I can't stand the email shopper- "can you give me your best price for a 4 hour event." - no date, time, or location, no idea what kind of party and even if we handle your type of an event- just email me a price without knowing anything about the event.
Can't stand the bride that shops soley on price- she finds a $400 dj and wants the better $300 dj- couldn't care less about anything but what's the price... but will complain non-stop after the event about how bad it was
clients shopping "on a budget" but won't share with you what the budget is... tell me and I'll see if I can work with you or refer you to someone who might be able to work at your budget
the client having the 5 hour event, but only want to pay for you for three hours and wants you to arrive, load in, set-up, sound check etc. while dinner and everything else is taking place in the same space/area... had that exact scene this week and refused the gig... lady could not understand how big of a distraction it will be when someone shows up at her event in t-shirt and shorts in the middle of summer during her dinner/awards portion and proceeds to become a huge distraction... of course the guests will assume he is late and probably never contact him no matter how good a job he does... facility might assume the same thing
can't you arrive 4 hours early, set-up and leave your gear and come back later when we really need you... yeah that'll happen
one of my favorites,"we're a non-profit." we'll I'm a FOR PROFIT, it's how I support my family ... and non-profits waste 60% of donations at least to cover thier jobs and expenses... because you're a non-profit means I need to take a pay cut?
"How much, the jobs ONLY 4 hours!" really , so I magically telelport in, my gear has arrived, I've got a timeline, music, annoucement form everything I need to succeed all waiting for me- wow!