Most Demanding Client?

[UKHero 0]

Thats not a fair analogy anyway, at McDonalds you have prospects! smile icon

 

I guess I was wrong to liken DJing and working at McD's as I think you need more qualifications to work at McD's

 

 

Nik

 

[vokf 0]

Its probably more pressure at times... Its mostly hidden on drive-throughs, but visit a McD at lunchtime and you'll see the staff working their butts off, high stress and low pay...

 

 

I would take on a gig like the one mentioned. I would charge for the management needed to comply with their wishes, and basically take the money - do exactly what they want, and leave with a smile.

The quote would be over £200, and so I guess I'd never get it anyway! lol

 

 

Anyone with a Day job will appreciate that you normally have :crap: to deal with - so if you're running a business, you may as well earn from it.

 

 

Cherish the good ones, and enjoy the money from the demanding/ :crap: ones.

Even if it means a reduced rate for "easy"/"fun" parties - I don't actually see a problem with this.

[UKHero 0]

Its probably more pressure at times... Its mostly hidden on drive-throughs, but visit a McD at lunchtime and you'll see the staff working their butts off, high stress and low pay...

I would take on a gig like the one mentioned. I would charge for the management needed to comply with their wishes, and basically take the money - do exactly what they want, and leave with a smile.

The quote would be over £200, and so I guess I'd never get it anyway! lol

Anyone with a Day job will appreciate that you normally have :crap: to deal with - so if you're running a business, you may as well earn from it.

Cherish the good ones, and enjoy the money from the demanding/ :crap: ones.

Even if it means a reduced rate for "easy"/"fun" parties - I don't actually see a problem with this.

 

HALLELUJAH I think some one has got what I have been trying to say all along. :Thumbup:

 

Nik

[Robster 0]

HALLELUJAH I think some one has got what I have been trying to say all along. :Thumbup:

 

Nik

 

I get what your trying to say but i chose this job so i can pick and choose what i do and when i do it . If i wanted more stress and hassle, i could take on jobs like this.

 

Money isnt that important to me, my happiness is.

 

I respect people who do take on work like this , fair play to them. Fair play and thank you to people who work at Mc D's nothing wrong with working at Mc D's , i can afford to be picky and not to take on gigs like the one mentioned , if i wanted or needed a gig on a certain date i am confident i could get it. work is not so sparse that i have to take on jobs i feel will be bad for both parties.

 

I have in the past been obssesed with work when i was a area manager for a hi fi specialist company , i hardly saw my family ,worked my bits off and travelled miles everyday , had the stress of firing people and investigating thefts plus ran my own high street store. The stress got to me and i left i swore i would never put myself in that situation again. i earn a lot less than then but there are more important things in life to me.

 

 

I understand what your saying Nik and i admire your work ethic but its just i have chosen a different path.

there is no wrong or right way just different opinions.

 

[Dan allanthemsdisco 0]

Bang on :Thumbup:

 

You get paid your kit earns its keep and most importantly your client gets the event they want.

 

We can all bemoan how much of a disaster it might be but it is the paying customers choice. Hey if any of you don't want to do these gigs and prefer to sit at home or work in McD's lol then that's fine send the client to me.

 

Nik

 

I recently did a wedding for a young man who wanted a set playlist for the evening - i did try and warn him about the fact that people at discos generally dance to what they know etc and that what seems decent to a music lover wont necessarily work on the dance floor etc but he was set on it!!

 

Anyway on the night we starrted an hour late as these things happen - he hadnt expected that.. Then of course the disco starts and the dance floor is pretty empty for 2 hrs! At that point the groom came over looking quite worried but didnt ask me to change anything.. Next thing you know his mates were saying it was too boyish and that what was missing was girlie songs so i agreed to play some sugarbabes and girls aloud.. Anyway i was pretty happy to improvise as i did feel for the groom and didnt feel the pressure was on me as it was his playlist.. However i did resent the way the evening was turning out and how i did feel a bit uncomfortably obliged to help. In hindsight if i wanted to protect my credibility i could have stated more clearly that the grooms playlist was our music for the evening but to be honest i was not really too concerned about that & did have compassion on him because i could see what was coming.. In the end it did go off well but i did have to pick and choose from his list with my own selections too.

 

Not a relaxed evening but yes, certainly way way better than doing physical labour on minimum wage which is the norm here in Cornwall. (A friend recently commented on a job at a hotel "The wages are good too - £6 an hour" I had to hold back from laughing!)

