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Is your date available?
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Frequently Ask
Questions |
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We
are very excited to announce a new line of Interactive
Tools to help make your planning experience a more
enjoyable one. These tools will help you access us in
many different ways; check whether we’re available right
from the website; get a quote with all the details that
include any applicable additional fees you may expect
along with promotions we may be offering; etc.
For
our clients who have booked with us, we will be
providing you with a Login and Password enabling you to
access exclusive Interactive Tools that will make your
planning experience even better, doing so knowing your
information is secure. You’ll be able to submit a
unique wedding planner right from our website without
having to download anything to your computer; search our
music database; listen to and add songs to your own
individual request list; make a payment right from the
website; submit a timeline of events for the day of your
event; give access to your guests so they can submit
their requests ahead of time; just to name a few of the
features we’ll be providing.
These
tools will be listed at
http://www.redsdj.ca |
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| 2. |
How much do you
charge? |
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There are so many
factors that go into the price for a Disc Jockey. Our
rates are between $850.00 and $2,395.00 depending on the
package chosen. Our most popular packages are the
$900.00, $975.00 and $975.00 packages. The difference
between the packages are based on the amount of lighting
you would like for your reception. Prices are subject to
change based on the client’s individual needs and are
discussed at the time of initial consultation and
agreement between Red’s Disc Jockey and the client.
Rates and details can be found at
http://www.redsdj.ca
We also offer several other
packages suited towards School Functions and Holiday
Parties. These packages can be found through our Quote
Generator Interactive Tool located at
http://www.redsdj.ca
2 a) Aside
from the equipment you use, what else is included in the
packages?
Each of our packages include music for cocktails, dinner
and for the reception. For example, if
your cocktails start at 5
pm, we would be set up and ready to go for 4:30 and
start playing music
as soon as someone walks
in and straight through until 1 a.m. Most other Disc
Jockey’s fees are
based on providing music
from 8 p.m. until 1 a.m. and if you want music for
cocktails and dinner,
you can expect to pay
between $50.00 to $150.00 per hour on top of their fee,
if not more.
Also, all of our packages come with UNLIMITED
consultations. There is a lot to think about
while planning your
reception and your music is very important. We create
files for each of our
clients, and in this day
and age of technology it’s sometimes easier to send off
a quick email to us
when you have a question
about the music and what you need or what you want to
change. We
are only ever a phone
call away if you have any questions at all. |
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3.
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Do you have a
contract I can sign?
In order to meet the needs of our
clients, a contract is available. It is not necessary
for every function. However, if a client would feel more
comfortable having the booking in writing, a contract is
available. Our contract is accessible through the
Booking System Interactive Tool located at
http://www.redsdj.ca/ |
4.
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What is the
payment schedule?
We ask for a deposit of $250.00. The balance owing is
due the week of the function. It’s much easier to have
the balance paid the week of your function as its’ one
less thing for you to worry about on the day of your
wedding. We also don’t have to worry about chasing you
down during the evening. It also eliminates us from
having to carry around large amounts of cash during the
evening. |
5.
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What methods of
payment do you accept?
We accept Cash, Cheque, PayPal and
Interac Transfers. |
6.
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What if I bounce a
cheque?
You will be charged a
$40.00 NSF fee in addition to the amount of the cheque,
as well as a late fee of $50.00. |
7.
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What happens if my
payment is late?
A late fee of $50.00 will be added
for all final payments that are late. |
8.
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If the function is
cancelled, do I receive my deposit back?
Deposits are non-refundable in the
event of a cancellation, unless we re-book for the same
evening, then your deposit would be refunded to you. In
the event of having to postpone your wedding and you're
planning on re-booking with us, we would carry over the
deposit and keep the same package price until you're
ready to have your wedding. |
9.
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Do you have travel
expenses?
Functions within the Greater City
of Sudbury are not subject to a mileage expense.
However, functions held outside the Greater City of
Sudbury are subject to a mileage expense to be
determined at the time of booking. Hotel accommodations
fee may be charged, if required.
The travel fees and hotel accommodations fee can be
found through our Quote Generator Interactive Tool
located at
http://www.redsdj.ca
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10.
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Why do you offer
wedding packages?
Wedding packages are an easy way
to know exactly what you need. Other services offer
misleading pricing – ours are very straight forward with
no hidden surprises. |
11.
