So I wrote a blog touching on this topic not to long ago, but after a recent correspondence with a prospective couple I felt compelled to write another one. This is more of a rant. I’m not in the business of bashing other companies so I’ll leave names out of it but here goes:
We had received an inquiry for a wedding for a Saturday in October of next year, prime wedding season. I sent over our pricing and after a few back and forth emails about just some questions about our packages, the bride said she was looking around and would be in touch. I followed up with her about a week later to see if she had any questions. At that point, she mentioned that she knew someone who DJ’d on the side and was willing to offer her a certain package that included 2 DJs, ceremony music, uplighting, dance floor lighting, and a photo booth for a price that was over $1000 less than ours (it was basically 2/3rds the cost of the same package here). So naturally she asked if we would price match or come close to that. I mentioned that we wouldn’t be able to offer any discounts yet as that is a prime Saturday in October, and that we don’t price match. The main reason is we know the value of our entertainment and although our price may be higher, the value is even higher even when compared with such a low price. I didn’t hear back for a few days so when I reached out again she mentioned she found a company that was willing to match her friend who did this on the side…She found a full time company that was willing to price match (and I can’t stress this enough) THE PRICE OF SOMEONE WHO BASICALLY DOES THIS AS A HOBBY.
On the surface, this girl was able to save a ton of money…but at what cost? I’m not trying to put Elite on a pedestal because I know there are several other great entertainment companies that would never do this, but what does that say about this particular company? They are basically throwing a number out and if you take the bait, that’s great. But obviously they know the true worth of the services they provide. When it comes to your wedding, you don’t get a do-over...you can’t go back and do everything all over again if your DJ doesn’t deliver. Isn’t it worth it to spend a little more on a company that you know will deliver excellence on your big day? And the only reason you would have for wanting a do-over is so you can experience all that amazement one more time?
I understand money is always a factor, and while $1000 is nothing to sneeze at, it’s not really life changing money. People remember 2 things: if the food was really good or really bad, and how much fun they had. Two scenarios for you: 1. you spend $25,000 on your wedding and your DJ is horrible and basically ruins the celebration; 2. you spend $26,000 and you spend the extra money to ensure your DJ will give you the wedding of your dreams and they absolutely give you the best day of your life…which would you choose????
