Comments on: Open letter to couples just looking for a price for a DJ

By: DJ Richard Mills

DJ Richard Mills — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 23:40:38 +0000

Gary, wherever possible I don’t communicate with my clients by email, preferring to meet them or hold a phone consultation. When they don’t want to meet or only want a price, I know right away that they aren’t my client, so this email, or one like it, goes out and I think no more about it. They’re never going to book me, so I just hope to offer a bit of education or assistance to find the next best (cheaper) option.

I’m glad you attended the workshop. Gets you thinking down a different path doesn’t it? Attending the Marbecca Workshop has helped me immensely to the benefit of my clients.

By: Gary Evans

Gary Evans — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 23:25:44 +0000

Hi Richard,
Thanks to your recommendations I went to love story and mc marbecca last month..

Wow what I didn’t know.

Just wondering if you are still sending this e mail response to price shoppers and what the feedback has been.

Thanks again for suggesting the Ferrell way.

Cheers

Gary

By: DJ Richard Mills

DJ Richard Mills — Sun, 30 May 2010 07:44:20 +0000

Thanks Serge & RJ. I think we all share the same sentiments on this topic. It’s incredibly difficult to explain to my clients without sounding like I’m lecturing them.

By: DJ-RJ

DJ-RJ — Sun, 30 May 2010 03:50:01 +0000

Very nice Richard. Thank you for sharing. That has to be one of the most frequently asked questions for us. Great that you have thought through a response that starts to show how much you really give to those you serve. I can see that you really pay attention to all of the details and take pride in your work. We need more people like you in our industry who care enough about their clients to do a great job.

By: DJ Richard Mills

DJ Richard Mills — Wed, 26 May 2010 20:17:31 +0000

Hi Gary, it’s nice to know my blog is read in Australia! MobileBeat is brilliant. I attended the MobileBeat DJ expo in 2006, 2008 and 2009 in Las Vegas and I attended the two-day Marbecca Method ‘Advanced Master of Ceremonies’ workshop immediately prior to the 2008 expo.

I’d recommend most strongly becoming a member of the DiscJockeyAmerica forum (www.discjockeyamerica.com) before heading to MobileBeat and introducing yourself to a few of the DJA team. They are the people you want to be spending time with over there, as (generally) they are the top DJs in the country in terms of performance, price and professionalism.

The Marbecca Method workshops come very highly recommended and I got a huge amount of value from the MC workshop. I’m keen to attend the Love Story workshop at some point.

By: Gary Evans-Osgood

Gary Evans-Osgood — Wed, 26 May 2010 10:36:19 +0000

Nice letter Richard just about sums it all up nicely.

Just trying to raise my game and prices over here in OZ

Going to Mobilebeat this year.

How do you rate Mark and the Marbecca workshops?

Cheers,

Gary

By: Serge

Serge — Wed, 26 May 2010 01:30:19 +0000

Agree with you 100% Richard. I don’t understand how most couples can spend numerous hours researching, inspecting and meeting with venues; researching and meeting with photographers and videographers; researching and meeting with decorators and caterers yet drop the ball with the element that can have the most impact on the success of the reception – the entertainment!!

It would appear that the feeling amongst most couples is that the entertainment provider/DJ is not worthy of an equal time investment as other wedding providers. I guess it is the perception that the “turn up and press play” DJ’s create by providing quotes over the phone or by email. If these couples only realised that they would be rewarded ten fold by adopting the same approach as they do with other wedding suppliers. By investing some time and meeting with DJ’s they are more likely to find one who is totally committed in making their wedding celebration the best it can possibly be….and they will have the memories forever!!!

Like yourself, I also do not provide a quotation without meeting with or at least speaking with my couples. I also am not cheap and dedicated around 25-35 hours to each wedding (and sometimes much more). The more time the couple invests, the better the result. Best summed up by quoting part of a recent performance feedback where the couple stated:

“Given the amount of preparation, both before and on the day, and the unique service you provide, it was worth every cent and so much more. Having you for our wedding was a three for one. A wedding planner, MC and DJ!”

Serge
DJ:Plus! Entertainment
Sydney, Australia
http://www.djplus.com.au