What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Pricing generally ranges from $550 - $1500. Things that affect pricing are the complexity of the event, location, number of speakers needed, etc. I always bring my very best equipment every time. If you have a budget to work with, let me know what that is and I can give you options.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Working with me is super easy! After you decide that I'm your DJ, I'll send you a contract that you an approve online. You can also make the deposit online. Then, you can log in to your online event planner where you can select music, add a timeline of events, and more. We will also meet in person or by phone to go over the details. All through this you can call, text, message, or email me any time. I'm easy to reach and love my clients.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
My customer service skills were learned when I worked at Turtle Bay Resort which is among the top hotels in Hawaii. I worked as a supervisor with the banquets. It was there that I learned how to truly understand the needs of clients and event planners, adapt to change, and create an exceptional experience.
How did you get started doing this type of work?
It all started when I was in high school when my friend and I DJ'd a dance in a barn. It's was records, tapes and CDs. Over the years I've been asked to DJ dances and parties for friends and organizations that I belonged to. They kept asking me to come back, I love the work, and decided to launch the business. The response has been awesome. My reviews tell the story!
What types of customers have you worked with?
Wedding planners, brides, grooms, schools, corporate event organizers, churches, families, event planners, and more.
Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?
I have fond memories of all my events. I recently did a grand opening of a school, which was amazing. The most recent beach wedding I DJ'd was rocking! And, I recently DJ'd a graduation party at a horse ranch, which was way fun! To be in the driver's seat for any special occasion is exhilarating. I arrive several hours early to set up, sound check, and troubleshoot if needed. I'm always ready before the event is scheduled to begin, stay throughout the event, and am all packed up in about an hour after the event is over.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
Advice to a customer looking to hire would be to get a feel for the personality of the DJ your are going to hire. His personality is going to set the tone for much of the event.
If your DJ is happy and excited to be there, your guests will mirror that and also be happy and excited to be there. If it's "just another gig" for your DJ, your guests will feel that. I love my clients, and give my very best performance every time!
You should feel comfortable asking anything of your DJ, and not feel intimidated at all. Your DJ is there to serve you and contribute to making your event a success!
Ask about the equipment they use. Is it professional equipment? How does it sound? If the speakers are hissing or buzzing during dinner, that could be aggravating. My system is sweet!
If you're going to stretch on budget for something, make it your DJ. In most events, they are providing microphones, sound system, MC services for announcements, background music, dance music, disco lighting, and more.
Trust your DJ. In addition to requesting your favorite hits, call on your DJ's experience and him or her what he or she recommends for music, setup, contingency plans, etc.
What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?
Before talking to professionals, think through the role that you'd like your DJ to play in your event. Are you looking to hire someone to simply play songs or are you hiring a DJ to draw on their experience to help make your event a success?
Be willing to stretch a little on your budget for a DJ.
A professional DJ does much more than is seen. At the start, there are consultations and meetings to go over timeline and music, and draw upon the experience of the DJ. There is coordination with the event planner and other vendors. Then, there are several hours of creating tentative playlists based on conversations with the client. On the event day, I'll typically arrive 2-3 hours before the event start time to setup and soundcheck. During the event, there is adaptation to schedule changes. The DJ needs to assess your guests likes and dislikes of your guests before and during dance time. The DJ needs to help your guests reach peaks of excitement, then let them rest for a bit before raising the energy again. The DJ has to plan out the "must play" songs and plan to mix those in at the right time during the event. Your DJ needs to know how to professionally manage requests. And, when the event is over, your DJ needs to break down the equipment as quickly as possible.
