Things to Consider When Hiring a DJ

References

Can your DJ provide you with references?

Pay close attention that the references you receive are for the type of party you are having. It's not helpful to get birthday party references if you are planning a wedding.


Years in Business

How many years has your DJ been in business?


Number of DJ's in Company

Safety in numbers?

Not necessarily! Sometimes companies with large numbers of DJ's are not able to provide each DJ with a complete set of selections. Also, some DJ companies advertise "combined experience levels." Be sure to find out the experience level of the DJ who will be performing at your function. It's perfectly acceptable to ask to meet the DJ who will be performing.

How Will Your DJ Look?

What will the DJ wear? What does the equipment look like?


Music Selection

Does your DJ provide a variety of music? Does your DJ take requests?


Other considerations:
Does the DJ provide a list? Will he/she take requests?

Contracts

Be sure that you and your DJ are in complete agreement as to expectations. Also, one of the occasional horror stories occurs when the DJ backs out at the last minute for another show. Be sure that your contract ensures your DJ to be responsible for hiring his replacement should he be unable to perform.


Deposits and Pricing

When shopping for prices, be sure to ask if there is a charge for mileage, or if you will incur surcharges for peak seasons (wedding, Christmas). Pricing is not as critical as you might think. Just because you paid a lot for a DJ service doesn't mean that they are any good. Find out if your DJ requires a deposit, and if it is refundable.