Hiring a Bar Mitzvah DJ: How To Separate The Showman From The Salesman
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By :
Joe Pachino
Submitted
2007-05-20 00:27:18 |
If you don't book through an agency, weren't referred, haven't previously seen his act or met at a Simcha Showcase, your initial interaction with a prospective DJ is the telephone.
That's good for you! You're on your home turf. He's not physically in your living room giving you a face-to-face pitch, which either openly will, or subtly could, be intimidating. You're under no obligation or pressure to then and there "sign on the dotted line." Have pre-written questions by the phone and jot down his answers, since you may be interviewing several DJs.
A DJ is a showman and a salesman. He must convince you that (1) his service is better than the competition's and (2) you've made a wise choice by calling him.
(1) I never discuss my competition directly unless I know my response will be a positive one. If anyone in sales disparages another by either personal or business name, that says a lot about him, too. (And, it's slander.)
(2) If a prospective client mentions something like "You've got a great reputation. Give us more info," "We heard wonderful things about you from a friend," or "I grew up listening to you on the radio" then they've already softened me up. My response will be "Do you have a few minutes?" since I'm about to settle in and devote about a half-hour of initial phone time to this parent. Naturally, I enjoy a compliment. Flattery will get you everywhere! I'm here you. Pick my brain. (If you've seen the DJ you're calling work previously and enjoyed his act, certainly let him know.)
However, if the first question I hear is "How much do you charge for four hours?" I immediately recognize: (1) They're clueless regarding the interview process and have no idea what to ask. (2) They care about cost. They don't care about quality of work, available music selection, equipment or DJ experience. And/or (3), I'm not going to get the job since my rates are somewhat higher than my competitors'.
I won't cut my fee, but there are plenty of DJs who will. Others charge less to begin with and thrive on low-end functions where the client's expectations are minimal. And there's nothing wrong with that. I wish all DJs would just make up their minds which segment of the public they'd like to reach, and stick with it. Every market needs cost-cutters so the rest of us have a point of reference.
This doesn't apply to agencies, but independent DJs set their own fee schedules. So, if he's a fraction the price of another, that's what HE feels he's worth! So it IS what he's worth. A movie star may make $10,000,000 for a role. A novice actor might be delighted to receive $10,000 to play that same part! But who's the producer going to hire? Cheap is cheap. Unless you're very lucky (or the DJ has no business sense) cheap does not equal proficient.
Some DJs readily admit (to other DJs, only) that, when asked what they charge, they'll put off answering until they've delivered their pitch and had a chance to ascertain your budget.
They may reduce their fee to fill an open date or to sell a package, so be prepared for ol' reliable: "It depends on..." or for a question such as: "What were you planning on spending?" or "What is your entertainment budget?" before you get a direct answer. Knowing your price tolerance, they'll start high and cut if necessary. Bought a new car lately? It's a game. I'm the opposite. Why waste each other's time? If your only concern and first question regards the fee, I'll answer it and that'll be that. |
Author Resource:-
Joe Pachino has been a Radio & Mobile DJ in Baltimore since 1974 and authored "DJ's Secrets Revealed! How To Select (And Get The Most Out Of) Your Bar or Bat Mitzvah DJ" c 2001, 2007 EMI. It's loaded with constructive, organized and valuable tip$ for Parents. He's performed at well over 1000 Mitzvahs, so take advantage of his experience. (And experiences!) You'll find loads of info and goodies at http://djs-secrets.com/
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