*I accept checks for the initial deposit on any event. For final payment, your contract stipulates that I only accept cash at the event itself for the payment of the remaining balance, and if the remaining balance is to be paid by check, it must be paid at least 7 days prior to the event itself. Please make checks payable to "Sounds To Go."
**I accept major credit cards online through Paypal. You do NOT need a paypal account to process a payment, and you enter all of your own information online and get a receipt for your payment. It's FAST, EASY & SECURE! I also accept credit cards in-person via the Square app & card reader. There are no additional surcharges to you for these convenient payment options. Back to top
How far do you travel?
I service the entire Sacramento region, all Northern California, and the Lake Tahoe region. My base packages include travel to any event located 30 miles or less (one way) from Roseville. Currently, there is a $0.55/mi travel charge for events outside a 30 mi. radius. Additional travel charges, including but not limited to overnight accomodations may also apply. Distances a recalculated using Google Maps, and are calculated from the generic zip code 95661 to the street address of the event location or venue. Back to top
Who will show up to do our event?
I am a single-operator service. We'll meet during your pre-event consultations, and I will be the DJ who shows up for your event. I do not "sub out" events to other DJs or contractors. I do, however, have a select few highly trusted independent DJ services that I may refer you to if I am not available for your event, or who will substitute for me in the event of unforeseen circumstances. Back to top
Do you charge for set-up and tear-down time?
As a rule, no. My packages are billed by the hour, and are billed as actual performance time. Set-up and tear-down times are included in our base rates. Typically, for an audio-only event, it will take about 45 minutes to load in, set up, and do a sound-check with 30 minutes needed to tear down after an event. The amount of time needed will of course be determined by various factors including whether or not additional services are included such as more extensive lighting, video projection, etc.
There are certain circumstances that will act as exceptions to this rule, such as a venue or event location with only stair access, locations and/or events that require multiple tear-down and relocation of equipment setups, etc. Details on these exceptions and the rates that accompany them can be found in our Terms and Conditions in our contract. For the most part however, there is no additional charge for set-up and tear down of equipment. Back to top
Do you use a "tip-jar?"
No, I do not. I charge a professional rate for professional services. You will never see a "tip-jar" at your event, or find me soliciting or encouraging gratuities from you or your guests. If, however, you feel you received an exemplary performance at your event, and you decide of your own accord to offer a gratuity, you may do so freely. It goes without saying that I wouldn't mind!
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Do you advertise at my event?
I am there to play a part in enhancing your event, not to overtly enhance or promote myself as a business. My philosophy is that my performance and service at any event should speak for themselves.
I will always have business cards available at your event for interested guests, and if these are displayed, they will be in a discreet business card holder on my table, and will never be strewn about or distributed around your event site. Also, and more importantly, you will never find any signs or banners promoting my company name or services, and you will never hear me repeating my company name over the mic or actively promoting myself during your event.
The most you may expect in this regard is a brief introduction when I am greeting your guests for the first time and setting the tone for the rest of the event.
The exception to this of course would be a commercial or public event where this type of advertisement or self-promotion may be appropriate, and where we agree ahead of time that such will occur. Back to top
Do you take breaks?
We are all human, and when nature calls, you have to answer! That being said, there will never be a pause or disruption in your service. Back to top
Do we get to choose the music for our event?
Of course! I work with all of our clients to establish musical programming guidelines that will create the typer of vibe and feel they are looking for.
During our pre-event planning process, we will use comprehensive music selection guides that will allow you to specify your "must hear" and "play if possible" songs. You can also specify a "do NOT play" list for songs, genres, or artists you do not wish to hear.
Once I have your guidelines, my experience and musical knowledge take over, and I program music while "reading the crowd" and sticking to the guidelines you determine. Back to top
Do you take Requests?
Of course! I will always ask you if you would like me to encourage requests from your guests. I recommend that guests be allowed to make requests as long as they don't conflict with your predetermined musical guidelines because this is the best way to ensure that everyone has the best possible experience at your event. Back to top
What if you do not have songs or artists that we want to hear?
My musical library is very extensive, and is always growing. Even in today's digital-age though, there is always going to be something I won't have. That is why I get your "must play" song selections ahead of time, so I can have them ready for your event.
My policy regarding music states that if you want something I don't have, I will get it for you at no extra charge provided I have ample time to do so before your event, and as long as the material in question is readily commercially available through legal music purchasing outlets. Back to top
What happens if our DJ gets sick or something?
I'm proud to say that so far, I have not missed, had to cancel, or been late for an event. That being said, I do have policies in place in your contract for your protection should circumstances beyond my control (as determined in contract) prevent me from performing at your event. If something were to happen to me before your event, I would notify you as soon as possible. I will make every reasonable attempt to find a suitable replacement for the same rate, and if possible, would arrange a meeting with you and the "replacement DJ" before your event. I would also have all the information for your event on file - all the song lists, itinerary information, special instructions, and anything else pertaining to your event so the DJ will arrive informed and ready to go. If for any reason I cannot perform at your event, and cannot find a suitable replacement, any and all funds paid to-date will be refunded in-full. This is a condition in your contract for your protection. I take my obligations and performances very seriously and have a long list of satisfied clients, repeat business, and vendor referrals that all speak to my dedication. Back to top
When are the deposits and final payments due?
I require a minimum 50% deposit and signed contract to reserve the date. The final payment of the remaining balance is due either before, or on the day of your event. A signed contract is not indicative of a guaranteed date. It must be accompanied by a minimum 50% deposit to hold your date and guarantee service. Contracts and deposits are accepted and considered executed on a first-received, first executed basis. From time to time, I do offer certain incentives and discounts for clients who decide to pre-pay their event in-full at the time of contract signing (JUST ASK!), but this is always optional. Back to top
When do you arrive to set up?
While the answer to this question depends on many variables, including event type, venue layout, type of services being provided, an event with audio and basic dance lighting would see me arrive approximately 1.5 hours ahead of the scheduled start time of the event. For a wedding with a ceremony requiring a second setup for microphones & music, we would add another 45-minutes to an hour. Additional services, and equipment/event needs may add to the required setup time, but rest assured all setup will be completed before your event starts.
I make sure I am set up and organized well before your scheduled start time so I can meet and coordinate with venue staff and other vendors, go over last-minute questions and details with you, etc. Back to top
Should we feed the DJ?
This one is completely up to you to decide. Refreshments are greatly appreciated, and sustenance even more so. Please do not feel obligated however, and certainly don't add me to your head-count for the meal service if you are being billed per-plate. Typically, there is least one guest already included in your count that won't be present. My only request regarding food is that you let me know either way ahead of time so that I can plan accordingly.
Another important thing to note is that you will never see me partaking of ANY alcoholic beverages at your event. You would think this one would be a given, but you'd be surprised how many horror stories I hear about other DJs who were toasted (not just toasting) at their events!
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Can we meet in person before we sign a contract?
Of course! I understand the importance of meeting face-to-face so you can be sure that my personality and style are right for your event. I also prefer this so I can get a better feel for you and your event. We can however have our consultations and planning meetings via phone if schedules are tight, or if you are not local to the area. I have planned many weddings with out-of-town and out-of-state clients that went off flawlessly! All of the paperwork and planning materials can be handled via email, and I accept online payments right here on the site to make it easy for you to reserve your date and make payments online. Back to top