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

Limited TIme Special...

Last month, The DJ Guy experienced an uncontrollable loss of communication with clients due to my main contact phone number being accidentally removed by my cellular provider during a porting error.  After dozens of phone calls and countless hours talking to various customer service agents who said "the number cannot be restored," I finally got through to someone who knew how to do it.  The number has been restored, but the damage has been done.  During the week my phone number was lost in limbo, my website traffic peaked (commonly a busy weekend for bookings) and no one could contact me other than through email.

Here's how my loss, is your gain.

For the next two weeks, I'm rolling back prices.  Book during this time and you'll get $150 OFF the regular price of any wedding package.  This offer is not valid holiday weekends (as many of those dates are already booked or soon will be).  This is the largest discount I have ever offered and it will not be extended or offered again.  If you're thinking about booking a DJ for your wedding, NOW is the time to do it.

Call or email me and I'll be happy to setup a meeting with you to privately discuss the details or your wedding.

Call now!  Office: 517-672-3633  or  Cell: 517-404-0418