*We accept checks for the initial deposit on any event. For final payment, 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. Please make checks payable to "Sounds To Go."
**We accept major credit cards online through Paypal. You do NOT need a paypal account to process a payment, and the process is fast and secure. There are no additional surcharges to you for this option, and you enter all of your own information online and get a receipt for your payment. It's FAST, EASY & SECURE! Back to top
How far do you travel?
We service the entire Sacramento region, all Northern California, and the Lake Tahoe region. Our base 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. Distances calculated using Mapquest, 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?
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. Back to top
Do you charge for set-up and tear-down time?
As a rule, no. Our 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, 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! Back to top
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 should 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 any 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 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.
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! We 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 we have your guidelines, our experience and musical knowledge take over, and we program music while "reading the crowd" and sticking to the guidelines you determine. Back to top
Do you take Requests?
Of course! We will always ask you if you would like us to encourage requests from your guests. We 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?
Our musical library is very extensive, and is always growing, but even in today's digital-age, 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 states that if you want something we don't have, we will get it for you at no extra charge provided we have ample time to do so before your event, and as long as the material in question is readily available through legal music purchasing outlets. Back to top
What happens if our DJ gets sick or something?
We're proud to say that so far, we have not missed, had to cancel, or been late for an event. That being said, we do have policies in place in your contract for your protection should circumstances beyond our control (as determined in contract) prevent us from performing at your event. 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 will 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 we 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. We take our obligations and performances very seriously and have a long list of satisfied clients, repeat business, and vendor referrals that speak to our dedication. Back to top
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. 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 us 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 our required setup time, but rest assured all setup will be completed before your event starts.
We make sure we're set up and organized well before your scheduled start time so we can get setup, 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 us 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. Our only request regarding food 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 alcoholic beverages at your event. You would think this one would be a given, but you'd be surprised how many horror stories we hear about other DJ's who were toasted (not just toasting) at their events! Back to top
Can we meet in person before we sign a contract?
Of course! We understand the importance of meeting face-to-face so you can be sure that our personality and style are right for your event. We also prefer this so we can talk to you about your event and 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 you are not local to the area. We have planned many weddings with out-of-town and out-of-state clients that went off flwalessly! All of our paperwork and planning materials can be handled via email, and we accept online payments right here on our site to make it easy for you to reserve your date and make payments online. Back to top
