FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My pricing system isn't complicated at all. The rates are clearly listed on the "Pricing" page on my website. Generally, there's a base rate which covers up to four hours of music and lighting. If your event will be longer than four hours, there's an additional rate for the additional hours (or half-hours). If you decide to extend your event DURING the event, "overtime" can be purchased in half-hour increments, but the overtime rate costs more than if you had contracted the extra time in advance -- and overtime must be paid in cash or credit card BEFORE it begins. All standard rates include travel time up to one hour from Syracuse. If your event is more than one hour away from Syracuse, there may be extra costs for extended travel, and possibly for lodging, if your event is scheduled to end very late at night (or to begin very early in the morning).
- What types of customers have you worked with?
Most of my gigs have been wedding receptions. That often also includes the ceremony if both are taking place at the same location. In addition to weddings, I am occasionally hired for jack-and-jill parties, birthdays, anniversaries, reunions, and I also donate my time to play free events for a few select non-profit organizations.
- What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
There are a few very important factors to consider when you're choosing a disc jockey. 1) EXPERIENCE - An experienced DJ knows what music will get the crowd on the dance floor. There isn't one "sure thing" song that works at every event. DJs know music well and can make changes "on the fly" to entice the crowd and keep them dancing. 2) PERSONALITY - This is a matter of your personal preference. Before I started doing weddings, I was on-air for several years with a radio station where "less talk" is part of the slogan. It's a great approach which adapts well to weddings: the spotlight should be on you and the music, not on the DJ. I'll speak when something needs to be said, but I won't talk after every song "just because." 3) INSURANCE - Make sure your DJ carries insurance. I do carry a liability policy. I've never had to use it, and I hope I never do, but it provides important protection both for me as a DJ, and for you as a customer. Even if you can get an awesome DJ with a low price, and your venue doesn't require insurance... you should never hire a DJ that can't produce proof of liability insurance.