Haggle with Vendors? DJ specifically....

Just out of curiosity, where are you located?

I found it easier to haggle with services instead of just price. So you have to be willing to give a little if you want him to knock $1,000 off his price. Is there anything in the package you don't think you'll need? Then you can say like "If we don't need the unlimited downloads, or don't need X, Y, or Z, how about $3,000"? Or even less?

Aspen.

The only thing I can think of knocking off were the "dance" lights he had, but I think I'm just going to go up to him with a lower budget, and if he cant meet than, then start knocking things off.

We got a lot of discounts for "early booking" or something. I just asked every vendor and all took off 10-15%...

We got a sale price, uplighting for free ($200 that we wouldn't have spent anyways. Lol), a photo booth below the sale price and he offered to give us photo booth strip frames for at cost instead of the amount he charges (but we ended up just going with ebay ones because they were cheaper). We got the uplighting because he we were working with a preferred venue. While we were signing the contract he asked about if we want to do a photobooth. I said we got a better price with Shutterbooth so we are going with them. He said what is the price, maybe I can match it. I told him and he matched it. And that price was family discount pricing for Shutterbooth. Then he also added the option to buy frames for at cost instead of the 70 cents up charge per frame he charges. He joked that he must have been in a good mood because he usually only gives some of those discounts, not all. But I had them all on email so he didn't have an issue with standing by them.

My suggestion: While you are meeting with him say that you would love to go with him but unfortunately he is out of your budget. See if he says anything. If he doesn't respond, you could keep dropping hints like "I didn't like this other DJ as much as you but they are more affordable" and things like that. I never flat out said a price, our vendors kept telling us once we asked for discounts. We received discounts on every single vendor (including my dress purchase) all because we asked. You could also ask if there is anything else they can add to your package to make your choice easier. Like uplighting, additional hours, larger speaker system, etc.

I just emailed them and said we loved them but we only had budgeted for this much and I usually got a response saying that they were willing to work it out.

Here is my own perspective as a vendor that also works in a high-demand destination wedding area: Your wedding is on a Saturday during the start of summer. Depending on where you are getting married this is more than likely the high-season for weddings. If you don't book with him for that date soon I can pretty much promise you someone else will.

Something that might work is to ask for more extras included in the package or ask if he has any smaller packages that you can purchase for less time. Again, you have a very sought after date so he might be interested in booking a bigger wedding but it is worth a try. Good luck!

Luckily, September is actually the busy month here. People forget the mountains exist in the summer, I suppose.

As a vendor, I price my services according to my skill, my artistic ability, and demand for my services.

You kind of answered your own question - you loved the expensive DJ, and didn't connect with the inexpensive DJ that came across as a non-professional. The more expensive DJ (just like a more expensive photographer, baker, floral designer) is often more expensive for a reason. Sometimes not - sometimes I scratch my head - sometimes they are just more popular for some reason that I can't figure out.

Rather than "haggling" - expecting a vendor to do the same thing for less money, which can be offensive, why not tell the preferred DJ your budget, and ask what he might be able to do for that amount? I'm always happy to help people with a smaller budget, as long as they are honest and upfront with me, and not trying to get something for nothing - "champagne tastes on a beer budget."

Maybe he can delete uplighting, or something....to bring the price down. Just saying, be willing to give up something he normally offers to make it within your budget. Don't expect that you will get the same package for a much more inexpensive price.

Best wishes to you!

WOW that's a ton of money. Our 5-person band (that was amazing, btw) cost slightly less than that. They cost around $3,700 - they played guitar & sang during our ceremony, as well as play songs during the whole reception. How can one person justify that kind of cost? It's not like that's being split between a few vendors.

The same way a photographer can ask for 20k, if his work deserves it!

Uh...4k is almost my whole budget. At the very least, I'd get quotes from a couple more DJs. What could it hurt? Plus, it would give you a better idea of the range in your area.

Trust me, his work doesn't deserve it. He's a DJ. All he does is press some buttons and pick some songs to play. It doesn't take a genius to be a DJ.

4000.00 is a lot of money for a DJ, and I'm in NYC.... As Monique said, maybe he can provide less services for less money, but no one I know just lowers a price because someone wants a lower price....something has to come out of the package; time, equipment, lighting, etc.

But then there is that indefinable factor; the fact that you love what he does and want him to do it for you.

That's VERY expensive! Where do you live? I'm pay about $1200 for 5 hours and ceremony sound equipment.

I'd rather have a client ask, rather than just assume I wouldn't accept any other terms. You never know until you try.

I had a "world famous" DJ at my wedding. We did not pay him because he's a friend and "world famous" DJ's don't do weddings. That being said, you can hire a six piece band for that price and it would be a hell of a lot better than any DJ. Tell him you'll offer $2,000. See what he says, and then offer $2500 as a high point, not a penny more. My other advice? Keep interviewing. You will find someone you love, who isn't robbing you blind. I've lived in the NYC area, currently in DC, and DH is from San Francisco. We know high end areas. It's still ridiculous.

He told me "around 4k" and "let me know if you're comfortable with that"

Sounds as though he's willing to negotiate a bit, but be prepared to make some concessions of your own. He may not lower the price if you eliminate things like lighting, but maybe you can decrease the number of hours you'll need him.

Doesnt hurt to ask! We got 1/2 price on our DJ by asking what he could do for me. Our wedding is off peak season so that may be why such a steep discount but all they can do is say no.. they still want your business so ask!

Wow I can't believe he's charging that much! I live in New York where weddings are extremely expensive & they don't even charge that out here. It sounds like your package is basic for the most part so I would definitely try to get him to go down on price. Maybe you should meet with other DJ's that are also on his level & let him know what they quoted you.

Why is it that he is charging 4k? Is he that much better? Is the 900.00 dj abnormal for the area?

I would talk to him about a different package or removing something to get closer to your budget. I would be offended if someone just offered me 25% less than I quoted which is why I would negotiate services first. Plus if he is as good and popular as you say, he might not have to take a dramatic cut since someone else will likely book him.