Just like Fred.
And I don't do meetings for non weddings, unless I expect to make wedding wages or more.
What is it about face-to-face meetings?
- Thread starter rickryan.com
- Start date
Just like Fred.
And I don't do meetings for non weddings, unless I expect to make wedding wages or more.
G
Guest
Guest
Don't do them at all. Anything and everything a client could need to know about us can be found on our site or via a phone call or email. If they push the issue, we simply pass along the names of a couple other DJs we recommend in the area who we us when we are booked with a "these companies might be better for your needs" email. Same goes for any client who wants us to change any part of our contract.
Things clients can't find on your website
-Your personality
-The way you present yourself
Although depending on the DJ that might be a good thing lol and no this is not directed at anyone here!
Another advantage of face to face meetings is that YOU can decide whether or not you want the gig. I have yet to run into a couple who were very overbearing and demanding, rude, etc but if I ever do I'd like to meet them first so I know which way to run
-Your personality
-The way you present yourself
Although depending on the DJ that might be a good thing lol and no this is not directed at anyone here!
Another advantage of face to face meetings is that YOU can decide whether or not you want the gig. I have yet to run into a couple who were very overbearing and demanding, rude, etc but if I ever do I'd like to meet them first so I know which way to run
G
Guest
Guest
Mike,
I can pretty much detect in emails is the client is going to be a pain. A perfect example actually one from yesterday, who wanted us to waive the liability clause we have in our contract. The entire tone of his email screamed "I am superior to you" and I instantly fired off an email back to him explaining we did not negotiate anything out of our contract and if he did not want to agree to the terms, we understood and would open the date back up to booking.
There is no "selling" with us, everything you need to know is right there, take it or leave it. Some people like the upfront honest approach, others don't.
I can pretty much detect in emails is the client is going to be a pain. A perfect example actually one from yesterday, who wanted us to waive the liability clause we have in our contract. The entire tone of his email screamed "I am superior to you" and I instantly fired off an email back to him explaining we did not negotiate anything out of our contract and if he did not want to agree to the terms, we understood and would open the date back up to booking.
There is no "selling" with us, everything you need to know is right there, take it or leave it. Some people like the upfront honest approach, others don't.
Here's the thing Patrick, the biggest thing that is missed when a face to face isn't done is body language. The vast majority of human communication is non-verbal. You can say one thing on the phone and get a positive response, but you don't actually know if the bride's eyes shot wide open and that her face is saying wtf?
We all know you like to be honest and up front with potential clients, but at the same time, folks like Ducky and myself don't "sell" either. We lay everything out and then let the clients make the call.
We all know you like to be honest and up front with potential clients, but at the same time, folks like Ducky and myself don't "sell" either. We lay everything out and then let the clients make the call.
I prefer to do face to face. I tend to avoid brides who don't want to meet face to face. If they're too busy to meet and plan... I don't want to do their wedding.
I've only done a couple in my career...
I'm not a salesman, and anything I needed to know can be handled over the phone, or at the gig. Most of my wedding gigs came from WOM, so no need to impress anybody further with my good looks and charm
Yes you are a salesman. If you have a product or service to sell then you are a salesman. You can do it personally or be an "Order Taker" but it is still sales.:triwink:
Order Taking is still selling! Somebody is making a decision to purchase based on an offer given, whether verbally or by Print on the Internet.
DjDennis
RIP- My Dad (2011), Sister (2013) and Mum (2017)
Here I have always done Face 2 Face meetings
always have, always will do....
then its the hands on approach to Djing!
always have, always will do....
then its the hands on approach to Djing!
I know, that's why it was in quotes. Basically there's no hard selling, no hidden fees, etc etc.
Nah, I have a server that does that -- I do nothing except write code, and answer the support phone -- I can't even take an order over the phone
I think you are crossing the act of selling a product with dishonesty. You can be upfront and honest at a meeting. Some people may prefer to meet with their wedding vendors in order to confirm that they are honest people.
As far as the "selling" is concerned, you are selling a service and there is nothing wrong with that. People have different methods of selling. Your method, Patrick, is a "my way or the highway" type of approach. Other folks are much more aggressive in asking for the sale; some have a rehearsed script/topic list; and others go for a much softer, simpler, friendlier approach. Even then, there are nuances that differentiate each DJ's sales tactics.
To sum it up, do whatever works for your company that keeps the sales running in.
On another note, I love that folks are actually chiming in with replies on this one.
I almost NEVER do F2F meetings to BOOK a gig.
Perhaps because I started with a multi-op
and was trained by the guy who ran the place.
As time went on, I got most of my gigs by referral, or from someone who saw me work,
so again, no need to meet to GET the booking
I never even did a F2F to discuss the actual event and go over details until recently.
it's a little more common these days, but still only a small percentage.
Perhaps because I started with a multi-op
and was trained by the guy who ran the place.
As time went on, I got most of my gigs by referral, or from someone who saw me work,
so again, no need to meet to GET the booking
I never even did a F2F to discuss the actual event and go over details until recently.
it's a little more common these days, but still only a small percentage.
In Patrick's defense, I can personally vouch for his comments. It's a regional thing ~ I lived and ran a DJ company in the area for many years. So does Steve Miller (Thunder); he'll tell you pretty much the same.
In their market, clients typically call and they either book or they don't. All the years I ran a DJ company in the area, I was never asked for a pre-booking meet. Never. If the client is OK with the cost, the DJ company gets the info and mails or emails the contract.
If you'd prefer a pre-booking meet with your DJ, ask for one.
In their market, clients typically call and they either book or they don't. All the years I ran a DJ company in the area, I was never asked for a pre-booking meet. Never. If the client is OK with the cost, the DJ company gets the info and mails or emails the contract.
If you'd prefer a pre-booking meet with your DJ, ask for one.
I won't book through e-mail- period. I can work through phone calls, and have done well that way. However, I have NEVER lost a booking if I was able to get a face-to-face.