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| MIKE'S HOME PAGE | ABOUT MIKE | MIKE'S PROFESSIONAL WEDDING DJ SERVICE | MIKE FOR SPECIAL EVENTS | INFO ON THIS SITE |
People have questions, so here is the Q & A about his DJ Service, himself and this site.
Q I have never booked a DJ before. I'm not sure what to do or ask. Can you help me?
A Yes! For the REAL INFO that you should know, click → How To Choose and Book A DJ
Q Social Media... Are You On Any?
Yes. My Official Facebook Page → Music Slavin Mike Your Musical Slave – give it a Like!
my personal facebook connection → Madman Mike
Q Why and When did you change from "Madman Mike Your Musical Slave"?
Recently, too many people misunderstood the name Madman Mike, disregarding Your Musical Slave part of it. Madman simply means going above and beyond what is expected of your DJ or music entertainment information service, going the extra mile, doing more for free.
Known as Madman Mike for 30 years, I changed my business name at the end of December, 2012, to better show what my service is about – Music and Entertainment. Nothing else has changed, still the same outstanding DJ Service with this helpful info-packed website, but now with a better name instantly recognized for music and entertainment.
Q about your website...Q How far in advance do we need to book you?
A Answer is in my Booking Policy. Read it then click your back button to return here.
Q Can I watch you work as a DJ at a reception, party or other similar event?
A Only at events where the public is invited. To see if I'm working at any → click here
Q Why can't I watch you work at a private wedding reception or similar event?
A Because it would be improper to have uninvited strangers (observers) at private affairs. People who hire me expect me to work for them, respect them, their events and their privacy - not use their private moments as public auditions. How many uninvited strangers would you want me to bring to your private event? I believe that your event is yours and only the people who you invite should be there. It's that simple. I'm sure that you would expect that same consideration from any DJ you might hire.
Quick note: many DJ services DO invite "observers" to their customer's private events.
To learn how to protect yourself → click here
Q Do you DJ at School Dances and Proms?
Q Do you DJ at Bar/Bat Mitzvahs?
Q Do you DJ for Childrens Parties?
A No. I no longer DJ at events for teens, pre-teen and children. I am expanding my music and entertainment business. Being a DJ for "under 19 events" is not a part of that business model. I now DJ primarily for weddings, all ages events, 21 & Up, and special events.
Q How about a demo video, DVD or CD? Can I get one from you?
A No. Maybe in the future. For most single DJs with low rates like myself, the cost is prohibitive. As a tool, demos are alright but don't exclusively rely upon them. Don't forget that DJs, equipment, looks, voices, etc. could change at any time. If watching one, ask how current and accurate it is and ask if the specific DJ that would be assigned to your event is on the video.
Q What type of promotional material do you have?
A This "no hidden information" website IS my promotional material. Glossy brochures look nice but have little information. Ditto for slick promo videos. This website supplies full, accurate, up-to-date information that is not possible through other limited formats. Even my rates are posted! Try to find that important info in promotional materials given to you by other DJs.
Q Do you have advertising or promotional material you could mail or fax to me?
A No. See paragraph immediately above. If you need information in your hand, I've made it possible for you to easily print pages from my website. Go to a page, in your browser click Print. Simple.
Q Do you accept personal checks?
A Yes.
Q Can you name some halls and banquet centers you worked in as a DJ?
A Yes. Look for (DJ'd there!) on my Metro Detroit Halls Banquet Centers page.
Q Do you have DJ Liability insurance?
A Yes.
Q Why do you charge a Flat Rate?
Q Why would a 4 hour job cost the same as 6 hours or 9 hours?
A Flat Rate means one price, any amount of time, everything included, no hidden costs.
For a mobile DJ, a 4 hour job is at least a 10+ hours job. "On-The-Job" time or "Playing Time" is short compared to total time worked. For 4 hours "On-The-Job", add "behind-the-scenes" time which makes for a full day of work. Also add preparation time BEFORE day of event.
To avoid overlapping bookings or being double-booked, and allowing for last-minute potential scheduled time changes, I book only one job per day, regardless of time involved.
