Sounds To Go ~ Mobile Disc Jockey Service
"Building memories... one song at a time..."
(916) 223-4508
Frequently Asked Questions
Policies and Procedures:
Do you provide a contract? 
What forms of payment do you accept?
How far do you travel?
Who will show up to do our event?
Do you charge for set-up and teardown time?
Do you use a "tip-jar?"
Do you advertise at my event?
Do you take breaks?
Do we get to choose the music for our event?
Do you take requests?
What if you do not have songs or artists we want to hear?
What happens if our DJ gets sick or something?
When are the deposits and final payments due?
Should we feed the DJ?
Credentials:
Are you licensed to do business?
Do you have liability Insurance?
Do you have references available?
Are you a Full-Time or Part-Time DJ Service?
Performance:
How loud will the music be?
How interractive is your performance style?
How much space do you need?
Pricing:
Do you meet or beat prices from other disc jockey services?
Why are your prices lower than a lot of other dj services?
How do you come up with your prices?
Why do you have minimums?
If I get a 4 or 5 hour Standard Package, I'm just paying for 4 or 5 hours of service, right?
Policies and Procedures:
Do you provide a contract?
Of course. For our mutual protection, and just as importantly, your peace of mind, every event is booked using a contract that contains all pertinent event information: dates, times, services included, price, payments, etc.
View our contract and our terms and conditions here.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We happily accept any of the following payment options:
1. Cash.
Duh :)
2. Check*.
*We accept checks for the initial deposit on any event. For our protection, our contract stipulates that we 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. In practice however, we are pretty lax about this and will accept a check for final payment as well. Our discretion will determine this in each case.
*Please make checks payable to "Sounds To Go."
3. Credit/Debit cards.
We accept major credit cards online on our Rates page, and payment is done through Paypal. You do NOT need a paypal account to process a payment, and the process is fast and secure. You enter all of your own information online and get a receipt for your payment. It's FAST and EASY!!!
How far do you travel?
We service the entire Sacramento region, and our normal rate packages include travel to any event located 30 miles or less (one way) from Roseville. Currently, there is a $0.50/mi travel charge for events outside a 30 mi. radius.
Who will show up to do our event?
The DJ you meet during your pre-event consultations will be the DJ who shows up for your event. We do not "sub out" events to other DJ's or contractors. We do, however, have a select few highly trusted independent DJ services that we may refer you to if we are not available for your event, or who will substitute for us in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
Do you charge for set-up and teardown time?
As a rule, no. Our packages are billed by the hour, and are billed as actual performance time. Set-up and teardown times are included in our base rates. Typically, for an audio-only event, it will take about 45 minutes to set up, and 30 minutes to tear down after an event. The amount of time needed will of course be determined by whether or not additional services are included such as more extensive lighting, 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. For the most part however, there is no additional charge for set-up and tear down of equipment.
Do you use a "tip-jar?"
No, we do not. We charge a professional rate for professional services. You will never see a "tip-jar" at your event, or find us 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 we wouldn't mind:)
Do you advertise at my event?
We are there to play a part in enhancing your event, not to overtly enhance or promote ourselves. Our philosophy is that our performance and service at any event will speak for themselves.
We 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 our table, and will never be strewn about or distributed around your event site. Also, and more importantly, you will never find signs or banners promoting our company name or services, and you will never hear us repeating our company name over the mic or actively promoting ourselves during your event (the exception of course being if it is a commercial or public event where this would be appropriate).
The most you may expect in this regard is a brief introduction when we are greeting your guests for the first time and setting the tone for the rest of the event. We may introduce ourselves as Sounds To Go mobile disc jockey service, and move swiftly into our announcements or the rest of your event.
Do you take breaks?
We are all human, and when nature calls, you have to answer!!! Rest assured that from beginning to end, we will never let there be a pause or disruption in your service.
Do we get to choose the music for our event?
Of course!!! We have had clients who have programmed their music from beginning to end, and others who have left us to program it all. Most clients fall somewhere in between.
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.
If you REALLY want to get down in the trenches and have a lot of control over the selections played, we can make available our entire music database so you, your family, and your friends can highlight favorite selections to your heart's content!!!
Do you take Requests?
Of course!!! We will always ask you if you would like us to encourage requests from your guests. This is the best way to ensure that everyone has the best possible experience at your event.
What if you do not have songs or artists that we want to hear?
Our musical library is very extensive, and is always growing, but there is always going to be something we won't have.