 

[Dukesy 0]

Well, one could argue that a paperboy (minus qualifications?) has guaranteed prospects whereas experienced mobile DJs can STILL fail to acquire work...any work offered on a part or full time basis is always going to be more steady and therefore 'secure' than self employment - ANY self employment. Just ask any finance company. smile icon

 

Working for somebody else, whether its McDonalds or standing in the street with leaflets or a placard always guarantees you a modest standard of living, thanks to the legal minimum wage. However there is no protection of that standard of living nor the minimum wage under self employment, and this is why people may often work for as little as 50p an hour or at a loss without fully realising it.

 

Ever wonder how many adult (21+) operators at McDonalds earned more last year than some mobile DJ operators did?

 

Here's McDonalds list of staff benefits:-

 

There are a whole range of benefits in place for hourly paid staff. These include a free meal allowance, paid holiday (four weeks per annum), free life assurance, private health care (after qualifying period), an employee discount card and a length of service award scheme. McDonald's also have employee recognition awards such as employee of the month, quarter and year in many restaurants. You can find more information on all the great benefits employees receive with a career at McDonald's by clicking the 'Careers Link' at www.mcdonalds.co.uk

 

How do they compare against the benefits of the self employed Mobile Dj?.

[UKHero 0]

Well, one could argue that a paperboy (minus qualifications?) has guaranteed prospects whereas experienced mobile DJs can STILL fail to acquire work...any work offered on a part or full time basis is always going to be more steady and therefore 'secure' than self employment - ANY self employment. Just ask any finance company. smile icon

 

Working for somebody else, whether its McDonalds or standing in the street with leaflets or a placard always guarantees you a modest standard of living, thanks to the legal minimum wage. However there is no protection of that standard of living nor the minimum wage under self employment, and this is why people often work for 50p an hour or at a loss without fully realising it.

 

Ever wonder how many adult (21+) operators at McDonalds earned more last year than some mobile DJ operators did?

 

Here's McDonalds list of staff benefits:-

 

Why did I mention McDonalds lol :ads:

 

Nik

[DJMickeyk 0]

I suppose I'm in the fortunate position of having a full time job and DJ work at the weekend, so can afford to steer clear of gigs that sound like too much trouble. I get what Nik is saying, sometime you have to just take the money if you have no other bookings, as at the end of the day I DJ for the money, I would still do some DJ work if there was no money involved as I love it, but certainly wouldn't be giving up family time and weekend nights every week, no sane person would. But I have had some bad experiences with set playlists and will try to steer B & G's away from them if possible, I have a list of about 150 songs that I email to B & G's as soon as they make an enquiry as an example of music I regularly play and that work well at weddings, and to use as a guide. If they make a booking I then ask them to highlight the ones they like and add a few of their own if they like. More often than not they do exactly that, and it usually stops people adding daft songs on a list that they make out from scratch. I actually haven't been asked to do a set playlist in ages. In Ireland we rarely would be asked to do a full wedding, 99% of the weddings I do would just involve playing for a few hours after a wedding band at the end of the night, usually 12.00am - 2.15am, so the setting up & packing down 3-4 times thing has never been an issue for me thankfully.

[UKHero 0]

I suppose I'm in the fortunate position of having a full time job and DJ work at the weekend, so can afford to steer clear of gigs that sound like too much trouble. I get what Nik is saying, sometime you have to just take the money if you have no other bookings, as at the end of the day I DJ for the money, I would still do some DJ work if there was no money involved as I love it, but certainly wouldn't be giving up family time and weekend nights every week, no sane person would. But I have had some bad experiences with set playlists and will try to steer B & G's away from them if possible, I have a list of about 150 songs that I email to B & G's as soon as they make an enquiry as an example of music I regularly play and that work well at weddings, and to use as a guide. If they make a booking I then ask them to highlight the ones they like and add a few of their own if they like. More often than not they do exactly that, and it usually stops people adding daft songs on a list that they make out from scratch. I actually haven't been asked to do a set playlist in ages. In Ireland we rarely would be asked to do a full wedding, 99% of the weddings I do would just involve playing for a few hours after a wedding band at the end of the night, usually 12.00am - 2.15am, so the setting up & packing down 3-4 times thing has never been an issue for me thankfully.