For every event, I get paid for my day being exclusive to you and not being available to anyone else. What if your scheduled times should change? I can arrive earlier or stay later or do both, no extra charge.
Consider that even a small amount of time would tie me up for an entire day. Due to the time needed after any event to tear-down DJ equipment & reload van then drive to another place then unload van and set-up again, it is extremely rare there is enough time to guarantee being on time to DJ another event or work more DJ hours.
The BIG bonus of using a Flat Rate – you never have to guess the final cost of your DJ.
No Hidden Costs, No Extra Charges, just One Total Price. no unfortunate surprises.
People aren't aware that being your DJ and doing it right actually requires a lot more time than what is called "on-the-job". Consider...
Time to load DJ equipment into a van, drive to an event, unload and set-up, be completely ready including doing a sound check BEFORE "On-The-Job" starts.
And... did you know that some venues require entertainment to add at least another hour of time to be completely set-up one hour before your event starts or YOU pay an extra fee?
Then you need to take into account "before the day of" time such as making time available for meetings, going over details through e-mails or by phone, time to interview, time to sign a contract especially if I drive to meet somewhere, and other incidental time and costs. Some events require well over 20 hours of behind-the-scenes time before day of event when including meetings, details preparation, music prep, etc.
Then add the time and cost of a dependable assistant/roadie. Keep in mind that my equipment is not just a laptop and two small speakers. I use a Full Commercial DJ System and have additional back-up equipment with me at your event.
Then AFTER "On-The-Job", the amount of time to tear-down & reload the van, drive back and unload equipment.
And... for professionals like myself, time to do "paperwork" and post-event time. Now add the time and cost of buying music, buying and maintaining professional DJ equipment, owning and maintaining a vehicle capable of transporting commercial DJ equipment, cost of DJ Liability insurance, etc., all of which goes into my flat rate.
Yes, all of the above adds up to a lot of time and cost. And you are worth it!
Q Why no "special offers" like some other DJ companies?
A Because I am already giving discounted prices to everybody during these tough economic times in Michigan. Year-Round! click → see discount then use back button to return here.
There are two other reasons.
First: When you book my service, you are booking me. Some DJ services offering discounts are trying to drum up business for all the DJs working for them. The owner and/or top DJ work on volume, not price because they get a cut of every booking they drum up for DJs under their wing. This is known as quoting the highest rate for the top DJ within a company then giving "special offers" to find more business for their less experienced DJs. And there is nothing wrong with that. If you are considering a special offer from a multiple DJ service, ask if that applies to their top DJ. When you book me, you are hiring a top DJ.
Second: Unlike some, I DJ for a living. That's how I make money, pay bills. I always offer the best I can do and my prices are already discounted and the same for everybody – you, your relatives, friends and neighbors. I treat EVERYONE fairly. I do not use the marketing gimmick of stating high prices just to be negotiated down or that only coupon hunters get a break. I don't check "area codes" or "zip codes" before giving a quote. If you do happen to have a lot of money, I don't raise my rates. If you are on a budget, my rates are as low as they can go.
Q How come you don't charge more?
A The economic conditions from 2008 into early 2013 are tough on most people and I want to help. Also, you're not paying big money to Radio names who generally send one of their subordinate DJs to do the actual DJ work. I don't have expensive demos nor the cost of a commercial office. I'm not paying referral fees and commissions to other people, not paying someone big bucks to answer a phone and solicit you.
Q Do you use MP3 digital music?
A Yes. I use TWO laptops, both with DJ MP3 Player/Mixer software. Plus I have my own Portable/Personal On-The-Job Wi-Fi, meaning I can download songs while DJ'ing your event! (most locations). Using my own portable wi-fi means I don't have to rely on a hall or banquet center for internet access. If I don't already have a song, I can download a legal MP3 of 256 quality right on the spot.
Q Do you still use CDs?
A Yes. Though I use two laptops, a Dual CD Player is also hooked up and ready at all times. That means... no pauses between songs, no dead air, no re-booting down time. If a laptop should ever have a problem, I can quickly switch to the other laptop or cds. That's lots of instant music playing back-up at your event, more than most DJs can offer you.
