Horrible DJ Experience

@VC yes, I will definitely do that! We did record the last convo too.

Keep us posted! Hopefully he really does send a check

Good job for sticking to your guns! Hopefully you receive the money that he says he sent

Was he aware the he was being recorded? Be careful with that, as in some states it is legal to record a phone conversation as long as one party is aware of it, but in other states it is only legal if both parties are aware.

My god. This makes me so nervous for my own! Keep us updated! He better send you the full amount!

I was told that in my state there is a one party consent when it comes to recording. We mainly did it so that we could remember what was said.

Great for looking into that, and since there is a one party consent great idea for recording it!!

Oh my! I'm glad they finally agreed to refunding you but I know that doesn't change the experience :/

I hope they money comes soon.

Thank you, everyone! I really needed a place to vent before speaking with him so this really helped. I'll make sure to update if we receive the check.

I can't even imagine. I'm so incredibly sorry you had to deal with that!

Op - if you are in Chicago- in IL you have to inform all parties a call of being recorded - you wont be able to use in court. But it is good to keep records with details

Construction? That was the excuse given to the OP to cover a significant late arrival? The bride and groom have no interest in family emergency/traffic/car overheated/fender bender...whatever excuse the vendor uses to say, "You're not actually going to get what you paid for....".

I would 100% not settle for anything less than a full refund plus the extra money they cost you. Even that I feel is less than what is deserved as when you think of everything you spent on your wedding as a whole and this guy greatly affected your enjoyment of all of it. He hurt your whole experience and even though years from now looking back I'm sure it will become something you laugh about it still isn't at all right and just a refund doesn't make it so.

Jeeze. Slow computer, cheap setup. pathetic DJ. smh. how horrible. Who plays music off of youtube as a wedding DJ. Who I ask you? Who. Stuff like this frustrates me because it makes all of us look bad.

I am so happy you are getting this resolved. For couples looking for a DJ- consider these red flags from the OP:

"but eventually went with the bigger company because we know how much a DJ matters."

I knew there would be trouble a-brewing as soon as I read that...

"Every single review that we read was amazing. We really thought we did what we could to hire a professional and not have any problems."

And there it is. "Every single review" did not cover one particular DJ, it covered multiple DJs in a large company. ALWAYS go local. Big, regional companies or national "Pros" will find anybody to cover your event. Any review you read should pertain to the specific DJ that will be at your wedding. Don't put any stock in a review that reviews the "company." Only the performer.

Hope this helps!

Don't give up until you get a full refund plus photographer pay!

Keep on him and keep calling until you get it.

I am keeping my fingers crossed for you that he keeps his word. Kudos for going after what you deserve. Some people would back down. Keep us updated.

Good for you! Get that refund!

I'm so intrigued!! Did you get the check today??

Don't forget to leave reviews on all the relevant places, not just WeddingWire (Google, Facebook, and TheKnot come to mind), but only after the check clears. Mention the offending DJ by name.

I say this because the refund is for you. Reviews are for future brides who *might* hire these guys.

My guess is you got outsourced.