 

Hi Mickeyk

 

No actually you don't, I am saying I agree the fee is to low for this gig. And I also would not take it. But that is based on the fee not the job. And it is that that I was talking about.

 

I seem to have more and more brides calling me saying another DJ they spoke to said they would not do this or do that. I get the gig for my required fee and everyone is happy B&G get the night they want my wife and two kids keep a roof over their heads and we get to eat. Oh and the tax man gets his cut too lol.

 

My point is if they pay the required fee you do their bidding. I don't know why I can not get across to you all what I am trying to say.

 

Nik

[spinner 0]

 

My point is if they pay the required fee you do their bidding. I don't know why I can not get across to you all what I am trying to say.

 

Nik

 

I do understand this bit and I agree. Why didn't you say that in the first place?

[gadget 0]

 

My point is if they pay the required fee you do their bidding. I don't know why I can not get across to you all what I am trying to say.

ik

 

I understood it all perfectly... :pro:

 

Cheers,

 

 

David

[UKHero 0]

I do understand this bit and I agree. Why didn't you say that in the first place?

 

Gawd knows Steve.... :hurt:

 

Nik

[Robster 0]

Originally the original gig example was one i would have turned down as the demands for me were not what i provide, then it has changed through disscusion to if the fee was right some would take on that sort of gig.

 

Lets turn this around , what would make you all as DJ's turn down a client if the fee was good and big enough?

 

for me a prior important engagement with my family . I dont double book and engagements for my family are put on the calender first. I don't live for work , i go to work to live and that doesnt mean in a flash way , i get by and dont have everything i would like but that is my own choice, I am happy to have less material things rather than be unhappy and selling my soul to the highest bidder. no fee is going to stop me going to a parents evening kids play music recital or dinner date with my wife.

 

Demanding clients who throw money at any service to "Buy souls" are not the sort of customers i want , by throwing money at a problem i feel they are showing the service no respect. No respect as human beings not as DJ's it doesnt matter what job just that they feel they can buy you. well i say sorry i can't help you and pass them to someone who can.

 

I think the Mc Donalds example is an interesting one. I see a human being in a Mc Donalds uniform , someone who is willing to work for a wage, im the sort who says thank you and treats the people there with respect, i always clear my tray in the bins. i feel some customers at mc donalds look down at workers there are rude, leave rubbish at the table and laugh inside that they work at mc donalds something they would not do. They feel because they have paid for a burger that gives them the right to be obnoxious.

 

I treat all my customers who hire me with respect and politness its not too much to ask that they do the same.

 

I always do face to face consultations and this is a two way street , they get to see me and i get to see them. I have and do turn down gigs where i feel things will not go well but these are in the minority.

 

I also realise that although many don't agree with my opinion it doesnt mean they don't understand what i am saying just that they have a different opinion.

 

so again i ask what would make you all as DJ's turn down a client if the fee was good and big enough?

Edited August 11, 2010 by Robster

[DJMickeyk 0]

 

My point is if they pay the required fee you do their bidding. I don't know why I can not get across to you all what I am trying to say.

 

Nik

LOL fair enough, it's just not for me thats all, I have no problem getting client input into music and am very reasonable usually with regards this and requests on the night, but like I said i don't accept set playlists because I have never enjoyed doing them, and actually it could damage your reputation if it goes badly an there are potential clients at the event. Personally I would leave it to another DJ who is happy to do it, however I am part-time and don't depend on DJ bookings to pay the bills as such. I can see why some would choose to take it, and it could actually turn out to be fine.

[spinner 0]

Originally the original gig example was one i would have turned down as the demands for me were not what i provide, then it has changed through disscusion to if the fee was right some would take on that sort of gig.

 

Lets turn this around , what would make you all as DJ's turn down a client if the fee was good and big enough?

 

for me a prior important engagement with my family . I dont double book and engagements for my family are put on the calender first. I don't live for work , i go to work to live and that doesnt mean in a flash way , i get by and dont have everything i would like but that is my own choice, I am happy to have less material things rather than be unhappy and selling my soul to the highest bidder. no fee is going to stop me going to a parents evening kids play music recital or dinner date with my wife.

 

Demanding clients who throw money at any service to "Buy souls" are not the sort of customers i want , by throwing money at a problem i feel they are showing the service no respect. No respect as human beings not as DJ's it doesnt matter what job just that they feel they can buy you. well i say sorry i can't help you and pass them to someone who can.

