This guide is designed to answer some of the most frequently asked questions by clients in regards to how to pick a DJ.

This is one of the first questions a client should know and ask. If the DJ is available, try scheduling and appointment at your earliest convenience. If the DJ is popular or in high demand they may not remain available for long. It is important you try to meet with them as discussed further in the question "How do I choose a DJ?" It is certainly not uncommon that a DJ who is popular or in high demand to start booking from 12 to 24 months out.

How Many Weddings Has your Potential DJ Performed. How long has the company has been in business and what kind of experience the assigned DJ for your event has is a very important question to ask. If you are hiring for a wedding reception, you might want to ask how much of their experience or business is wedding related and are they knowledgeable about wedding etiquette. This also applies to various others types of parties such as Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Birthdays, Corporate, Holiday, Anniversaries, Car Shows, Etc. The DJ being accommodating, flexible, and experienced to the client's special requests, will show a high level experience the DJ has and the training that company has provided to their DJ's.

Although belonging to an organization or trade group does not guarantee the talent or professionalism of a disc jockey, it may indicate the companies willingness to network, learn and grow. DJ's can learn through local chapter meetings, national DJ conventions and seminars geared toward the entertainment professional. A good DJ will be involved with organizations such as American Disc Jockey Association (ADJA), National Association of Mobile Entertainers (NAME), or Online Disc Jockey Association (ODJA). Good DJ’s will also subscribe to DJ periodicals such as Mobile Beat or DJ Times. All of the DJ organizations and periodicals are tools of the DJ trade to assist the DJ to be the best they can be! N.A.M.E. and A.D.J.A members have gone through a thorough check before becoming members and are professionals - you should feel confident in choosing a member of these associations for any of your events

No. A DJ’s challenge is to recognize the different moods and special moments that occur during your reception and play music to enhance those moments. A DJ should make the event entertaining and memorable. A DJ must be director, psychologist, motivator, host, coordinator, and entertainer all at the same time.

A DJ serves as a catalyst to help your guests entertain themselves. Some DJ’s are more interactive than others are. The danger of DJ’s who perform ‘an act’ is that it really is not appropriate at most events. Unless you specifically desire such a DJ, look for the person who does all those things in the answer to the previous question

The DJ must watch for details both on and off the dance floor. He or she must plan effectively and personally with the event host or bride and groom. Most importantly, the DJ must care about details and they must ask themselves, "What if this were my event or reception?" The DJ should also honor requests and weave them into a musical mosaic. An experienced DJ must be able to read the guests at the event and play a selection of music that will keep a good continuous flow of people on the dance floor. There will be different age groups and music tastes at your event. The DJ and his/her music library must be versatile enough to please all attending your event.

The best way that you can choose a DJ is through referral from a person you trust or has no financial gain in making a recommendation. Remember that you are looking for a reception or wedding DJ, not just any DJ. When you call, ask if the date for your event is open, get a general idea of the cost, and promptly make an appointment to meet with the DJ. You should be able to meet with the DJ you hire. Most DJ companies work with subcontractor DJ’s and the company you are hiring, most likely doesn’t know who will be at your event until two to three weeks before your event. You should ask if the company you are considering for your event if they use subcontractors. If you do not mind this type of service, you should insist on meeting or having a DJ assigned, otherwise, stay away from these companies. Ask yourself, how many times you gave a business, store, or an individual, money for their services and not cared for what you are receiving in exchange for that money! They should be willing to meet with you and discuss your likes and dislikes, both musically and otherwise. Easy access to your DJ is another important factor in selecting the company. Being able to easily reach the company you are hiring for last minute additions, changes and/or suggestions is a must.

Punctuality is a necessity. Most Disc Jockey's arrive at least one hour prior to the start time you've given them. Your entertainer should ideally be setup and in-place before your first guest walks through the door.

Your DJ should have discussed that with you prior to your reception and at contract signing. It should also be part of your contract. However, you alone must authorize it. If the check you have prepared for the DJ does not cover the overtime then the DJ has the option of accepting cash or check. Usually, it is best to have the cash available and to pay the DJ Company when services are rendered. Some DJ companies will try to sell you overtime up front, don’t get caught up in this unless you are having the DJ play service music or you are absolutely sure you want the DJ longer than the standard time. You must check with the reception hall first to ensure that they will allow it, they may have another event after yours, they may charge you an arm and a leg to stay later, or they may not have a problem with it at all. If a DJ convinces you to contract for the additional time and your reception does not go for that duration, keep in mind, you now have a contract to pay the DJ for that time whether it goes on for the specified length of time or not. Each company operates differently and payment arrangements for standard and overtime rates should always be stipulated in your contract. However, it is standard practice that full payment be made by the conclusion of the event.

It is extremely important to have your booking confirmed in writing. Ask for a written agreement, especially if you are paying an initial retainer. The standard initial payment for entertainment services is 50%. If you are expecting a specific entertainer, make sure you get it in writing as well. It is very important that the company provide you with a written contract that spells out the details of your agreement. This protects you, the client, as well as the company you are hiring.

The answer to tipping is strictly up to you. If you know the DJ gave you a fair price and a great performance then it is always nice to say thanks and show your appreciation. Be very cautious of those companies that make tipping part of the contract. That may be one of those hidden costs that some companies charge you. Some other hidden costs that you should be aware of that some DJ companies might charge you are setup, teardown, and travel costs.

You will note that PRICE is not at the top of the list but is one of the first questions a client may ask. Please keep in mind that the highest or lowest price does not always guarantee quality. A full-service disc jockey company will normally invest 12 to 30 hours to your special event but it may appear that you are only paying for "4 hours". Consultations, music purchasing & editing, preparation, set-up and tear-down, education and other business related endeavors add up to the overall success of your special occasion. DJ rates vary based on talent, experience, emcee ability, service, coordination, equipment needed, music knowledge, mixing ability and personality. Rates for the DJ industry vary greatly, ranging from $350.00 to $3,500.00 with an average of $1,200.00 for a 4 hour booking. The best price is not always the best deal, especially if you are planning a wedding. As a matter of fact, surveys conclude that nearly 100% of brides would have spent more money on their entertainment and made it their #1 priority in hindsight.

Are you insured?

Many responsible business owners carry liability insurance to protect their businesses and the consumer. Many locations are beginning to require proof of liability. DJ's receive a Certificate of Liability if they have insurance that can be provided to venues as proof if necessary.