FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Everyone has questions, so to help I have tried to include the most common questions and answers here. If you don't find the information you are looking for on this page please contact me either by phone or e-mail, and I'll be happy to help out. Also, please read my Terms & Conditions, which can be found here.

How soon should I book my Disco?
As soon as you can! It's never too early to book - and it can be a disaster if you leave it too late, especially at busy times! Weddings are often booked 1 or 2 years in advance. In fact, as soon as you book the venue, consider booking the Disco! Same with Christmas Parties - many companies book up at or immediately after the current year, so to ensure your date is available, book as early as possible!

How Much?
Whether its the first or the last question, it is the one question everyone has to ask! Our prices include all necessary equipment, travelling, assembly and dismantling, pre-event contact, venue surveys etc. There are NO hidden costs. A base price for each type of event is shown on the relevant page, but it is impossible to give a set price for 'A Disco'. Prices are calculated based upon how long the event is, setup times, number of people attending (which tells us how much equipment/staff will be needed) and whether access to the venue is direct or indirect (stairs or upstairs venues, long treks down corridors etc!) and of course how far away the venue is. However you can be sure that our prices are extremely competitive within our market.

Joe Bloggs is way cheaper than you - why is that?
Hmmm! Our prices are extremely competitive within our market, and it is unlikely that you will get a much cheaper quote from anyone else within that market. However I do work at the upper end of the market, for discerning and prestige clients and as such I will never be even close to the prices of DJs working in a different marketplace. This is my own business, and is fully above board, and my main source of income. I am not a fly-by-night, nor do I do this for beer money or because I have some 20 year old equipment knocking around in the garage. As such any professional company will charge higher prices than someone looking to make a bit of extra 'on the side'. I do appreciate that sometimes you may have an extremely low budget with which to work, and on those occasions we may not be able to help. Some of these 'beer money' guys are very good and have been doing it for years. On the other hand, many aren't, and we get phone calls every week from people who have been let down by their DJ, usually at that end of the market. With us you get a disco which WILL turn up, on time, at the right place, with the right equipment and do the job that you have requested. Additionally we are welcomed by venues because we show respect for them, have all the correct paperwork, certification and have usually already been in touch with them to introduce ourselves. It really can be as simple as 'You Get What You Pay For'!

Do you provide a contract or written details of our booking?
Yes! All bookings are confirmed in writing, on  a proper booking form, including all the relevant details. No booking is confirmed until the signed booking form and booking fee have been received by us.

Do you require a reservation fee?
We require a small non returnable reservation (booking) fee. This guarantees your booking, regardless of any other work that is offered for that date, even if its for more money! The remaining balance should be paid before the function, either in cash at the beginning of the event, or if by cheque, then at least 14 days prior to the event, to allow for clearance. Cheques should be payable to Colin Cook.

Do you charge travel costs?
My fees are calculated to include local travel costs. Obviously if your function is further away, then the fee quoted may be higher than for a local event. All fees are clearly described - there are NO hidden costs with Colin's Disco.

What If I need to cancel?
Let me know as soon as possible! The booking fee is non-refundable so you will lose that. If the cancellation is less than 30 days before the event, then the full fee will be due, as its unlikely I will get another booking for that date within that period. However, it may be possible to re-arrange your booking for another date, and as long as I am available on the new date and it is within 3 months of the original date, I'll happily change the booking for you, at no extra charge. See my terms and conditions for more information. Obviously it may not be possible to re-arrange if the new date is on a premium date (e.g. December, Bank Holiday weekends).

What time will you need to arrive?
I'm one of those people who would rather be an hour early than a minute late, but in reality, the show takes just over an hour to set up, so I would need access at least that amount of time before hand. Children's shows are quicker to set up, and the big shows take longer, so it depends on what show is booked. Also - if it is for a wedding, and you need me to be set up before the meal etc, please let me know at the time of booking. I'll also need an hour or so to pack away after the show.

What outfit would you wear for the night?
That depends on your function. I do wear 'appropriate dress', so if you let me know what you prefer, I will dress accordingly. My usual attire is a suit and tie, however if you prefer more casual, or smarter - even a dinner suit, just say when you book. Also with theme nights, e.g. 70s nights, if you prefer me to be in costume then please advise when you make your initial enquiry. If I need to hire a costume then this would be chargeable to you, but I'll always try to have a go myself if possible!

