Things To Consider When Considering a Potential DJ for Your Event !

Is the price too good to be true?

If you ask a DJ for a price for your event, it can range
from $499.00 - $3700.00.
So what is a good DJ worth?

Disc Jockeys new in the business or hobby DJs are less expensive than the food and clothing. It is a known fact. A few brides and party planners tend to shop for the cheapest price possible because of a lack of resources. If you have adhered to the guiding principals noted here, you will know to avoid services that have a rock bottom price because they will not be able to display the level of quality and attention to detail that EVERY client deserves! When pricing your DJ you should consider your DJ service an insurance policy that ensures that all of the other money you spend will not result in bad memories or a less than enjoyable occasion. You do get what you pay for. Good entertainment is NOT cheap, and cheap entertainment often is NOT good! Yet many people will pay far more for a cake, flowers, or food than they will for the most crucial ingredient at a party – the entertainment. When was the last time you heard a guest tell you “Boy, that prime rib was great, I can’t wait until I go to another party to have that again”? No, that DOES NOT HAPPEN. Instead, they talk about the music and games that were played, and whether they had a good time or not.

Will the person that you interview be the person that will perform at your event?

This is THE most common complaint about the DJ industry today. The person you meet turns out NOT to be the person that actually does your show.

Often, you are not made aware of this. We had a client who is now in a court battle because the DJ company that they have chosen and placed a deposit down, was called last minute (one week before the event) and was informed that it would be another $400 to have that specific DJ.

Ask the DJ you interview if he/she will be the actual person performing, or will someone else perform the event. Ask if there will be a sure charge for that specific DJ and what happens if that person is not available. You should definitely ask if the performing DJ could be present for the meeting to discuss the event details.

What sort of documents does the DJ use to procure your business?

In a good interview, the DJ should show you several documents. First and foremost is a planner.

This planner should impress you enough to the point where you begin to understand that the DJ you are hiring is a professional, and is capable of handling your event.

Your DJ should also have a list of credited associations they belong to such as; CPDJA (Canadian Professional Disc Jockey Association), AVLA (Audio Video Licensing Association), BBB, and more. Be sure that these associations are NATIONALLY recognized, not just local or provincial.

Ron Waterfield is the owner of Twilite Music Services and has been in the entertainment industry for over 40 years. He is a national member of CAPS (Canadian Association of Professional Speakers) a member of BBB as well as a Professional DJ Academy Trainer for CPDJA (Canadian Professional Disc Jockey Association). He can be reached at www.TwiliteMusic.ca