Intersting dilemma: I have a customer who is a colleague of Mrs M who has booked me for their wedding on 24th September. I duly sent contracts with stamped addressed return envelope to be returned within 14 days about 4 months ago, I keep sending emails asking for the contract back, keep getting replies that they will deal with it along with appologies etc.. I am not looking for payment until 3 weeks before the function date, or cash on the night, just need the signed contract back for now.
So what do I do now? Put up with the fact that this couple are too busy to take me seriously? Or what? If I pull out, it may damage my reputation and Mrs M's, so this is not an option.
Full Version: Lazy customer, what do I do
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One last email to say that if they dont sign and return the contracts with the deposit/final payment then you will canel there booking and take on another booking else where, give them 48 hours to do this and if they dont then email them to say sorry you have taken on other work and they will need to find another DJ..
It dont matter if its friends of a friend you would do what I have said if it was just a random punter... these people are no diferent....
get tough Brian your running a bussines...
how will you feel when they turn round and say sorry they changed there mind and there kid borther and his mate are now doing the disco for pocket money...
It dont matter if its friends of a friend you would do what I have said if it was just a random punter... these people are no diferent....
get tough Brian your running a bussines...
how will you feel when they turn round and say sorry they changed there mind and there kid borther and his mate are now doing the disco for pocket money...
Allways make it clear that a booking does not exist untill the form has been signed and returned with the booking fee.
I usually tell people that I need the form signed for the booking for insurance purposes, that usually gets a responce.
I usually tell people that I need the form signed for the booking for insurance purposes, that usually gets a responce.
It may seem a bit harsh as a way forward but I agree with Marky Mark, you have to draw a line in the sand because it's always the people you think "I really don't want to offend" that let you down!
Tell them you have got another person offering silly money for the same date and that unless you get the contract back within x days you have to take the other gig.
Harsh but fair.
Edited to Add: I don't think that acting in a professional, business like manner should affect your reputation.
Tell them you have got another person offering silly money for the same date and that unless you get the contract back within x days you have to take the other gig.
Harsh but fair.
Edited to Add: I don't think that acting in a professional, business like manner should affect your reputation.
Hi Brian, Please can you come over & help me out with a gig on 24th Sep if available - there you go, you now have another enquiry in for that date so tell them to pull their finger (and cheque book) out - I take it they haven't paid a deposit either yet?
Paul
Paul
As above. I'd email them telling them that somebody else wants to book you for that date, and unless you recieve the form within a certain time limit that you decide upon, you will accept the other booking.
hello brian
i agree with the others WRITE to them again and say you have been offered another booking for same date bit more money than they are gonna pay you, and say on it you must have confirmation for proceedeing with your services as to sort insurance etc within 14 days from the date on the letter or you will have no choice than to confirm your services for the other booking. i think 14 days is more than enuff mate so they cannot argue especially after all the e-mails too
i agree with the others WRITE to them again and say you have been offered another booking for same date bit more money than they are gonna pay you, and say on it you must have confirmation for proceedeing with your services as to sort insurance etc within 14 days from the date on the letter or you will have no choice than to confirm your services for the other booking. i think 14 days is more than enuff mate so they cannot argue especially after all the e-mails too
if mrs mole knows them well i would get her to drop into the conversation that the contract has not come back yet, or as the others have said tell them you have got somebody who wants to book you for that night so you need the contracts back within a week maximum.
| QUOTE |
| if mrs mole knows them well i would get her to drop into the conversation that the contract has not come back yet, or as the others have said tell them you have got somebody who wants to book you for that night so you need the contracts back within a week maximum. |
We've done that one, the customer said d'oh, I will do it tonight sorry...
Hey, I've only turned down one booking so far, it will not be 2.
Paul, how much is the ferry over to you?
I'd go with the flow here, with a slight twist.
Yes, I'd email/write to/contact them and say that I've just had another person ask me about doing a gig on that same date (probably a birthday is more beleivable than a short notice wedding etc), however, I would say that it was for the same amount of money.
If you said the other booking was for more money, the original couple might think that you'd possibly take the higher priced booking regardless of whether you get your contract back or not, and might either feel very agrieved, or worse still, fear (wrongly) that you'd let them down at the last minute and go and book "double-click discos" for £50 with their in-car amp and parcel shelf speaker rig...
