For the last 3 years I’ve been at the same venue for most of December. I give them quite a substantial discount because of the number of bookings but more importantly from my perspective the convenience of setting up/de-rigging at most once a week. This has always worked to our mutual benefit and, as it’s the large rig, saves me about 20 man hours per week.

So last night I was annoyed when they told me that I’d have to remove my gear that night due to a function today and even more annoyed when I found out that it’s the same tonight, Fri & Sat.

It’s too late to change contracts for this year but in case they want me for 2005 I need to have a contract ready for next week and am thinking of adding the following to my terms:

“The discount shown above is dependant on:

A). A minimum of X bookings during November/December 2005 and

B). For each block of dates (identified in parenthesis above) the disco equipment is left in situ and will not require to be moved/dismantled. Should the act be required to move/remove equipment, except on the last day of each block of dates, then the discount applied to those other effected dates will be reduced by 50%.”


My other option is to only give them a smaller discount overall but risk losing the gigs.

Your thoughts………..

PaulS

I think you have been lucky so far, i also understand the discount for a block booking but not for the moving of gear bit. If it was me then i would just move the gear on the days required and be thankful for the days when i didnt have to pack it all away in the van before going home.

Same as CS, I would just be grateful it was every week, if, and when it does happen you swear to yourself jokingly that you have to do a little more work that night de-rigging.

thanks

these additional tips to add to our contracts are always welcome

I am of the opinion that your price is calculated on the assumption of leaving gear in situ. Therefore, I think it is fair of you to ask for a bit more for the extra work, the risk of damage to your gear, etc.

Obviously, this has to be approached in the correct manner because it is a regular source of income. Only you can be the judge of how your contact will receive the news.

My guess is that you will still be cheaper than someone else of your calibre anyway.

Ok a little bit of clarification. When I was first asked to do these functions it was a face to face meeting with the then manager. They were looking for a discount and by the end of the meeting I agreed to 40% provided there was a minimum number of bookings and the gear could be left in situ during each block of bookings.

At that time the venue didn't take any additional daytime events in the function room, more for the sanity of their own staff, however a change of management and foolishly on my part I realise that my contract has a loophole in that the discount doesn't specify what it is for.

To clear up another point raised - the reason for removing my equipment is not so that another DJ can operate. The room is used for conferences, large luncheon parties etc during the day.

I don't think I'm being demanding afterall I went into a meeting with an offer of 20% discount for block booking me. When they wanted a larger discount I said I could only agree if it meant less work for me and hence the deal was made. We both felt we'd achieved a fair agreement and it was adhered to for 2 years.

At the moment this is hypothetical for next year as no one disco/band has done a stint of more than 3 years at the venue and they may be looking for a change anyway (& so may I) but it does highlight the importance of getting everything in writing from the start and I want to be prepared 'just-in-case'.

Thanks to all for their input I may end up shooting myself in the proverbial foot. I'll let you know.

PaulS

I have the same problem in 2 of my venues.

However, i can normally work out a compromise with them though. 1 of the venues has told me he looses about £60 a weekend (friday and saturday) from 1 of the pool tables. We move the table to setup a karaoke on the thurs, then disco on fri and sat.

So my advice to you is to have a chat with the venue and find out exactly what they need you to remove it for and howmuch you actually need to move.

Hope this is of some help