DJ Services Checklist: How To Book the Right Entertainment for Your Next Party
Kevin Kinyon
November 19, 2007
Planning a party or other special event? Chances are you're considering DJ services. A party DJ is an excellent choice for practically any gathering from corporate awards dinners to weddings to outdoor summer barbecues. However, searching for DJ services can be a daunting task, especially if you've never hired a party DJ before.
This DJ services checklist will give you good questions to ask when interviewing mobile DJ candidates as well as information about what to look for when hiring a DJ.
Experience
Whether they do this type of work as a sideline or as their main form of employment, you'll want to deal with professionals. That means getting a good understanding of how long the DJs have been in business and their records of performance.
When interviewing for party DJ services, collect the following information:
1. Does this company offer mobile DJ services? (Do they travel to wherever you need them to go?) _____________
2. If so, what is the set area in which they travel? ____________________________________
3. How long have they been in business? _________________
4. Do they have their own equipment? _________
5. If no, can they guarantee all necessary equipment will be available for your event? _________
6. Can this party DJ provide references from recent gigs? __________
Available Services
Not all mobile DJ services offer the same options. You'll want to be very clear on what are considered "standard" services and what are available as add-ons.
7. Are light shows available and/or included in the fee? __________
8. If there is an extra charge for light shows, what is it? __________
9. Is this party DJ experienced with emceeing games, contests or other forms of entertainment you might request? If yes, which ones? ___________________________________________
10. What types of music are available? Does the DJ have the songs you want to hear? (‘80s music, ‘50s music, specific songs, etc.) ____________________________________________
11. Does their equipment have any special power requirements? ________________________
12. How far in advance does the party DJ need access to the facility? ______________________
Mobile DJ Services
Many times, the DJ you want to book is not located in your town. He/she must travel to where you are. In this case, you'll want to ask the following questions:
13. Where are they located? _______________________
14. How long will it take them to drive to your town? ____________________
15. Is the mobile DJ familiar with your area? ___________________
Business
Discussing money is never fun. Don't be shy, however. You want to make sure you fully understand all of the charges before you pay a single cent.
16. What is the TOTAL charge for all DJ services requested? _____________________
17. Do they require a deposit? ________ How much? __________
18. What forms of payment does the DJ accept? __________________ (Credit cards are often the best choice for payment, as they give you added protection should something go wrong.)
19. Do they operate with a contract? _________
20. What is their cancellation policy? ________________________________________________
By having all your information organized and all your questions answered, you'll be in the best position possible to interview and book a professional DJ or wedding DJ for your next party.
Kevin Kinyon is President of Gigmasters.com, the Internet's premiere live entertainment booking service. Find audio & video clips, client reviews, and secure bookings for over 4,000 performers throughout North America. When you're ready to hire wedding music, visit http://www.gigmasters.com. © 2007, All Rights Reserved
This DJ services checklist will give you good questions to ask when interviewing mobile DJ candidates as well as information about what to look for when hiring a DJ.
Experience
Whether they do this type of work as a sideline or as their main form of employment, you'll want to deal with professionals. That means getting a good understanding of how long the DJs have been in business and their records of performance.
When interviewing for party DJ services, collect the following information:
1. Does this company offer mobile DJ services? (Do they travel to wherever you need them to go?) _____________
2. If so, what is the set area in which they travel? ____________________________________
3. How long have they been in business? _________________
4. Do they have their own equipment? _________
5. If no, can they guarantee all necessary equipment will be available for your event? _________
6. Can this party DJ provide references from recent gigs? __________
Available Services
Not all mobile DJ services offer the same options. You'll want to be very clear on what are considered "standard" services and what are available as add-ons.
7. Are light shows available and/or included in the fee? __________
8. If there is an extra charge for light shows, what is it? __________
9. Is this party DJ experienced with emceeing games, contests or other forms of entertainment you might request? If yes, which ones? ___________________________________________
10. What types of music are available? Does the DJ have the songs you want to hear? (‘80s music, ‘50s music, specific songs, etc.) ____________________________________________
11. Does their equipment have any special power requirements? ________________________
12. How far in advance does the party DJ need access to the facility? ______________________
Mobile DJ Services
Many times, the DJ you want to book is not located in your town. He/she must travel to where you are. In this case, you'll want to ask the following questions:
13. Where are they located? _______________________
14. How long will it take them to drive to your town? ____________________
15. Is the mobile DJ familiar with your area? ___________________
Business
Discussing money is never fun. Don't be shy, however. You want to make sure you fully understand all of the charges before you pay a single cent.
16. What is the TOTAL charge for all DJ services requested? _____________________
17. Do they require a deposit? ________ How much? __________
18. What forms of payment does the DJ accept? __________________ (Credit cards are often the best choice for payment, as they give you added protection should something go wrong.)
19. Do they operate with a contract? _________
20. What is their cancellation policy? ________________________________________________
By having all your information organized and all your questions answered, you'll be in the best position possible to interview and book a professional DJ or wedding DJ for your next party.
Kevin Kinyon is President of Gigmasters.com, the Internet's premiere live entertainment booking service. Find audio & video clips, client reviews, and secure bookings for over 4,000 performers throughout North America. When you're ready to hire wedding music, visit http://www.gigmasters.com. © 2007, All Rights Reserved
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