How to make more money with better sound system?

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ahoustondj said:
I am not quite sure what you mean by up sell. Correct me if I am wrong, but I am thinking that you mean, different prices or higher prices on the same system. Let's see if this makes any sense to you:
I have a system that can handle about 200 people, so for example I charge $500.00 for four hours.
A client comes to me and wants me to do a function for 400 people, so then, I recommend a larger system for $700 for the same four hours. This is what I will call an upsell. I suggested a different category/package system for the larger event. Is this what you mean?
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The initial posts were about a dj making a pretty substantial, maybe even massive upgrade to the size and or quality of his sound system, and then raising his package rates overall to offset that purchase, and they were asking around how one might go about spinning, justifying, and getting clients to pay those increases.

The general consensus so far seems to be that that kind of increase is not the best way to capitalize on such an investment in equipment, which is an investment that should be made with full knowledge that it will pay for itself over time rather than in a few months by tacking an additional $500 onto their current rates.
 
ahoustondj said:
I am not quite sure what you mean by up sell. Correct me if I am wrong, but I am thinking that you mean, different prices or higher prices on the same system. Let's see if this makes any sense to you:
I have a system that can handle about 200 people, so for example I charge $500.00 for four hours.
A client comes to me and wants me to do a function for 400 people, so then, I recommend a larger system for $700 for the same four hours. This is what I will call an upsell. I suggested a different category/package system for the larger event. Is this what you mean?
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That option is already included in my package. More gear=more money.

Let's say that your system for 400 ppl is worth $3000.
Would you charge them $700 as well for the system worth $ 6000?
Or would you say I have a basic system that will do a good job for $700 but if you trully want to impress your guests with my premium sound package that would be $1000:sqbiggrin:
 
maestro said:
anzyxx,
You've got a great wedding system, I see no reason for you to upgrade. As mentioned already, you won't get any extra for it. Be happy and proud of your system and rock it hard every chance you get! :sqbiggrin:
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I'm not going to upgrade in the near future. I just bought my EV system!
Just trying to find out if the big spenders are happy with their system from the financial point of view:sqwink:
 
Fred Wright said:
If it's any help...

You won't sell prospective clients on logo plates. Logos are for other DJs, lol. You'll sell them on good tone and professional service. :)
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Not always Fred, and you absolutely know that. Like them or not, some customers eyes shine like diamonds when they hear you have Bose.
 
Sounds To Go said:
The initial posts were about a dj making a pretty substantial, maybe even massive upgrade to the size and or quality of his sound system, and then raising his package rates overall to offset that purchase, and they were asking around how one might go about spinning, justifying, and getting clients to pay those increases.

The general consensus so far seems to be that that kind of increase is not the best way to capitalize on such an investment in equipment, which is an investment that should be made with full knowledge that it will pay for itself over time rather than in a few months by tacking an additional $500 onto their current rates.
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Gotcha! Well my answer is that the type of system if its better than the normal two speaker setup may warrant a price increase. I think the pricing will be dictated by the kind of setup, quantity of equipment, overall quality of YOUR sound etc. Its like going to rent a car, would you expect to pay the same for a Mercedes as you would for a Toyota Corolla? They are both cars but one has added value with the brand. they will both get you to the same destination. I won't blame the Bose boys one bit for increasing their prices.
See! Again this is the problem, we tend to lump ourselves in with everybody else. The clients see this and then treat all of us the same. I say, charge what you think your market can bear and what your client will pay. If you feel your equipment is better than the norm then charge more than the norm. I do! But then again, I use more electronics than most plus my sound system is tri-amped. Not many regular DJs carry around that kind of system. the few that do demand more $$$$$$ and they usually get it! I also agree that service plays a big part but for a first time customer that does not apply in the initial pricing as you have to do it to prove it!
 
We are offering an up-sell on audio (to our JBL SRX rig) for bigger venues - but even if they don't go for it we usually bring along anyway for two reasons: 1. Like others have said, it's more for us than anything 2. Every gig is like an audition in front of 300 guests, so anything you can do to impress is never a bad thing.
 
anzyxx said:
That option is already included in my package. More gear=more money.

Let's say that your system for 400 ppl is worth $3000.
Would you charge them $700 as well for the system worth $ 6000?
Or would you say I have a basic system that will do a good job for $700 but if you trully want to impress your guests with my premium sound package that would be $1000:sqbiggrin:
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Nope, I carry what is adequate with enough headroom to spare. That is what they will be paying to get. if of my own accord I decide to use something more then it will be unfair for me to charge the Client more. My initial prices are usually higher than the standard DJs anyway.
 
