Most people choose a sound company on price or a friend's recommendation. These questions help compare quotes that look the same on paper.
1. Who actually comes to the event?
Some companies sell the job and send a subcontractor. Ask who will run the mixer.
2. Is the equipment theirs or rented?
Owned, maintained equipment is a good sign of reliability.
3. Is an engineer there for the whole event?
The most important question. A system left alone is equipment hire.
4. What happens if something fails?
Ask about backup: spare microphones, cables and, at larger events, system components.
5. When do they arrive and sound check?
A serious company arrives early enough to install and test every channel before guests come in.
6. How do they design for your venue?
Someone who quotes without asking anything brings the same system to every event.
7. Are they insured?
Schools, councils and institutions ask for documents before the event.
8. What exactly is included?
Microphones, lighting, screen, setup, load-out and hours. That is how you compare quotes, not just two numbers.
