Common Questions About Our Prices...

Here you will find questions that customers ask us from time to time.   
If you have a question and the answer is not here, please feel free to call or email us.   
See our other FAQ topics below.

Why are you so cheap?  
Why are you so expensive?
You just can't win some times, we hear both of these questions.... the DJ might be one of the least expensive things at your event, but will have the biggest impact! We base our services by the needs of your event – time, equipment and pre-event prep. All things considered we strive to provide a high quality professional service at a very reasonable price.

How much do your packages cost? 
We customize each event to our client's needs. There are many factors for providing the correct quote. For starters, location of the event is important. Is it upstairs and no elevator? Is the event outdoors? Will our DJ equipment area be protected? Will we have to provide a safe covered area? Is it a holiday? Is it in December (Corporate Christmas Party times). How long do you want the DJ to play music? Do you want to add Dance Floor Lighting? Will you need us to provide special audio for your minister, singers or readings for the ceremony? Bottom line... Not all events are the same… Not all quotes are the same. Individual client needs and DJ setup situations vary.

Why do weddings cost so much more than parties, isn't it all the same? 
While the basic principle of playing music is the same, weddings do require more time and effort than other events. First and foremost is that we recognize that this is a very special day and we like to make sure we do as much as possible to make the event one to remember. Weddings typically require multiple planning meetings with the couple to determine what their needs are. We also have two (2) people working the wedding so that one of us can emcee while the other controls lights and music. Additional setup time is needed on the day of to ensure a tidy and elegant setup of our equipment, so a 4-hour reception is easily an 8-hour day for us. This is obviously in contrast to a summer pool party where we can unload, setup, and be playing music in about 30 minutes.

How many performance hours are included? 
We offer customized packages with optional additional hours available as needed. Please ask for a no obligation quote to customize your event.

What is the charge for additional overtime? 
We don’t want to spoil the event or turn you into a clock watcher, and we’ll happily keep going for a reasonable amount of time and can work out an arrangement to meet your needs. In keeping with our policy to be up front with our customers, our standard charge for additional hours can be up to $125.00 per hour depending on the event and pre-event agreements. We prefer to work this out in advance with our customers during the event pre-planning and project a defined amount of performance time with some give and take to prevent overtime situations from occurring.

Do you charge by the hour or the event / Is there a separate setup fee?
Overall Cost is determined by your needs, total time of the event and the amount of equipment requested or required (we offer a no obligation quote). If you want us to DJ an event for 4 hours, the contract will indicate an event with a total of 4 hours of performance. Please keep in mind when hiring a professional DJ service, you are paying for "time, experience and equipment mix". If you hire us to work a 4-hour performance, the total event may take us up to 6 to 8 hours of actual work that day. If the event were a wedding, a pre-wedding itinerary meeting would also take place. This usually takes anywhere from 1-2 hours. By the time we get back to our office and put all your music together for your party, a customized 4-hour event may actually take us 10-12 hours of time. Some of the key items included in all our services: Professional DJ , pre-planning sessions , professional grade equipment, wireless microphone, set up and tear down, the event , specialty dances, music from our extensive library – preselecting your special music prior to the event and special requests that can be made by yourself and your guests that night. The total cost is reflected in our quote for the event and something to consider when receiving and comparing quotes. We have no hidden cost that might come back to haunt you on your special day – our quote is our total price for the services you have requested.

Do you require a retainer fee and a signed contract? 
Yes. We require a non-refundable retainer fee of 50% of the full package price (min $300.00 on smaller packages). We will send you a contract and expect you to return it with your signature and retainer fee within two weeks. Your date is not officially secure until your retainer fee and contract is in our hands. However, we will not book another event that is in conflict with yours while your contract is outstanding. If we do not receive your retainer fee and signed contract by the due date listed on your contract, we reserve to rebook the date without notice.

When is the deposit and final payment due? 
Deposits are due with signed contract and final payment 30 days before the event unless prior arrangements are agreed upon.

What happens if I cancel? 
Your retainer fee is non-refundable to protect us from lost bookings due to us scheduling your event. However, you may use that retainer towards a rescheduled event (if we have the date open) for up to one year from the original date.

Do you accept credit cards/ checks? 
Yes – MasterCard, Visa & Discovery cards. With credit cards and checks, the date becomes secured once the payment clears your bank.

Phone: 815-978-6673 • Fax: 815-248-3053 • Email: DJ@LASoundCrew.com