Just a general opinion on this matter:

Let us not assume the audience doesn't appreciate good sound. Yes, there are possibly more intelligent people in the audience than us (not many, cuz we're purty smart) and they may have some knowledge of gear.
Let's assume those same people are really sold on Bose because they saw it in an infomercial late at night. Therefore, for some, Bose may make some DJ's look good and get them an extra gig or two. Especially women who have their cute little radio in their kitchen.

Sweet sweet success.

But it's gonna be a looooong time before I buy one.
 
It just occured to me that in fact though the radio of the Bose brand is high quality for a kitchen might it ever cause some to think gee is he only bringing a radio or when viewing the sites with Bose banners on them could it actually be seen as less?
I dont mention the name Dynacord as likely the majority have never heard the name. However I do when asked mention I own a very effective non obtrusive sound system specially picked for top quality sound and minimal space necessary to rock the house.
Saturday a guy mentioned I see you have Denon gear and that sound system is incredible. He was blown away that my show was almost completely ran on DJ software with 192 MP3's. This is the third time since using the Dynas that someone was blown away and said that they had never heard MP3 format sound so clean. These things make me proud I took such a leap. I did have similiar response with the Bose setup at a few gigs but never the compliment about serious thump and mp3 at 190.
 
When ever I mention my Bose its always casual and its more of a name drop. When I feel I have put enough sugar on I name drop the Bose. Is the system worth it? YES YES YES I love my system. My wife gave me so much grief when I wanted to buy them.

Now she understands and feels it was probably the best thing we could have done. Many things are done by perception. I just tell my clients that I bring the best because I feel they are worth it. I know many might not feel this way but then again (Perception).
 
thatmusicguy said:
Who books the bulk of weddings...I would think it's the bride. I bet if polled; most women would recognize the "Bose" name and equate that with high quality/top end.....there's your leg up...

Like it or not....
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I like it and I use it. Why? Because it's true and it works. It's not like I'm selling them undercoating the way scumbag car salesman did back in the 80's. I speak what they can understand and what they can believe in. I look at it this way. If I don't understand it chances are neither will they. And I know nothing about sound equipment.
 
Steve,
I understand and agree with you 100%. No offense to anyone but I don't really care if any other DJ likes the system or not. All I know is the people who pay me do. They know the name, the sound, and the value. So it's a win, win for everyone. Thanks for saying it clearly.:sqwink:
 
I am interested to see if anyone notices my sound upgrade at next weekend's wedding reception. :sqbiggrin:

I can better answer your question once the verdict is in.
 
anzyxx said:
That option is already included in my package. More gear=more money.

Let's say that your system for 400 ppl is worth $3000.
Would you charge them $700 as well for the system worth $ 6000?
Or would you say I have a basic system that will do a good job for $700 but if you trully want to impress your guests with my premium sound package that would be $1000:sqbiggrin:
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Okay, well that's different. If you're giving them the option to pay for the "upgraded" sound system, and do it that way, you *might* end up selling a few of those....

In prior posts I thought you were talking about just raising your rates all-around and using the higher-end stuff all around.

Just an thought: If you want more people to actually GO for the upgrade, price it a little lower than you might initially want to to recoup your costs. It will take a few more gigs to get the job done as far as recouping the costs, but you'll get more people actually TAKING the upgrade to begin with.
 
hiredpower said:
I am interested to see if anyone notices my sound upgrade at next weekend's wedding reception. :sqbiggrin:

I can better answer your question once the verdict is in.
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Are the same people getting Married with the same Guests attending at the same venue? :sqerr:
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You must be referring to the people who work at the Venue, right? :sqlaugh:
 
Pretty darn close!

Same circle of friends, same number of guests. POB are now POG. POB were at the last one and the same venue is being used, yada, yada yada.

Same bridal party too.

Referrals are a beautiful thing. :sqbiggrin:

So is living in a small close knot community. :sqwink:

So I will be in a BETTER position to answer it, not totally answer it.
 
I would have to agree with the general consensus that it is VERY difficult to sell just sound upgrades--especially to wedding customers.

We run all Turbosound systems, which for most weddings IS overkill. Really the only way that we "actively" sell this is by mentioning that we run top of the line equipment and that we've got enough power to spare for even the largest events. That said, we do get numerous compliments on how good our systems sound, so I do believe that people notice. However, I think it's one of those things where a lot of customers may not be able to put their finger on the difference, but they do appreciate it...

So in a word, I believe that a good system is definitely worth the investment, but I wouldn't count on selling a ton of upgrades (at least not to wedding customers) unless you're bundling the upgraded sound with something else that the customer sees as valuable. But that's just my opinion, YMMV.
 
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