Alternatively... if the couple that seem to be trying to go "paper-free" are local, and if you're looking for piece of mind, why not subtlely move things on a stage and call them saying that what you do wth ALL your clients is to meet up with them for 30 minutes or so, face to face, to go through those all-important finer details...eg: Their first record, would they like background music or main music during the buffet?, any dedications/reminders to speak of on the night etc,etc,etc... make it an "off day" eg: a quiet monday evening, take the wifey, choose a mutually agreeable pub with a nice beer garden... and make sure they bring the contract with them for you. You get an evening in the summer sun with a beer, oh...and your contract...
cheers
Yes, I'd email/write to/contact them and say that I've just had another person ask me about doing a gig on that same date (probably a birthday is more beleivable than a short notice wedding etc), however, I would say that it was for the same amount of money.
If you said the other booking was for more money, the original couple might think that you'd possibly take the higher priced booking regardless of whether you get your contract back or not, and might either feel very agrieved, or worse still, fear (wrongly) that you'd let them down at the last minute and go and book "double-click discos" for £50 with their in-car amp and parcel shelf speaker rig...
Alternatively... if the couple that seem to be trying to go "paper-free" are local, and if you're looking for piece of mind, why not subtlely move things on a stage and call them saying that what you do wth ALL your clients is to meet up with them for 30 minutes or so, face to face, to go through those all-important finer details...eg: Their first record, would they like background music or main music during the buffet?, any dedications/reminders to speak of on the night etc,etc,etc... make it an "off day" eg: a quiet monday evening, take the wifey, choose a mutually agreeable pub with a nice beer garden... and make sure they bring the contract with them for you. You get an evening in the summer sun with a beer, oh...and your contract...
cheers
If you're running a business then being business-like comes first.
Had a similar situation to this one recently, although no friends involved.
We sent an information pack. Client rang back and booked for a wedding reception but wanted to see us in action. Couldn't invite them to a private party so sent a DVD. Client wasn't entirely sure about times so agreed we'd send a contract for 7.30-1 which could be amended if necessary.
As usual we asked for signed contract and deposit back within 7 days of receipt. 31/2 weeks later nothing.
Sent e-mail asking for reply by return, not least because we'd had other enquiries for the date.
24 hours later received a reply to the effect that the clients had been to Cyprus for a week and in the meantime their parents had been looking at other discos. Would it be OK to let us have a reply in 72 hours time?
Told them we couldn't hold the date. If they had subsequently come back with a positive response would have refused the gig.
Obviously where friends are involved more than a degree of diplomacy is necessary. However, if you have rules/procedures stick to them. Make no exceptions.
Had a similar situation to this one recently, although no friends involved.
We sent an information pack. Client rang back and booked for a wedding reception but wanted to see us in action. Couldn't invite them to a private party so sent a DVD. Client wasn't entirely sure about times so agreed we'd send a contract for 7.30-1 which could be amended if necessary.
As usual we asked for signed contract and deposit back within 7 days of receipt. 31/2 weeks later nothing.
Sent e-mail asking for reply by return, not least because we'd had other enquiries for the date.
24 hours later received a reply to the effect that the clients had been to Cyprus for a week and in the meantime their parents had been looking at other discos. Would it be OK to let us have a reply in 72 hours time?
Told them we couldn't hold the date. If they had subsequently come back with a positive response would have refused the gig.
Obviously where friends are involved more than a degree of diplomacy is necessary. However, if you have rules/procedures stick to them. Make no exceptions.
| QUOTE |
| Alternatively... if the couple that seem to be trying to go "paper-free" are local, and if you're looking for piece of mind, why not subtlely move things on a stage and call them saying that what you do wth ALL your clients is to meet up with them for 30 minutes or so, face to face, to go through those all-important finer details...eg: Their first record, would they like background music or main music during the buffet?, any dedications/reminders to speak of on the night etc,etc,etc... make it an "off day" eg: a quiet monday evening, take the wifey, choose a mutually agreeable pub with a nice beer garden... and make sure they bring the contract with them for you. You get an evening in the summer sun with a beer, oh...and your contract... pepsi.gif |
Exactly what I was getting at!