That is why we get your "must play" song selections ahead of time, so we can have them ready for your event.
Our policy regarding music is if you want something we don't have, we will get it for you at no extra charge.
You can always provide us with music selections of your own as well, but we actually prefer to procure your special requests ourselves if possible... this helps us ensure that our music library is always growing and is always as braod and diverse as possible.
What happens if our DJ gets sick or something?
Sometimes we wish DJ's were super-human and would never be affected by illness or injury. However, that is just a wish. If something were to happen to the DJ scheduled for your event we would notify you as soon as possible. We will make every reasonable attempt to find a suitable replacement for the same rate, and if possible, we will arrange a meeting with you and the "replacement DJ" before your event. We also will have all the information for your event on file - all the song lists, special instructions, and anything else pertaining to your event so the DJ will arrive informed and ready to go. If for any reason we cannot show up 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.
When are the deposits and final payments due?
We 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, we do offer certain incentives and discounts for clients who decide to pre-pay their event in-full at the time of contract signing (ask us!), but this is always optional.
Should we feed the DJ?
You decide on this one. Refreshments are greatly appreciated, and sustenance even more so. Please do not feel obligated, and please NEVER add us to your headcount for the meal service (since at least one guest already counted will usually not show.) Our only request is that you let us know either way ahead of time so that we can plan accordingly.
Another important thing to note is that you will never see your DJ partaking of alchoholic beverages at your event. You would think this one would be a given, but you'd be surprised how many stories we hear about other djs who were toasted at their events.
Don't get us wrong, it's not that we don't appreciate the hospitality of the offers, but come on peeps... we've got a JOB to do:)
Credentials:
Are you licensed to do business?
Yes. Sounds To Go is licensed to do business, has a fictitious name registration, carries liability insurance, and has bank and credit accounts in the business' name. What all this means to you is the assurance that we will be here for you tomorrow, and for your event whenever it may be. It also shows you that we take what we do seriously.
Do you have liability insurance?
Yes. Some commercial venues require independent vendors to carry a liability policy and we have one in effect at all times. We carry a $1 Million dollar liability insurance policy, and you can view our certificate of coverage here, and even print it if you need to submit it to a venue to verify coverage prior to your event. You will need an Adobe Acrobat reader to view and print this certificate, and if you do not have one, you can download a reader here for free.
Do you have references available?
Yes. We have testimonials here on our site from satisfied customers that you can check out, and we also have plenty of personal references with contact information available should you wish to explore them prior to hiring our services.
Out of respect for our client's privacy, and respecting the nature of the events we do, we do not allow "drop-ins," i.e., allowing potential clients to "stop in" and "see us in action" at an event. We would not invite complete strangers to your special event, so it follows that we would not invite you to anyone else's. The exception, of course, is a public event such as a fund raiser or commercial event that is open to the public, and you may ask us if we have anything of the sort scheduled before your event.
Are you a full-time or part time dj service?
When do 99% of dj'd events occur? That's right... on the weekends! So if we're going to be completely honest with ourselves, the only real difference between the "part-time dj" and his mythical-mystical counterpart the "full-time dj" is going to be in the price of services, plain and simple. The "full-time dj" is looking to your wedding fees to pay not only his dj business expenses, but his mortgage, two car payments, and his boat payment on top of that! The "part-time" dj, however, is not looking to you for his livelihood and can therefore provide incredible service and quality at a more affordable (read reasonable) rate.
Instead of focusing on what your dj is doing when they're not mixing it up, look at how busy their dj schedule itself really is. If they are a true professional provider, they will be able to show you a very densely-filled calendar for the months ahead, and may even have events booked out a year or more in advance, because they have a lot invested in advertising, and/or a good amount of repeat and referral business. THESE are your "full-time dj's." Those individuals who are making every effort to make themselves available and take on dj events during the seasons and on the days that people traditionally hire dj's!
So are we a "Full-Time" dj service? Yes. Is this "all that we do?" No. What does this mean? That we can provide you with a superior level of service and quality entertainment at a reasonable rate whenever and wherever you want it!
If you're looking at another service that places an emphasis on the fact that they are "full-time," ask yourself if you can truly discern a difference in the type or quality of services they are offering, or does it look like they are simply telling you this in an effort to scare YOU into paying a higher rate for a "full-time" service?
Performance:
How loud will the music be?