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Are there any
surprise charges?
No. We are very upfront about our
services and the fees we charge. |
12.
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Can you tell me
what the SOCAN is? My venue location is telling me I
have to pay this. Am I going to be charged twice for
this?
SOCAN is the Canadian copyright collective that collects
license fees, (as set by the Copyright Board of Canada,
on behalf of more than 100,000 composers, authors and
music publisher members, from anyone playing or
broadcasting live or recorded music), and distributes
royalties to these members to ensure that these members
get paid for the public performance and communication to
the public of their music.
SOCAN collects license fees in accordance with tariffs
approved by The Copyright Board of Canada. Venue’s who
have a SOCAN license, are required to pay a fee, per
event, based on room capacity and can vary from $41.13
to $174.79 depending on the room capacity. (Based on
2010 tariff fees) This fee is passed on to the Client
who is required to pay this fee to the venue. This is
not a fee that we are required to pay and we do not
charge our Clients for this fee as we are not required
to have a SOCAN license. We are already licensed with
the AVLA. |
13.
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Are you licensed?
Yes. We have our AVLA (Audio Video
Licensing Agency) License. This license permit us to:
- make copies
of sound recordings owned by AVLA members for the
purpose of entertainment
to the
public, lease copies of sound recordings to commercial
subscribers and transmission
sound recordings
via webcast; and to
- make copies
of music videos and perform music videos or for the
purpose of entertainment to
the public
(broadcast) and lease copies of music videos to
commercial subscribers. |
14.
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I understand that
there has been changes that allow the DJ to play until 2
a.m. Is this correct?
Effective June 1, 2011 the
Ontario Liquor License Act Regulation 389/91 has
extended the hours for the sale and service of liquor
under an SOP (Special Occasion Permit) from what was
previously 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. the following day, to, as
of June 1, 2011 from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. the following
day.
It is the choice of the venue to extend their hours
until 2 a.m. Most of the halls are choosing to remain
with a last call of 1 a.m. as they incur additional fees
when it comes to venue staff, resulting in additional
fees to the Client.
For functions that decide to go until 2 a.m. there will
be an additional fee of $100.00. |
15.
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How many functions
have you performed at?
To give an exact number
would be difficult after 25+ years of disc jockeying.
Generally, it averages out between 30-40 functions a
year. |
16.
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May I see you
perform at a function?
No. Our policy is to NOT allow
viewing of our services at wedding receptions of other
private functions. We feel it would be unfair and
unethical of us to allow a stranger to just “pop-in” and
watch even for a few minutes of someone else’s big day.
It would give the impression that we care more about the
next booking rather than the focusing solely on the
clients of the evening. We would rather lose a booking
than allow our services to be compromised at ANY private
function.
With that said, throughout the year we Disc Jockey at
public functions which we advertise on our website as to
where we’ll be playing, the date and the time. You are
more than welcome to come and see us at any public
function we’re Disc Jockeying at.
Also, throughout the year you can also see us at some of
Sudbury’s Bridal Shows. The Bridal Shows will be listed
on our website at
http://www.redsdj.ca/bridalshows.html ; on our Facebook page at
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Reds-DJ/27172300183 ;
and also
Twitter @RedsDJ . |
17.
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Do you provide
Master of Ceremony Services?
We DO NOT provide Emcee
services.
Denis takes over from the Emcee just prior to the
announcement of the first dance, father/daughter, bridal
party, etc. Once the dance starts he introduces you and
your groom to the dance floor and carries on from there
with all the applicable announcements that are needed
thoughout the evening. As with most DJ's, we primarily
deal only with the bride and groom, and therefore don't
know the bridal party or the families. This can lead to
some unfortunate "mistakes" when it comes to the proper
pronunciation of names and having the bridal party for
the grand entrance in the wrong order of entrance
causing further confusion. If you have someone who is
familiar with the families and bridal party, they are in
a better position to recognize if whomever he or she is
introducing may be in the wrong order and make the
necessary adjustments on the fly. The DJ doesn't have
the same ability to do that and it can reflect badly on
the DJ. We've chosen to stick with what Denis does best
and that's provide his skill and expertise in over 25
years of DJing to know how to read a crowd and get your
guests up and dancing. We leave the Emceeing to family
or friends of the bride and groom. That way if they make
a mistake on something, you can always tease them about
it later. :) |
18.
