Q) How long have you been in business?
A) Skip-A-Beat Entertainment was officially launched in 2001, capitalizing
on Brad's 15 years of experience. Based on our tremendous success, we
continue to grow each year.
Q) How many events have you performed?
A) It is difficult to give an exact figure, but our office handles more
than 100 events per year.
Q) Do you have references?
A) Absolutely! In fact, unlike other disc jockey companies, we will
actually provide you with references that you can talk to. This allows you
to ask the questions that you want answered. Other companies will simply
provide you with generic feedback forms filled out by past clients.
Q) Do you take requests?
A) We LOVE requests! We will encourage your guests to make requests and
will do our utmost to play as many as possible. There are a few basic
policies around requests that we follow:
1. It must be appropriate for the event and fit the wishes of the client
2. The song must be danceable
3. It must fit the flow of the event.
4. The person requesting the song must be willing to dance to the song
themselves.
Q) What kinds of events do you do?
A) Although Skip-A-Beat Entertainment primarily focuses on weddings and
corporate parties, we have also performed at birthday parties, Jack and
Jills, anniversary parties, store openings, charity events, boat cruises,
conferences, and other functions. Skip-A-Beat Entertainment is ready to
entertain at any event your imagination can create!
Q) Do you offer a written contract?
A) Regardless of the type of event, we do write up a contract. This
outlines exactly what we are offering, what we are charging, the hours
included, and any other information Skip-A-Beat Entertainment and the
client feel may be necessary. This eliminates the possibility of
misunderstandings later. We will also take the time to review the contract
with you, so that you know exactly what is being signed.
Q) How does your booking procedure work?
A) The booking appointment is also referred to as our "initial
consultation". At that time, you will meet the disc jockey that would be
performing your event, we will review our services with you and answer any
questions you might have. This consultation is completely complimentary
and without obligation. However, most clients decide to book at the
conclusion of the consultation. At that time, we will review the contract
and take a $200 deposit. This ensures that your event is the only one
booked for that day for your disc jockey. We will also schedule a
follow-up consultation to go over any further details.
Q) How does your payment structure work?
A) Skip-A-Beat Entertainment understands how difficult wedding planning
can be. Each vendor has their own payment structure. With this in mind, we
have attempted to keep ours as easy as possible. Your final payment can
wait until two weeks before the reception if you choose to pay by cheque
or a week before if paying by cash. This will allow you to use your money
for other things for as long as possible. If you would prefer to make
installments, we can certainly accommodate this.
Q) What is your attire for events?
A) We wear a suit to all events. Depending on temperature, we may find it
necessary to take off our jacket, but will always remain in dress pants,
shirt and tie. We do not wear tuxedos as we feel that this is reserved for
the bridal party.
Q) Do you include any props or special effects?
A) Our package includes a core light package with 3 lighting effects. We
do offer other lighting packages, props and special effects, but most
often the core light package is enough to add some character, without
detracting from the elegance of the reception.
Q) We may need an MC for our event, is this something that you can
help with?
A) Absolutely! We would be more than happy to act as your MC. We do
encourage you to consider having a relative or long-time friend as your
MC, as they will often share personal stories and memories. If you would
like, your MC is more than welcome to attend the final consultation and we
can also help them with the planning.
Q) What are your logistical requirements?
A) Our requirements are fairly straightforward and simple. We require 8
feet of table space, and at least 2 power outlets - preferably on their
own circuit breaker. We would suggest that a skirt for the table is of
added benefit. We offer our clients the use of our black or white skirts,
but if the skirt does not match your colour scheme, we would suggest
renting one. The skirt hides all of our wiring and makes for a much
cleaner and more organized look.
Q) How interactive are you?
A) This completely depends on the event and the expectations you have of
your DJ. Obviously the interaction level required for a Jack and Jill or
Corporate Party is different than that required for a wedding. During our
consultations, we will always discuss this with you. We can be "wild and
zany" or quite conservative depending on your needs. We also offer games
to get your guests involved.
Q) How big is your music library?
A) Our music library is very extensive. It ranges all genres and goes back
to the days of the Big Band Era right up to today's Urban hits. At all of
our events, we will have in the neighbourhood of twenty thousand chart
toppers on hand. This question can be somewhat misleading though, and we
would caution you. Some DJ companies will throw huge numbers around, but
are counting every song in their library, regardless of whether the song
was a hit. We are only counting charting songs.
Q) How up-to-date is your library, and how do you keep it
up-to-date?
A) Based on the fact that we belong to two professional disc jockey
subscription services, we
are in possession of material before it hits the stores or radio waves.
However, it is rare that we would play these songs before they chart, as
they would not be recognized yet. But you can be assured that we have the
newest and most popular songs available.
Q) What does your quote include?
A) We have tried hard to make our quotes all encompassing. We do not like
the "nickel and dime" approach taken by some of our competition. Prior to
the event, we include: unlimited consultations, an exclusive reception
planner, access to our catalogue for searching and copies of our exclusive
reports pertaining to your event (How to Plan a Jack and Jill, How to Give
Away Your Center Pieces, Alternatives to Clinking of the Glasses, etc.).
At the event we include: cocktail/arrival music, dinner music, party
music, request slips on the table, a core light show, full use of a top of
the line cordless microphone and more. In addition, we carry liability
insurance, an AVLA license and all equipment is backed-up.
Q) Why is it important to hire a disc jockey that is licensed?
A) The recording industry is doing its best to crack down on those using
pirated music. To combat piracy, the AVLA was formed. The AVLA has
full-time inspectors which go to various locations that are known to hold
dances. Typically these inspectors will approach the disc jockey and ask
to do a quick audit of their library. If they find pirated music, they
will take action against the disc jockey - up to and including complete
seizure of the music in question. To avoid the possibility of your event
coming to an abrupt halt, it is imperative that you hire someone who is
licensed with the AVLA, such as Skip-A-Beat Entertainment.
Q) Why is it important to hire a disc jockey who carries liability
insurance?
A) Accidents can happen at any event. Thankfully, Skip-A-Beat
Entertainment has a clean record, but we have liability insurance just in
case. Most importantly, should an accident related to us, or our
equipment, occur at your event, our insurance assures that you will not be
held liable.
Q) Do most clients feed their disc jockey?
A) Based on the fact that we will be at your event for an average of six
to eight hours without the ability to leave to get something to eat, we
have implemented a meal provision in to our contract.
Q) We are thinking of having a Jack & Jill. What role can you
play?
A) We believe that a Jack and Jill must be a combination of "Fun" and "FUNd
Raising". Our clients are provided with far more than just music for the
event. We will also provide lots of money raising ideas and ways to
maximize everyone's enjoyment while minimizing the cost. Furthermore,
Skip-A-Beat Entertainment is pleased to offer a discounted rate for those
who have also booked their wedding with us. Based on past experience, most
clients clear between $3,000 and $6,000 when following our Jack & Jill
program.
Q) Do you have any ideas for kissing games?
A) We certainly do! We will provide you with a free report on numerous
different ideas.
Q) Do you have any unique ways to give away our center pieces?
A) We have many different ways of doing this, including one that we call
the "Instant Party". We promise to have your dance floor packed from the
very first song if you allow us to perform this style of give-away.