Weddings Prospect emails you for rates...
- Thread starter Bill Kexel
- Start date
Har Har Har....
Wish I could come to CA and do it!
Lookin' at some semi-serious snow tonight....prolly gonna get a snow day out of the deal.
I'm kinda surprised that you promote the equipment you use before explaining what you personally can do for them (what's the difference between you and any other DJ?) All DJs can spin nonstop music & bring lots of lights & gear.)
Being a certified music teacher doesn't mean that much to me as a prospect (it's like saying I worked in a record store for 20 yrs) How much WEDDING DJ EXPERIENCE do you have? Can we talk to your past brides? (References, Etc.)
What you list tends to work if you are promoting that you can do what an other DJ can do......only cheaper.
I like the idea of changing this up a bit because I think you have some key points I should write about, but here's my best reply.
What you mention takes place in our second conversation on the phone or in person.
In my market I would say 90% of DJ's don't spin unlimited.
In my market, most also don't bring much of anything for lighting.
Being a teacher in music carries quite a bit of weight with people. It really doesn't hurt to mention you worked in a record store if YOU think it uniquely qualifies you.
I have links to reviews because I hate talking about myself. I'm number one in my market on Wedding Wire, Kris is second (for now). And this is somewhat proof of my experience.
What you mention takes place in our second conversation on the phone or in person.
In my market I would say 90% of DJ's don't spin unlimited.
In my market, most also don't bring much of anything for lighting.
Being a teacher in music carries quite a bit of weight with people. It really doesn't hurt to mention you worked in a record store if YOU think it uniquely qualifies you.
I have links to reviews because I hate talking about myself. I'm number one in my market on Wedding Wire, Kris is second (for now). And this is somewhat proof of my experience.
I'll stick to my original thought...
if it takes you too much time to explain
or it takes a potential client too much time to read...
you take the chance that you're gonna lose them.
I'm talking about the initial contact, not the follow up "sales pitch".
"keep it simple, stupid"
and once they nibble, you can explain packages and prices and upgrades all you want. I think that was the idea of the initial post.
if it takes you too much time to explain
or it takes a potential client too much time to read...
you take the chance that you're gonna lose them.
I'm talking about the initial contact, not the follow up "sales pitch".
"keep it simple, stupid"
and once they nibble, you can explain packages and prices and upgrades all you want. I think that was the idea of the initial post.
Moral of this thread:
1) Post your rates
2) Use a contact form that forces the SERIOUS prospect (and yes - concept gents - weed out inquiries from the one's who AREN'T serious) to give you the info you need to give them a rock-solid rate.
The logical inconsistency abounds on these topics! The guys who refuse to post rates refuse because it will "scare away" prospects they don't want to lose without talking too - yet those same ones that would be scared away by posted rates are these very idgits that aren't serious, give vague info, and waste your time.
So will posting rates lower your inquiry rate? ABSOLUTELY! Thats what posting them is MEANT TO DO!
If you're not going to post your rates, then channel prospects through a form that requires all the info you know you need to give a quote.
If you choose not to, and leave yourself open to vagueness, you really have no reason to gripe about it in a thread!
1) Post your rates
I'd rather post a starting at...
2) Use a contact form that forces the SERIOUS prospect (and yes - concept gents - weed out inquiries from the one's who AREN'T serious) to give you the info you need to give them a rock-solid rate
What type do you recommend?
1. "Starting at" will see you scary away the appropriate folks who fall below your minimum threshold, but it still doesnt eliminate the awkwardness of sticker-shock for those peeps who may need or want a package thats not your smallest or cheapest, and so still leaves you with the same disadvantage in the end.
2. For forms, I just made my own on my website, and I require all fields to be selected to have it submitted. Works nicely, and I have everything I need to shoot them a quote right from there.
http://www.sounds2go.com/find-a-dj-in-sacramento.html
We will first thank them for taking the time to contact us, reiterate that they requested to be contacted via e-mail. Mention that I would love to give them a price quote, and also ask them if they had the chance to visit our 3 websites? Then ask how we can help them.
I always try to ask 3 questions related to their event before I submit a quote. My objective for doing this is to develop a relationship with the client (even if it's via email) before they get the "missing link".
If they don't take the time to respond to those simple questions I know they don't qualify as a client. Then I simply put the "red rope"(Michael Port quote) back up and wait for the next lead. Try to remember not everyone is your client!
Just my .2 cents!
