your meeting for 1 month before the event, when everything's going to be fresh in everyone's mind" and just mail the contract and retainer.
Its working great, about 70% are just mailing the retainer and contract, meeting in the 1-4 weeks prior to the event.
Yeah, but, why should you pay the same as some filthy hippie..
SCREW YOU HIPPIES!!!!
with ganja seeds and Greenpeace flyers trapped in his rats nest of a hairdo?
P.S. Calling me an ASS is kinda overkill.
I Cannot Carefully Read Three Whole Pages, When Much Of It Is Crap
This thread could have been insightful for positive reasons.
Here is the problem that I see with some of our "presentations": some of us are so wrapped up in ourselves that we forget how to be ourselves.
By the way, I am officially a celebrity now! Some kid in Saudi Arabia listened to my radio show and watched my YouTube videos, and decided that I am the hottest thing since fresh camel dung, so he started a fan club for me!! He even understands English!!!
Awraaiiight!!!!
Well, I'm off to a $250 gig! Ba-bye!!
This thread could have been insightful for positive reasons.
Here is the problem that I see with some of our "presentations": some of us are so wrapped up in ourselves that we forget how to be ourselves.
By the way, I am officially a celebrity now! Some kid in Saudi Arabia listened to my radio show and watched my YouTube videos, and decided that I am the hottest thing since fresh camel dung, so he started a fan club for me!! He even understands English!!!
Awraaiiight!!!!
Well, I'm off to a $250 gig! Ba-bye!!
Way to go on that Fan Club thingy....who knows-- this could be huge for The Vinyl Spinner.This thread could have been insightful for positive reasons.
Here is the problem that I see with some of our "presentations": some of us are so wrapped up in ourselves that we forget how to be ourselves.
By the way, I am officially a celebrity now! Some kid in Saudi Arabia listened to my radio show and watched my YouTube videos, and decided that I am the hottest thing since fresh camel dung, so he started a fan club for me!! He even understands English!!!
Awraaiiight!!!!
Well, I'm off to a $250 gig! Ba-bye!!
how about a link to the fan club site?
Ducky & J Mac. Thanks for starting that which could have been a great fireside chat amongst friends. Im ashamed to say I read all 6 pages of that which Mr K claimed his hotness rating is equal to. DJMC brought up one thing, a tiny nugget to consider in continuing this experiment and effort to gain proper vendors .Many like here take exception and their red flag shouts out boldly. They immediately determine you must be a DJ shopping (let em know up front). They become afraid to deal with one who might challenge their expertise. You dont want any of these as your choice.
Heres my thoughts in helping you make the RIGHT choice.Personality on the phone and the qualifying questions will narrow the feeling for a couple vendors as the best choice over the rest.
I tell you Ducky, because likely as a man J Mac wont have this gift. you have intuition. Use it to select the top two and then in fact make certain to have a face to face meeting. In person your intuition and how you feel (comfort level) will send you towards the correct choice.
Dont allow money or the ear rings in ones ears to interfere with that powerful gift.
Feel the passion and magic one exudes. Thats the one who will help you capture your dreams
Heres my thoughts in helping you make the RIGHT choice.Personality on the phone and the qualifying questions will narrow the feeling for a couple vendors as the best choice over the rest.
I tell you Ducky, because likely as a man J Mac wont have this gift. you have intuition. Use it to select the top two and then in fact make certain to have a face to face meeting. In person your intuition and how you feel (comfort level) will send you towards the correct choice.
Dont allow money or the ear rings in ones ears to interfere with that powerful gift.
Feel the passion and magic one exudes. Thats the one who will help you capture your dreams
Are you brown nosing Jon, or did you find that hidden bottle of Crown...
It's simply a worth thread in disguise, IMHO...
I'd bet a dollar to a donut, they've already chosen their DJ