Frequently Asked questions

FAQs

• What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?

My pricing is very competitive and provides great value for your event. I also go the extra mile to make sure your event will be a memorable experience. I do provide discounts and promotions depending on event type and referrals. My price is customized for your event and can include other options like creating a video of the event, promoting the event on social media, and even live broadcast of the event.

• What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

I create a story template for the event based on initial interview. This professional interview will develop the profile for equipment needed, the customer preferences, venue logistics and point of contact at venue, participant profile, and a rough itinerary for the event. After this, I will usually travel to venue to so a site survey that involves doing a sound check, possible location of equipment, power outlets, WIFI, etc. and discuss event details with POC and customer if available. When the date arrives, I will get to venue with sufficient time to make sure I am ready to go at the contracted time, or even earlier since some guests arrive early. I do have a contract that defines the terms and conditions for contracted services. This, along with a deposit, secures the date and time. See below for a more detailed description of the process.

• What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

I am a professional Electronics Engineer by degree, with specialization in communication systems and audio and video technology. I also am a musician that enhances the experience with my personal music. I started Choice1Productions.com in 2007 and have performed at weddings, graduations, and many private parties.

• How did you get started doing this type of work?

I got started due to my love of music. I have always played guitar, keyboard, harmonica, and other instruments. I started with the old records years ago and evolved to CDs and digital media. I played at private parties, and even performed at magic shows for kids. Since then, I have mastered videography, discography, and DJing… I now have over one million songs in my collection and this includes many music videos, and Karaoke.

• What types of customers have you worked with?

I have worked with all types of customers. I have done weddings, anniversaries, graduations, reunions, private parties, and corporate events. This also includes all age groups from kids to seniors with interests in every type and Genre of music. I have done parties for Latins playing Salsa, Cha Cha Cha, Reggaeton, etc. to Irish and Indian events with special customs, and rituals. I am bilingual (English/Spanish), and so I understand cultural intricacies of nationalities.

• Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?

A recent project was in St. Petersburg, FL at a Baseball field. This was to honor a baseball legend that trained many players in the minor leagues. This honor was because he passed away due to Covid, and his sister wanted to recognize his contributions in life. As the DJ and MC, I played all of the music he loved, and created a video of his past, players, events, etc. Many players shared their experience and also provided a roast of sorts. For this, I worked with his sister that provided me with many pictures that I showed at the event as a slide show on a large screen as the music played.

• What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

I would make sure that the customer has confidence that the provider really understands everything about the event. Many issues that arise have to do with the provider not familiar with the details of the event… as they say…the devil is in the details. Typical horror stories result from provider not knowing the venue, under sizing equipment needs, not having backup, not having playlists ready, not knowing the audience, their profiles, customs, music preferences, ethnic cultures, etc.

• What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?

What equipment will you bring to event? Do you have a contract that defines exactly the terms and conditions for your services? What are they? Can I get a copy? How much do you charge? How is this to be paid and when? How do you deal with changes? What backup resources do you have? Who will actually be at the event? Can you describe other events like mine that you have done?

• What is your process for booking for an event?

Although every event is unique and customized for each client, I follow a standard process for booking event. This process is mostly executed online at the DJLu.FUN website.

1. Client fills out the the Event Details Form. After pressing the SUBMIT button, the client will get a contract with all of the information he entered as part of the contract with some Terms and Conditions.
2. The client signs the contract and returns via email to DJLu and DJLu will sign it and return back to customer.
3. DJLu will send the link to the Payment Form. The client pays 1/2 of total to secure the date, and provide the funding that DJLU needs to conduct all of the labor intensive steps that follow.
4. Once the contract is executed (signed by both parties), and the deposit has been paid, DJLu begins the detailed preparation for the event. The event is BOOKED!

• What is your process for preparing for an event?

1. First step involved an interview with client to get a general sense of the event, the players, the venue, and the desired music for event. This is done immediately after booking the event.
2. The next step is a site survey of event. This establishes the location of event, travel time to event, the event resources like parking, loading/unloading area, policies for the type of event, point of contact (POC) for event, power sources, internet, layout for party, ingress/egress, and a chance to get the details of expectations from client and venue staff. This takes place within a month of event date at the latest…depending on when event was booked.
3. The next step is the filling out of a worksheet. This worksheet provides every detail about event. The event stakeholders, key participants, and their contact information. It also includes a timeline of significant parts of event, requested songs/playlist, any songs that should NOT be played, and any other MC related information needed. This needs to be completed at least 2 weeks prior to event. This allows me to prepare the playlist, cues, timeline sequencing, lighting synchronization, fog timing, and setups for videos, streaming setups, and “Ask the DJ” links, and if Photo Booth was ordered, preparing the templates for the pictures, videos, boomerangs, or GIFs for the gallery. This is a highly labor intensive effort that is customized for every event.
4. The next step is to update event timeline or any parameter that may have changed. This happens within the last week before event. This should be minimal changes or adjustments.
5. The next step is the day of event. I usually will arrive 1-3 hours before event start to setup equipment, coordinate with venue staff and other services contracted for event such as photographers, caterers, officiants, etc.
6. The final step is the closing of the event. This involves a final email to client, provisions for any media ordered, and any recommendations for improvement. I always seek feedback to get better.