 

I think the Mc Donalds example is an interesting one. I see a human being in a Mc Donalds uniform , someone who is willing to work for a wage, im the sort who says thank you and treats the people there with respect, i always clear my tray in the bins. i feel some customers at mc donalds look down at workers there are rude, leave rubbish at the table and laugh inside that they work at mc donalds something they would not do. They feel because they have paid for a burger that gives them the right to be obnoxious.

 

I treat all my customers who hire me with respect and politness its not too much to ask that they do the same.

 

I always do face to face consultations and this is a two way street , they get to see me and i get to see them. I have and do turn down gigs where i feel things will not go well but these are in the minority.

 

I also realise that although many don't agree with my opinion it doesnt mean they don't understand what i am saying just that they have a different opinion.

 

so again i ask what would make you all as DJ's turn down a client if the fee was good and big enough?

 

 

Blimey, this is getting a bit philosophical isn't it?

 

I think it's impossible to answer this one and it would depend on the vibes from any potential booking.

 

[Robster 0]

Blimey, this is getting a bit philosophical isn't it?

 

Upon long and deep reflection i concur

 

I too use the accurate "vibes" method , works for me ..not a science but i seem to take on customers who end up very happy with what i provide and i make a livable livelyhood from it ..so i can't complain and will continue to use this method.

 

 

[DJ Foureyes 0]

I don't see a problem with this (The price maybe).

 

We are a service industry and if your client wants the above and is willing to pay for it then you provide it.

 

Just think of all the worse things you could be doing for a few hours on say a Saturday night. I think there are some vacancies at my local McD's

 

Don't fear a closed play list, embrace it I did a gig two weeks back like the above and I got a second gig on the spot from that one because I had fulfilled the bride and grooms wishes.

 

You may remember it was the same gig where I was on line asking if any others were at gigs on line.

 

Nik

 

Nik

Nik, I didn't have a problem with the playlist . I would play "Jedwood Sings The Cheeky Girls Greatest Hits" all night, if the client requested it, he's the boss. As contolling as his playlist was, I really wasn't that fussed about the music I had to play. It was the moving my gear around, as quickly as possible, that the main gripe was about. How often do you set up your whole rig, work for a bit, dismantle most of it, carry it off into another room, set up again, play for a bit more then dismantle it again, then carry it up a flight of stairs and set up AGAIN (and still remain minty fresh in your nice clobber)?

At the time I was still using vinyl records and it was 15 journeys, fully loaded, to move all my stuff, so setting up once was enough for me let alone 3 times! As a fellow DJ (if he truly was) he should have realised that setting up and taking down your gear isn't that easy when you are under pressure from guests, waiting to be entertained and he certainly shouldn't have tried (knowing how much extra work was involved) to get it on the cheap :protest:

 

Like you say, there are many worse things I could be doing on, say a Saturday night and I do LOVE my work but just because I am providing a service AND enjoying myself it doesn't mean that I will not get my worth.

[UKHero 0]

Nik, I didn't have a problem with the playlist . I would play "Jedwood Sings The Cheeky Girls Greatest Hits" all night, if the client requested it, he's the boss. As contolling as his playlist was, I really wasn't that fussed about the music I had to play. It was the moving my gear around, as quickly as possible, that the main gripe was about. How often do you set up your whole rig, work for a bit, dismantle most of it, carry it off into another room, set up again, play for a bit more then dismantle it again, then carry it up a flight of stairs and set up AGAIN (and still remain minty fresh in your nice clobber)?

At the time I was still using vinyl records and it was 15 journeys, fully loaded, to move all my stuff, so setting up once was enough for me let alone 3 times! As a fellow DJ (if he truly was) he should have realised that setting up and taking down your gear isn't that easy when you are under pressure from guests, waiting to be entertained and he certainly shouldn't have tried (knowing how much extra work was involved) to get it on the cheap :protest:

 

Like you say, there are many worse things I could be doing on, say a Saturday night and I do LOVE my work but just because I am providing a service AND enjoying myself it doesn't mean that I will not get my worth.

 

My reply was a general one to some of the replies in this thread. As i put in brackets and subsequent posts the price you mentioned would not of been sufficient for what he wanted and that is the main deciding factor.

 

For the right fee I would have employed a roadie and taken two rigs one working the other being moved.

 

But as said he wanted it on the cheap. I want a Rolls Royce but they wont give me one for the price of a robin reliant so I don't get a Rolls Royce.

 

Nik