Thread: The Ultimate in Undercutting

This shocker happened just an hour ago. I won't make this a diatribe about the infamous Jodette and her wicked ways, as this experience stands alone. Suffice it to say that I have not voluntarily spoken to the woman in eight years. We have all had undercutting incidents, but this is unbelievable!

I have a private party booked for this Saturday evening, and the client just e-mailed to confirm. In his e-mail, he told me this:

"When I was looking for an entertainer weeks ago when we agreed on you we had talked to "Joddette" but had decided on a professional dancer rather than a student. She called us a few minutes ago and is telling us that you can"t make it and wants to send some students. Do you know anything about this? I am looking forward to seeing you on Saturday and would appreciate it if you would confirm. I admit to some concern so would appreciate it if you would get back to me as soon as possible."

Yes. You read it right. She told this client that I wasn't coming and she had to send her dancers. Bear in mind that I have a contract, a deposit, and directions to the event. Hello Jodette; what was going to happen when I showed up at my gig as planned? And did she not realize that he would contact me, thereby making her look foolish and creepy? It is just so shockingly unprofessional, and not to mention bizarre! This takes undercutting to a whole new level.

For the record, this was my diplomatic response:

"I apologize for Jodette's odd behavior! I can't say I'm shocked; I haven't spoken to her in some years, but she is known for pulling tricks like this on Sacramento's professional dancers. She's a funny lady, and the dance community just tries to ignore her!"

Good? There was no way I was going to drag a client in Sacramento's endless war to rid itself of the stain of Jodette. All she did was motivate me to continue fighting the good fight; banding together the Sac dance scene and elevating the quality of this art form in my town.

This business never fails to be interesting!

OMFG! That's crazy! I'm so glad you had a contract and found out about this issue before it was too late. That is so unprofessional and unfair to the client...the last thing you need when you're hosting an event is for something like this to happen.

That's what I was thinking: What was she going to do when you showed up? That's some nerve!! And horrible business ethics.

I think this takes the cake for the lowest form of undercutting. This is shocking and sad. I am trying to be tactful but WTF?!

She sounds seriously a few feathers shy of a duck. Forget it, that is just a completely naked duck.

Jeez, just when I thought my local undercutter was bad....I remember there's always someone far worse!

skeezy.

Holy crap!!!!! I have no words...

You did exactly the right thing. I'm glad he got in touch with you instead of just going with the "new" information.

I had a situation like this a few years ago. I was scheduled to dance at a wedding and called the day before to just check up on things and the groom said that "I" had called and said I was sick and suggested he call a particular dancer who shall go un-named. So they called her and booked with her instead. I called her and said what's up with this. She, of course, sounded oh so sincere that she had no idea at all! I was a less experienced dancer than her and was not sure what to do, so I let her have the gig. I didn't want to cause ripples for the wedding. I'm still not sure what I should have done.

It's a really crappy situation all around.

Good way to handle it Mychelle! I wouldn't have been so professional over the phone, but you're right. The poor customers don't want to hear about our drama.

Icky, icky, icky...

Disrespectful...

What the hell is she thinking?

Anyhow, I am also glad he confirmed. Smart of him since he left a deposit for you. I would be calling you too! Always start from the source.

WOW! That is ridiculous!!

Yes I know Jodette, and have had some experiences with her myself of a different aspect of this profession. I stay away from her and won't do business with her. I was warned about her years ago, so this doesn't surprise me. As you can see, she hurts herself, and a total stranger picked up on this woman trying to undercut you and take your job away. Thank goodness he had common sense and respect for you to contact you about this. I am glad you made this public, and wish you happy dancing at your event.

Wow. just wow. unreal.

When things like this happen I like to think of all the interesting things I'll have to talk about in a memoir.

Jodette will never change. She takes advantage of people and make even more enemies.

That's just beyond bad. But I can believe some undercutting dancers would stoop that low. I just got undercut(a couple weeks back) from a hen party on Friday.Same person Satin is talking about. I did the same hen party last year, which was really fun to do. After she kept me in mind and she emailed me about the event this year. I sent her my rates and contract. She emailed me told me, my rates are too high.They didn't change from last year and its the going rate. WTF? Sorry I'm not doing it cheaper.It will take the same amount of time to get ready and prepare. I don't care if I live 6 blocks away from the event.
But I'm just going as guest this year because this hen party was actually fun last year. I got an email yesterday; But when the woman hosting had the nerve and ask me to help advertise it for them(post on dance boards) I said hell no. Let the undercutter do her own advertising. ,m:: She has access to the internet just like I do.Like my dance teacher gave me this mantra:Are you a cheap dancer or do you dance cheap? A warning about undercutting is really bad for business,as she explained it.

Alrana

Isn't what she did illegal ?

Unbelievable!
You handled that really well AND diplomatic!
Don't know if I could've stayed so calm :-)

Because I am a bit sneaky I would catch her in her own game but more along the lines of.....
"Yes this is Rolling Hills Sanatarium we heard you hired so and so belly dancer to perform at your event. Please call us if she arrives we need to come and pick her up. She has been off of her medication and needs to be on them for her own safety. Thank you"

Originally Posted by mehndidancer

But when the woman hosting had the nerve and ask me to help advertise it for them(post on dance boards) I said hell no. Let the undercutter do her own advertising. ,m:: She has access to the internet just like I do.Like my dance teacher gave me this mantra:Are you a cheap dancer or do you dance cheap? A warning about undercutting is really bad for business,as she explained it.
Alrana

That is just hilarious! WTH? She could of saved if you were dancing, you see that. Geez.

Anywooo, this has been the topic of choice last week.

Undercutters might be getting clients, but when the economy picks up they are screwed, because they won't be able to lets say keep up with supply and demand.

Unbelievable. Unfortunately it does happen. Some people are just desperate and unethical. Crazy Crazy Crazy.

Originally Posted by sblanck

Because I am a bit sneaky I would catch her in her own game but more along the lines of.....
"Yes this is Rolling Hills Sanatarium we heard you hired so and so belly dancer to perform at your event. Please call us if she arrives we need to come and pick her up. She has been off of her medication and needs to be on them for her own safety. Thank you"

Love it!!!! and it doesnt sound too far from the truth.

Wow! I am speechless!

Wow, that's just disgusting behavior. I'm so glad you came out on top on this one.

Originally Posted by sblanck

Because I am a bit sneaky I would catch her in her own game but more along the lines of.....
"Yes this is Rolling Hills Sanatarium we heard you hired so and so belly dancer to perform at your event. Please call us if she arrives we need to come and pick her up. She has been off of her medication and needs to be on them for her own safety. Thank you"

I just might have to steal this. LMAO.

Wow! Thank-goodness for the wisdom of contracts & deposits.

Originally Posted by mehndidancer

But when the woman hosting had the nerve and ask me to help advertise it for them(post on dance boards) I said hell no. Let the undercutter do her own advertising. ,m:: She has access to the internet just like I do.Like my dance teacher gave me this mantra:Are you a cheap dancer or do you dance cheap? A warning about undercutting is really bad for business,as she explained it.

Maybe you can help her promote the event, then invoice her $250 (the going rate in CT) for Event Marketing services

/threadjack

At least you had a very smart client who knew what he wanted. I'm sure more people, especially clients who are willing to pay for a performer and want higher quality, are becoming aware of the scams going on throughout the country, and he probably got a whiff of this from their conversation. This is just plain wrong.

One word comes to mind. Karma.