Five reasons to avoid mail order and drop off photo booths

The Pitfalls of Mail Order Rental Photo Booths: Five Reasons to Think Twice

In an era dominated by social media and the desire to capture every moment, photo booths have become a popular addition to events. While the convenience of mail order rental photo booths may seem appealing, there are significant drawbacks that can turn your event into a photo booth nightmare. In this article, we'll explore five reasons why opting for a mail order rental photo booth might not be the best choice for your event.

1. Limited Customization and Quality: One of the key drawbacks of mail order rental photo booths is the lack of customization options. Many of these services offer a one-size-fits-all approach, limiting your ability to tailor the photo booth experience to match your event theme or branding. Additionally, the quality of the photos and prints may not meet your expectations, leading to disappointment among your guests who were hoping for professional-looking keepsakes.

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3. Technical Issues and Unreliable Equipment: Mail order rental photo booths often rely on shipping delicate electronic equipment to and from various locations. This transit can result in technical malfunctions or damage to the booth components. Even with pre-event testing, there is no guarantee that the equipment will function flawlessly during your event. Technical glitches can lead to frustrating delays, and in the worst-case scenario, your photo booth might not work at all, leaving guests disappointed and event memories undocumented. In addition, the booth you receive in the mail may be scratched up and ugly looking.

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5. Limited On-Site Support: Unlike professional photo booth services that provide on-site attendants to troubleshoot issues and ensure smooth operation, mail order rental photo booths typically lack this level of support. If something goes wrong during your event, you might find yourself scrambling to fix the problem without the expertise of a dedicated attendant. This can create unnecessary stress and detract from the overall enjoyment of your event.

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7. Inconvenient Setup and Removal: Mail order rental photo booths require assembly and disassembly, tasks that are often left to event organizers or volunteers. This process can be time-consuming and challenging, especially if the equipment comes with complicated instructions or is prone to damage during setup. The last thing you want is to spend precious event time struggling with equipment assembly or worrying about dismantling it at the end of the night.

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9. Privacy and Security Concerns: Privacy is a growing concern in today's digital age, and photo booths are not exempt from potential risks. When using a mail order rental photo booth, you may have less control over the handling of sensitive data and images. There is a risk that your guests' photos could end up in the wrong hands, raising privacy and security concerns. Professional photo booth services often prioritize data protection and have protocols in place to ensure the safe handling of images.

While the idea of a mail order rental photo booth may initially seem convenient, the potential pitfalls and drawbacks should not be overlooked. To ensure a seamless and enjoyable photo booth experience for your event, consider opting for a professional service that offers customization, reliable on-site support, and a guarantee of high-quality equipment. By investing in a reputable photo booth service, you can provide your guests with lasting memories without the headaches associated with mail order rental options. Much of the enjoyment with photo booths comes from the service guests receive with a true photo booth rental service. Drop off and mail order booths cannot offer this. A good photo booth attendant will quickly solve any technical problems, help older guests with it's use and offer prop suggestions to those looking to create something different. Memorable Moments Photo Booth offers only the absolute best in service and quality. We have many different backdrop options and dozens of choices for photo artwork. Our props are the best in the industry (we actually design and sell products to photo booth companies globally!).

When the moments matter, make it memorable! Memorable Moments Photo Booth (by the DJ Guy) www.mmpb.info www.thedjguy.info

7 Reasons to Skip the Mirror Booth at Your Event

1. Camera Angle: The worst position for a camera when taking selfies is directly below the face or chin, also known as the "upward angle" or "double chin" angle. This angle can make your face look wider and your features distorted. It can also accentuate any blemishes or imperfections on your skin. Most Mirror booths have their cameras at chest height and point upwards - the exact position you DON’T want!

2. Camera Obstruction: Most Mirror booths have their cameras positioned behind a two way mirror. While you can see through the mirror from the opposite side, the reflective coating can cause a slight tint and may even cause reflections from light to cause glare spots on your photos.

Not all mirrors booths are the same! These unique booths eliminate many issues.

3. Requires More Space: Mirror booths are usually larger and more cumbersome than other types of photo booths. This means that they require more space to set up, which could be an issue if you're working with a smaller venue or limited space.

4. Higher Cost: Mirror booths are usually more expensive than other types of photo booths, which can be a drawback if you're working within a budget. They are larger and typically require a special vehicle to deliver as they do not fit in most cars or SUVs.

