Host Shopping?

[AnthonyHyde]

I hate when people wont say who it is. Thats what this forum is all about. If everyone holds back on the negative, well never get honest feedback on host. How do you know that the situation hasnt been happening over and over, but no one is willing to step up and post about it?

TRUTH! I've heard horror stories about hosts from forum members but no one ever calls them out. I'm sure someone has had a bad experience with me before too. i appreciate corrective criticism and encourage it.

[AnthonyHyde]

Well if you're not comfortable posting here on this thread can you pm me the name? I would like to know who it is so I can be alert if I have to deal with them but I agree with dnix, if the host gave bad service I would think we are all adult enough to not take it personal and keep it on a professional level.

Yeah, I have no problem with that. My sorta issue is that I don't want my name dragged into something like "Oh, I read/heard from such and such forum you had problems with me? Why didn't you come to me first instead of putting it online?" While it may not be likely, I still don't want the headache of that hanging on my head. Call it paranoia, but that's just how I feel.

there are probably 300 hosts in this town and only about 6 post on here and maybe 10 that read this forum. this site gets hundreds of posts per day and we talk to 100s of people each month. even if it doesn't go unnoticed it will be forgotten very quickly.

[Drew]

I hate when people wont say who it is. Thats what this forum is all about. If everyone holds back on the negative, well never get honest feedback on host. How do you know that the situation hasnt been happening over and over, but no one is willing to step up and post about it?

TRUTH! I've heard horror stories about hosts from forum members but no one ever calls them out. I'm sure someone has had a bad experience with me before too. i appreciate corrective criticism and encourage it.

yea you screwed me over big time that one time

[dnix]

Well if you're not comfortable posting here on this thread can you pm me the name? I would like to know who it is so I can be alert if I have to deal with them but I agree with dnix, if the host gave bad service I would think we are all adult enough to not take it personal and keep it on a professional level.

Yeah, I have no problem with that. My sorta issue is that I don't want my name dragged into something like "Oh, I read/heard from such and such forum you had problems with me? Why didn't you come to me first instead of putting it online?" While it may not be likely, I still don't want the headache of that hanging on my head. Call it paranoia, but that's just how I feel.

there are probably 300 hosts in this town and only about 6 post on here and maybe 10 that read this forum. this site gets hundreds of posts per day and we talk to 100s of people each month. even if it doesn't go unnoticed it will be forgotten very quickly.

Truth....Ive actually been in the situation hes describing, and the host didnt mention it, or probably didnt even remember. I still gave him a handshake (not the $$ kind) as another host was walking me in, and we both went on about our business. There's also so many host out there to use, I could careless what a host thinks about me anyway. I keep at least 3 contacts for each club in my phone. lol Fortunately, Ive rarely had to go to a back up. But it has happened.

[Joey Orr]

Shopping around isn't recommended. I once had a guy who literally texted me every day for a month. He cancelled with me day of and went through a promoter. The promoter told him he could get him dance floor for a buy 2 get 1. He was not sat on the dance floor and decided to text me this..." Hey I'm inside, can you help me move my table". I could not believe this guy was asking me for help after canceling and going through the promoter. I was pissed, especially because he was a high maintenance customer and took up a lot of my time. Ask a host for all table options. A good host will never promise you anything. In this business things change all the time. The owner of the club can come in and take every dance floor table for his customers. Just be direct with what you want and ask the host to be direct with you.

Shop around, but have an idea of what you should pay too. Some host quote really low to get your business, but then you get to the door and find out your min has been raised.

I had this happen to me once. It sucked really bad. You are basically held hostage. Your whole crew is standing there waiting to get in, and you either (a) agree to the hiked minimum or (b) walk away.

You know you aren't going to leave at that point, so you bite the bullet and pay.

I much prefer to deal with someone who is honest and upfront. If I am gonna pay through the nose, I wanna know ahead of time so I can be prepared.

It sucks that this happened to you, ive heard it happens often in vegas; especially when people book with a promoter or a low level host. All of the host that Jack and other members recommened here are most likely Senior host, dealing with a Senior host gives you a better chance on having a guarantee table compare to booking with a guy from the street. Just keep in mind that things do happen last minute and someone might pay more for the same table that you had booked and they will get it since they r willing to spend more. Shit does happen but using a Senior host will eliminate those chances a bit.

