School production event

J

Jimmy Hardin

Junior
Jan 29, 2013
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0
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Hey guys, I am curious to know this , I am kinda having a debate with myself about and Thought i would ask and see if you thought this was right or wrong to do.

Ok, Here goes,

I am going to look into a job for next year and I dont really know what to charge the person. I know about the time, equipment and so on rate for doing a 1 day event or so but I am looking at a week long event , ok the debate is this . Would it be wrong to ask next years event organizers what the person that did it this year charged for his services or equipment for the event. one part of me says yes and the other part of me says no. I am not in the habit of doing that and have been doing just fine without asking that question. But i am clueless as to what to charge for it, . The event is a school program with accompaniment cd's some live music , ( Guitar, bass mandolin and so on.) not a very bad gig to get. what are your thoughts?
 
Re: School production event

I don't think I'd ask. Since it's a school, I'd prepare a reasonable quote based on the rates I know in the area and perhaps ask what they were budgeting for your part in the event, rather than what they this year. That way, you can work together to come up with the final rate.
 
Re: School production event

First of all, was there a "problem" with this year's sound production for the event? If there were issues I would approach the producer and suggest that what I offer will definitely improve the event and make his/her job much easier.
As far as $ goes, I would say: Let's see what I can do for you. What's your budget?
Are you trying to "scoop" someone else's gig? I hope not.......
You could just go to the producer of the event, give him/her your card and say: "I know that you already have someone to tech your show, but if anything else comes up that requires production, put me on your bid list".
The producer might just come and say: "I was thinking about other options....."
Mike M
 
Re: School production event

No I'm not trying to do scoop someone else's gig. I went to the show one night and it was a good show production was good , but this event is a parent ran event for a school, and the one that organized the event this year got my card and said she would put it in her notes for the next years parent and I was trying to figure this out and be prepared just in case they did call. I didn't want it to look like I was trying to scoop someone else's gig, when I really wasn't doing that at all.


Sent from my iPhone
 
Re: School production event

Jimmy Hardin said:
No I'm not trying to do scoop someone else's gig. I went to the show one night and it was a good show production was good , but this event is a parent ran event for a school, and the one that organized the event this year got my card and said she would put it in her notes for the next years parent and I was trying to figure this out and be prepared just in case they did call. I didn't want it to look like I was trying to scoop someone else's gig, when I really wasn't doing that at all.


Sent from my iPhone
Click to expand...

If it's a school you went to, quote your regular amount and then multiply by .93. Otherwise, quote your normal rates.
 
Re: School production event

Before you start, estimate what your quote would be based on your business prices and your business plan. If you know someone involved, there's nothing wrong with finding out what they paid for services, however, you may not have every detail of what was provided.

Next, find out if there was anything WRONG with the production that they didn't like. Often times, if there were problems with the company, that's the time to swoop in for a change. If the quality wasn't up to par, you can come in and offer a better service, at your price and get the job. Often times, you can charge MORE than the failed company because quality costs more. Of course, there is always that customer that wants your superior services at the same price as the company that sucked it up. When that happens, walking away is often the best choice.

If they were happy with the service and the price, getting the job next time will be pretty tough unless you severely undercut the price, and if the client books on price alone, you won't keep them very long. Taking a gig at below your prices is not something you want to do. While booking more jobs gains you more experience, it also sets your price, and that DOES follow you. If you start low, you will have to find new clients when you set real prices, so why not just start there?
 
Re: School production event

Brian jojade said:
Before you start, estimate what your quote would be based on your business prices and your business plan. If you know someone involved, there's nothing wrong with finding out what they paid for services, however, you may not have every detail of what was provided.

Next, find out if there was anything WRONG with the production that they didn't like. Often times, if there were problems with the company, that's the time to swoop in for a change. If the quality wasn't up to par, you can come in and offer a better service, at your price and get the job. Often times, you can charge MORE than the failed company because quality costs more. Of course, there is always that customer that wants your superior services at the same price as the company that sucked it up. When that happens, walking away is often the best choice.

If they were happy with the service and the price, getting the job next time will be pretty tough unless you severely undercut the price, and if the client books on price alone, you won't keep them very long. Taking a gig at below your prices is not something you want to do. While booking more jobs gains you more experience, it also sets your price, and that DOES follow you. If you start low, you will have to find new clients when you set real prices, so why not just start there?
Click to expand...

This. Right. Here. Do not be afraid, all you can do is not work below your worth.
 
Re: School production event

I'm not sure how other "rental" Companies charge, but I've seen it work that you can rent for 1, 2, or 3 days for the "Daily" Rate, but after that we go to a weekly rate that is the equivalent of three times the Daily Rate. This may or may not work for you, as some rental companies are large and can afford to charge this. But as others have said, Quality is better than bad service/gear/users.
 
Re: School production event

Thanks Guys , I will look at these and see what happens, Thanks for all your comments , It really gives me some direction on where to go from here. Thanks :)
 
Re: School production event

I don't know the definition of "scooping" someone's gig, but I have always found it funny in our biz that people frown upon selling your services. Obviously there are classy and classless ways to do this, but I have always thought it was odd how people had this perceived ownership or entitlement to gigs. Quote a good price, do a great job and you keep the gig. Charge too much or give poor service it is the next company in line.

The major exception is if you are sub contracted or freelancing for someone else, then it is always wrong to sell yourself.
 
Re: School production event

Since many professional audio companies end up working together at some point or another, it can create unnecessary strain when you take a job from them. Now if the client is unhappy with the service or the price, there's nothing wrong with selling yourself as a solution to the customer's problem.

Where it is is an issue is when you come in and ask a client what they are paying and then quote a price lower just to steal the gig. That's unethical at the very least. If you have set prices and quote said prices to the customer and they decide they want a different vendor, that's just how it goes.
 
Re: School production event

Brian jojade said:
Since many professional audio companies end up working together at some point or another, it can create unnecessary strain when you take a job from them. Now if the client is unhappy with the service or the price, there's nothing wrong with selling yourself as a solution to the customer's problem.

Where it is is an issue is when you come in and ask a client what they are paying and then quote a price lower just to steal the gig. That's unethical at the very least. If you have set prices and quote said prices to the customer and they decide they want a different vendor, that's just how it goes.
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yeah i had that very thing happen to me this year. I dont never ask what anyone else is bidding , because its none of my business. If they like my bid and want to pay that then i am happy but if they choose someone else I am still happy. its their choice.
 
Re: School production event

I agree with you both Brian and Jimmy. I usually just ask if they are interested in another bid and/or if they are happy with their service. I don't like the idea of asking what the price was and underbidding that, that is an unfair advantage and illegal in most public sector dealings. It also just sucks and drives prices down for everyone.

Also, the longer I have been doing this the more I am getting stuck to my pricing. I will wiggle some, but for the most part professional service and gear just costs what it costs.
 
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