5. Backdrops: Some Mirror booths are setup in a manner that does not allow the use of backdrops. If the the Mirror booth is placed against a wall or backed into a corner, a backdrop would not be used as it would have to be placed in an area of the room that would be a hazard.

6. Less Privacy: Mirror booths are designed with a reflective surface, which means that it can be difficult to see the screen and/or maintain privacy while taking photos. This may not be a concern for everyone, but it could be an issue if you're looking for a more private photo experience.

7. Digital Props and Writing: One of the fun things about Mirror booths is the large screen that allows you to add digital props and write messages on your photos. While this is certainly a lot of fun, it adds a LOT of time to each photo session and can create some very long lines. Because of this, Mirror booths generally do not take as many photo sessions per hour.

Much of the information for this article came from
 seminars at the International Photo Booth Expo (PBX).
These seminars are put together by the top entertainment
experts worldwide! The DJ Guy not only attended this expo,
but was also an exhibitor, selling unique and innovative products
to others in the industry, worldwide. Currently, my products are
being used in 7 different countries and 41 states here in the USA.

As an innovator and leader in the field of entertainment, I strive
to provide only the BEST experience for my clients.

If you are looking for entertainment services - DJ, Photo Booth,
Ceremony Sound, Audio Guestbook, Up Lighting, Karaoke and more,
please give us a call or visit us online!

517-404-0418   www.thedjguy.info

2023 - The Year of the Photo Booth

The last few years have been all about improving the DJ side of the business. Lighting, gear, branding, customer relationship management (CRM), social presence and more, have all been upgraded and taken  to their highest.

This year, it's all about the photo booth side of the business, starting with a complete re-branding. Ecobooth (a name that was chosen without a lot of thought put into it) is no more. The website that I put up 9+ years ago is outdated and inefficient. A new website, brand and identity will be unveiled next week!

We now have a new booth (two to choose from) that features all the top tier features you'd want. Share photos, GIFs, Boomerangs and video with text, email, air drop or QR code. We also have a large selection of luxury backdrops to choose from. Additional options include AI background removal with virtual background options, digital props, ring roamer (roaming photo booth), neon signs, branding for corporate events and data capture to create client databases

We also have some new fun add-ons like our inflatable booth.

And lastly, just take a look at one of our recent events and you can see that our guests absolutely love the experience they had...

Give us a call or visit us online for ALL of your entertainment needs!

517-404-0418   www.thedjguy.info

How we bounced back from the pandemic, stronger than ever and the road ahead!

It's been quite a while since our last post here. The 2020 pandemic was a business killer for many of us and I'm happy to report that we weathered the storm, prospered in 2021 and hit new records for 2022. Now that 2023 is upon us, it's time to lead from the front with new and innovative experiences being offered to you and your guests!

In the summer of 2021, I found most of my events wanting to be outdoors. This created a dilemma for our new outdoor backdrops. Being nearly 8 feet tall and 8 feet wide, they make a great sail when setup outdoors, even with the slightest breeze. I realized this before ever doing an event and knew I had to do something to not only provide a good experience for my clients, but also a safe one. I created a support system to attach to the backdrop, that would hold it in place while not damaging the backdrop in the process.

I setup for my first event with the prototype in late June. I didn't think I needed it that day, it was hot and there was no wind, but that changed pretty fast about an hour after the event started. The sky got very dark and the wind picked up. The skies opened up and the rain started. The wind got worse and I had to shut down all my gear and move about 15 further into the tent and cover my DJ gear. The rain was driving in sideways and all the tables had their linens blown off. Some of the tent poles around the outer sides were lifting off the ground and none of us were sure if the tent would hold or blow away!

Throughout the whole storm, the one constant was my backdrop! The weather service reported 37 MPH gusts during that storm and my backdrop didn't budge! It was then, that I knew I had created something special. I shared my story and a photo on a photo booth user group on Facebook and had several offers to buy one. This being a prototype, it wasn't very pretty, light or compact.

I began learning Autocad and 3D printing a few months later and by the end of January 2022, I had my first solid product, BackProp. I filed for a patent and I began selling them by the end of February 2022. I immediately started receiving positive feedback on my invention from everyone that purchased it. By the end of wedding season 2022 (which was a very busy year), I had sold nearly 300 of them!

By November, I created my second product (an add-on) which allows you to add stability to your backdrop stand when you use it indoors against a wall (WallProp).

