Earning a positive review is always exciting. Reviews lead to future bookings and party planner confidence. But, earning the most reviews in 2024 and all 5-star ratings? That's an accomplishment that involves strategy and calls for celebration! To gather tips on collecting reviews, we caught up with bagpiper, Gus Person, the top review-reviewed vendor on The Bash in 2024.
About Gus Person
"I have been piping since 1964. I started as a junior in high school; have played in seven pipe bands and competed in solo and band competitions. I now have a very desirable skill. Many people have complimented me and wished they had started to learn the bagpipes earlier in life."
"I have been a member of The Bash since 2013. I realized that I had a talented skill and that there was a market for a piper at weddings, funerals, birthday parties, and other special events. It was apparent that The Bash could provide many opportunities to share my skills and earn some money."
"I am also currently the pipe major of The Regimental Pipes & Drums, a living-history organization, which portrays a pipe band of The Black Watch (The Royal Highland Regiment) during WWII. We attend many reenactor/living history events throughout the Eastern Seaboard."
How Gus Person earned the most reviews on The Bash in 2024.
How do you ensure clients have a memorable experience that makes them want to leave a review?
I try to be as professional and flexible as possible in my performance. I accommodate my performance to the wishes of the client and often make useful suggestions that will please everyone. Not everyone is familiar with the bagpipes and what I can accomplish, so suggestions and recommendations always help.
Do you find that certain types of events or clients are more likely to leave reviews?
I play a lot of weddings, funerals, birthday parties, and other special events. I usually receive good reviews from all types of clients.
How soon after an event do you follow up for a review, and how often do you follow up if the client hasn’t left a review?
If I do not receive a review within seven (7) days of an event, I always follow up with a Review Reminder through The Bash and/or a telephone call. Many times, I then follow up with a text or email after several weeks if a review is still outstanding. However, on some occasions, the client simply doesn't cooperate.
Do you guide clients on what to include in their review? If so, how?
On many occasions, I will orally request a review at the conclusion of the event. I also indicate to them that reviews are important to me for business purposes.
Are there specific things you do during an event that you think lead to better reviews?
Professionalism is the key. I try to arrive early to each engagement. Clients appreciate this very much.
Have you noticed any patterns in your best reviews? What do clients mention most?
Many clients highly recommend me in their review to any prospective clients. This is also appreciated by me.
What advice would you give to other vendors who want to increase their reviews?
My advice to other vendors is: Professionalism; arrive early; stay in communication with the client and answer all their questions; make a specific request for a review before or at the end of an engagement; continue to follow up after the event.
