Frequently Asked Questions - What You SHOULD Ask Before You Book
During the booking process, we are asked a lot of the same questions that you really should ask your DJ or entertainment source. For this purpose we have compiled a list and update it regularly of things that you should know, and should ask when choosing who to trust with your event. If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at any time and we will be more than happy to help.
How much do you charge for your services?
How much is the deposit for an event and is it applied to my balance?
What experience do you have in the DJ industry?
What type of equipment do you use?
How do you acquire your music you use for performances?
Will I be provided a written contract for services?
Can the DJ play requests from my guests at my event?
Will the DJ meet with me before the event to discuss details?
Are you insured?
Do you drink alcohol at events you perform at?
Do you advertise or put up signs at events?
If I book you for the minimum of 4 hours, can I extend you at the event?
What is your backup plan in case of equipment failure?
How many DJ's will be at my event including "helpers"?
What is your standard attire for an event?
What are the methods that I can contact you regarding my event?
"How much do you charge for your services?
While we would like to post a price sheet for every event, the truth is it depends on various factors. The time of year, the day of week, the type of event, the amount of sound and/or lighting needed to adequately cover the area of the event, any special needs or requirements for the event, just to name a few. In general, our prices for a Wedding Reception average $700 for 5 hours, and are considerably less for an event that does not take as much preparation such as a School Dance or Birthday Party.
"What is and how much is the deposit for an event and is it applied to my balance?
Deposits are used to lock the date of your event in. The deposit with KC Mobile Pros is $150, or 20% of the total of the show, whichever is less. In some cases of Corporate or School shows for example, the deposit is waived as long as it is arranged prior to booking, and a signed contract is provided within 7 days of mutual agreement on a price and services. All deposits placed toward events are credited off the total balance of the show. Deposits are not refundable except in extreme cases and is soley at the discretion of KC Mobile Pros, LLC. The balance of the show will be due 14 days prior to the event unless other arrangements are made.
What experience do you have in the DJ industry?
KC Mobile Pros consists of 2 DJ's. Frank did his first Wedding Reception in 1990, and Angela started performing in 2006. In that time Frank has done over 1000 shows, and Angela at the time of this writing has done over 200. Frank has also been a DJ in both the mobile and radio setting, before going full time to mobile DJ in 2008. We have covered everything from Emcee service at concerts, to formal Wedding Receptions, to outdoor picnics. We have performed in most halls around the Kansas City area and know what it takes for load in, load out - along with setup times - and the amount of equipment needed to cover the square footage at such venues. Frank has served as Vice President of the American Disc Jockey Association, Kansas City Chapter since 2008, and keeps up with the latest trends and fashions in the entertainment world as it pertains to events and proper etiquette.
What type of equipment do you use?
We continuously upgrade and replace equipment to ensure we are using the latest technology to have the best sound and lights possible. Without going into great detail that most would not understand, we use professional grade, brand name equipment designed for road performance. Some of the brands we use are EV, JBL, Crown, Shure, and others. To put it simply, we are not going to show up with a home stereo with speakers that will barely cover a small room. We are going to bring the best possible equipment to provide a high quality audio and visual experience. Some DJ's use pure volume to cover up shabby equipment and lacking audio. With the right equipment, the volume can be at a lower level, and it will still be very suitable to even the people that like it loud.
How do you acquire your music you use for performances?
This has become a "hot topic" of conversation in the past 3-4 years. There are some DJ's that use "peer to peer" services to download their music they perform with. This is a highly degraded quality of music, not to mention highly illegal to obtain that way. KC Mobile Pros uses CD subscription services such as JonesTM and Promo Only; along with others; to obtain our music. From there we convert the CD into a "lossless" audio file that can be used in our digital systems. We take great care and pride in the aspect of music, and respect the artists that they need to be paid too, not to mention that you as a client deserve nothing less than the best that there is to offer.
Will I be provided a written contract for services?
Absolutely. Not only is a contract good for your own protection and refrence, any company that has liability insurance is required to carry a written contract for services on every show they do. To put it simply, we will not perform at any show for any reason without a signed copy of Contract for Services.
Can the DJ play requests from my guests at my event?
