WWYD?

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WWYD

  • insist stage be moved

    Votes: 21 100.0%

  • move the stage yourself

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • turn the problem over to your client to address

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • wait, then choose 1-3 after equipment is loaded in

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Total voters
    21
Had a similar scenario (with the portable stage) many years ago when I was new to the biz. It was in my road, plain and simple and no one was on site to remove it.

So I folded up the sections and stowed them away myself. Then got loaded in and set up. It was a good thing I arrived early. :)
 
Val dont deny my response. I would have made it happen regardless. The final note was recieved.
 
ahoustondj said:
Nope! Not at all! They are being conditioned to expect a DJ with two speakers on sticks or a DJ with a sound system that blends in.

I would have called my client and in the meantime just unload close to the area and wait. If you had not received a call from the electrician before the day, to verify that what they had waiting for you was exactly what you had requested, I would have alerted my client to expect a call at load in time.

What was the final outcome?
Click to expand...

The only problem with this is that they were given a document, two months in advance, that explained the specifications of the setup needs of the vendor that they hired to do the job. Somebody wasn't paying attention, or chose to disregard those instructions altogether.
 
DJFuzzy said:
The only problem with this is that they were given a document, two months in advance, that explained the specifications of the setup needs of the vendor that they hired to do the job. Somebody wasn't paying attention, or chose to disregard those instructions altogether.
Click to expand...

Fuzzy,
Maybe, just maybe, one of the reasons its got overlooked is because ther may not be used to getting floor plans and specs from DJs. Most DJs go in to a venue and do as they are told. I won't stand for that.
I would let the venue take some of the heat for the f**k up! If we as DJs just run around with our tails between our legs we will only perpetuate the problem down the road. We are supposed to be Professionals aren't we? Well then, we need to demand some respect!
 
It's not even about demanding respect as Houston says (though I agree there also) but it is a necessity in order for us to perform! 50A 220V power and a wide open space. Other than that, a place to park the truck all night. Pretty simple requests, and they were well aware in advance (and I happened to have a copy of all correspondence with me if someone wanted to get even more pissy. One lady did threaten to throw us out.)

It's largely a matter of getting the job done, and in this case, showing the venue that no, we aren't making **** up when we give them our requirements.
 
I'll interject an experience here. I once went to do a Corporate Christmas Party at a very prestigious Hotel. When I got there, not only had they reserved the space that I wanted but had built a stage the length of the area. Splendid! However, The only two outlets were taken up by a huge Christmas tree on a revolving stand/base on one side of the stage. The other nearest outlet was through the swing doors into the kitchen. They wanted Me to run extension cords to the kitchen.
I simply told them that they had one hour to find their own extension cords for the Christmas tree because when I was through setting up that I was going to use the receptacles at the stage. They glared at me but could not argue any more as the power source (Receptacles) was in the Agreement reserved for me. I was not about to run cords at the risk of having staff accidentally pull them out while music was playing and also did not want to share the receptacles with a Christmas Tree Motor.
The words that I use that usually gets them in gear is "Well, when my client shows up you can explain to him why there is no music".
 
Nice job Val!

Heck it would take me 5 hours just to park that DJ Caboose you call a rig!

I agree with Houston’s view also. 9 times out 10 I will visit a venue so that I will know what kind of a set up plan I will be working with.
 
I remember when I was new in this business, I had a wedding where the coordinator thought it would be cool to have me set up in the loft above the floor. It was about two stories above it and the only way up there was stairs. This was in the day that you had a coffin, huge speakers and 10 or more milk crates full of lps. I told her no, and changed my contract.

Set up is a problem for other professionals in our industry to comprehend. I just don't understand that. But it's true. I would never tell a cake person how to do their job, or a banquet captain how to serve, etc.

Well handled Val.
 
If the rider specified these things, agreed upon, and then not followed.....
I'd move it myself and let the union figure out with the client. I don't have time to deal with someone else's incompetence.
I have a job to do and I have a written agreement with my client. If "MY" rider is not followed....I'll correct it.
Diplomacy first (as it sounded like you tried) then it's ACTION!
If "I" have to carry that out......then so be it.
The show WILL go on.
But that's just me. :)
 
nearly 99% of all my shows are setup in the morning we dont have these issues
if we did its corrected there and then not just before the time start

I am glad I live where I do
 
DjDennis said:
nearly 99% of all my shows are setup in the morning we dont have these issues
if we did its corrected there and then not just before the time start

I am glad I live where I do
Click to expand...

We actually arrived about 1 1/2 hours earlier than scheduled....and surprisingly they let us in. They claimed they could not accomodate us until 2pm. Had they been accomodating to our questions instead of saying flat out "no" it should not have been an issue to have resolved.
 
no worries there Valerie

here we have a good look on what happens
10am they setup shows for the djs
5pm I arrive for show if it starts at 6pm
(all ready dressed and ready to go, already sorting music then...)
 
ahoustondj said:
Most DJs go in to a venue and do as they are told. I won't stand for that. I would let the venue take some of the heat for the f**k up! If we as DJs just run around with our tails between our legs we will only perpetuate the problem down the road. We are supposed to be Professionals aren't we? Well then, we need to demand some respect!
Click to expand...

I enjoy "respect" as much as anyone...
but I don't think you earn it by being difficult or stubborn.
you earn it by solving problems like a professional...
not by dumping the blame on someone else.
(even though they may DESERVE the blame)
and yes, it is never good to put your tail between legs...
but some venues, and some clients, will NEVER feel that a DJ deserves respect.
of course, in THIS situation, it seems that no amount of professionalism would have settled this issue.
so I do agree with your other statement about explaining the lack of music to the client.
 
Ausumm said:
I enjoy "respect" as much as anyone...
but I don't think you earn it by being difficult or stubborn.
you earn it by solving problems like a professional...
not by dumping the blame on someone else.
(even though they may DESERVE the blame)
Click to expand...

A DJ friend of mine had to pay for an expensive crystal platter that he broke. Want to know how that happened? The caterers had set up a table in his way with a big bowl of Iced punch. He was trying to help by moving the bowl. It looked to him like a one piece bowl with an attached platter. When he lifted the bowl the condensation suctioned the platter to the base of the bowl. As he took it off the table the platter released and fell to the floor breaking. He ended up having to pay for it. I move NOTHING that does not belong to me plain and simple. The Caterer was fuming because the bowl ended up without a platter and spoiled her look.

Ausumm said:
and yes, it is never good to put your tail between legs...
but some venues, and some clients, will NEVER feel that a DJ deserves respect.
Click to expand...

If you keep on bending, how will you ever get the respect?
 
ahoustondj said:
If you keep on bending, how will you ever get the respect?
Click to expand...

I agree with what you are saying...
but I've always considered this a service industry.
so if I have to bend to make the event work better for everyone else...
that is fine.
none of the guests will ever "admire" me for sticking to my guns...
only for showing them a good time!
 
Hi Val, how are you doing?

I didn't read all the threads but I think you handled it properly. I'm assuming the stage was a Sico.
 

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