Thread: I've been undercut by a restaurant!

I am so, so pissed about this that I could scream. ,m::

A couple of weeks ago, I was contacted by a medical practice that was hosting a Chamber of Commerce event with a Greek theme. Because the event would be "high profile", they wanted to meet me in person before deciding to hire me. It was for two sets, and not too far away, so I went out with a promotional kit and a blank contract. We had a great meeting, dicussing cost, costumes, musical selections, etc. They wanted to put my business card in the goodie bags (125 od them!), and bring some kind of a poster in advertising my business. They were really enthusiastic, and kept mentioning how impressed they were with my level of professionalism. They didn't even flinch at my rate, so we filled out the contract by hand and they were supposed to mail it back to me with a deposit check as soon as they go in touch with the bookkeeper.

A week goes by, and no check. So I leave a message inquiring if we are still on, if they have any questions I can assist with, etc. I got a message on my cell phone just a few minutes ago from the person I met with. They have decided not to hire me because the Greek restaurant that is catering the event has apparently offered to throw in 3 belly dancers at no additional cost. There are no Greek restaurants with house dancers around here, so I'd love to know where the restaurant is going to get these dancers from who will be cheap enough that they can be tossed in for free, like 10 extra servings of hummus.

I plan to email them back to let them know I got their message, and I'd love to say something along the lines of "I hope you enjoy your free dancers, because you'll probably get what you paid for." I'll probably resist the temptation, because it will come off petty and jealous, which is not the professional image I want to give. And I wish I knew who the restaurant was, so I could call them up and give them a piece of my mind!!!!! :zillevil:

Oh, that stinks!!!! I am sorry.

I'm sorry to hear this too. But the cost of hiring three dancers is probably not a drop in the bucket to the profit made of catering to 125 people....

In your e-mail response could you say: "Thank you for your message. After meeting and/or auditioning the three free dancers, if you reconsider your choice of entertainment and would still like to book me, I will hold the date open for one week. Thank you again for your interest, and I wish you a very successful event."

It's not snarky but plants a doubt. :)

I wouldn't say anything rude-- you won't look good and it's not going to change anything... unfortunately in business them's the breaks. The restaurant may not have known that they already hired you to begin with and even if it was mentioned they might have said something to the effect that 'had we known you wanted dancers we could have arranged that' which would be a natural answer for someone who is trying to look professional as a party planner/caterer, just as you might mention to a potential client that you can also provide drummers or what have you. Had they been considering the restaurant but called you about dancing and you said "Hey, I have a fantastic Middle Eastern caterer that can make all the food" they might have jumped on that plan, instead.

If they end up liking the other girls, great, and if not then they'll come to their own conclusion as to how they should have kept you. Best to be nice and maybe it turns into a referral in the future-- who knows-- they may end up telling the restaurant about you and how professional and sweet you are. Sometimes we get chosen, sometimes we don't. At least in this case it's nothing personal. Bummer though, sorry.

Oh, Galatea, that's crummy!

I like Christine's doubt-planting.

If I were you, I'd also want to know who the restaurant is, just in case they could be a source of work in the future! (though I share your fear that they might be sending out the boss's nieces in Halloween costumes).

Ugh. I can understand why you'd be so upset, and rightfully so!

I'd be upfront with them. It might be good to wait until you've cooled down a little, because you want to avoid being catty or insulting. But it's to both yours and their advantage to recommend they look into the dancers being offered. Not everyone is aware - and they ought to be... that not all dancers are created equal. If this is a high profile event, the last thing they need is some teenybopper doing crude undulations and flaunting their wares in a cheapie costume. Words evade me at the moment about what exactly to say, but there has to be a way to tactfully address the issue. Like anyone, they're just trying to save a few pennies... should they decide not to continue with you, it should be an informed decision or they could set themselves up for quite an embarrassment! Of course that's not your problem if they do... but if it's handled tactfully and these other dancers don't measure up, then maybe you'll get the gig back...

Thanks so much, everyone, for your advice! It even feels a little better just getting it off my chest and discussing it with other dancers.

Like Lauren mentioned, I'm concerned that the restaurant may be sending out babes in costumes instead of actual dancers. It would be one thing if we had a lot of professional dancers around here, but really there's not that many of us, which is what makes me suspicious.

I do want to suggest that they make sure the dancers are qualified, mostly because it seemed like that was *such* a concern to them when we met. If there's a way I can think of to word it, so that it looks like my main concern is their best interest, I'll probably do that. But yeah, only after I've cooled off a bit.

How about

I received your message and I understand your desire to save on some expenses. However, I just want to caution you that there are not that many professional, quality belly dancers in this community - as you can imagine, we are a pretty small community. When we met, it seemed to be a priority to you to make sure you hired a quality performer. Since I do not know who your caterer is providing, you would be wise to request to meet these dancers and interview them, just as you and I met.

This shares your concerns, makes it seem you are only concerned with their best interest and maintains your professionalism (as opposed to sounding like sour grapes).