I found a good friend in the owner of the backdrop company I purchase from, Scott Bryan of PB Backdrops. I made plans to attend the International Photo Booth Expo (PBX) in Las Vegas for February of 2023 and Scott allowed me to setup with him, using one of his backdrops to demo my product on. His team is amazing and just about the nicest family you'll ever meet.

            

While I was at PBX, I went to several seminars to learn and grow my knowledge on not only photo booths, but the DJ side as well (MEX, the Mobile Entertainment Expo was taking place with PBX).

I am pleased to be bringing back new ideas, concepts and experiences to offer my clients. One of which I am offering as of today.

The DJ Guy has just added a new service (also available by itself for a premium), Memories Are Calling Audio Guestbook Services. This provides your guests with another entertainment option and offers the bride and groom a unique way to remember their special day with family, friends and loved ones.

This service is currently available to add to your already booked wedding or as a stand alone option based on availability. Please contact us by email or phone to reserve yours today!

5-star rated services for over 23 years in the lower Michigan area. Hundreds of reviews from past clients on our website and social media. Family owned and operated - know who you're hiring! We provide that personal touch that big companies can't!

www.thedjguy.info

info@thedjguy.info
517-404-0418
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2020 - The Year That Wasn't and How We Adapted

What a year 2020 has been. Not just for me, but the entire wedding industry and of course, millions of couples who had their dreams ruined by Covid-19.

2020 started out as the best year of my career. In January, I had very few open dates left through out the summer and most had booked larger packages including both DJ, photo booth and in many cases, ceremony and up lighting. I had events in January and February and even the first week of March. Rumors were swirling at that time about this new virus and I had no idea what was to come.

Suddenly, everything closed down and we were told to stay home. I began to wonder how this would affect my clients (starting in May). I went from having the biggest income in years to having nothing to support my family and pay our bills. And while my policy has always been the same (deposits/retainers are non-refundable), I did come up with a specific policy for Covid-19.

Clients began to call and I offered them the option to reschedule anytime within the next 2 years. Fortunately, most picked a date in 2021, similar to the date the had in 2020. A few opted to move to the late summer and some, fall. Of all the weddings I had scheduled, just two decided to continue without a large gathering and without entertainment. Both of them were offered credit (their original deposit) towards any future event within 3 years.

Of the few weddings that did move forward, all of them enjoyed an amazing day with those that chose to attend and zero issues that I am aware of.

As a licensed Michigan health worker, I am well-versed in the procedures and protocols to prevent the spread of this virus. We took great precaution to make our events safe, utilizing touch-free photo stations, song requests by text message, sanitizing microphones between use and limiting direct interaction with guests.

Moving forward to 2021, I'm starting the year off with a somewhat full calendar because of all the rescheduled weddings from 2020. My suggestion for those planning any event this year is to first check the policy with your vendors regarding deposits/retainers. You won't find anyone offering refunds, but they should be offering you the option to reschedule or use that money towards a future event. Keep in mind that many of us do not qualify for any sort of compensation for our lost income and if we do, it's not even a fraction of our normal income.

All this being said, I truly hope that those who have put their dreams on hold and those who have struggled to stay afloat during these times can move forward in 2021.

The DJ Guy would love to be a part of making your dream wedding a reality. Call or request a quote online and we'll be happy to video conference or meet in person if you prefer.

517-404-0418     https://www.thedjguy.info

A new year and a new career - PLUS, weddings in 2019

Things are changing - just a little...

For the last 19 years, I've worked as a professional DJ. The first 10 years were part time and jobs were few and far between. Since then, I've turned this into a full time business, providing DJ, photo booth and lighting services for weddings, corporate events, birthdays, school functions and more.

Now after 19 years, I'm going to be scaling back (just a little) and focusing on my new career as a Physical Therapist Assistant. I'll still be available for events on Friday and Saturday, but events taking place Sunday through Thursday will now be booked only if my associate, DJ Travis, is available for that date. 2019 will be the last year I offer slide show services as it seems to be on a down trend, having only had 3 requests for it in 2018 and the entire process is very time consuming.

I do not have any plans to retire from DJing as of yet, but when I do, it will be a 3 year exit strategy and everyone will be aware of it when I make that decision. I don't foresee this happening until at least 2023 (I have a school loan to pay back) and I enjoy what I do.

Enough about me, let's talk about weddings in 2019...

