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adamferrucci Regular user Newfield, NJ 169 Posts |
Hi everyone,
It's been a while since Been on here but I could really use some advice. I had a potential client call me today and book me for tomorrow. I took all her info, had everything in order and now (5 hours after she booked me) I just get this email "Adam I am cancelling for tomorrow...i found a magician for half of your price and more time. Thank you." How would you respond? I don't even know where to start. I know I have to remain professional, just not sure how to respond or if I even should. I'm a little angry right now as I always get a deposit from people that book me and this is the 1 time that I didn't. I usually book all my shows online and the client gets a link so they can leave a deposit to secure the spot. To top it off, right before I got that email I booked another show over the phone and I didn't ask for a deposit for this one either. Now I'm hoping this person doesn't do the same thing. Sorry if I seem like I'm all over the place, just a little upset right now. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Adam |
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Paul Rathbun Inner circle Michigan 2543 Posts |
Adam,
You have every right to be upset. I think I would respond to her with something along the lines of "I am sorry to hear that. It is my experience that you get what you pay for so I wish you the best of luck." Now that isn't what I would really want to say but I think it is important to take the high road and do your best to stay classy.
https://www.penguinmagic.com/p/9160
Sleightly Better Magic Reviews - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9rkXnNp8CxftN-rxU_WcbQ |
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Bazinga Loyal user 277 Posts |
Hi Adam,
Wow, that sucks. I'm sorry that happened to you. I had that happen to me before and I admit I reacted badly. I badgered them for a 50% cancellation fee and kept after them for several weeks until they finally paid it. They sent a check, which did clear, and a nasty note. I should have just let it go. I'm sure it cost me in some bad word-of-mouth. My advice is to simply send a return email that just says either: Dear -----, Good luck with your party. Adam ...OR... Dear ----, Have a nice day. Adam Then just let it go. Use it as a learning experience but don't let it eat at you. Easier said than done, I know. But I think it's the only way to get past it. Then next Christmas send her a nicely wrapped gift box filled with dog crap. (Anonymously of course.) Bazinga! |
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adamferrucci Regular user Newfield, NJ 169 Posts |
Thanks Paul and Bazinga,
I'll probably send something like Bazinga said "good luck and I hope your party's a success" I'll wait until the morning though. |
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charliecheckers Inner circle 1969 Posts |
I would let her know that your show is priced on the content and not the length of time, for the most part. I do not think you can blame her, as it sounds like she was not under the impression that the agreement was binding (yes she was very rude), hence the need to require a deposit. It does not sound like she has knowledge of the quality of your show. I would always include some form of informational piece in your communication to her to better educate her on your show quality. Just wishing her the best does not do that.
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Mary Mowder Inner circle Sacramento / Elk Grove, CA 3659 Posts |
I would be mad too but there are some situations where you have no power to explain why you are upset and you would not move them if you could.
Just give it a mental "WHAT EV-AR" and try to remember that it is nothing personal. I've had some of these unsatisfying and unjust episodes stay with me long after the "perpetrator" has forgotten all about it. May as well let it go earlier than later. I hope you know, We feel your pain. Honestly it gets me mad just thinking about it! Its like it had happened to me! Well, it has happened to me. Apparently I haven't gotten past this. And... deep breaths... in... and out....and in ..... -Mary Mowder |
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Michael Baker Eternal Order Near a river in the Midwest 11172 Posts |
Yeah... let it go. The sooner, the faster you get over it. Just know that they are the ones with a cut rate magician! Ha! Maybe you'll get the call next year!
~michael baker
The Magic Company |
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dearwiseone Inner circle Portland, OR 1143 Posts |
Adam,
Some good advice has been offered here. I personally wouldn't have booked the show without a deposit. That's why you take deposits. At this point, there's not much you can do. Chalk it up to experience. How will this change your future booking system? Add her to your black list if you like, vow to take deposits from now on, and keep working hard to make your show better and perform! Best wishes, Kevin |
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MichaelCGM Inner circle Oklahoma City 2286 Posts |
Hi ,
Sorry we weren't able to work together on this event. Perhaps we can work together at some future time, when your budget permits. I hope that your event is a roaring success and look forward to providing your entertainment at another time. Sincerely, |
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adamferrucci Regular user Newfield, NJ 169 Posts |
Thanks everyone. I really do appreciate all the advice. I will definitely be taking deposits, last minute or not, from now on. I'll send a nice note to her in the morning wishing her luck.
