Frequently Asked Questions
We at The Sound Station Disc Jockey Service wish to stress the importance of the DJ decision making process!! We recognize that most of our clients don't hire music entertainment very often. In fact, many people don't even know what to ask when hiring a DJ service. We've assembled this list of most frequently asked questions to help you learn more about our service and to help you make a more informed decision about the music entertainment at your event.
Remember: Not all DJs are created equal and your name is on the line if you are the one booking entertainment for your event!!!
Some are experienced, some are not. Some dress formal, some don't. Some have great equipment and song selection, some don't. Some are flexible, polite, accommodating and professional, some don't have a clue!
Keep in mind: Most DJs charge what they feel they are worth, which sometimes can be a direct reflection on confidence and ability!
Choosing a professional mobile entertainer for your event should be similar to hiring a new employee. Any potential employee must sell themselves and so should a quality professional entertainer. You should receive candid answers to your questions and feel comfortable with your decision.
Today's professional mobile DJ entertainers bear very little resemblance to the "record spinners" of the past. The new millennium DJ entertainer has advanced to a degree where it would not be uncommon for them to utilize in excess of $8,000 in equipment and music library for a single event!
ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS . . .
1. Date Availability
Are they available for your selected date and time?
2. Experience
How long has the Disc Jockey Service been in business. Are they flexible enough to accommodate your special requests?
3. Face to face meeting for weddings
Is your DJ willing to meet with you and discuss your likes and dislikes, both musically and otherwise? Can they be easily reached for last minute additions, changes and suggestions?
4. I want to see you 'in action' at another function. Where and when can I do this?
We are very hesitant to send potential clients to another client's event (and we will take the same approach in not sending potential clients to your event). Besides the potential inconvenience to our client, there is no guarantee that the event you visit will be anything like what you are looking for at your event. Please see our Testimonials page for recent and event specific references from actual clients.
6. Our event is not located in the Massachusetts area. Do you travel? If so, what is the charge?
Again, travel charges depend upon the circumstances, which is why we customize packages for each client. We normally do not charge travel for events in the Marlborough, Mass area. Beyond that, it depends upon the distance involved, whether or not the trip will require an overnight stay, etc.
7. Is there a charge for set-up.
Set-up time is included. Only under extreme cases will you ever be charged extra for set-up. Usually, additional charges will apply if the venue is extremely difficult to load into, or your event requires extra equipment. We will typically arrive at the venue approximately ninety minutes prior to the start time. Regardless, we will never load equipment into the facility while guests are present.
8. How far ahead should we book your service?
It depends upon the date. Some clients choose to contract a year or more in advance, while some are comfortable waiting until several months prior. Saturdays are the busiest nights, so waiting too long to hire a DJ (or any service) for a Saturday night might lead to disappointment.
9. Do you use a contract?
Absolutely. You should get a written contract from all of your event services. No professional service operates without written contracts, and if a potential service tells you that you don't need one, turn and run! Make sure the contract includes the date, times and location of your event. We always send a written contract, guaranteeing your event details.
10. What are your rates?
Our rates vary depending upon the date, time needed, location, package chosen, your specific needs and other variables that can impact the final rate. Rather than just creating a generic menu of prices, we prefer to work with each individual client to create a package that best suits their needs.
11. How much is your deposit requirement?
Our deposit fee is 30% of the total price for the event.
12. Do lights and effects cost extra?
Our elaborate lighting effects are available for an additional charge, customizable to your needs. *Important - Our lighting is professional grade quality, and requires at least one seperate electric circut to power them. No more then a 12 foot extension cord will be used (If your event does not allow this we will not provide lighting)*. We also offer our uplighting services.
13. Can we choose the music?
Absolutely. It's your party! While we are happy to make suggestions, you have total control over the music that is played at your event. We have clients who choose every single song to be played. We have clients who leave it entirely up to us.
14. Do you have any current music?
We update our music library every week, so we always have the most current music. Please let us know if you have specific songs or artists you want played at your event.
15. What happens if you don’t have a song we want--can we bring our own CDs?
Due to the software we use, and the way it interacts with the database it does not allow us to accommodate this request on the day of the event. Our database of songs is over 100,000 mp3's and we cannot afford a corrupt database. We can accommodate you by working in advance with getting the songs you will need. We rarely come across a client request that we cannot accommodate.