Yes, I agree that if they distinctly voiced concern about professionalism or quality that opens the door for you to tactfully suggest that they verify that the dancers being sent are experienced professionals (with maybe a comment to the effect that you personally are aware of only a few in your area so...)-- as long as you say it a nice way and that your concern is for them and their event. Let them know that your sorry to hear they no longer need your services as you were really looking forward to being a part of it, but hope to work with them in the future and then slip in the old--BTW, did you make it clear to them as you did to me that you are expecting high-quality professional dancers?

Yes- exactly what Aazura said-- we were typing at the same time so I saw her comment after I posted mine... and add something like "Whatever you decide, I hope your event is a smashing success".

Originally Posted by Elviza Isis

Yes- exactly what Aazura said-- we were typing at the same time so I saw her comment after I posted mine... and add something like "Whatever you decide, I hope your event is a smashing success".

Good add! Always wish them the best! Maintain the highest professionalism -- Then when they see the free girls aren't on the same level they'll come back to you!

Originally Posted by CFerhat

In your e-mail response could you say: "Thank you for your message. After meeting and/or auditioning the three free dancers, if you reconsider your choice of entertainment and would still like to book me, I will hold the date open for one week. Thank you again for your interest, and I wish you a very successful event."

It's not snarky but plants a doubt. :)

I'm so-so-super-SORRY that this happened to you, Galatea! They're so going to lose out - I think you're an amazingly wonderful dancer!
I think you should do the above suggestion (excellent notion, CFerhat, kudos to you!!!) and maybe, just maybe, they'll wake up & get the genuine, quality performance they're supposed to book, instead of "Dine & Discount Dancers R Us" over there...!,m::

I was thinking about this - whaddaya think?

Hi ******, I am disappointed to hear that you have made alternate arrangments, but wish you the best of luck with your event. I hope that the dancers being provided by the caterer offer the same high level of quality and professionalism you would have recieved from Galatea Middle Eastern Dance. If there is any way that I can be of service to you in the future, please do not hesitate to contact me.

I think it's polite, makes my point, and just short/formal enough that they won't think I'm laughing it off.

This *is* crummy. I would definitely say something, too.

Originally Posted by Lesgemini_Zafirah

I'm so-so-super-SORRY that this happened to you, Galatea! They're so going to lose out - I think you're an amazingly wonderful dancer!

Oh, thank you so much, sweetie! Right back atcha!

That sounds great, Galatea, send it...

I think your version is fine, but I think you *could* get away with something stronger, like what Aazura said. After all, the very worst that could possibly happen is they might think it's just 'sour grapes' -- but then so what if they think that, how would that affect you, really?

And I don't think they'd think so, unless you were being very pushy & not taking no for an answer.

Another option would be to call. Since you've met them in person, you'll be able to convey the right tone much more easily on the phone. You could gracefully accept their decision, share your concern, and bow out. You'd be able to judge their reaction quickly, answer questions, etc.

I believe remaining nice in your words would benefit you better than being mean or spiteful. As someone said previously, they will certainly regret the "free" dancers and think about the "nice, courteous, and professional" they had interviewed for next time. These people might refer you to others in the future. I would be willing to bet they already feel bad about backing out on you, and if not, they will when they get their free dancers. I believe in karma, stay nice, it will pay off.

love it. i like you.

Originally Posted by CFerhat

In your e-mail response could you say: "Thank you for your message. After meeting and/or auditioning the three free dancers, if you reconsider your choice of entertainment and would still like to book me, I will hold the date open for one week. Thank you again for your interest, and I wish you a very successful event."

It's not snarky but plants a doubt. :)

I really like your reply letter. It is short, sweet and professional. Don't forget to correct your spelling errors before you send it. It just makes a more professional letter. Sorry to even mention it, hope you are not offended. I just know these things can make a professional letter less so. Hope they reconsider!

Julia

Except that they had not returned the signed contract with the deposit. which is what makes the deal real for most of us.


I agree that soething should be said, and I also agree with the idea of saying, if, once you have seen the dancers which the restaurant has offered for hire you feel that you would be better served. . .

I recently had a charity ask me to dance. they wanted me and two others. I sent them the contract, etc. About 2 weeks later I hadn't heard form them and e-mailed. They had found a troupe through one of their board members who was willing to donate half their fee to the charity. . .

Needless to say, I was disappointed. But not simply because I did get the gig, but because I had Anastacia and Sahra lined up for it!

{{{HUGS}}}

Originally Posted by melania

I'm confused. Didn't they sign the contract? Didn't you get a copy? Aren't they now breaking your contract?..c::
I'm unsure about the whole "nice" thing. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't encourage(nor do it myself) being rude or nasty. But being a bit "short" and a little "curt" are ways of saying you're not very happy with their decision.
I don't believe being "nice" will get you anywhere in this situation, and I feel in a way it's allowing yourself to be stepped on.
I would definitely tell them that you're very unhappy that they have decided to break your contract, and that you hope the free dancers are undergoing the amount of "professional" scrutiny you underwent.

How will you deal with the broken contract?

