What would you do?

[goodknightdj]

I got a call last night. It was past 9 so I let it go to the answering machine. I recognized the name on the caller ID as somebody that had turned us down for another DJ because that DJ was charging them $100/Hour; $400 for the four hour period. This guy wanted lights and an MC. To us that would be $1,100. Additionally it is on a Sunday and I add $100 for Sundays because I, flat out, don't like to work Sundays. So, for us the grand total was $1,200 (that magic number). The other DJ was giving him the lights and no MC for the $400.

Anyway, I listened to the message before heading out today and the message indicated that the other DJ bailed on him, he had been calling companies all day with no call backs. He didn't say why the other DJ bailed. The wedding is next Sunday. He indicated that he is getting desperate and will pay our price.

To be honest with you, I don't think I want his business. I am not going to tell him that we are not available because we are. But, I am thinking of jacking the $1,200 up another $300.

What would you do? He asked that I call him on his cell phone today to at least acknowledge that I got the message. He aske me to call after 10:00 this evening, so I have some time for your thoughts.

Tom

[Jim Casey]

A good man will do the wedding at the price he originally quoted.

It is business. He made a poor decision and now he has come around.

Call him back and do it for the $1200 and show him why he should have hired a professional in the first place.

You are fortunate Tom. Most people do not get a 2nd chance to prove our worth.

When his wedding is a success, it will be a positive that can only spread.

[pjlowe]

I agree with Jim. Do the gig at the price you quoted. This will make is an excellent
"I told you so" story with out having to say "I told you so" to the customer. let us know what happens. [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/cool.gif[/img]

[goodknightdj]

Clarification:

The reason why I had indicated that I don't think I want his business is not because he didn't go with us in the first place. I have no problems with somebody turning us down on pricing. The only reason why I know about the other DJ is because he called to tell us he wasn't going with us and I asked the name of the other DJ and how much because I try to keep records of this.



My reason is just vibes that I get from him. I don't know how else to explain it other than there are just some people you just don't click with. I had those vibes since the first I talked to him.

[Jim Casey]

I have had those vibes too...

I just deal with them and give it my all. Sometimes, people will surprise you.

[goodknightdj]

Jim Cerone, on Ryan's board, said this:

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>Tom,

There are all kinds of ways to look at this. From a big picture pespective, maybe you can help change the public's perception of the whole DJ industry by rescueing this guy. On the other hand, maybe he deserves what he got.

I would call him and arrange a meeting as soon as possible (I would suggest you ask to meet with BOTH he and his fiance and maybe even their parents if possible). During the call, explain that you require payment in full AT the meeting (does your contract require this anyway? Mine says the balance is due 14 days in advance...). Don't make any verbal promise that you'll be taking the event - let him know that you want to help and will make that decision when you have more information.

When you meet, first get all the specific details of the event - watch for red flags. Does he want a lot of obscure music? Is the venue a difficult load-in? Ask lots of questions.

If it feels right, sign a contract with them on the spot, take their payment and then blow them away with your professionalism and performance.

If it doesn't feel right, don't offer a contract.

Sounds easy for us armchair quarterbacks! I think we're all glad we're not in your shoes for this one.
_________________
Best Wishes!

Jim Cerone [/b][/quote]

Several others have said similar things. This is what I'm going to do. I'll keep you posted.

Tom

[goodknightdj]

I called him at 10 last night after my middle school dance and got his voice mail. He returned the call within miniutes.

I asked him if he and his fiance would be interested in meeting with my wife and I today (Saturday) at our house. We meet at 10. I also informed him that since our policy is that the full amount is due 14 days before and his wedding is next Sunday, he should be prepared to pay the full amount in cash. He didn't seem to have a problem with that.

I'll let y'all know how it went.

Tom

[goodknightdj]

I just got back from a wedding.

We met today. The first question I asked was if they had a contract with the other guy. They did. I then asked if they knew why he bailed.

The answer was surprising. The groom said, "It was us. We are sticklers fo details and we like to make sure people have every thing right. We had about five meetings with the other guy to go over the plans and we wanted another meeting a day two before to verify one last time. He told us then that he was sending our deposit back and that we should look for another DJ. He said we were just too much work for what he was getting paid for the job." I think this was the initial feeling I had about them; the spider sense was telling me that I had a bride and groomzilla.

I told them that six meetings was a little over the top. They smiled at that.

They had all of the planning information with them. I looked through it and noted that they had times next to the songs on their play list. I asked if these were the times that they wanted us to play the music. They told me that the other DJ had wanted that and the only thing that mattered were the special songs. They told me to use my judgement, take requests, and just give them a good show.

They asked some questions and so did we. The last question they asked was if we were going to take their event. I looked at my wife, she nodded, and I handed them a contract.

They asked if we can get together on Thursday to verify and I said, "Do my wife and I a favor and trust us. The four of us are going to go over your plans right now so that another meeting will not be necessary. Next Sunday we will give you a great show." Joe, the groom, stuck out his hand and said, "OK, we'll do that."

[Jim Casey]

Originally posted by Jim Casey@Sep 30 2005, 10:39 AM
I have had those vibes too...

I just deal with them and give it my all. Sometimes, people will surprise you.

Surprise!

Let us know how it went.

Again...business is business. Money is money.

Lettign personal feelings nearly cost you money and now you could be this couple's hero!

[Cap]

(sniff, sniff) I love happy endings (sniff, sniff)...and goodknightdj is one smart cookie.

One item not mentioned. What fee did you end up quoting them?