[Jhaulotte]

Shopping around isn't recommended. I once had a guy who literally texted me every day for a month. He cancelled with me day of and went through a promoter. The promoter told him he could get him dance floor for a buy 2 get 1. He was not sat on the dance floor and decided to text me this..." Hey I'm inside, can you help me move my table". I could not believe this guy was asking me for help after canceling and going through the promoter. I was pissed, especially because he was a high maintenance customer and took up a lot of my time. Ask a host for all table options. A good host will never promise you anything. In this business things change all the time. The owner of the club can come in and take every dance floor table for his customers. Just be direct with what you want and ask the host to be direct with you.

I had this happen to me once. It sucked really bad. You are basically held hostage. Your whole crew is standing there waiting to get in, and you either (a) agree to the hiked minimum or (b) walk away.

You know you aren't going to leave at that point, so you bite the bullet and pay.

I much prefer to deal with someone who is honest and upfront. If I am gonna pay through the nose, I wanna know ahead of time so I can be prepared.

It sucks that this happened to you, ive heard it happens often in vegas; especially when people book with a promoter or a low level host. All of the host that Jack and other members recommened here are most likely Senior host, dealing with a Senior host gives you a better chance on having a guarantee table compare to booking with a guy from the street. Just keep in mind that things do happen last minute and someone might pay more for the same table that you had booked and they will get it since they r willing to spend more. Shit does happen but using a Senior host will eliminate those chances a bit.

This dude just sounds like a straight up prick. This is just a classic example of not developing a strong relationship with a host. I have worked with a host on different occasions and I know there is NO REASON to even shop around. I totally trust his prices. I get somebody asking around for different prices, especially if they're kind of new to the scene, but most of these hosts that everyone speaks so highly of on here WILL get you the best deal they can.

[WarreN]

I see nothing wrong with shopping around as long as you don't waste the hosts time, let them know you're shopping around, if you're spending a good amount of money they may be more inclined to work with you.

[ashroid]

I put some thought into what Joey said about not recommending shopping for hosts.

What do you do if the host doesn't get back to you? I don't live in Las Vegas, heck I don't live in the US.

To text to the US for me isn't that financially responsible. I understand it's the fastest way for a host to get back to you though.

That said, how many days should you give a host to return an e-mail before cutting losses and going to the next host?

I'll at least give the host some time to respond versus shopping for multiple hosts at the same time.

[Chuck]

I put some thought into what Joey said about not recommending shopping for hosts.

What do you do if the host doesn't get back to you? I don't live in Las Vegas, heck I don't live in the US.

To text to the US for me isn't that financially responsible. I understand it's the fastest way for a host to get back to you though.

That said, how many days should you give a host to return an e-mail before cutting losses and going to the next host?

I'll at least give the host some time to respond versus shopping for multiple hosts at the same time.

Probably not a hard and fast rule here. I switched hosts after making a reservation on my first time out. I just didn't have a good feeling with my original host because I knew he was new (he just started a month or two before I booked) and I had asked a simple question that got no response after 5 days. New host responded to every question within hours. Night and Day difference. I think as long as you use an experienced host that is backed by JC love you'll have nothing to worry about.

To more directly answer your question. As long as you're within two weeks from your date I'd expect responses within 24 hours. Outside of two weeks I'd give 3 days or so max before I felt ignored. Look at guys like Anthony (Hyde) and Joey Orr for example. Dudes are takin' calls, texts, emails, meeting clients, and still post on the JC boards all the time. Those dudes work hard for the money!

I was blown away when I got a text from Chris T. the morning after I was at Tao at like 8am following up on Tao Beach for that day. He had to be working at Tao the night before until at least 5am and he was following up with me at 8am? I was blown away.

Long post short, I think it's obvious when you've got a good one because they will knock your socks off with service. Trust your gut, if you don't feel important then it's time to switch IMO.

[presto]

I put some thought into what Joey said about not recommending shopping for hosts.

What do you do if the host doesn't get back to you? I don't live in Las Vegas, heck I don't live in the US.