I don't understand playing nice. I highly doubt that if you had broken their contract, they would be "nice".

I do understand remaining professional, and I think this is different than "being nice". If you allow them to feel that what they've done is just fine, you're just a tad "disappointed", then why on Earth would they ever hire you or recommend you? So that you can be treated in the same way, again?

It seems more useful to be a bit hard in this situation because of the signed contract .

I filled in all of the information in the contract and yes, we both signed it. However, they did not pay me the deposit because the people I was meeting with did not have the authority to cut a check from the business. Only their bookkeeper can do that, and that person is not an onsite employee. Even if they *had* paid me the deposit, it wouldn't have saved the gig for me. I have a cancellation clause in my contract that states all they lose is their deposit if they cancel (unless they cancel in less than 24 hours, in which case they owe me the balance as well).

Melania, do you get paid 100% upfront, with a contract that says the entire amount is non-refundable under any circumstances? I'm not trying to be snarky, just genuinely curious, as most dancer's contracts I've seen and heard of do have a cancellation clause.

Wow, they signed the contract and bailed on you? Not that is unprofessional.

Being that you had already put so much time and effort into it, the situation really does suck. However, keep in mind that just because the restaurant is saying they will provide "free" dancers to the client, that doesn't mean the dancers aren't getting paid. Many restaurants offer to throw in the bellydancer as part of the catering deal, but then pay the dancers as they normally would. The bummer of it all is that the client hadn't spoken to the restaurant about their intentions to hire a bellydancer before they contacted you.

That said, I very well could be optimistic, and perhaps the restaurant really is getting dancers who will dance for free. But if you do not know this to be a fact, you can't really assume the dancers themselves are working for free.

Who knows, maybe the restaurant doesn't even know yet where they are going to get these "three free dancers" they offered. It might be worth checking with them....

This really sucks. I don't really see how it benefits the catering company to provide dancers at no extra cost. Doesn't that just eat into their profits, if they pay the dancers? I'm confused.

Let us know what sort of reply you receive after you send your email.

Good luck, and don't worry, Karma gets us all in the end, for better or worse!

Natalie

Originally Posted by Lilladancer

However, keep in mind that just because the restaurant is saying they will provide "free" dancers to the client, that doesn't mean the dancers aren't getting paid. Many restaurants offer to throw in the bellydancer as part of the catering deal, but then pay the dancers as they normally would.

Who knows, maybe the restaurant doesn't even know yet where they are going to get these "three free dancers" they offered. It might be worth checking with them....

I think there are some very valid points here. Also, just because someone will dance for free doesn't mean they are going to give a poor show either. I don't really subscribe to the "you get what you pay for" idea because there is always some *itch out there who is just as skilled and ready to undercut you. Perhaps when you speak with them again you can subtley scare them with stories of filmy skirts and less than appropriate movements close to guests. :zillevil:

Oh, Melania, I didn't think you were snarky at all! I just didn't want you to think *I* was being snarky, asking about your policies. I guess it's that "nice" thing again, wanting to make sure we're not offending anyone, LOL.

My cancellation clause is pretty specific. It states: Should the client require cancellation of this performance, the client will forfit their deposit. Should the client cancel less than 24 hours before the performance, the client will pay the performer the performance fee in its entirety, less the deposit. I have only had someone cancel only once before, and that is because the fund raising event I was to perform at was cancelled entirely.

The reason I suspect the dancers are likely not being paid the going rate (if at all) has to do a lot with the specifics of the professional scene in Milwaukee. We don't have a bunch of restaurants with regular paid house dancers on call, and none of the Greek places have dancers. There are two ME restaurants with dancing - one definately does not pay the dancers, and the other I have heard through the grapevine sometimes pays and sometimes doesn't depending on the dancer. ..c:: The going rate for this gig should be a minimum of $300 ($100 per dancer), so to me it seems like a pretty substantial amount to "throw in" if they are paying the dancers adequately. But you are right, of course, I don't know that they aren't being paid, and should keep that in mind.

On a final note, about whether being "nice" is businesslike or not - I worked in advertising for over a dozen years, and the policy of every place I worked was always to be bend-over-backwards pleasant to clients who took their business elsewhere. Because when the Marketing Director or whoever left and they were agency-hunting again, the first ones they would call on for a bid were previous agencies they had worked with positively in the past. I was indoctrinated my entire career to *never* burn bridges with an exiting client, even the ones who left under the most hideous of circumstances (like the one who had us spend thousands of dollars out of pocket for a research-laden media plan, thanked us for it, fired us a week later, and gave the media plan to their new agency to impliment).

I agree, Laura. There are a limited number of potential clients out there, especially in our smaller midwestern cities. Anyone organizing a major event who considers spending full price for middle eastern dancers is a treasure to be cultivated for a long-term relationship, not someone to be alienated over a small deposit when they haven't officially returned a contract. Just a different way of seeing it.

I too love CFerhat's response - it is in control and confident without revealing any snittiness. It's perfect in tone, IMO, for a professional.

Originally Posted by artemisia_danst

love it. i like you.