Having been in the Mobile DJ Business for 30 years, I started out in the vinyl and cassette era. That's before CDs, the internet, and MP3s existed. Being a professional, my music and equipment stays up-to-date throughout all these and future changes.
Q Can we meet in person when hiring you or just considering hiring you?
A Yes.
Q Do we have to meet in person for me to hire you?
A No.
Q Can we meet in person when planning or going over the details for our event?
A Yes.
Q Do you have a privacy policy? Would you keep my information confidential?
A Yes and Yes. To see my privacy policy → click here
Q If I hire you, will you really play what I want even if my guests might not like it?
A Yes. Life is simple: I answer to the people who pay me and they get what they want.
Q If I leave the choice of music up to you, can you satisfy my guests?
A Yes.
Q I want someone to just play music – no talk. Will you do this?
A Yes.>
Q If I want to bring some of my own CDs for you to play, will you play them?
A Yes. (assuming children won't hear swearing, hate, killing or sex acts)
Q How much music can I choose and pick out?
A As much as you want (enough to last the entire event).
Q Many DJs won't allow that much music freedom of choice. Why do you?
A Because YOU are the one paying to hear music. I get paid to have it and play it. I believe in that famous old adage: "Whoever pays the fiddler calls the tune."
Sometimes, people who are paying for the DJ will request music that is non-danceable or a mood killer which then reflects negatively on the DJ. Some DJs use each event as a blatant "audition" for future work and prefer to always look good in the hopes of getting more jobs. These types of DJs are only trying to impress your guests and potential future customers. I want you to be impressed.
Q Have you ever worked as a DJ with bands?
A Yes. Many times. Bands like working with me because I never try to upstage them.
Q Are you on the radio? Have you ever been a Radio DJ?
A No.
Q Why should I hire you?
A Because I am very good at what I do. And have 30 years Mobile DJ experience.
Q If someone or some company charges more, are they better than you?
A A few are better but most are not. Depends on the DJ, type of event, plus additional personnel and equipment required for a specific event.
Q How do I hire you?
A It's easy → Click Here. Reading this page was the hardest part.
Q Why can't I just automatically book you through an online system?
A Because I don't automatically accept every booking offer. Each potential booking is first checked to make sure my DJ service is right for them.
Q How do you accept payments?
A Checks, cash, plus credit cards through PayPal. See information on → payments page
Q What if I'm not satisfied with your DJ service?
A Unthinkable! Actually, it's possible some money might be refunded depending upon the circumstances and how much it actually cost (upfront expenses) to perform. If it was obvious my service was bad, all money would be refunded along with a personal apology.
Q Where Are You Located?
A In the center of Metro Detroit (City of Southfield), Michigan USA.
Q Why so much information about other entertainers? Why not just plug yourself?
A Because I also have a music and entertainment information service. And, if I am unavailable or not the right person for an event someone will still need a DJ or other entertainer. I realize the importance of each event and how hard it is to find quality resources for entertainment. There are many good entertainers, the problem is finding them.
Plus, I really look forward to seeing other entertainers perform so I need to keep their public information handy. Turns out that my own website is the best for that purpose and people are thoughtful enough to e-mail additions, updates and corrections. Michigan is fortunate to have an abundance of talented entertainers. I am well known in Michigan, so freely sharing my huge list of resources to help anybody in need of – or looking for – local entertainment is something I take immense pride in doing.
Q Hey Mike, do you enjoy what you do?
A YES. Immensely. Absolutely. Completely. Without Question. Love it.
Q Can I use my BACK button anywhere/anytime on your website?
A Yes. If you click to another part of my website or even to another part of the same page, clicking your back button will return you to the spot that you were viewing.
A Send info in an e-mail. use → Report a Bad Link to quickly tell me what is wrong.
tell me which page and which link. I will fix it or remove it.
Q Can I add my link to your site?
A Not directly. Depending on your site's content, you can ask me add it.
To find out how and what sites would be accepted, see Resources Page or Link Exchange
Q I clicked on a link but nothing happened. What's wrong?
A A minor mistake in the link html code, a quick easy fix.
tell me which page and which link → Report a Bad Link