So in an industry that is highly unregulated how what points should be considered when choosing a DJ? Many DJs claim that they ‘set standards’ but how, particularly if there are no standards or a recognised independent body. Therefore, how is professionalism and reliability guaranteed for your private/corporate event?

 

The dilemma is how do you select a quality experienced DJ over a DJ that has just started with some second hand equipment? Simple, meet the DJs, see their performance and judge their customer service.

 

Whether or not you choose to have DRN Entertainments we have put together a few pointers that should assist in your selection process.

 

Personality and Confidence

It’s important that you feel comfortable and get along with the DJ. The best way is to meet them in person. From this you will be able to gauge their enthusiasm, experience, passion, professionalism and most importantly their personality. Does this fit in with yours? You may also want to ask questions about their work ethics or even, dress attire for your event.

Customer Service

Customer service has got to be excellent.  You are the paying customer so the DJ should be pro-active in helping you. The DJ should be accommodating to your ideas, suggesting ideas from their experience and remain in constant contact to ensure that all ideas are as planned. Email and telephone communications between you and the DJ should give you some indication of how responsive they will be to your ongoing requests. You want a personal service so be sure to demand it and do not be afraid to ask questions. A large portion of the success of your celebration is resting on the DJ. The DJ should liaise with your wedding co-ordinator to ensure a well-prepared and fun event. More importantly a service agreement/contract should be produced.

Music

This aspect tends to get over looked when searching for a DJ. Yet this is the most important aspect.  What potential clients are interested in is the cost, should it not be the music, customer service and experience to make your event a success?  Be sure to meet and question the DJs knowledge about music. The DJ should be able to cover music you want and be able to adapt the music depending on the crowd. Once again do not be afraid to ask questions.

Equipment

DJs have a tendency to speak in jargon hoping what they tell you will astound you. This is wrong, the type of equipment and the purpose should be explained to you in detail in a way that you understand exactly what you are getting. As a minimum all equipment should be of good quality as you should expect nothing less for your event. However technology does fault at times, in which case the DJ should explain to you what back up systems they have if such issues arise. There are no second chances. However remember that a DJ can have all the latest equipment, but if they do not have the ability to listen to the client and entertain the crowd they will not be able to make your event a success.

Testimonials and references

Testimonials and references are important to ensure validity and trust. Always ask for these to read what others have said about them.  

Legal Requirements

Most venues require the DJ to have a PAT Certificate (Portable Appliance Testing or PAT is a certification that all equipment complies with British Safety Standards. This ensures that the DJ’s equipment is safe and reliable). Another requirement is Public Liability insurance. This is covers the DJ should any incidents arise. event Risk Assessments and Method Statements maybe required (dependant on venue) to ensure that the DJ is aware of his surroundings and will work in a professional and correct manner.

 

With the high rates that DJs charge and more importantly the importance of your event, it’s imperative that you get it right. Use the simple checklist below to help you make that decision.

Checklist:

Is the DJ available for your date?
How much experience has the DJ have and what events have they catered for?
Have they performed at your chosen venue before?
Do they have references?
Will a contract be issued and is a deposit required.
Package prices?
Who will be the main DJ at your event?
Will the DJ be dressed in suitable attire?
What styles of music do they specialise in?
Are they open to requests? Can you state the songs you do and don’t want?
How do they conduct themselves on the microphone?
What kind of equipment do they use?
Do they have a PAT Certificate and Public liability insurance?

Conclusions

With so much choice and variety in DJs, it’s important that you shop around and prepare a list of questions and take careful notes on the responses given.

 

They key to a great event is preparation; never assume what the DJ should already know. Time should be spent discussing all details to make the event is a success.

 

Always remember you are paying the DJ for the service, you are in control, and it’s your event.