One of the things I need to address (for newlyweds) is the large amount of amateur DJs out there that put a price tag ahead of anything else. I know cost is a huge factor when you're booking vendors and I know you have a budget. But did you know that entertainment is ALWAYS in the top three most remembered things about a wedding? Take a look at this discussion:
https://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/as-a-guest-what-do-you-remember-most-about-weddings/

Knowing that, do you really want to spend the least amount on the entertainment?

Here's a recent price list of what the average (mid-range, meaning reliable and decent) cost of each wedding vendor is in the USA. https://www.theknot.com/content/average-wedding-vendor-costs?fbclid=IwAR2lEpH-MziXYBSF6k8OEP2tBwRdB9-NuuOgFFc2vlKmCD6B64AdDSODIjk

If you didn't read it, the average cost of a DJ is $1231. That's far more than I charge for my entry level package.

I even found out recently that someone was using MY business name with a dollar amount in front of it to lure in couples who were looking based solely on price (please never do that, you won't be happy). He ended up raising his price (and changing the dollar amount on the name) because you CANNOT run a business for those prices. Shortly after, he stopped showing up for weddings with no warning. NEVER EVER choose a vendor based on a low price because it WILL end up ruining your wedding day.

There's another trend I'm seeing of DJs grouping themselves together (sometimes in different states too) so that they can split inquiries coming in. They generally charge more under this "made up company" to cover their additional expenses. Chances are, you can find those same DJs through their own individual companies for a lower price. Nothing wrong with that, but just be aware that you might be paying more for the same exact service and DJ.

Lastly, today's generation prefers to text. I realize that and I understand it's easier for you. The problem is that today's generation is also very visual. I get that because I'm the same way. I'm always more interested in a product I can see. Texting just doesn't work for this reason. I can send an email that has photos, details, pricing and answers all kinds of questions in just a few minutes, but it's impossible to send all that by text. Over the past two years, I noticed a trend of emails going ignored or ending up in spam folders. I now initially respond with both an email and text stating that I have responded by email. It seems to be working well so far.

One more thing I fogot to mention... I'm putting on the 4th Annual Valentine's Bridal Show at Chemung Hills Golf Club on Sunday, February 10th, 2019 from noon to 3 PM. Admission is free with online registration at www.michiganwedding.info

Making Magical Memories

Well this is something I didn't expect to be blogging about in my business blog. I recently took a family vacation and went to Disney in Florida. I had heard about the guest experience before and how it can seem magical at times, which is part of the appeal to going there. Being in a service industry where guest experience is so important, I decided to see if I could pick up any ideas from the people who have been creating this experience (at least in Florida) since 1971.

We went to Animal Kingdom on our first day and I'm really glad we did. This was a magical experience from beginning to end. Guest service was off the charts. I had made a character dining reservation for lunch and the restaurant was running a bit behind. The hostess asked if we had been to Disney before (I had only been to Magic Kingdom about 40 years prior) so she gave us buttons that allowed other cast members to see this was our first visit and we received some special treatment (mostly my daughter) in the form of free stickers and other items as well as cast members wanting to make sure we were enjoying ourselves. Our hostess came back and checked on us several times and assured us it wouldn't be much longer. The food was excellent and the characters gave my daughter lots of attention. A cast member also gave us a great tip to catch the later, end of night show to get a better seat without waiting in line. We ended up get front row!

We experienced a similar situation in Hollywood Studios when my Disney Experience app wasn't working on my phone. This is how you book fast passes and dining (so you don't wait in line). We went up to guest relations and the lady that helped us was AMAZING. She couldn't fix the problem as it was a service issue that affected all users, but she made reservations for us and handled everything in a way that made us feel like we just won the lottery. To top it off, her real name was Ariel and she smiled the whole time like a real princess.

Not all of our experiences were great... Magic Kingdom was the least magical of our experiences and some cast members were just outright rude. We found a lot of them were not educated on the park or in the ways of "Disney guest relations". A simple question of where the nearest bathroom is, would have led us walking halfway down the street, when there was a bathroom no less than 20 feet from where we were standing in a nearby hallway.

We didn't let that ruin our vacation though. I simply took that as learning point for what I can do to make our client experience better. Making sure that you have a magical experience should be the same whether it's from one of our DJs or one of our photo booth attendants.  I'm planning a short training session on this soon, though I think most of our staff already does this.

This was a much needed trip and a revitalizing one as well. Let The DJ Guy make your day magical!

Give us a call at 517-404-0418 or visit us online at www.thedjguy.info to plan your big day!