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Q. Can I watch
you work as a DJ at a reception, party or other similar event?
A. In most circumstances,
the answer would be no. We aren't trying to prevent you from seeing us,
however, most of the parties we entertain are private parties, and not
sales demonstrations. It wouldn't be fair to our clients to bring strangers
into their private party. Also, due to the high interest of people requesting
to do this, it would be impossible to accomodate everyone. As we hope
you will reserve us to entertain your event, we know you probably wouldn't
appreciate strangers at your event.
There
are occasionally instances where we have a public event, or where we may
be able to slip someone onto a guest list. If we are able to provide you
entrance to an event, we require you dress according to the event type.
Q.
Do you have a demo video?
A.
We are currently working on a demo video to present to potential
clients interested in our services. We hope to offer this very soon.
Q.
What type of promotional material do you have?
A. We have flyers and brochures
we can send upon request. However, this website is a complete information
guide to our services and productions. You can find testimonials, packages,
and multimedia on this site. We have nice glossy brochures to send to
you, however we believe you'll find everything you need and more right
here.
Q.
How could a 3 hour event cost the same as 5-6 hour event?
A. There are many things
that go on behind the scenes prior to your event. This could include signing
contracts, sending information, making event reports and itineraries,
prepping equipment. At the event, a full setup and check and a full teardown
and loadout is also required. Whether the event is 3 hours or 5 hours,
all of these items still must be completed prior to your very important
event! In addition, 3 hours or 5 hours, we book your event for the day
and we do not double book anyone else except in cases where personnel
and equipment requirements permit two flawless and entertaining events.
Q.
What forms of payment do you accept?
A. We accept personal checks
(with drivers license and phone numbers), business checks, cash, money
order, and various credit cards through PayPal. A small fee may be required
for the use of a credit card.
Q.
Do you offer karaoke?
A. Absolutely, we offer
it as an option to all of our packages.
Q.
Can I bring some of my own CDs for you to play?
A. We are sorry, because
of past experiences, we will not accept personal CDs to be played. This
is for reasons including but not limited to bad CD formats, inappropriate
lyrics, scratched or neglected CDs that could ruin sound quality, or genres
not matching that of the dancing crowd. If the CDs are provided to Sound
Machine ahead of time for preview, then circumstances may allow performance
of these discs.
Q.
Can we look through your collection of music at the event? Can we use
your microphone?
A. For security and privacy,
we don't allow guests to browse through our music collections. It's incredibly
hard to keep track of CDs that people are looking through while we're
mixing. However, we may be able to make some exceptions for our actual
clients.
Regarding
our microphones, actual clients and official "MCs" or "announcers"
are free to use our wireless microphone systems. Guests, if not participating
in our karaoke or making toasts, are absolutely not permitted to use our
wireless microphone systems. This includes "shout-outs".
Q.
Are you insured? And is Sound Machine a legitimate business?
A.
Yes, our business holds specialty "disc jockey" liability
insurance coverage. This coverage protects you up to $2,000,000 in case
of damages caused by our disc jockeys, equipment, or technicians. Proof is available
for your venue upon request. We are also a fully licensed business with the state of
Georgia.
Q.
What type music do you play?
A. We have a music collection
that dates back to the 40s and includes many different genres. From old hits
to the new music debuting yesterday, we've got it! Regarding what "type"
music we play depends on the "type" event the client is holding.
Obviously the music at a school prom would not be the same type that is
played at a wedding reception.
Q.
Do you take requests?
A.
Absolutely. Just visit the clipboard near the DJ stand and write
down as many songs down as you wish! Requests will be screened, and unfortunately
not all requests will be accomodated. We will try our hardest to slip
in requests where appropriate, to minimize unhappy dancers on the dancefloor.
Q.
How will you dress?
A. We will dress in accordance
with your event. Whether that be overalls and a straw hat or a black tuxedo
and polished shoes, it doesn't matter. We will discuss dress options with
you on the phone, and we do NOT charge a fee for wearing our tuxedos!
Q.
Do you have professional equipment?
A. Sound Machine only uses
top-of-the-line equipment. We are sure you will notice a big, positive
difference in sound quality, as well as light coverage, quality, and projection! We do not
use ANY home-stereo components, as these are often unreliable and not
meant for weekly traveling.
Q.
Do we have to sign a written contract?
A.