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Dynamike Eternal Order FullTimer 24148 Posts |
I understand your feeling, Adam. But look at the good part. You did not have to decline anyone else because you thought you had a gig already. That would have caused damage.
If you do receive another last minute call, take the deposit right away with either Paypal" or "Square". |
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Mary Mowder Inner circle Sacramento / Elk Grove, CA 3659 Posts |
I think MichaelCGM has a good reply.
-Mary |
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MichaelCGM Inner circle Oklahoma City 2286 Posts |
Quote: Thanks, Mary. I use that line or something similar even for those times when they ask for a quote and then say that they don't have that kind of money to spend. I think we need to always wish them well with their event. It's the high road and it will leave a pleasant taste in their mouth. Plus, it leaves them with the idea that I know what I'm worth, I don't need to haggle, and I'm still looking forward to working with them - even after they tossed me under the bus. On 2013-01-06 00:05, Mary Mowder wrote: |
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bowers Inner circle Oakboro N.C. 7024 Posts |
I agree completely Michael.
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Donald Dunphy Inner circle Victoria, BC, Canada 7563 Posts |
Lost bookings are frustrating, and we can choose our response (not just to the customer, but how we think about it ourselves -- our "self talk").
One other thought I'll add, is that based on my experience, that last minute bookings aren't as stable as a regular booking. I've learned to not put as much faith in them, so I'm not as disappointed if they don't work out. - Donald
Donald Dunphy is a Victoria Magician, British Columbia, Canada.
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Ken Northridge Inner circle Atlantic City, NJ 2392 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-01-05 19:52, adamferrucci wrote: Sorry, Adam. I have to put food on the table somehow! Just kidding! I was talking to another local magician who suspects he's been loosing a lot of gigs lately to a lower priced magician, and frankly, my Birthday Party business is down suddenly. There's not much we can do about it, except to continue to improve OUR shows and deal with people in a professional manor. I've always known the my biggest competition was myself. As far as what to do about this particular situation, the other advice you've gotten is great. Suck it up, be polite, and maybe they will remember you next year, although its debatable whether or not you want a customer like this.
"Love is the real magic." -Doug Henning
www.KenNorthridge.com |
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adamferrucci Regular user Newfield, NJ 169 Posts |
This is what I ended up writing.
Thanks for letting me know. Hopefully everything works out for you and you have a great party for your son. Hi Ken, Someone must be going really cheap. I've bid on a ton of jobs last year and my shows were down almost 50% from 2011. That could have been a lot of different things though. I broke my ankle so I had to turn down shows for about 6 weeks last February. Then I sprained my hand in the summer and lost another 3 or 4 weeks. I did raise my prices last year by $25 so I thought maybe that was chasing people away. I went back to my 2011 prices in October and I haven't seen an increase in bookings. Hopefully this year ends up being better. |
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TonyB2009 Inner circle 5006 Posts |
I think MichaelCGM's reply was spot on.
As for the original cancellation, if someone phones today booking for tomorrow, then that is likely to happen. I don't honestly believe you have any justification for being upset. If someone booked you six weeks ago and cancelled today, that would be grounds for upset. Tony
Check out Tony's new thriller Dead or Alive http://www.amazon.co.uk/Alive-Varrick-Bo......n+carson
http://www.PartyMagic.ie |
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jlibby Inner circle 1044 Posts |
Adam, I think your response was good. It's similart to what I send when I lose a gig.
It happens and it is frustrating. Your situation may or may not be related to your pricing. There are people who will pay more if they know they are getting top-drawer entertainment (or top-drawer anything, for that matter). Joe Libby San Antonio, TX
My new FREE ebook on the classic Mismade Bill trick is ready for you:
https://funnybirthdayshow.com/mismadebill/ |
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JamesinLA Inner circle Los Angeles 3400 Posts |
I've have the exact same experience as Donald. When I get last minute bookings I take them with a huge grain of salt. Probably half of them fall through. If the person is flaky enough to be looking for entertainment the day before, they are often not reliable. Of course, if there's a good reason they are in that position, they may be more reliable.
I would not respond in a snide manner, but just wish them luck and I would also say follow up with them and ask them how the show went. You may be able to win them back for their next event. Jim
Oh, my friend we're older but no wiser, for in our hearts the dreams are still the same...
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