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A Conversation with a Karaoke Provider.Learn about Karaoke and how one company provides it.Joe Glatz's company, Sing-Along Machine provides Karaoke entertainment. Last month I had a conversation with him about Karaoke and what his company's services.EMZ: Who uses your services? JG: "Restaurants, parks, parades, bars, private parties, etc. I can furnish speakers to create a PA system for outdoor spaces. I have a generator so I can work in locations where electricity is not readily available. I have packages for teenagers, adults, even geriatric. I’ve worked for homes for Alzheimer's patients. They don’t do much singing, but the staff loves to join in. For these people I have older songs, “Sing along with Mitch”, etc. Our clientele tends to be suburban, middle and upper class. Karaoke rentals come with about 600 songs. We use Pioneer Laser Karaoke video or CD graphics. Things are moving more to CD graphics these days." Background "Karaoke originated in East Asia. I was introduced to it in the Philippines where I worked with it for three years. Karaoke spread from the Far East to the West Coast following the Asians who lived there in large numbers. We are a pioneer in this field. I started Sing-Along Machine in 1985. I am the first to offer Karaoke in this area. In my opinion, Karaoke has not yet reached its peak." What Joe’s company offers "We are based in Lower Bucks County near Northeast Philadelphia. We offer free pick up and delivery for a radius of 18-19 miles. We do service longer distances. When people rent the Karaoke machines, we drop them off, then typically pick them up the next day. In the case of some restaurants who need to have the equipment moved out before then, we can pick up earlier. The machines are very user friendly. Hosted parties are also available. I act as the KJ (as opposed to DJ). Packages run about $299 for four hours. I bring about 2-3,000 songs. We also have large posters of some of the hottest stars such as Britney Spears available for parties. We have 14 machines. Because of that we do not have to take nonrefundable deposits like some providers who only have one or two machines. Also if a provider has only one machine and it malfunctions, you’re out of luck. Same thing if they have two machines and one is rented out." What to look for in your Karaoke provider Most people shop for price. So some rental stores will buy a small corner machine and rent it out. Then people hear our machine and comment on how much better it sounds. That’s because our machines have full sound systems and speakers." How to find a provider To find a Karaoke provider, "your best bet is to ask around. Then check the Yellow Pages. It’s ok to ask for references, although most people don’t-just as in shopping for a DJ. I get a high percentage of repeat and referral customers so I’m happy to refer. What I need to know from you is the kind of party you’re having, the venue, preferences and age groups of the guests. Most providers ask for an upfront deposit. We don’t because we have enough machines to cover almost any eventuality. The guys with one or two machines can’t afford to be tied up with a reservation and then have the client pull out. Just like performers. There are services that update us on a monthly basis so we can keep current. Like movies going to video, it takes about a year before the song is available."
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