Good for you! If you don't stand up for something, you'll fall for everything!
Good for you! If you don't stand up for something, you'll fall for everything!
Look, whether or not we all like it, in the end us getting hired boils down to one thing and one thing only...money. We can ask whatever questions we want, say whatever we want, but if we're gonna break the budget, we're not getting hired.
I personally like to get the price out of the way so I can talk to the potential client more as a person and less like a salesman.
G
Guest
Guest
Because my price may not be out of their range. Just because they may have budgeted $300 for a DJ doesn't mean that they can't afford $1,000.
For those asking for quotes the qualifying questions are:
1. Date. Am I even available?
2. Location - This tells me how far away it is and other factors like scale of the facility. If they are booking into an upscale golf and country club, for example, then their priorities are on elegance and they can afford my price even if they have not budgeted for it. If I know the facility it also tells me about the load in. I can also do a quick web look up if I don't know it and make some of those determinations. Also, if I have never been there before I will ask about stairs and other access questions.
3. Hours; start and finish time. This tells me performance time.
4. Do they want the ceremony included and is it in the same location? If in the same location, is it in the same room? This tells me if they need an extra ceremony system.
I have had prospects say "Just tell me how much" and when I try to explain that I need these answers to determine that I have been cut off and told, "Look, do you have a price for weddings or don't you?" Those folks are not my client and are told that.
Now, Anna, you are obviously not comfortable with discussing with prospects about what they can cut and I can understand that; however, go back to the original post and I believe I said that they asked you.
Turning a $300 budgeted amount into actual spending of $1000 - tripling the amount - is quite frivolous. This isn't a government project. 
This isn't a government project.
If it is, I've got a hammer that I'll sell for $900.
I've gone back and read the original post again. As far as amounts are concerned, it really depends upon the exact amount. Half of what I charge comes to $225, which can come out of somebody else pitching in some money or some good saving up from a paycheck. It can also come out of the wedding favors, if any were planned.
When I had DJs come back to me and say they'll do 5 hours (instead of 4 hours) for the $1800 they had quoted to me (I budgeted for $1000), well, $800 is a lot more money to make up.
When I had DJs come back to me and say they'll do 5 hours (instead of 4 hours) for the $1800 they had quoted to me (I budgeted for $1000), well, $800 is a lot more money to make up.
G
Guest
Guest
Turning a $300 budgeted amount into actual spending of $1000 - tripling the amount - is quite frivolous. This isn't a government project.
However, doubling it is possible with the right budget adjustments.
If it is, I've got a hammer that I'll sell for $900.
I bet you have a $1,000 toilet seat too.
Let's make some Major Moves, Jon. Or better yet, a Big Dig!!
Now, that's not fair to thos Bostonians...
That's good thinking.
Now, bear with me on this and think about it before you answer, if somebody came to you with an entertainmnet budget below your cost of production, let's say $225, could you say to them, "I am sorry, but that is below my cost of production and probably below the cost of production of many quality DJs in the area but I may be able to help you if you will let me look at your budget."? You may consider that it is not your place or that it is being very forward; however, you may just actually be able to help some folks be able to afford to use your services. I have done it before with good results.
My question here is what were they including for $1,800? My most expensive wedding package includes video, 6 hours, and an extra sound system and that is $1,400. Did they have lights? If you figure that the time involved in an average wedding is about 20 hours, that's $90/hour.
That's for 4 hours of playing time, no lights, no extra sound system. One of them did offer to do the fifth hour for free. :sqerr:
As for the rest of the post, I could never offer to look at someone else's budget. I believe that's none of my business. However, if they asked me to (and that's never happened), I might consider helping...maybe.
G
Guest
Guest
Personally I have a minimum price that i will gig for on any particular day of the week. I ask the basic questions that need to be asked to give a proper quote. If the client doesn't want to give that information then I simply add $400 to the base rate tell them this is what you get for this price. And that is the end of the conversation!
I am not interested in their budget, I am not interested in what they are willing or want to pay I am only interested in what is a profitable level for my company.
I have done weddings where I was told I was 50% of their budget, I have also done weddings where I was 1% of their budget, the one thing that is consistant is the money that I make from the event!
I am not interested in their budget, I am not interested in what they are willing or want to pay I am only interested in what is a profitable level for my company.
I have done weddings where I was told I was 50% of their budget, I have also done weddings where I was 1% of their budget, the one thing that is consistant is the money that I make from the event!
If a client can't meet my price and I really want to play their event, I will try to find a way.
For instance, instead of 4 speakers, I will only take two. Instead of 5 hours, I will only play 4, instead of lights, I will not take any. And if they still can't meet the price, I point them to craigslist! LOL
For instance, instead of 4 speakers, I will only take two. Instead of 5 hours, I will only play 4, instead of lights, I will not take any. And if they still can't meet the price, I point them to craigslist! LOL
Or, as in the case of the cheapster who called from Grass Valley CA yesterday-- I gave him the number of a local DJ whose phone is disconnected!
Cut the videographer. Suggest they bring a camcorder & have the bridal party take turns videotaping things.