For your convenience, here is a list of questions that we get, well, frequently or that are common questions in our industry. If you don’t see your question answered here, call us (888) 612-6365 and we’ll answer it for you. These are in no particular order.
Q: Can we meet with someone before we book?
A: Of course! We are very aware that our services are not a small expense. We are also aware that (especially for weddings) it’s an important part of your event and you’d like to “eye ball” the guy who is going to be in charge of making or breaking it. There may be some travel limitations, but for the most part we have no problem meeting in person prior to someone hiring us.
Also, we can utilize Skype, the free Internet application that allows you to hold video and/or audio conversations computer to computer for free. Call us for more info.
We can utilize the FREE Internet utility Skype to hold video and/or audio meetings with out of the area customers and potential customers.
Q: Can I request music?
A: Absolutely. We are very open to requests (both prior to the event and during). We don’t play music for ourselves at your function – we play for you and your guests – period. In turn, we will also not play specific songs or genres that you’d like excluded from your event. Our online Event Planning software makes it a breeze to let us know your musical preferences, including links to listen to songs, view current charts, and popular music from every genre.
Q: Do you have a list of your songs that we can look at?
A: We get this question A LOT and have yet to come up with a good way to provide an answer that we are comfortable with. We have well over 65,000 songs in our database. You can imagine the amount of paper that would be required in order to print even a partial list of all songs.
We do have a sample database on our web site (once you become a customer, you’ll see it when you log in) of thousands of popular wedding songs. Our actual database is giant (well over 55,000 songs from literally every genre and year since the 1920′s) and constantly growing. If you don’t see a song in our online database, put it down and we’ll have it on your wedding day. The only exceptions are rare imports or local bands without national distribution, in which we may need to get the music from you or another source prior to the event.
Q: Is my deposit refundable?
A: Minimum deposits (50%) are non-refundable and that is (for the most part) an industry standard. However, your deposit may be put toward another date (subject to availability) within one year of the original function date when you notify us of the change prior to 30 days before the original event date.
Q: Are we expected to tip the DJ?
A: No. Tips are not required…although they are very much appreciated for a job well done.
Q: Are we expected to feed the DJ?
A: If you are planning on feeding the rest of the event staff, then it’s appreciated, but not required. It is nice to know prior to the event so that we can make arrangements if the DJ is not included in the meal.
Q: What is your performance attire?
A: Unless it’s a theme party, we always dress in casual business dress (i.e., dress slacks, dress shirt and tie). Typically we dress in blacks and grays so as not to clash with any wedding color schemes or decor. We have never done the tuxedo thing – we don’t want to look like we’re in the wedding. Of course we are open to suggestions if you have a specific look you’d like for the vendors and we’re happy to dress according to any theme you may have.
Q: What time does the DJ arrive?
A: We plan on being at the event location 11/2 to 2 hours ahead of the scheduled start time. We like to be completely set up and done with any sound checks prior to your guests arriving.
Q: Does the DJ carry backup equipment?
A: We do carry a backup amplifier and a second smaller P.A. system as well as duplicate hard drive of all music.
Q: Will you travel?
A: Yes. Anything outside of the Greater Sacramento area may include a travel charge. Depending on location, time and other logistics, there may be other expenses (hotel, etc.). We have performed weddings in the SF Bay Area, Los Angeles, Texas, New York, and elsewhere. In cases where air travel is required, we will price the event to include P.A. equipment rental, van/truck rental and our picking up and dropping off the rental equipment. We simply bring our computer and music with us.
Q: Can I see you perform at an event before I decide to hire you?
A: We get asked this occasionally and it is a very tough one. While we understand the desire to see us perform at a wedding, we highly respect our customer’s right to privacy. We have found it very awkward to ask a customer if we can bring strangers to their event (especially a wedding). Our solution is to provide you with personal references that have given us permission to use them as such. We are confident that after viewing our referrals/applause and once you talk with us on the phone or in person, you’ll feel comfortable hiring us for your event.
Q: Do you have a demo video?
A: No and here’s why: Videos are edited! No DJ is going to show you a demo video of an empty dance floor or of an unhappy bride. We rely on personal references and vendor referrals for our business. It’s the only reliable way to make our customers feel confident that they have hired a professional company.
Q: Have you ever cancelled on a client?
A: Never. Not once since 1987. We take our work very seriously.
Q: What if something happens to the DJ on the way to the event?
A: While this has never happened (see previous question), we have a network of professional DJs in our area who will fill in – no questions asked. In our industry, that is something we all fear, but we are a supportive industry and the customer comes first.
Q: It seems very expensive per hour to hire a professional DJ. Why is that?
A: The “hourly” rate for a professional DJ is extremely misleading. The perception is that we are paid only for the hours that we are at the event. Totally false. For a typical wedding, we can work between four and eight hours — prior to the actual performance. Depending on the situation, we may meet with customers in person and speak via phone, speak to the other vendors (photographers, caterers, coordinators, etc.) prior to the event date, and on occasion we will even visit the venue if we are unfamiliar with it, we research and purchase music when we don’t have something that was requested, and anything else that is required to make certain that the performance goes exactly how our customers wants it to go. The price also includes drive time (sometimes up to 2 hours each way) and set up and break down time (easily 2 hours for both).
The bottom line is that you will always be able to find a cheaper DJ, but it’s like having a beautiful Japanese garden at your home that is very important to you — you can hire the neighbor kid to take care of it and take your chances or you can hire a professional who knows how to make it thrive. That’s the difference: Quality, reliability, experience and expertise.
Call us at (888) 612-6365 for information or fill out our simple Quote Request Form and we’ll reserve your date.