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Do you know how to
read the crowd?
We do not limit your input – we
encourage it. It’s your day, and it should happen your
way. Being a Disc Jockey for over 25 years, Denis knows
how to read a crowd, how to integrate your requests and
your guests’ requests into an evening. Denis does not
play from a pre-programmed list. We know every wedding
is different and every one of our clients have different
tastes as to the type of music they like.
The skill of a disc jockey is to know how to read a
crowd and when to speed it up and when to slow it down
or change the style of music. Anyone can play music, but
knowing how to read a room is a skill not had by all
disc jockeys. Denis prides himself in this skill. |
19.
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Do you take
requests?
Absolutely YES!! We are very
approachable and encourage requests by your guests.
Contingent on your approval in the planning stages, we
provide request sheets on all of your guests’ tables.
The advertising sign we use also tells your guests to
“come on up and request a song”. We also have an Guest
Request Interactive Tool on our website that your guests
can log into to and request songs ahead of time for your
reception. This tool can be located at
http://www.redsdj.ca |
20.
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How flexible are
you?
Very flexible. If you’re using our
services for a wedding for example, your day should be
your way. What Red’s Disc Jockey offers is experience
and our suggestions. |
21.
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I’ve heard that
some DJ’s won’t let their Clients give them a list of
songs to play the night of the reception. Can we give
you a list of songs?
We have heard that comment from
other Clients. Our policy is that there is no such thing
as a “one size fits all” when it comes to making your
celebration exactly the way you want it to be. As
previously stated we value and encourage your input.
After all it is your day. Through your Client Area
you’ll be able to access our Music Database and submit
your own personal Request List which allows for Must
Play Requests, Play if Possible Requests and DO NOT Play
Selections as well as a Custom Song Selection. Each of
these categories is set for a specific amount you can
add to your Request List.
By using the Music Database you’re able to prioritize
your list, by having (for example) the top 10 songs that
we Must Play. These would be songs that absolutely, no
matter what, you want to hear. Then you would follow
your top 10 Play If Possible List that you would
appreciate if we can get to playing them but if we don’t
get to them because of the amount of requests we receive
throughout the night, you won’t be terribly
disappointed.
It has been our experience that rigidly following a list
of music, that has been provided by our Clients, and are
instructed to play only those songs and stick to the
playlist provided, it tends to have unfavorable results.
While it’s true that it is your night and your wedding,
you also have guests you’ve invited who also would like
to have a good time. If the list is too specific to your
tastes then it becomes an issue with the guests. This is
something that we go over in more detail when we sit
down with our prospective Clients.
As a side note, there are times where songs have been
requested by guests and also the clients that, in our
good conscience, are lyrically offensive and we make a
judgement call as to whether we will play these songs.
This is for two reasons; first we don’t want to offend
any of your guests who may not realize that this song
has been requested; secondly it reflects badly on us as
if a offensive song is played it will leave guests
wondering what type of DJ we are who would play such an
offensive song. So we choose to err on the side of
caution and not play very offensive songs. |
22.
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Are you able to
play continuous music?
Yes. The music never stops with
the only exception of normal interruptions that occur
during an evening. Such as speeches, toasts, draws,
lost/found announcements and last call. |
23.
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How much music do
you have?
We carry about 11,000 tracks (and
counting) from the 50’s to the present day. We are
always adding new tracks..
If there is a song you
want, but it’s not on the list, please let us know and
we’ll make sure you have it for your function. |
24.
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Is there a
specific amount of songs that you play in an evening?
No, there is not a specific amount
of songs. While other Disc Jockey’s have packages that
will limit the amount of songs included in that package,
with Red’s DJ we play music as soon as we’re set up and
continuously play music until 1 a.m. |
25.
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Will you be
talking on the microphone all night?
No. Denis talks when he should and
interacts just enough to let people know that he’s
there. He also makes necessary announcements as needed. |
26.
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What happens if
you get sick or some tragic event happens in your life,
do you have a backup?
Yes. My wife is fully trained to
take over in the event of a sickness or tragedy. In the
absolute worst case scenario, there are other Disc
Jockeys that can fill in for me if I’m unable to perform
my duties as your disc jockey. In over 25 years of Disc
Jockeying, that has yet to be an issue. |
27.
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Do you
Sub-Contract your work out?
Absolutely not! Red’s Disc Jockey
is owned and operated by both Denis and Cheryl Savoie.
