Frequently Asked Questions
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, Email Us or call us (530-852-5009) and we'll answer it for you. These are in no particular order.
Q: Can we meet before we book you?
A: Of course! I'm very aware that my services are not a small expense. I'm 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 I have no problem meeting in person prior to someone hiring me. I have an office in Grass Valley (just above Auburn, less than an hour from Sacramento) that we can meet at or we can make other arrangements.
Also, we are now using Skype, the free Internet application that allows you to hold video and/or audio conversations computer to computer for free. Click here for more info.
Q: Can I request music?
A: Absolutely. I am very open to requests (both prior to the event and during). I don't play music for myself at your function. I play for you and your guests - period. In turn, I will also not play specific songs or genres that you'd like excluded from your event.
Q: Do you have a list of songs that I can look at?
A: I get this question A LOT and have yet to come up with a good way to provide an answer that I am comfortable with. I have well over 36,000 songs in my database. You can imagine the amount of paper that would be required in order to print even a partial list of all of my songs.
I am reluctant to provide a "most played" list because then I am afraid that customers would think that I don't have the type of music they want. I literally have songs from every genre of music from the 1920s through to the current Billboard Hot 50. Call me and we'll discuss the music that you like and want at your event and we'll come up with a solution. In over 22 years, I've never had a disappointed client.
Q: Is my deposit refundable?
A: Deposits are non-refundable. However, your deposit may be put toward another date (as long as I am available) within one year of the original function date when you notify me of the change prior to 30 days before the original event date.
Q: Are we expected to tip you?
A: No. Tips are not required...although they are very much appreciated for a job well done.
Q: Are we expected to feed you?
A: No. I don't expect to be fed. 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 I can make arrangements if I'm not included in the meal.
Q: What is your performance attire?
A: Unless it's a theme party, I always dress in casual formal wear (i.e., dress slacks, dress shirt and tie). Over the years, I've found that dressing in a tuxedo takes away from the bridal party. Again, unless I'm told differently, I typically wear black and gray.
Q: What time do you arrive?
A: I plan on being at the event location 2 hours ahead of my scheduled start time.
One and a half hours minimum. I like to be completely set up and done with any sound checks prior to your guests begin to arrive.
Q: Do you carry backup equipment?
A: I carry a backup amplifier and a second smaller P.A. system. I also carry a complete duplicate hard drive of all of my music as well as an iPod that I keep connected to the system at all times during the performance so that I am always a moment away from keeping the party going.
Q: Do you accept credit cards?
A: Yes, as well as PayPal.
Q: Will you travel?
A: Yes. Anything outside of an hour and a half drive from my office in Grass Valley may incur a travel charge. Depending on location, time and other logistics, there may be other expenses (hotel, etc.). I have performed weddings in Los Angeles, Texas, New York, etc. In cases where air travel is required, I will price the event to include P.A. equipment rental, van/truck rental and my picking up and dropping off the rental equipment. I simply bring my computer and music with me.
Q: Can my guests give you music to play at the event?
A: Yes.
Q: Can I see you perform at an event before I decide to hire you?
A: I get asked this occasionally and it is a very tough one. While I understand the desire to see me perform at a wedding, I highly respect my client's right to privacy. I have found it very awkward to ask a client if I can bring strangers to their event (especially a wedding). My solution is to provide you with personal references that have given me permission to use them as such. I'm confident that once you talk with me on the phone or in person, you'll feel comfortable hiring me for your event.
Q: Have you ever cancelled on a client?
A: Never. Not once in over 22 years. I take my work very seriously.
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 performance, I work between four and six hours — prior to the actual performance. Depending on the situation, I meet with my clients in person and on the phone many times, I speak to the other vendors (especially the venue coordinator) prior to the event date, on occasion I will visit the venue if I am unfamiliar with it, I research and purchase music when I don't have something that was requested, and anything else that is required to make certain that the performance goes exactly how my customer 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.
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