Email Exchanges with prospective clients.

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Papa Deuce

Mac Daddy DJ
Aug 8, 2006
19,843
594
64
Valley Forge Area
I am now in my 4th email exchange with the same prospective client. She doesn't want to talk in person yet. I'm about done with her unless she is willing to actually talk. She is a legitimate prospect. But I won't keep playing this game.

How long will you play the game before ending it?
 
I actually did a wedding a couple of years ago where I didn't actually speak to her until the wedding day. I won't go that far without speaking again, but stick it out.
 
Papa Deuce said:
I am now in my 4th email exchange with the same prospective client. She doesn't want to talk in person yet. I'm about done with her unless she is willing to actually talk. She is a legitimate prospect. But I won't keep playing this game.

How long will you play the game before ending it?
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I won't go beyond 1 e-mail without a phone conversation.

I've found that they respond best when you explain about Nigerian e-mail scammers, and the need for personal phone contact (appeal to their need to hear the DJ's voice because how someone sounds over the phone may give you a clue to their microphone abilities at the wedding reception...).
 
Papa Deuce said:
How long will you play the game before ending it?
Click to expand...

As long as you truly feel that she is a legitimate prospect, and no one else is looking to book the date, I don't see any reason to limit the number of email contacts. When you get to a point where you think they are just yanking your chain, and they are no longer an actual "prospect," then cut them loose...
 
As many emails as it takes to either book them or to determine that they are just "playing around."

Each case is going to be different and some prospects need a bit more time to cultivate.

Your mileage and tolerance may differ! :D
 
I am willing to keep up with the emails to show I legitimately care about their reception!


I however would do the following.....


Could I call you sometime when you're not busy to get a better idea of what you would expect from an event??

If they answer no.....

I would send them an email..reminding them, that my dates fill fast, and if they want to "ensure" their booking, they better act fast! I would say, even if we had a meeting to let you two get a feel of what I am about! Get to know my personality, see if you "like" me!


If emails continued, and I thought they were "playing" with my dates...I would email them, saying another couple has "inquired" about that date...but I told them that "you" had first chance at it! I have done this once before when a couple was on the fence! And we met, and they booked me!

Its a "dirty" trick...but I want to know who is "genuine" and whos "wasting" my time!

My time is important to me! If they are legetimate...they will "9 out of 10" times book you! Now this aint a true stat, but I know you catch my drift!
 
I would think maybe sometimes brides/clients are a bit nervous about the process. I try to be as accommodating as possible to make them feel comfortable with me. Over the years, I have noticed a comfortable client is a happy client.

Therefore, I have no problem conversing through the Internet until I have reason to believe its a scam.

I know another jock in my area that refuses to communicate via email more than once. I enjoy taking his clients. :)
 
Ive done several where all we had was email exchange from start to event. It would be a shame to cut someone loose just because they have thier idea of how they want to communicate
 
DJMC said:
I won't go beyond 1 e-mail without a phone conversation.

I've found that they respond best when you explain about Nigerian e-mail scammers, and the need for personal phone contact (appeal to their need to hear the DJ's voice because how someone sounds over the phone may give you a clue to their microphone abilities at the wedding reception...).
Click to expand...

Not only that, but more importantly, ....

I am screening them the same way they are screening me. I want to know who I'm getting in bed with. So, unless Steven Hawkings is on the other side of the e-mail, pick up the phone and show me you're serious about looking for entertainment.

.
 
Request Line Productions said:
Not only that, but more importantly, ....

I am screening them the same way they are screening me. I want to know who I'm getting in bed with. So, unless Steven Hawkings is on the other side of the e-mail, pick up the phone and show me you're serious about looking for entertainment.
Click to expand...

Um, last time I looked, we were in business and THEY were the client. When did this change? If they are going to invest their hard earned money in me, I feel I'm the one that needs to work hard to earn trust.

I agree with knowing who your getting in bed with. However, with a rock-solid contract, I'm protected. Pun intended...

Groovielou
 
I agree, Lou. I tried the screening approach and that's why I'm scrambling to cover open dates right now. Many clients tell me they hear the exact same thing from all vendors in person or on the phone. Everyone asks "Tell me your story, how did you meet?"

They talk to each other so many are forewarned about such things and very resistance when a vendor insists on a phone call. I try to find the client's comfort level and take it from there. Inflexibility is not a great selling point, unless you're totally happy with your numbers.

Typically, when a client inquires on my site, I make a courtesy call if they leave a number. Normally, I end up leaving a vox mail and then e-mailing back and forth until they ask me for a meeting.

Be careful! You never know when Diane Sawyer's gonna walk in.:sqwink:

Rick
 
Well, in my last ( final? ) email, I gently suggested that this would be much easier if done over the phone. I haven't heard back. I'm ok with that.
 
Chuck:

Don't be surprised if you don't actually talk to them until the day of if you book them. I've had one or two that way; mostly out of state.

Keep the lines of communication open with them and let it go where it goes.
 
While it's not common, we've done shows without talking to people. While not the preferred method, i don't mind doing it that way. For me, as long as i feel we are progressing with email conversations, moving towards a booking, understanding what they want, i will offer a phone conversation but not press.

We have a birthday party coming up next friday....the guy went online....got a quote....checked availability, and booked it with a credit card. i've offered phone conversations, but have not talked to him yet....but we are all set. he filled out the time line...some requests and we are off. He did leave his number...i have called to introduce myself but he hasn't called back...all his contact with me has been through website and email. He's payed...i understand what he wants.....good enough for me.

Some people prefer email because they can go back and look at the whole conversation...rather than saying..."i though you said...".

don't fight it.
 
The important question is: are these email exchanges advancing the sale or not?

If the exchange is not moving torward the cash register then don't continue to waste time with it. Give them what they need to "buy" and then ask them to make a decision.

Avoid letting them behind the counter before they've paid the admission fee.

Some people will use an ease of communication to repeatedly seek "quotes" and "information" for something they are never actually going to buy.

Be sure that the information you are providing is only what is required to make a "purchase decision".

Don't get fooled into thinking your being a good salesman when you're really being used as a FREE bridal consultant.
 
You are so right. It's a delicate balance, but I've had people do the same thing after a personal meeting, usually booking a less expensive DJ, although they do thank me for the ideas.:sqrolleyes:

I assume the blame to be mine because I did a better job of selling the idea than myself.

You live, you learn........and, occasionally, you get burned.

Rick
 
groovielou said:
Um, last time I looked, we were in business and THEY were the client. When did this change? If they are going to invest their hard earned money in me, I feel I'm the one that needs to work hard to earn trust.
Click to expand...


WRONG!!!

they are not a client until they HIRE YOU (paying the deposit/retainer).

Until that time, they are a mere P R O S P E C T.....
 
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