If they don't take the time to respond to those simple questions I know they don't qualify as a client. Then I simply put the "red rope"(Michael Port quote) back up and wait for the next lead. Try to remember not everyone is your client!
Just my .2 cents!
I always try to ask 3 questions related to their event before I submit a quote. My objective for doing this is to develop a relationship with the client (even if it's via email) before they get the "missing link".
If they don't take the time to respond to those simple questions I know they don't qualify as a client. Then I simply put the "red rope"(Michael Port quote) back up and wait for the next lead. Try to remember not everyone is your client!
Just my .2 cents!
What three questoins do you ask other than the usual what, where and when?
Well to be honest I don't have a standard questionaire that I follow. It all depends on the information they choose to give me up front. If they tell me where their wedding will be held I'll assure them they've chosen a great facility and tyically list out 3 or 4 Pros about the facility. This relieves any post buyer dissonance and builds trust right off the bat. From their I'll then ask them why they chose to host their reception there? (important info to know)
Other times I'll ask them what they remember most about previous receptions they've attended or things they absolutely love/hate about DJs. (People have opinions and love to share them). When I get their response I generally formulate a strategy from there.
I've always tried to hold off on giving them a price until the 3rd or 4th contact. It's been successful for me, but it's not for everyone.
Questions I ask before we meet:
1. How did they hear about me?
2. Where is the event?
3. Do they need me for the ceremony & reception or just reception? (same location area?)
4. How many guests are the expecting?
5 what type of DJ are they looking for? (if they say club/hotmix type of DJ..that's not me)
Also, in my area, most bride/grooms want to have a face to face meeting before any contracts are signed.
For me, I try to get the basic info via my DJ Intelligence input from my site.
Afterwards, a quick phone call to get any other minor details (their vision, music genres, what THEY are looking for in entertainment {likes and dislikes}) and most importantly letting them know that I am not just MUSIC!
I'm their personal Master of Ceremonies that will guide, direct, and entertain them and their guests. If they are looking for a DJ and basic announcements I will gladly recommend another company.
If they sound like the type of client for me I will go for the in-person consultation. I spend about an hour with them asking them about their Love Story. I'll show them my planning materials, pictures, DVD slide show, and DVD footage of my introductions and audience involvement.
The price will be given to them last as a proposal in a black folder with several take home documents that are not presented on my site.
I close more often with a face-to-face meeting. If the couple is from out-of-town and can't make the consultation I'll try to have a 3-way phone conversation with them and the financial decision makers.
Hope this helps!
Afterwards, a quick phone call to get any other minor details (their vision, music genres, what THEY are looking for in entertainment {likes and dislikes}) and most importantly letting them know that I am not just MUSIC!
I'm their personal Master of Ceremonies that will guide, direct, and entertain them and their guests. If they are looking for a DJ and basic announcements I will gladly recommend another company.
If they sound like the type of client for me I will go for the in-person consultation. I spend about an hour with them asking them about their Love Story. I'll show them my planning materials, pictures, DVD slide show, and DVD footage of my introductions and audience involvement.
The price will be given to them last as a proposal in a black folder with several take home documents that are not presented on my site.
I close more often with a face-to-face meeting. If the couple is from out-of-town and can't make the consultation I'll try to have a 3-way phone conversation with them and the financial decision makers.
Hope this helps!
Yeah - That wouldn't work for me!
But who knows - maybe its time to try something new?
That's it right there. If someone can't approach me in a logical and courteous manner, they don't really deserve a response. This sort of thing happens all the time and my contact page says to include all info.
I have tried the use of a web form, but "required fields" seem to deter people from placing an inquiry. It's a double edge sword.
:sqconfused:
LOL, so which is it? If they're LOGICAL and COURTEOUS, they will have no real issue with a form requiring certain pertinent information!
If they are local I meet with them.
If they are doing a destination wedding I prefer to meet with them if they are going to be in the area, but have had situations where that was not the case and I met them at the rehearsal or even the day of the wedding.
We talk often enough by phone, email, and even IM that we get to know each other quite well.
I won't provide a quote without at least a date and location. I've been asked more than once to provide a quote for rates only to find out they're 500 miles away from me. I ALWAYS have to know WHERE and WHEN before I answer much of anything.
Yes, I am impressed. You sound like you got it down. Very professional.
I know DJs that will shoot them a quote & automatically mail out SIGNED contracts without knowing all the facts or meeting them in person. (big mistake... IMHO)