Duane Massey wrote on Mon, 03 January 2011 22:43 |
Some of you may laugh at this. A potential client contacted me about a large c/w venue being constructed looking for a quote on a sound and lighting system. I normally refer such clients to one of the companies I do sub-contract work for, but she was referred to me by one of these companies. Room is 15,000 sq ft, 30' peaked ceiling, blah, blah. Live music/DJ, local acts only, no specifics. I threw together a package for stage and DF, nothing exciting but decent gear, and came in at around $50k + install. She was almost insulted. They want a system for under $15k that the bands can just walk in, plug in, and play. No house engineer, no FOH mixer. And the lights should be automatic, no controller. I called the company that referred her to me and thanked them profusely. My hourly rate for them may go up in the future... |
Duane Massey wrote on Mon, 03 January 2011 23:43 |
. And the lights should be automatic, no controller. . |
Duane Massey wrote on Mon, 03 January 2011 23:43 |
They want a system for under $15k that the bands can just walk in, plug in, and play. No house engineer, no FOH mixer. And the lights should be automatic, no controller. |
Jamin Lynch wrote on Tue, 04 January 2011 17:47 |
Run, don't walk. |
Duane Massey wrote on Mon, 03 January 2011 22:43 |
They want a system for under $15k that the bands can just walk in, plug in, and play. |
John Livings wrote on Wed, 05 January 2011 17:06 |
Wouldn't the First question from you be; What Is Your Budget? Her answer would be; We Don't Have One. Your second question should be; Are you planing to spend $15K or $150K? Her Second Answer would be; I was hoping to spend $5K for everything. Your investment in time is about 60 seconds total. Without Specs. How would anyone know what to bid. Many Clients try to Avoid Paying a Sound or Lighting Engineer, Hoping the Contractor, Or Retail Store will do this for them FREE, For the "Privilege" of doing the Install or Selling product. As you I would pass, However tell them to call you if things don't work out. At that point they will be very receptive to Pay a Pro. Just my thoughts. Regards, John |
Jason Lavoie wrote on Wed, 05 January 2011 18:11 |
For some reason a lot of customers are afraid to divulge their budget, thinking that you'll rip them off. For me, it becomes a challenge to see how much I can do for them within that budget. But as you say, it also clears up misunderstandings very quickly. |
Adam Kane wrote on Fri, 07 January 2011 10:50 |
I just got a call from a local club this week: Them: "How much for an install?" Me: "Um, it depends on the room, what equipment is required, what labor is required to install it, and several other variables." Them: "Oh...we already have the equipment. We just want the speakers and lighting hung." Me: "I need to know what speakers you have to know if we can hang them or not. You can't just hang any speaker up there and call it good. Also, I really need to look at the room and where you want the gear. This isn't something I can quote over the phone." Them: "They're B52 speakers. They're really good...like the stuff they use on big tours. Can't you just tell me how much you charge for an install?" Me: "Not until I come down and look at everything you have." Them: "Well, I'll have to call some of your competitors and see if they'll help us out. Thanks *click*" I hope they don't call back. |
Jason Roesler wrote on Tue, 08 February 2011 17:49 |
BTW, this is my first post on this site, im quite excited that i found it |
Jason Roesler wrote on Tue, 08 February 2011 17:49 |
I have people who want a figure on the spot, i have people who take a catalogue with them and pick every item on the spot for price e.t.c instead of just say letting me create a quote and apply a discount. |