This indeed is the plan, I have sent them a mail nominating a few agreeable dates to meet so we can 'sort out the music', and I will take fresh copies of the contract.
That way, there is no un-necessary nastiness.
| QUOTE (Gary @ Jul 13 2005, 01:59 PM) |
| book "double-click discos" for £50 with their in-car amp and parcel shelf speaker rig... |
I like my parcel shelf PA, just back up to the venue and pop the boot........
Seriously though that is a good point on the price, maybe use the "negative" sell and tell them the other enquiry is paying less than they are?
Meet up with them? Another enquiry? More money? Insurance requirement? All 
.
They are messing you about. Plain and simple. Call them and tell them that you will be cancelling their reservation if you don't have the contract and deposit back within a week. No apologies from you, no hesitancy, no climbing down. Friends or not they are taking you for a ride and making fun of your business.
.They are messing you about. Plain and simple. Call them and tell them that you will be cancelling their reservation if you don't have the contract and deposit back within a week. No apologies from you, no hesitancy, no climbing down. Friends or not they are taking you for a ride and making fun of your business.
| QUOTE (BigBen @ Jul 13 2005, 01:29 PM) |
| Meet up with them? Another enquiry? More money? Insurance requirement? All . They are messing you about. Plain and simple. Call them and tell them that you will be cancelling their reservation if you don't have the contract and deposit back within a week. No apologies from you, no hesitancy, no climbing down. Friends or not they are taking you for a ride and making fun of your business. |
I kinda agree with both Ben & Mark. Meet up taking the new copies, if thats not possible, point out your reasons and pull the gig!
There are few friends in business!
When they do come back don't forget to double the price.
Hi
I pretty much concur with everything said here...
Quick Email saying something like...
Hi (names)
Regarding your function on (date), I still haven't received any signed contracts from you to confirm that you need my DJ services. Please bare in mind that I have had to turn down several possible bookings in the last 2 weeks and have potentially lost business.
If the contract is not with me by no later than (set date), I reserve the right to cancel your booking and take on alternative work.
I hope to hear from you soon.
Close Email...
Thens tick to your date, drop them an Email if the date expires without a contract appearing and say...
Hi (names)
Regarding your booking on (date). As I have still not received your signed contract after repeated reequieests, I have no alternative but to cancel the date and take on alternative work.
I hope you're successful in finding a suitable DDJ.
Bla bla bla
You're running a business, it ain't a favour fora mate.
Darren
I pretty much concur with everything said here...
Quick Email saying something like...
Hi (names)
Regarding your function on (date), I still haven't received any signed contracts from you to confirm that you need my DJ services. Please bare in mind that I have had to turn down several possible bookings in the last 2 weeks and have potentially lost business.
If the contract is not with me by no later than (set date), I reserve the right to cancel your booking and take on alternative work.
I hope to hear from you soon.
Close Email...
Thens tick to your date, drop them an Email if the date expires without a contract appearing and say...
Hi (names)
Regarding your booking on (date). As I have still not received your signed contract after repeated reequieests, I have no alternative but to cancel the date and take on alternative work.
I hope you're successful in finding a suitable DDJ.
Bla bla bla
You're running a business, it ain't a favour fora mate.
Darren
The way i work is that if i know the customer then i get one of our other jocks to negotiate for me. There are no friends in business
Get tough as the other guys suggest, if you are local you could always offer to pop in and collect it, mention that you have other enquiries for that date and that you would hate to have to charge them if they cancel and you cant secure another booking in time.
Problem resolved! Mrs M just collected a signed contract at her work today prompted by my email. 
This is a new audience to me as this is the first booking from my wifes' workplace since she started there a couple of years ago, so I don't go for the all guns blazing approach. From this new audience, I expect to get a lot of work which I would not have normally got, so patience, firmness and politeness are key to my customers business relationship with me.
This is a new audience to me as this is the first booking from my wifes' workplace since she started there a couple of years ago, so I don't go for the all guns blazing approach. From this new audience, I expect to get a lot of work which I would not have normally got, so patience, firmness and politeness are key to my customers business relationship with me.
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