Aside from price, the main reason I get is that I don't have enough RECENT experience ( though I have close to 300 lifetime, non bubble party events under my belt ). People want very recent references.
If price is ** NOT ** the issue, why aren't you getting booked?
- Thread starter Papa Deuce
- Start date
We were discussing this recently at our office while putting together a new reference list.. I have been asked only once in the last two years.
Papa,
While I agree that prospects should get professional references (and verify those references), the number of bubbly party shows under your belt should not matter. I wouldn't think so anyway.
A reference is still a reference whether it's from last week or last year. Sometimes, methinks some prospects are full of chit.
While I agree that prospects should get professional references (and verify those references), the number of bubbly party shows under your belt should not matter. I wouldn't think so anyway.
A reference is still a reference whether it's from last week or last year. Sometimes, methinks some prospects are full of chit.
....
A reference is still a reference whether it's from last week or last year. Sometimes, methinks some prospects are full of chit.
Yeah, but mine are so old that I am sure 98% of them could not be reached. That said, there is no doubt in my mind that this can be an excuse for these folks.
The other one I get is "I wanted you but my fiance' didn't"....
I always find this topic interesting as I never have anyone ask for references. If the did, I wouldn't give them any (reasons in my FAQ section). Granted, 98% of my business is referred. So, I suppose that is a built-in reference.
The bottom line is, if you can get across what it is you're going to provide and how well you're going to execute it, they shouldn't need to look any further.
I have plenty of happy clients and vendors out there ready to use and recommend me. Unfortunately, in this economy, it does in fact come down to cost. People have to find a way to have weddings. I mean, hey...they're weddings. However, I have seen a huge drop in non-wedding functions. The average party (hall,food & DJ) for 60-100 guests can cost $1000-$1200 or more. That's a tough pill to swallow for most people.
The bottom line is, if you can get across what it is you're going to provide and how well you're going to execute it, they shouldn't need to look any further.
I have plenty of happy clients and vendors out there ready to use and recommend me. Unfortunately, in this economy, it does in fact come down to cost. People have to find a way to have weddings. I mean, hey...they're weddings. However, I have seen a huge drop in non-wedding functions. The average party (hall,food & DJ) for 60-100 guests can cost $1000-$1200 or more. That's a tough pill to swallow for most people.
This is just my opinion so, although it's the only right one 
, use your discretion.
I think that, very often, it comes down to how comfortable the clients are with you ("you" as in the general "you"). Call it "chemistry" or whatever, but sometimes people might not think that you are a good match--kinda like dating. So, I'm sure that people will just think of some excuse, and "blaming" it on a third party is often preffered.
Eh?
I also do believe the references have some unknown expiry date. I mean, Fred, if you had to hire a tampon specialist, would you rather hire someone who was inserting them just the other day, or ten years ago?
, use your discretion.I think that, very often, it comes down to how comfortable the clients are with you ("you" as in the general "you"). Call it "chemistry" or whatever, but sometimes people might not think that you are a good match--kinda like dating. So, I'm sure that people will just think of some excuse, and "blaming" it on a third party is often preffered.
Eh?
I also do believe the references have some unknown expiry date. I mean, Fred, if you had to hire a tampon specialist, would you rather hire someone who was inserting them just the other day, or ten years ago?
That is it? I would have placed it at 2000+... probably closer to $3000. My wife has a friend who has a small catering business with very few food choices.... pasta, meatballs, salads, cookies.... stuff like that. The food isn't even very good. She charges $13 pp.
Like Hank I don't generally give references and I also have a high referral rate so most times I don't get asked....
But for the ones that do I have a Facebook page where some nice people have said some nice things about me.
But for the ones that do I have a Facebook page where some nice people have said some nice things about me.
You're right Chuck. I could be way off. Sill...around here, the local VFWs can be had for around $300. You can put a simple buffet together for $500 and it's rather easy to find a $300-$400 DJ.
I never get asked this either. But I do one thing and I know some don't like it but I take pictures and put them on our site. I think many don't ask though I would tell them the truth. Because they see the happy smiling faces and folks having a great time. And yes they are situational some times the dance floor is not packed hey some times there can be few dancers if its one of those events. But pix like the one below let the bride know you know what your doing. And she wants her event to be like the one below.
Attachments
Speaking of referrals, though I fear sounding like DJMC--but who doesn't wanna be like DJMC?! , my online references and word of mouth are the only things that I know are surely working for me right now. I don't know about my video footage; however, the video footage saves me from having to set up my system for people to preview my services--they get an even better idea from my action flicks!
, my online references and word of mouth are the only things that I know are surely working for me right now. I don't know about my video footage; however, the video footage saves me from having to set up my system for people to preview my services--they get an even better idea from my action flicks!
K
Kirby Ball
Guest
Since we don't post online reviews and comments we direct potential clients via links to Wedding Wire (for wedding reviews) and Merchant Circle (for non-wedding reviews).
In the last 4 years I can only think of 2 instances where the potential client was adamant about speaking with former clients. And no we didn't book either one, in spite of our contacts giving us great references (you don't think we'd give them contact info from someone who wouldn't).
In the last 2 years, our referrals from prior events have been driving most of our current bookings.
In the last 4 years I can only think of 2 instances where the potential client was adamant about speaking with former clients. And no we didn't book either one, in spite of our contacts giving us great references (you don't think we'd give them contact info from someone who wouldn't).
In the last 2 years, our referrals from prior events have been driving most of our current bookings.
That seems to be a trend. The few over the years that I had given references to and I know they gave a good reference
IMHO references are useless like Kirby said who gives a bad one
Chuck, I'm curious - When was the last wedding reception you did? I have my reasons for asking. I'll post the reasons after I get an answer from you.
G
Guest
Guest
I don't get booked because I don't have any speakers, mixer, amp or music.
.
.
.
.
Oh, you were asking the DJs in here, weren't you?
.
.
.
.
Oh, you were asking the DJs in here, weren't you?
The 4 biggest reasons I don't get booked (assuming price and availability are not determining factors)
1. I'm too old
2. My facial hair
3. I don't habla Spanish
4. they want someone younger
1. I'm too old
2. My facial hair
3. I don't habla Spanish
4. they want someone younger
Great pic Dave, but where are you? You should partner every picture like that with one of you in the same room. That's the only thing I dislike about pictures (and testimonies). I could plop that picture on my site and the client would never know the difference. Hmmm? Come to think of it, maybe it's stupid clients I don't like.
Chuck,
They may be asking for references because they feel uneasy about something you may have said, or not said.
I have plenty of solid references, but I don't parade them out the very first thing. If I may use a card game analogy, it's my hold card.
If we do a great job at creating a vision for their day, then the reference issue is a moot point. Just think about it, you get them to buy into the wedding reception of their dreams that YOU have just created in the sales meeting! The last thing they will ask for is someone else's opinion.
It's called "consequence" and it jumps into the sales presentation when questions have been left unanswered, or not answered fully.
Best,
Dave
They may be asking for references because they feel uneasy about something you may have said, or not said.
I have plenty of solid references, but I don't parade them out the very first thing. If I may use a card game analogy, it's my hold card.
If we do a great job at creating a vision for their day, then the reference issue is a moot point. Just think about it, you get them to buy into the wedding reception of their dreams that YOU have just created in the sales meeting! The last thing they will ask for is someone else's opinion.
It's called "consequence" and it jumps into the sales presentation when questions have been left unanswered, or not answered fully.
Best,
Dave