Once you contact us, we are the only people you deal
with. We DO NOT send an inexperienced friend to “cover”
your function. You paid for experience and that’s what
you get with Red’s Disc Jockey. |
28.
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How early do you
arrive prior to a function?
Our arrival time is generally
60-90 minutes prior to guests arriving to allow for
set-up and sound testing. There is no additional charge
for this. |
29.
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How many people
will be needed to help with the DJ?
None. My wife usually accompanies
me to all functions. We handle the equipment ourselves
including unloading, set-up and take down. |
30.
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Do you need a
table?
We do require at least one
six-foot table and two chairs. We provide our own drop
cloth to cover the cables. |
31.
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Are there any
special needs for your equipment?
In the event of an outdoor
function, we do require a facility that completely
covers the equipment from direct sunlight and rain along
with sufficient electrical power within 20 feet of the
location of the equipment. |
32.
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What does your
equipment consist of?
Sub-satellite Yorkville Speakers
Fully computerized system using 2 Laptops
Martin Raptor Light
RotoBall VS Light
Revo 3
Revo 4 |
Fusion FX
Bar 5
Starball Mirror Ball Light
Dual Color Laser Light
Haze Generator
5’ x 12’ Trusse supported by two tripods
Wired and Wireless Microphones
Microphone Stand, if required |
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33.
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Do you use any
theatrical lighting?
Yes. Presently we are using a
Martin Raptor light, RotoBalls VS (Variable Speed
light), Revo 3, Revo 4, Fusion FX Bar 5, Starball Mirror
Ball light, Dual Color Laser light, and a Haze Generator
for special effects. Use of these lights is optional at
the request of the client. These lights may be viewed at
http://www.redsdj.ca |
34.
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Can we use your
sound system for speeches?
Yes. Microphones are included and
available in the packages. So they are available for
your use. We do recommend, however, that if your venue
has its’ own sound system, it would be better to use it
for the speeches as generally, the speakers are located
around the room and the sound is more equally
distributed. |
35.
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Is your sound
system large enough?
Yes, it’s large enough to play in any hall in the
Greater Sudbury area. |
36.
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What do you wear
to a function?
We always dress in appropriate
attire according to the type of event, whether it’s an
indoor or an outdoor event. |
37.
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Do you expect your
clients to provide you with a meal?
While it is not a must, if we are
providing dinner music, we do ask that two dinners be
provided for both myself and my wife, who attends most
functions with me. If my wife is not attending the
function, we do advise our clients so they know how many
meals to provide. If providing us dinner is not
possible, we do request prior notice to make alternate
arrangements. Please note my wife and I do not need to
be seated with your guests. We prefer to sit with our
equipment so I do not have to run back and forth when
speeches are being made in order to adjust the music and
volume. |
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Do you perform for
gay/lesbian couples?
Yes. Ontario has legalized same
sex marriages. We DJ functions for ALL couples
regardless of their orientation. |
39.
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Are you a “High
strung” DJ? And/or do you make yourself the “Center of
Attention”?
If your question is “are you an
obnoxious DJ that does nothing but play games, use
props, or makes a spectacle of yourself”, the answer is
NO
As your Disc Jockey, I make the appropriate
announcements as they’re needed. I am NOT the center of
attention, YOU are. My job is to ensure that both you as
a client, and your guests, have an enjoyable and
memorable night. If you are looking for a Disc Jockey
that plays games, I am not that Disc Jockey. I let the
music do the work. |
40.
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I’ve heard horror
stories of drunken DJ’s, DJ’s that smoke like a chimney.
Do you drink or smoke at
functions?
ABSOLUTELY NOT! In our opinion, it is truly the act of
an unprofessional DJ to smoke and/or drink while on the
job. In fact, even off the job we choose, in our
personal lives, not to drink or smoke. |
41.
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How many breaks
will you take, how often and for how long?
We do not stop the music to take a
break. (ie a smoke break) However, if breaks are
pre-determined by the Client as part of their reception,
then yes breaks will be taken and these would be
discussed at the time of booking or while planning your
reception. |
43.
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What if I have a
question that is not answered here?
Please feel free to contact us by
e-mail or telephone and my wife and I will personally be
happy to answer all your questions without any pushy
sales pitches or obligation.
http://www.redsdj.ca/contact.html
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