One of the biggest pet peeves of clients regarding other DJ services is that at some event(s) they attended in the past, the DJ that was playing was just too loud. We try our best at all times to ensure that the volume level is appropriate.
During the cocktail and dinner hours the music will be set at a comfortable level to facilitate normal conversation. Background music should be just that - in the background.
When it's time to dance, if necessary, and if possible, the speakers will be adjusted to give the dance floor the maximum sound while the rest of the room can still engage in conversation.
Of course, at any time, if YOU feel that the music is too loud - or too quiet - let us know and adjustments will be made. It is your event after all !!!
How interactive is your performance style?
We are relatively low-key, and actually try to be on the mic as little as possible. Of course, we will make sure you and your guests are having a good time, and that your event keeps moving according to schedule... That's just what we do!!!
We're not game show hosts or stand-up comedians, and we are not at your event doing an "act," so you will not find us trying to fill any of these roles... only trying to create and maintain the atmosphere you desire in the most professional manner possible.
Bottom line: We prefer to let the music do the talking, and try our best to make sure that the focus stays where it should be at all times... on you and your guests. In the end, however, it is up to you to decide how much of a "presence" you want from the person you hire, and we will do our best to accommodate your desired level of interactivity.
How much space do you need?
We are fully self-contained, and if we are using our standard/basic setup, we take up very little room. We need room for our 6' banquet table, our (2) speaker stands (figure a 4' x 4' footprint on each) and a few feet behind the table to work in. We bring speaker cables that allow us to space out our speakers to suit the acoustics of the venue and the needs of the event, so our setup is very flexible. We can be shoved into a corner to save space, or we can set up along a wall or the front of a stage to maximize sound coverage. Ultimately, its up to you, the layout of your venue, and the nature of your event to determine where and how we set up. We are always able to provide our insights and suggestions if you are not sure about the best location for your dj. Just ask... we would love to help !!!
Do you meet or beat prices from other disc jockey services?
As a rule, and surprisingly enough, no. We understand that price is a major factor for the potential client looking for services, but we also know that it should not be the main, let alone the only factor. While we know the importance of remaining competitive, we still realize that we are a business, and unlike some, we choose to run our business LIKE a business rather than a street-corner fruit stand. This means set fees for professional services offered. Remember, we are a professional service to be hired, not a product to be liquidated.
We realize that this kind of approach will, in some instances, keep us from being "the cheapest" and we are fine with that. Will we always be "the lowest?" Probably not. But dollar-for-dollar, we will always be one of the best values... which is always more important.
Why are your prices lower than a lot of other dj services?
This one has a few different answers:
1. We charge what we feel is fair for each event based on the type of event, and for the services being provided. You see, we don't think dj's are "just for weddings," and we don't think you should have to pay "wedding dj prices" for entertainment at non-wedding events. Having a professional disc jockey at your special event may be a luxury, but that doesn't mean it has to be PRICED like one!!!
2. We only include and charge for what you want and what you need. While some DJ services have extras like lighting or other options built into their base-rates (i.e., you pay for them whether you want them or use them or not...), Sounds To Go will never charge you for additional services or options that you do not want or need.
We realize that every event is different, and has different needs. This is why we offer pricing packages with a very reasonable and competitive base-rate, and is also why we offer additional performance time, service upgrades, and options, as add-ons. We feel that every performance package should be custom-built from the ground up to best suit the needs of you, your guests, and your event.
How do you come up with your prices?
In general, dj pricing can seem confusing at best, and can even seem like a joke at worst when you start comparing services. What is it based on? Who's charging a "fair" price? In most cases, the price of a new service will be determined by "what the other guys" in the market are charging. But what are THEIR prices based on? This seemingly infinite regression goes on and on. In short, who knows what they are basing it on. Don't be afraid to ask them!
Our prices are carefully formulated with our actual hard costs of doing business in mind. We actually perform regular job-cost-analysis to ensure that the costs of doing business are met while allowing for a set profit margin. Seems like common sense doesn't it? "Just the way it should be" you say? We think so!
Unfortunately though, most services don't have any real business basis for their rates at all!
Many are not really running their business like a business, and therefore do not have any kind of understanding of the financial aspects of their operation, or the industry in general, OR, on the flip-side, they know for a fact that they are charging an amount for their services that covers their base-expenses with such a large profit margin that they "don't have to worry about it." This is when you should ask why such a large profit margin is justified. What makes their offerings that much different?
