I received a call from a client (who I somewhat already know) recently and I'm not sure if I want to play their gig. When I was on the phone with them, it sounded like a different gig and one I could do, but the more I've thought about it, the less I want to do it. For one, the music they want (style), I don't think I have enough of, and two, I think they're going to be a little more picky than what I want to deal with...plus, I'm not to big on the location of where it'll be held at.

So, my question(s): How should I now go about trying to turn them away? What would be the best way to approach or take care of this, so they won't want to book me...yet still come across professional?

BTW, I've thought about giving them a music list to look over, so they could see what songs I have and if they don't think I have the tunes that'll be appropriate or enough of what they want, they won't book. I don't want to go spend $150-$200, just to get the tunes they want and end up barely making any money.

Any help with this would be appreciated.

All you have to do is be real nice and professional. Call them up and say that do to cerain circumsances you are going to have to turn down your contract request...and you wouldnbe ahppy to refer them to another DJ. I do it all the time.
-AMP

I found the best way to cleanly back away from a gig is to over quote them. I mean a ridiculous figure, way above the standard rate. If the client is stupid enough to accept the price and book anyway...well you do use money don't you???

Or the other way is simply say you are already booked out for that date.

ROQ out

PS. Remember no two jobs are the same!

DJ ROQ,
I don;t suggest that you do this. Because if you get the reputation that you charge outrageous prices and thw rod gets around...you will never have another job again.
-AMP

Not true, I have done this a number of times and 70% have accepted and made the booking. From those jobs I've had a lot more re-book and most at the same high rate too. This is not because of pure luck it's just I get most of my bookings from word-of-mouth and reputation for providing good professional service that's worth paying for.

Now if I was some dodgy amature backyard operator I could expect that kind of negative reputation but I'm not.

Sorry but after 15 years I think I know how I should be quoting potential clients. I end up with a higher class, higher paying customers. My formula may not work for everyone but it certainly works for me and I couldn't be happier.

ROQ

I;m sorry if i was rude, I meant to say that that is not something I would do, or reccommend, but if it works for you...more power to you!
-AMP

Agree with Amp - already committed and offer to recommend another DJ.

Because I have a multiple DJ operation I don't run into the problem of not having the right DJ for the party. As a DJ myself I can tell you that I have had brides that wanted to dictate my my selections. In those cases I am very honest with them. I simply state that I am not the right DJ for their party.

Be honest! Tell her it sounds like she is very clear as to what she expects from her DJ. And to be honest Your friend would be a much better choice. Then book the show or simply refer it. Make sure your friend is aware of the call and willing to do the show. Otherwise you come out looking like an ass.

Of course you could do the show, ask your client to provide any songs you do not already have and then chalk it up to experience. If the location is a tough load in say you will need to charge her extra to hire an assistant.

Good Luck