The Informed Consumer

A tire kicker is one who shops and makes a financial decision based solely on cost. I do receive calls like that all the time - how much do you charge for, let's say, five hours? It's a very logical question, but it is asked at the wrong time and for the wrong reason at the beginning of the conversation, instead at the end. Selecting a disc jockey for your wedding reception or party is not the same as walking into the local hardware store and asking for a gallon of paint. Why? Because shopping solely for price is a disservice to you! Tire kickers haven't given much thought to what that disc jockey will mean in terms of the overall success of their affair. Yes, pricing is important. Disc jockeys will vary in terms of their fees. That's more because of the nature of their business model, availability, staffing and a host of other factors concerning their business. That does not necessarily translate into a benefit to you! I like clients who tell me about their needs and what they are looking for. When they ask about me and what I have to offer, I am more than happy to explain. By having such a dialog, we both can build upon a relationship with your event in mind. I can't do that if the first and only question is "How much do you charge?" Pricing, then, should figure in near the end of the conversation. Remember, if you don't like what you are being quoted, you make the decision as to what you want to do. But you do so knowing a lot more than what you knew in the beginning. And that new found information makes you a better consumer. So, don't be a tire kicker! It can really cost you more than you think in the end!