Our contracts include paragraphs and clauses which protect us,
as well as you. A written "agreement" must be signed with a
$100 deposit prior to reserving a date. Some events utilizing our advanced lighting
and club lighting packages may require the signature of a "rider" detailing out
specific venue requirements and specifications.
Q.
For school events, is the music edited?
A. All music selections
played during school functions are CLEAN versions. However, these clean
versions take out all obscene and vulger language in the song, and not
dirty "content" (such as the subject of the lyrics, whether
it be sex, violence, etc.). We try to refrain from these type songs when
at all possible.
Q.
What about tips?
A. Tipping is only based
on individual performance and satisfaction. Tipping is not expected, however,
our DJs work very hard to provide the best possible event for you, and
appreciate any show of recognition that you may deem appropriate. Tips
usually range from 10%-30%.
Q.
Do you have backup equipment?
A.
Yes, we have backup equipment for all vital parts of the show.
This includes extra speakers, mixers, microphones, etc. Try asking any
other DJ in the area if he brings backup speakers! Most of the time, other
DJs specify backup equipment, but really mean backup batteries, mixer,
or cables.
Q.
When do you setup? Does that cost anything?
A.
Setup and teardown is NO charge. Other DJs may charge you a setup
or teardown charge; we believe its one of the biggest parts that you pay
for already. Setup times vary depending on the type setup and which packages
have been added on, such as lights or karaoke.
Q.
Do you require a deposit?
A. Yes, we do require a
non-refundable deposit to reserve this day. Should your event be cancelled
outside of 60 days prior to your event, the deposit will be returned in full. Within
the 60 days, deposits may not be refunded under any circumstance. Within
60 days does not give us much time to rebook that "cancelled"
date. Typically, deposits are $100, but may vary under different circumstances.
Q.
How early should I book my event?
A.
We recommend the earlier, the better. Saturday evenings usually
fill up first, and we've been booked over a year in advance for important
events. As soon as you have absolute confirmation for your event, we suggest
calling for availability.
Q.
Do you charge to travel?
A. Within 30 miles of Orlando,
Florida is free. Outside of that, a nominal fee may be added to cover
small expenses. If you require a DJ to stay overnight, you will be responsible
for full payment of lodging and meals. (This typically does not occur.)
Q.
Someone else gave me a better deal for my wedding, do you bargain?
A.
Unfortunately, no. The entertainment industry is NOT like retail.
For example, if you see a pair of Nike shoes at a store in the mall for
$69.99, then go to another store and see the EXACT same pair for $79.99,
you will obviously return to the first store for your purchase. No two
companies are going to have the same show, or...end product. In this industry,
you get what you pay for! If you pay $200-300 for a wedding reception,
do not expect to have a well-groomed interactive DJ waiting to turn your
event into everything you dreamed of. So if someone tells us they received
a better quote from another company, are they going to put on a better
show? Are they going to have better DJs and enthusiasm? Are they going
to have top-of-the-line reliable equipment? Are they going to be insured?
The answer to all...is probably not. We price ourselves based on what
we think is fair for the show we put on, the current trend in the market,
and based somewhere around competitors prices...and what they
offer. Even then, we try to stay slightly under the trend, for what we
offer. We unfortunately do not compete with prices of smaller and lesser
experienced DJs.
Wedding
Cost and Budget
The
average cost for a wedding is around $24,000. Based on research and statistics,
most couples only reserve around 2% of their budget for the DJ.
Yet, in the same study, the disc jockey accounts for 60% of the responsibility!
The average wedding reserves 2% for the disc jockey.
Out of all of your venders, the disc jockey has more responsibility than
any of them. He/she will also be there longer than any of the others.
The disc jockey also doubles as a coordinator and on-microphone talent.
Note the cost of a DJ and what comes along with him/her is
a real bargain compared to the vegetable tray or cake!
Some
couples pay more for the vegetable trays than they pay for their DJ, and
then wonder why many guests did not stay long. The music and entertainment
is the most important part of a wedding reception! Most people never remember
what type of flowers a couple had, what type of food was served, or even
how good the wine tasted. In fact, many will not even see the pictures
or videos that were taken. However, they will remember whether they had
a GOOD or a BAD time. The disc jockey can make or break your event with
how well he or she entertains. The disc jockey should be chosen with utmost
concern, as should your other venders! However, just remember who is on
the microphone at showtime!
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