Hiring a DJ for your special event? These are very important questions you should ask?
This article appears on the American Disc Jockey Association website - www.adja.org -
We have added our answeres below each question!
1. Are you insured? Can you supply me with proof of liability?
Many responsible business owners carry liability insurance to protect their businesses and the consumer. Many locations are beginning to require proof of liability. Ask for proof of liability insurance. Disc Jockey’s receive a Certificate of Liability which can be used as proof.
We carry insurance through Commercial Brokerage Coverage. We will provide a copy of our insurance policy to anyone booking an event with us.
2. Will you be willing to play requests and discuss music ahead of time?
A versatile Disc Jockey is willing to listen to your suggestions, give you feedback and play from your desired song list. A professional Disc Jockey will also accept the fact you may not want certain songs played. A professional Disc Jockey cannot know everything about your musical preferences and entertainment needs without communication.
We provide each client with numerous lists and access to their own personalized planner where they can listen to music clips and choose all of their requests and prioritize them.
3. Do you use Professional Equipment?
Ask whether your prospective Disc Jockey works with professional audio equipment. If you are not sure, ask for their equipment list and check with a local music dealer or the A.D.J.A. to verify they are using professional-grade sound gear. Remember that professional gear does not guarantee an entertainer’s talent or service level, but is simply a tool for building an exceptional event.
We invite you to come to our office and actually see the gear we use at your events. We are proud of the systems we provide and you are welcome to see what we use!
4. Do you provide backup equipment at my event?
Although equipment failure is rare, do you really want your special occasion ruined because your Disc Jockey did not come prepared? It is also important to know if your Disc Jockey has a back-up plan in case of illness or an accident. Members of the A.D.J.A. have many resources available to them in case of an emergency. You may also reach our Hotline number to get a Disc Jockey when you have an emergency. The toll-free number is 888-723-5776.
Most of our DJ’s carry an extra amplifier and extra speaker to events. We are computerized and most of our DJ’s carry an extra PC as well. We have a roadie on call on Saturdays to bring emergency gear to any of our DJ’s.
5. Booking a reliable Disc Jockey is a very important decision for the success of your party.
Selecting a Disc Jockey who is an active member of the American Disc Jockey Association will provide you with the confidence that you have selected a trained professional. A.D.J.A. members are more likely to be involved with other Disc Jockey’s who can help them out with an unexpected situation.
Starz Entertainment did 5 emergency weddings on calls day of wedding last year. We also did 8 more weddings that were booked within 14 days of the wedding date. We keep extra personnel on call on all but the busiest weekends when we actually run out of personnel. We carry more DJ gear than we have people to use, so extra gear is not a problem.
6. Does the Disc Jockey know the proper etiquette for your type of party?
A professional Disc Jockey will assist you with the planning of your special day. Most professional entertainers will coordinate, emcee and provide the music that you desire. Ask if they have experience with your type of event.
All of our DJ’s must complete a 6 session classroom training before they even go out as a DJ helper... All of our actual DJ’s have done at least 20 events as a helper... and been approved by 3 different supervisors before your event. WE WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU!
7. How much time do you allow for set-up?
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.
Our smallest events require us to arrive 60 minutes in advance. We typically arrive 90 minutes to 120 minutes prior to start. Our DJ’s are required to complete sound checks 30 minutes prior to your 1st guest arriving... So if they arrive a little early... don’t worry, we’ll be ready!
8. Do you provide a written contract?
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. From the time pricing is put in our system you can print out and review a contract from your planner at any time. Most of our contract is to tell you what to expect from us and what we expect from you.. We are always open to questions and to pinpoint what you need! We always allow you to meet your DJ and lock them in as best we can... Of course in event of illness or act of god we have to reserve the right to substitution.
9. Will you be suitably dressed for our occasion?
Specify the type of apparel that your Disc Jockey is expected to wear for your occasion. Formal attire or coat & tie are the most popular forms of attire. If you are having a "themed" event, make sure your entertainer is informed.
We dress as you request us to dress. From a full tux to casual beach attire. you tell us what you want and we’ll wear it.... within reason.... no one needs to see Eric in a Speedo!
10. Do you belong to a professional organization or trade group?
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. Disc jockeys can learn through local chapter meetings, national DJ conventions and seminars geared toward the entertainment professional.
Our owner, Eric Godfrey is a long standing member of the National Association of Mobile Entertainers and has served on their National Advisory Board. He is also a member of the American DJ Association and serves on the Executive Board of the Phoenix metro area chapter. Eric is one of 4 current instructors for the FAME DJ School, the only DJ School accredited by a National DJ Organization (NAME). Our two General Managers, John Green and James Mennes also belong to National DJ Associations as well.
GO TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE TO SEE SOME ISSUES
WE AT STARZ FEEL YOU SHOULD CONSIDER?
Other Items to Note
Disc Jockey 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 95% of brides would have spent more money on their entertainment and made it their #1 priority in hindsight.
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.
We have left the above info intact as quoted form the ADJA.. Our answers to each question are in light blue text. Our owner, Eric Godfrey, feels there are other issues you should consider in choosing your DJ and here are his comments
11. Are they a member in good standing of the Better Business Bureau? Ever had a complaint?
Check your local Better Business Bureau for complaints and to see how they have been handled. Is he company you are considering a member of the Bureau? Companies that are members have agreed to having a 3rd party professional mediator become involved to settle your dispute! Starz Entertainment has done over 6000 events in the Phoenix Metro area and has NEVER had a complaint at the Better Business Bureau.
12. What kind of training / certification programs have their DJ’s been through?
Our owner, Eric is one of 4 current instructors for the FAME DJ School, the only DJ School accredited by a National DJ Organization (NAME). We currently over 30 training classes for our DJ’s annually. Continued education is important to any professional.... Don’t you want someone who knows what you are doing and not based on their own ego or opinions?
13. Can you meet your actual DJ first... He’s going to run the most important day of your life... you might want to meet him in person?
We always allow you to meet your DJ and lock them in as best we can... Of course in event of illness or act of god we have to reserve the right to substitution. For a typical wedding you might meet with your DJ 3 times prior to your event date!
14. Do they do this full time or is it a side thing or a hobby?? Someone who is full time will take your event more seriously and be more committed to making sure it goes well or their livelihood will be hurt!
Who has more to lose; the guy who does this for fun and could decide at any time his weekend off is more important than your wedding or the person who makes his living doing this, dedicates every day to making himself a better DJ and risks his professional reputation if your event is not as you would wish!
15. Do they have a place of business or a garage full of stuff?? Can you come see their equipment?
When someone has a real place of business and you can come and see how they operate they are obviously going to be more committed to making sure the customer is satisfied... Are you dealing with a real business or an e-mail and a PO Box. If you are not happy on Saturday you can come down to my office and speak to me about it on Monday! Do you think I might care more than the person hiding behind a cell phone number that you can’t get through to!
4.8/5.0
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