Yes. Every mobile setup that KC Mobile Pros has, carries over 40,000 songs within it. While this does not cover every song made, it does cover a vast spread of music from Big Band all the way up to Current Top Hits. With that said, you as the client do have the right to tell us NOT to take requests from guests. If you choose to not take requests from your guests, we will handle them in a gentle manner as not to offend anyone that would like to make a request.
Will the DJ meet with me before the event to discuss details?
In most cases we require at least one meeting before the event date for "high end" shows such as Wedding Receptions. While it is completely up to you if you wish to meet in person or over the phone, details for these events are required to be provided ahead of time to ensure the night flows smoothly. For other "common" events (i.e. - School Dances, Class Reunions), they are not required and are optional. In either case, if you request to meet with the DJ prior to the event, we will setup a date, time, and place that is convenient for you to meet.
Are you insured?
Yes. We carry a $2,000,000 Aggregate General Liability Insurance policy through Safeco Insurance for both our clients protection and ours. While we have never had a claim, the rare event can happen at any time. This may also be required by your venue that the rider be provided by us to them before the event date, and if your entertainment provider does not have the necessary insurance policy, they will not be allowed entrance into the venue.
Do you drink alcohol at events you perform at?
KC Mobile Pros has a policy of not consuming alcoholic beverages in the time of 8 hours before a scheduled event, and not until 4 hours after. While some customers may be offended that we will not drink at their events, we feel it is more professional not to consume alcohol while we are performing. This does allow for a better show, and a entertainment leader that remains sober at all times.
Do you advertise or put up signs at events?
No. We will not hang banners or place signs in or around the venue advertising our services. The exception to this policy is if we are doing a Charity Show at no cost, at which time we will place a banner on the front of our table or stage. In place of advertising at events, if someone comes up to the DJ and asks for a card, we will provide them one, but in a discreet manner that will not disturb the aesthetics of the room and decorations.
If I book you for the minimum of 4 hours, can I extend you at the event?
In most cases yes. While it is up to the DJ if they can extend or not beyond the stop time of the event, 99% of the time you can extend the DJ for additional time and the DJ will be more than happy to comply. The DJ is not required to stay past the contracted stop time if they feel they can not for any reason though.
What is your backup plan in case of equipment failure?
While we keep a very high level of maintenance and care with our equipment, the fact remains with electronics and the nature of electronics, failure can happen. In all mobile DJ setups, there is already a redundant solution for most failures that can happen, spare equipment can be obtained in a short period of time in case of catastrophic failure. In failures we have had in the past, we were able to switch to the redundant solution 99% of the time without anyone in the venue even knowing we had a problem. We plan for this aspect of the business and constantly evaluate the most viable solutions to deal with this possibility. Our standing policy in the case of catastrophic failure in which we can not obtain equipment due to distance or length of show left (i.e. - 30 minutes remaining at the event), we will refund the time we are unable to perform, plus 50%, up to the maximum of a complete refund of all money paid.
How many DJ's will be at my event including "helpers"?
At most events KC Mobile Pros performs at, there is always the main Emcee that will be talking on the microphone and coordinating with vendors, and one "helper" that stays behind the table or on stage to monitor equipment and music. The helper also acts as a backup DJ in case of sickness or injury to the primary Emcee. At no time, without prior knowledge to the client, will there be more than 2 people from KC Mobile Pros attending your event. Additional staff may be added for "Major Events" to allow for setup and teardown in a reasonable time, but this would be discussed prior to the event with the client.
What is your standard attire for an event?
Our attire is set by your request and what you would like us to wear to your event. If you do not request a specific attire, the standard is business attire (i.e. - Button up shirt, slacks, dress shoes, tie). At the time of booking you will be asked what attire you would like your DJ to be in, and your choices are casual, business casual, suit, or a tux. If you would like something odd that is not within the standard attire realm; like a monkey suit or a pickle suit (yes, it has happened); then we may request that you provide that attire.
What are the methods that I can contact you regarding my event?
KC Mobile Pros can be reached either by telephone, email, client area chat, or a variety of other methods. Once you book, you will be given your DJ's cell phone number, direct email, and voicemail number to reach them at any time to obtain assistance. We try and be available for anything that can come up, and realize that extensive contact may be required for some events.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us at 816-204-6341, or through the Contact Us Link located on the right side of each page.
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