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Questions and
Information Pertaining to Anything Related to Money and Costs
A: This is a good question, because most people have a number of misperceptions of DJs. Did you know that a DJ in 1970 makes about the same amount of money that a current DJ makes? This is unfortunate. The typical consumer does not think twice about paying a caterer $20 a plate for a meal (100 people = $2000). So, obviously that same consumer would have no problem paying a DJ $10 a head for entertainment (100 people = $1000), right? NOT! That person would think you are out of your mind! Think about it. More guests will remember entertainment over what they ate, but the average consumer will pay twice as much for food! As a professional DJ, I have to deal with numerous costs to make your event successful. Here is a sample of the expenses I have to contend with; vehicle for transporting equipment (maintenance, gas, repairs, insurance, taxes), sound & light equipment (upgrades, repair, maintenance, replacement), new music purchases, party favors, props, advertising expenses (wedding magazines, mail-outs, postcards, info packets, etc), phone line, website hosting and internet charges, office supplies, business cards, postage, long-distance phone calls, computer, computer supplies, clothing (tux, shoes, etc), fees & dues for professional associations, company insurance, health insurance, and so on. On the average, I incur expenses totaling $300+ PER EVENT.. Q: Do you offer special rates or promotions? A: Yes. My prices are usually less during
weekdays compared to the weekends. Call
Q: Do you charge for set-up? A: There is no charge for set-up, except in extreme circumstances (i.e. stairs, distance to transport at the actual location, outdoors with a tent, outdoors with a power generator). Q: Do you charge for travel? A: There is no charge for travel within 35 miles. Past 35 miles, I charge no more than $2 per mile (computed on a 1-way basis). Thus, if your location were 75 miles, the travel charge would only be $80 or less. Q: If my party runs later, can you stay longer? A: You bet! When a party is going strong, sometimes you just don't want it to end at the scheduled time. I understand. You can book additional time at the event for $50 per half hour (considered overtime). Q: Should we include you in our count for lunch/dinner? A: No. I am there to provide you and your guests with the finest in musical entertainment. As such, I feel it would be inappropriate to expect you to feed me. BUT, if you insist or expect me to eat, I'll eat, because I would never want to offend. Please be aware, that I would need to know this in advance, because I usually eat before leaving for an event. Q: Do you expect a tip? A: No. You are already paying me good money to
perform; I do NOT expect a tip. BUT, if you choose to give me a tip,
I'll be your friend forever and ever - LOL! Q:
How much of a deposit is required to book you? A: I require a $175 non-refundable retainer on most contracts. That retainer is deducted from your total, with the remaining balance due at the end of the event. I accept cash, personal checks, money orders, cashier's checks, Visa, Mastercard, and Discover credit cards. We are PCI Compliant. Q: What if I have to cancel my event? Can I get a refund? A: Maybe. My contract clearly states my refund policy. I look at each individual case (weather, death, uncontrollable circumstances, etc). The contract is mostly geared to scare away clients who are "non-committal".
Can I see your written contract? Absolutely. In order to avoid misunderstandings
and miscommunications, any DJ should provide a written confirmation of all
details concerning what is expected of the DJ, and also of the client. The
contract not only gives me certain rights, but also you (the client) certain rights and privileges. Click on
this sentence to see a sample of my contract. And if you have questions
pertaining to it, please ask. What
other things or add-ons can you provide and how much Additional costs, add-ons, and "extras" can be found on my website, under PRICES. I charge by the package, not by the hour. I strive to create an event that is "extra" special and well worth your money. The cost of any event is dependent on the type of event, location, format, travel, special effects (if requested), and so on. It is not uncommon for me to throw out "party" props or favors at some events. I will sometimes ask guests to return these; other times I will let your guests take them home (with no cost to you). Some clients will request the Deluxe Package, versus the Basic Package. The Deluxe Package allows me to bring TONS of cool stuff for your guests; giving your event that extra punch that everyone will notice!
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