16. What are the traditional ceremony songs?
Most of our clients ask us to play prelude music prior to the ceremony, along with a wedding processional for the bridal entrance and a wedding recessional for the exit from the ceremony. Occasionally, we are asked to play special songs for the seating of special family members or the entrance of the bridal party. Also, music can accompany any special moments that sometimes occur during the wedding ceremony (like a candle lighting, for instance). We are happy to make suggestions for these selections, if needed, and can play them for you at our office. Please contact us to schedule an appointment.
17. When do we need to update our on- line planner?
We recommend that youu update your on line planner to us at least two weeks prior to your event, if not sooner. This gives us time to look for specific songs requests and to help us assign the best DJ for your event. Can we change our time when we get closer to our date? Typically, we can make minor adjustments to the start and end times of your event. We understand that plans can sometimes change at the last minute, and we try to be as accommodating as possible.
18. Will your DJ help with announcements?
Our DJs come equipped with a microphone and are happy to make announcements and to help coordinate activities at your event, if you want them to. We prefer to plan these activities and announcements with you ahead of time so there are no surprises or disappointments at your event.
19. Your DJ won’t be obnoxious, will they?
Absolutely not. Our DJs are trained to be professional, friendly, courteous and helpful. Additionally, they are trained to handle your event to your specifications. If you prefer a more low-key approach, the DJ will gladly accommodate your wishes. At a wedding reception, our DJs are trained to enhance the enjoyment of the event, not to try to be the "star". A wedding day is about you, the bride and groom, not about our DJ.
20. What do your DJs wear?
Unless directed otherwise, our DJs wear formal attire (suit). For casual or outdoor events our DJs wear something like a Polo shirt and Khakis. We can put your DJ in a tuxedo, if desired, but we do not recommend it as the DJ ends up looking like they are in the wedding party.
21. What kind of equipment do you use?
The Sound Station DJ's use state-of-the-art, professional-grade sound equipment and our music library is 100% mp3 for optimal sound quality.
22. What does your setup look like?
Our sound gear is housed in professional road cases and set up on a skirted table to hide wires, supplies, etc. Our set up is designed to enhance the decor of any room.
23. What time will your DJ arrive?
Typically our DJs arrive 2 hours before start time. Our sound systems are
pre-wired and usually take only an hour to set up, so we've allowed plenty of cushion. Please let us know if you have special needs.
24. Is there a charge to have my DJ setup early, even if they won’t be playing music?
Your contract is set up so that you only pay from the time you want the DJ to be completely ready until the last song ends. In some cases the DJ is required to set up an hour or two before the start time. Since our DJs are paid for their time we must start paying them from the time they are ready to go, even if they are not actually playing music. Consequently we must charge you for the time they are there, regardless of whether or not they play music. Imagine scheduling an appointment with any other professional (like an attorney or doctor), but asking them to come two hours early and wait for you without them billing you. Like them DJs get paid for their time.
25. What do you need the facility to provide for you?
A standard 6-8 foot banquet table decorated in the events theme and access to a standard electrical outlet with in a 12 foot distance. If lighting is involved two separate outlets less then 12 feet away are necessary.
26. What happens if my DJ does not show up?
If this happens, you've hired someone else. In 15 years and over 1,000 events, we've never missed a single event.
27. Do you need to see the room you’ll be working in before the day of my event?
Almost never. We've worked in every possible situation in our 1,000+ events over the years and can make virtually any room or area work.
28. Do we need to feed the DJ?
Our DJs do not expect a meal at your event. At longer events or events that run through a typical meal time DJ's appreciate an offer of food, but it is not expected. In truth, caterers typically offer the DJ some food regardless of what our client does. In any case, if your DJ is offered a meal, it will be consumed quickly and discreetly.
29. How much should I tip the DJ?
Tipping is not expected, but our DJs do work hard to provide you with the best possible event and appreciate any show of recognition that you might deem appropriate.
30. Why should we choose The Sound Station Disc Jockey Service over any other service?
We believe that we provide the best service in the New England area. We pay attention to every detail and make every effort to make every event we do absolutely perfect. Finally, at most wedding receptions, the DJ or band "makes-or-breaks" the party. A great DJ means a great party and an event you will never forget, practically regardless of any other circumstances. A bad DJ will send people home early and probably ruin the night, no matter how nice the rest of the day has been.Truly, the DJ might be the most critical decision one can make when planning a party. We believe you cannot find a higher quality DJ service in the area, and our prices are fair. We hope to have the opportunity to serve you.