Long story short... if another service is charging substantially more for a similar package for your event, make sure they can tie that cost difference to something tangible that you yourself can see, experience, and/or understand. If you yourself can perceive the value in what they are offering, either in what they are doing or how they are doing it, and therefore justify the difference, then go for it!
Make sure you are comparing apples with apples and oranges with oranges though. A higher priced service can still be a better value if they are truly offering services and options you want and need that the lower priced service is not, and are offering differences in equipment and overall performance that matter to you.
In the end, go with your gut... If the cost difference doesn't seem justified or justifiable, chances are it isn't! That's when you come see us!
Our services as we provide them, the time we put in, and the actual expenses and costs we incur doing business - all of these help determine our rates.
This makes us different from many other services who price themselves almost on a whim, or simply charge "what they can" or "the going rate" for whatever type of event they are doing.
Why do you have minimums?
There are a few reasons why we have minimums. The first one is a matter of fixed-costs. In other words, there are certain things that go into any event that remain constant and need to be accounted for monetarily whether the dj performance time at an event is 1hr or 10hrs. Things such as pre-event planning, consultations, paperwork, drive-time, set-up and tear-down... all of these are constants regardless of the amount of time you need a dj to perform at your event.
Another reason we have minimums is to protect ourselves from lost revenue. If we book a 2hr event for $300 six-months-out, chances are very good that we will then turn away one or two other bookings for that date that could have paid 2 to 3 times as much or more.
We love what we do, and we love being a part of special life celebrations and sharing through music. The fact remains, however, that we are in business to make money, and minimums help to ensure that that happens.
While some potential clients want us to "understand" that they "only need" a dj for a certain amount of time, we want our potential clients to understand that any given event must still be worth our while... i.e., our time and effort, to do.
Of course we have bent our policy in the past, and from time to time will continue to do so. We will always try our best to accomodate your needs. All we would ask in return is that you understand that we cannot give our services away.
If you have an event that you feel might fall below our minimums, please contact us and tell us about your needs, and we will do our best to accomodate them.
If I get a 4 or 5 hour Standard Package, I'm just paying for 4 or 5 hours of service right?
Wrong!
While some people come out and ask the following questions, others assume they know the answer already, and yet others who have had previous experience with disc jockeys actually do know the answers to them because their dj either excelled or disappointed in their overall performance.
Just what does a disc jockey do? What goes into my event? What should I expect? What exactly am I paying for?
We all know that a disc jockey "plays music." Some even go a step farther than that and take on the tasks of an "emcee" doing announcements and motivating the crowd, and some, like us, even take on the various chores of an event planner or coordinator.
Whatever the level of interactivity of your dj, and whatever types of services his or her actual performance time includes, if they are a professional worth charging a fee for their services, there is much more than might typically be thought of that they put into each event. (or at least there SHOULD be more than just the "4hrs" you pay for).
Here is a generic breakdown of what is involved for us in a "typical" 4 hr. wedding reception other than the performance itself:
Items Time in Hours Administrative Time/Paperwork 1 Consultation(s) with Client(s) 3.5 Event Preparation (Drafting of Itinerary, etc.) 2 Music Acquisition/Editing 2.5 Drive Time 1 Load/Unload Equipment 1 Set-up/Tear-Down of Equipment 1.5 Total non-performance time per event 12.5
As we can see, in this scenario, which is typical, there are at least 12.5 hours of time involved in a 4 hour wedding reception above and beyond the actual "performance time" that you and your guests see. Many variables can influence this total, among them being the nature of the event itself and the amount of detailed planning required.
The items highlighted in blue are where all of the special planning and tailoring of your event occur, and in this case, the total amount of time is 9 hours. This is the planning stage of the event, and in a lot of ways, it is just as crucial, if not more so than the actual performance time itself. The success of your event is going to depend on the experience, attention to detail, and overall flexibility of your dj during these crucial planning stages.
While the temptation is there to think you are paying a fee for "4 or 5 hours of service" (or whatever you contracted for), this is really only the tip of an iceberg, and the success of this actual performance segment will be determined by the rest of the time and effort your dj puts into your event ahead of time.
Our goal here is simply to alter the overall perception of what is involved in any given event. We want to stress the amount of overall planning that takes place prior to each event, and let you know how much value we place on this part of our job.
We hope that once you see the scope and nature of the "behind the scenes" services we offer for each event, you will see the tremendous amount of value and "bang for the buck" that Sounds To Go has to offer when compared to many other services.