Why won’t you publish all of your pricing so I can quickly shop around?
While I completely understand the convenience of being able to shop around online and easily compare prices, there are a number of factors that go into each event hence why I don’t set cookie-cutter pricing. Some DJs may publish all of their pricing (usually expensive prices) to weed out clients that can’t afford them. And there are also some DJs (usually inexperienced, amateur, or bedroom DJs) that publish “too good to be true” prices to easily get those bookings without any thought of your needs (see my 8 tips for hiring a DJ). I provide flexible and customized quotes and ensure that your investment is worthwhile. I also believe in working with your budget no matter how small (but within reason) or big and still provide a great music experience. I operate a boutique mobile DJ enterprise so my lower overhead means more savings to you. I provide a more personalized approach so while I don’t publish flat rate pricing, you will find my rates to be highly reasonable and usually more competitive than most DJ companies.
Can I come to one of your events to see you in action?
While I don’t mind potential clients to come see me at a live event, the decision is really not up to me. If you think about it, how would you feel if your DJ just invited random, uninvited guests to your wedding or event? The good news is that, you can see me in action in my VIDEOS PAGE.
I know that you gave me a really good quote but I talked to another DJ that’s charging me significantly less so can you meet or beat his/her price?
If it’s not a friend or relative, I would be very cautious with DJs like this (see my 8 tips for hiring a DJ). This scenario is handled on a case by case basis. I’ll usually want to qualify the other DJ and ask for details of what is actually being provided with that lower price and the background of the DJ himself.
Do you use a contract?
Yes, absolutely! It’s a super simple and convenient digital contract.
Do you require a retainer fee and what are your payment terms?
Yes, a retainer fee is required and considered as first payment. It is typically 30% of your total package price.
Do you take last minute bookings?
Absolutely! If your last minute event is open in my booking calendar, you can absolutely book me. I’ve booked weddings as late as 1 week prior!
What happens when I (the client) cancel after signing the contract?
This is handled on a case by case basis.
What happens if you cancel due to an emergency?
In all these years, I have NEVER had to cancel on a client but if an emergency does come up and I’m unable to DJ your event, I will make every effort to find a personally vetted substitute replacement. I have trusted friends and partners within the industry that I can call upon and back-fill for me.
Do you have liability insurance?
Yes! I’m more than happy to provide a copy of our insurance certificate. I can also add your venue as an additional insured if required.
Do you have references or past clients that I can contact?
Absolutely! I am happy to provide this information upon request.
Do you take song requests?
I do take requests a long as it doesn’t go against any of your special wishes for the event and that are appropriate for the particular occasion and doesn’t disrupt the general energy/vibe of the crowd majority who are clearly having a blast.
What kind of music do you play?
I’m a great open-format DJ which means that I can seamlessly blend and adapt to the vibe of the crowd no matter what the genre. Examples would be Top 40, Hip Hop, Trap, R&B, Rock/Classic Rock, Country, EDM/Dance, House/Soulful House/Classic House, Oldies, 80′s, Disco, Funk, Soul, Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia, Jazz and more.
I have older guests and relatives at my event/wedding that usually just likes to sit, what will you do to get them dancing?
I’ve been asked this question more than once and it’s an interesting one. While I have the versatility to cater to all musical tastes and age groups, some folks are completely fine and happy watching other guests, relatives or friends dance and have a good time. It’s important to keep in mind that while it would be awesome to have every single guest on the dance floor, as a DJ, it’s also my responsibility to consider the entire audience and keep the general vibe/energy level of the crowd majority consistent. The most important thing to remember is that if YOU are having a good time, that energy will carry over to your guests whether or not they are on the dance floor.
Can we bring some of our own music/songs to play?
Sure. While it’s possible to accommodate on the spot mobile device hookups, I highly recommend and prefer to get the CD or MP3 file a week or more before the event. Also, please make sure to consider your entire audience when submitting songs.
Can I have my own host/MC?
Backspin Entertainment provides full MC services with all packages and we encourage you to take advantage of it since this is important to the overall flow of your wedding reception. However, if you decide to have someone else as the MC who has NEVER done a wedding before, please let them know to consistently coordinate and consult with the DJ throughout your reception for tips/advice on mic etiquette and possible schedule changes.
What is your attire when playing at my wedding?
Unless you have a specific request, my “wedding uniform” usually consists of a formal dress shirt with tie, button-up vest, and dress pants. If your wedding theme is more casual (e.g. cowboy theme/jeans), then I can have my attire match that too.
Do I tip you?
Gratuity is always welcome but not included in the contract =). 10-20% is recommended if you feel that I did a fantastic job. This is completely up to you.
Will you play overtime if needed?
Sure, as long as I don’t have a later event booked for that date (which has happened but VERY rare). The fee is $175 per hour for weddings and $100 per hour for other events, to be paid at the end of the event. If the overtime is under an hour, we can work on a pro-rated or discounted amount on a case by case basis.
Should I feed you and your staff/assistant(s)?
This is up to you. Often, the catering director or banquet captain will set aside a meal for vendors (if it’s not a buffet set up) if you request it. If time allows, we will certainly partake but if you are not doing anything for your vendors, don’t worry about it.
I would like to book you so what are my next steps?
- If you’d like to finalize booking, call or email me (since I work on a first come, first serve basis). I should have most of your information already but may need some additional details.
- After I receive this information, I will email your contract to you. At this point, the date is being held for you for 7 days.
- Countersign the contract along with the non-refundable deposit within 7 days of the contract date. You can contact me via email for the mailing address.
- As soon as I receive the contract, I will email you a receipt for the deposit acknowledging that the date is officially yours.
- AT LEAST 30 days prior to your event, you should begin working on the online planning worksheets.
- After submitting your worksheet(s), it’s a good idea to contact me directly so we can either set up another consultation to discuss the final details or communicate via phone/email.
- The BIG day is here! At this point, leave it up to the professionals. I will arrive AT LEAST 2 hours early (but usually more) to set up and change into proper attire. As soon as your guests arrive, the music will start.
- The balance is due 14 days before your event. Make checks payable to “Sherwin Ruste”. For electronic payments:
• Paypal – Credit/Debit card payments are subject to a 3% transaction fee. There is no fee if using your bank account.
• Venmo – Payments via Venmo is also accepted under username SherwinRuste.