My last 2 meetings were at Dairy Queen and the deli area in a supermarket. Most of my meetings are 30 or more miles away. To have an office would put me out of business. I do more weddings 30 miles or more away and having an office in a rural area would be stupid business.
The Starbucks in Roswell Ga. is banning sales presentations now from what I hear. I have a dedicated office, and I prefer an office, as it allows me to control the environment, and the experience. As a business owner, I would not want some DJ tying up one of my 5 or 6 table areas for two hours. I think it's fine if you're just shooting the poop, but using their office as your office is tacky. if you want to make the big bucks, spend some money. and if you meet the couple there, you better be there earlier than them, and be the one to pick up the tab.
It depends on what your goal is for the meeting, when we meet, I offer drinks, wine, beer etc..we chill out..talk, chit chat about them, get cozy and it can last 30 minutes or it can last an hour....or hour and a half..but typically I keep them to an hour..I don't want to side track this thread but honestly how long does it take to do a sales presentation and provide quality customer service ?
I don't see how anyone could spend more than 1 hour and typically mine are 30-45 minutes. Unless you are fully planning the wedding that meeting and still that shouldn't take 2 hours if the bride is prepared. I always pick non-peak times to go to Starbucks or any other typical meeting place. Always buy myself , bride and groom something. From the first initial phone call I always tell my brides to be prepared by looking at the website for music selections , introduction list ..etc
I actually prepared a wedding from nothing and the wedding was 5 days away and it took me a hour meeting with the couple at Starbucks. Typically my first meeting I do my presentation and go over our wedding planner paper work and get them to commit. Since most weddings are typically 6-12 months away they take home the wedding planner and can complete it once they commit and sign the contract.
I can understand why some places would be mad if someone was taking up 2 hours for a measly 2-3 cups of coffee.
Bragging about being a cheap d-bag??? Nice!By the way, I do remember a DJ sharing with us on this website that all of his meetings were at Panera, and he saved money because he "never" bought anything....
One of the reasons I dont use coffee shops is I stopped doing "presentations"... so ya, my meetings can last about 2 hours.. as we do talk about everything..I don't want to side track this thread but honestly how long does it take to do a sales presentation and provide quality customer service ?
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At least you realize it's probably not a great idea. I also talk with my clients about other stuff but maybe I'm just a fast talker.One of the reasons I dont use coffee shops is I stopped doing "presentations"... so ya, my meetings can last about 2 hours.. as we do talk about everything..
but if someones meetings are lasting that long (like mine), a coffee shop is not the best place..
having said that though..
in my younger days, me and my friends were HUGE coffee hangout people.. a 2 hour "coffee" was NOT unusual.. any coffee shop that expects people to sit down for only 5 minutes and have a coffee is not a REAL coffee shop in my eyes..![]()