To text to the US for me isn't that financially responsible. I understand it's the fastest way for a host to get back to you though.

That said, how many days should you give a host to return an e-mail before cutting losses and going to the next host?

I'll at least give the host some time to respond versus shopping for multiple hosts at the same time.

IMO, asking and not getting a response is not the same as "shopping around".. to me, shopping around is texting a buncha hosts, and giving them a "whats the best price you can give me for x amount of people on x night" line.. then comparing their prices against each other. If you texted someone WANTING to go through them and they dont respond, then that is on the host

[Chuck]

I put some thought into what Joey said about not recommending shopping for hosts.

What do you do if the host doesn't get back to you? I don't live in Las Vegas, heck I don't live in the US.

To text to the US for me isn't that financially responsible. I understand it's the fastest way for a host to get back to you though.

That said, how many days should you give a host to return an e-mail before cutting losses and going to the next host?

I'll at least give the host some time to respond versus shopping for multiple hosts at the same time.

IMO, asking and not getting a response is not the same as "shopping around".. to me, shopping around is texting a buncha hosts, and giving them a "whats the best price you can give me for x amount of people on x night" line.. then comparing their prices against each other. If you texted someone WANTING to go through them and they dont respond, then that is on the host

Agreed...something about the idea of "shopping" hosts just doesn't sit well with me. Can't give a good reason why...just doesn't feel right.

[Dollar$$$]

I have a question which is in line with this thread I guess.

I was looking for a Tao host and contacted Matt Pearson who referred me to Danny Rodriguez.

I sent Danny an email requesting quotes for bottle service for MDW and he was really good at getting back to me.

My concern though is that I haven't seen Danny mentioned on these forums whilst Chris Traer at Tao comes highly recommended. So I was wondering whether I should contact Chris, or if I should stick with Danny as I have already made contact with him? Has anyone worked with Danny before?

[Chuck]

I'd say if Danny is workin' for you then stick with him. Looks like he's been at Tao for a couple years so if he's still around I'm sure he's doing a nice job.

[WarreN]

I have a question which is in line with this thread I guess.

I was looking for a Tao host and contacted Matt Pearson who referred me to Danny Rodriguez.

I sent Danny an email requesting quotes for bottle service for MDW and he was really good at getting back to me.

My concern though is that I haven't seen Danny mentioned on these forums whilst Chris Traer at Tao comes highly recommended. So I was wondering whether I should contact Chris, or if I should stick with Danny as I have already made contact with him? Has anyone worked with Danny before?

I'd say if Danny is workin' for you then stick with him. Looks like he's been at Tao for a couple years so if he's still around I'm sure he's doing a nice job.

Just because a host isn't listed on the site doesn't mean that you won't have a good experience. Many people use their own list of hosts that they've built a relationship or got in contact with through a recommendation.

If your experience is going well with Danny and you feel satisfied with what he's offering, then stay with him.

Chris Traer is definitely recommended by the site and forum members including myself. Most of the time, that is who will greet you at the podium at Tao Beach as well

[Dollar$$$]

I have a question which is in line with this thread I guess.

I was looking for a Tao host and contacted Matt Pearson who referred me to Danny Rodriguez.

I sent Danny an email requesting quotes for bottle service for MDW and he was really good at getting back to me.

My concern though is that I haven't seen Danny mentioned on these forums whilst Chris Traer at Tao comes highly recommended. So I was wondering whether I should contact Chris, or if I should stick with Danny as I have already made contact with him? Has anyone worked with Danny before?

I'd say if Danny is workin' for you then stick with him. Looks like he's been at Tao for a couple years so if he's still around I'm sure he's doing a nice job.

Just because a host isn't listed on the site doesn't mean that you won't have a good experience. Many people use their own list of hosts that they've built a relationship or got in contact with through a recommendation.

If your experience is going well with Danny and you feel satisfied with what he's offering, then stay with him.

Chris Traer is definitely recommended by the site and forum members including myself. Most of the time, that is who will greet you at the podium at Tao Beach as well

Ha! That's my point though, Chris seems to have developed a good rep on here, whereas I haven't seen anything on Danny and thus have nothing to go on. I'll stick with him though and hopefully will report an equally good experience! Thanks for the input peeps!