How to write a quote that gets accepted
Five things that make a DJ or band quote clear, and what to leave out.
A customer opening a quote wants to know within ten seconds what they get, what it costs and what to do next. The sooner that's clear, the sooner they say yes.
1. Start with their event, not with you
Put the date, the venue and the kind of party at the top. The customer recognises their own evening and knows straight away the quote is about them.
2. Write lines a customer understands
"DJ, per hour" for 5 hours is clearer than "Gold package". Use your service catalogue so every quote has the same clear lines.
| Better | Than |
|---|---|
| DJ, per hour: 5 × €125 | DJ package Gold |
| Sound for up to 150 guests | Sound set L |
| Travel (45 km) | Surcharge |
3. Don't make VAT and the total a puzzle
Private customers think including VAT, companies excluding. Show both: lines with their VAT rate and a total including VAT.
4. Ask for a deposit, and say why
A deposit secures the date. Say what happens when they pay: "Once you've paid the deposit, 14 June is yours."
5. Give it an end date
A quote valid for four weeks often gets read after three. Two weeks is enough. StageDesk reminds the customer two days before it expires.
Tip: in StageDesk the customer accepts the quote with one click from the email. Did they say yes on the phone? Accept it on their behalf, so everything is in the booking.