What will you need for your equipment?
An accessible, safe place to set up, with close access to 2 13amp sockets, preferably separate. Most venues will already have a set area to cater for Discos.

What type of Music do you play, and will you play our requests?
Yes most definitely! I am happy for you to supply me with a list of songs that you would like to hear, and to take requests on the night. Its great to hear what will get people going. The one thing I would say though, is that you are employing me as a professional DJ, and part of my job is to get people dancing and having fun. In that capacity, if I feel a particular track will 'kill' the atmosphere I'd rather not play it. Having said that - its your party, so if you really want a track played, of course I will play it! When you book your event, let me know the type and style of music you prefer, and I'll build a playlist around that, along with your requests. As far as music choice goes - I am happy playing pretty much all types of music, from 60s, thru to the current stuff. Rock nights, Dance, R&B, Party Classics, Disco, Glam Rock - all are fine by me!

How much do you use the Mic?
I'm happy to fit in with your requirements there. These days, most people don't want a DJ who talks constantly, and introduces every record, so I generally don't do that - I let the music do the talking for me! I do encourage people to come up with requests, up to dance, and will read out any announcements, requests or messages from the bar staff., I'm always happy to have a bit of banter too, if required, but am also content if you prefer me to be as minimal as possible! Its your party - its your choice :-). Likewise, at weddings I am happy to announce the first dance, and any other special dances you may have, such as Mother/Son, Father/Daughter etc

How loud do you play?
That's up to you really, depending on venue requirements. Generally I play loud enough to get everyone up on the dance floor, and so they can become immersed in the atmosphere but not so loud that people cannot hold a conversation at the tables. During the buffet or meal I turn the music down to a background level, and if you want some 'quieter' time am happy to do that also. And on the day - please feel free to request I play more quietly, or even louder! For weddings, I generally play at a lower level due to the type of function.

Do you work with Sound Limiters?
No I don't. It is very rare for a sound limiter to be installed, set or monitored accurately. As my playout system is PC based then the damage caused by a power cut could be disastrous. It is the client's responsibility to advise if a Sound Limiter is installed, and venues should always advise clients of this in their Terms and Conditions. As a work around I may be willing to run my lighting through the Limited Sockets as an indicator of sound levels. As I do not play too loudly to start with, a limiter is unnecessary and many can even be set off by the guests applauding or shouting. In all cases a client is responsible for any damage done to my equipment by a Sound Limiter.

Do you have Public Liability Insurance?
Yes, I carry £10 million Public Liability Insurance cover. A copy of the certificate is available on request

Is Your Equipment Properly Maintained and Certified (PAT)?
Yes, I have a regular maintenance schedule for my equipment. Everything is tested annually in accordance with legislation (Portable Appliance Testing), fully certified and documented. Additionally all equipment is visually inspected and tried at least every 3 months. Repairs are rarely necessary as most of my equipment is recent and of high quality. However, any necessary repairs will always be carried out by competent persons. Copies of PAT certificates etc are available on request.

What is a Risk Assessment and do you have one, and how seriously do you take Health & Safety.
As Health & Safety regulations change, companies have to change to meet new expectations. Whilst a disco itself is very safe, we are dealing with electricity, and operating structures at height. The disco itself is usually in a dimly lit room, with bright shining lights, lots of people and usually alcohol. Obviously there is potential for disaster there! A Risk Assessment is a properly documented assessment of potential hazards, the risk of them occurring and the steps necessary to minimise them. They are not a legal requirement small and single-operator businesses, but probably will become so. As with PAT and PLI Certificates, many venues now request a copy of Risk Assessments. Colin's Disco has a full Risk Assessment which is available on request.

Regarding Health & Safety, we take our responsibilities very seriously. Wherever possible we ensure that cables are neatly laid out of harms way, or taped down correctly with Gaffa tape. We set up in as safe a manner as is possible, and pay great attention to potential hazards. If we feel that it is unsafe for us to set up, or to continue to operate we reserve the right to stop performing and to switch off all equipment until the hazard is cleared, or if this is not possible then to refuse to continue. So far this has never happened, but we must reserve the right to be paid in full should this occur. Everyone has the right to work in a safe environment, and I will not place myself, my staff or anyone else in danger.