​QUESTIONS TO ASK ECDJ'S JIM THOMAS BEFORE HIRING YOUR ENTERTAINMENT:

May we call your references

Yes, references are a major part of the entertainment business.

Do you use professional equipment?

Using professional audio and visual equipment helps insure reliable service and a quality presentation. I understand that you want the best performance for your money. I've invested thousands of dollars on state-of-the-art sound equipment, from leading manufacturers such as JBL, Crown, and Shure.

Do you book more that one event in a single day?

No, one event is about all I can handle in one day.

Are you licensed and do you carry liability insurance?

Insurance is part of any legitimate business. Liability and casualty policies protect yourself, your guests and your DJ company. I carry liability insurance in the amount of one million per occurrence and two million annual aggregate. ECDJ is also a fully licensed business.

Do you subcontract your work?

No, I personally attend to all events myself and would never subcontract.

Will you provide an emergency back-up system at our event?

Yes, Weddings, and special events are often once in a lifetime opportunities. A back-up system protects your investment.

Do you put up any advertising banners or signs?

Definitely not. I am there to entertain, not to advertise my business.

Are we guaranteed that you will perform on the day of our event?

A written contract with your specific DJ protects you from unscrupulous operators. You signature and payment guarantees you will have no surprises on the day of your event. It is a good idea to put an initial deposit down as soon as you find the DJ you prefer. Reputable DJ's will often be booked a year or more in advance on "peak" days.

How far in advance should I reserve my date?

I generally begin booking dates (especially weddings) anywhere from six to eighteen months in advance. I strongly recommend that you contact me as soon as possible to check on the availability of your date. If for any reason (such as your DJ cancelling at the last moment), please call me and I'll make every possible effort to help you.

What is the deposit and when is the final payment due?

A deposit for 1/2 the total fee and signed contract is required to reserve your date. The remaining balance must be paid no later than two weeks prior to the date of your event. For bride and grooms to be, I recommend that you bring the final payment (with all the required paperwork) when we meet 2-4 weeks before your wedding date. That way you can relax and enjoy your special day!

Are your rates negotiable through price matching or other discounts?

My rates are based on the cost of doing business, as well as the value I place on the job. I take all events seriously and attend to each in a professional manner. I am confident that you will find my prices to be an exceptionally value. If my prices are a little more than you planned to spend, just remember the old saying "you get what you pay for." When you book my entertainment services, you're not only paying for great entertainment, you're paying for peace of mind. We do offer coupons for additional savings!

Are there any hidden fees?

No, my prices are standard and any additional fees are clearly stated in the written ageement.

Is tipping/gratuity expected from the DJ?

While the entertainment industry is a tipping business, by no means is gratuity mandatory. If at the end of the night you feel that I have surpassed your expectations and you want to leave a tip, I would accept it as the utmost compliment.

How many years of experience do you have?

Experience brings knowledge of common problems and situations. Be sure your DJ has experience with your type of event. Since 1992 I have performed over three-hundred weddings and countless other events from anniversaries and birthdays to proms and holiday parties.

Do you have a demo video or may we come view a live event?

Professionally-edited video demos can make most anyone look good. Viewing a live event would be like an uninvited guest at a party, making it both awkward for you and my client. For this reason, the only way a prospective customer can make an informed decision is to call my references. I'll be happy to give you names of satisfied customers who have given me their permission to release phone numbers.

Do you do photos slide shows set to music?

Yes, we do offer this service. Music Slide Show

How will you be dressed?

Proper attire reflects a positive image to your guests. I dress in formal wear, semi-formal or casual depending upon the type of event and by your request.

How early will you be to our site to set up?

An average of sixty to ninety minutes should be allowed for set up and sound check. There is no additional charge for this service. I prefer to arrive early so music can begin as soon as the first guest enters your party.

Will you allow requests?

Requests are welcome. If a song seems inappropriate, I will explain the reason and recommend an alternative selection.

Can I bring my own music on CD?

I bring an extensive selection of songs, so most likely I have the song(s) you are looking for. If not, I will purchase any song you want provided you give me a few weeks advance notice.

Do you use Cassettes, CD's, MP3 files, or Records?

I mostly use MP3 files converted from CD to a PC hard drive or downloaded from the internet. Music can also be downloaded live at your event if needed with a "Mobile WiFi Hotspot". A BBE Sonic Maximizer is used to enhance the sound to CD quality. The advantages of using MP3 files, is that once a song is requested, it is searched for, loaded in the program player, and played in an instant (often times before you leave my table). I also use CD's as back up, just in case of a rare problem.

Will You Play The Music At An Appropriate Level?

The biggest concern voiced by prospective clients is the volume level of the music. A professional DJ knows to keep the volume at a level appropriate for the guests, especially during cocktails and the dinner hour

Do you take breaks?

My day usually starts about 2 hours prior to your event and ends about 2 hours after the last song is played. While the actual fee in the agreement states up to 3-4 hours; it's really a 8-10 hours (or longer) day for me. The only break I take is during dinner music, when the mixer is set to autoplay.

Do you have a qualified replacement DJ due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness or injury?

I am the owner and operator of Elm City DJ. In over 12 years of doing business, I have never missed a single event due to injury, illness or inclement weather. However, if an unforeseen illness or injury occurs, a qualified backup DJ will be available.

I'm going to need a lot of help in planning my wedding. Can you assist me?

Absolutely, I'll make an appointment to meet with you about a 2-4 weeks before your wedding day to discuss the details, such as introductions, order of events, etc. This allows me to effectively coordinate the formalities with your other hired professionals.

Will you handle the master of ceremonies responsibilities? Will you interact with me and my guests?

It's your call. I'll be as involved or uninvolved as you'd like me to be. I have the ability to be outgoing, moderate or low-key. I am not overbearing, obnoxious nor do I make embarrassing remarks on the mic. The focus of attention will always remain on you and your guests.

Our wedding ceremony will be at the reception location, do you provide processional and recessional music? Is there an extra charge?

Yes, I will provide music if needed at no extra charge. My sound systems are very compact; if you’re having the ceremony in different area, it takes only a few minutes to move them from one place to another.

Do we have to provide a meal for the DJ?

I leave that up to you. Usually with some guests not showing up and with plenty of food left over, most caterers offer a meal for the DJ.