Questions to ask of potential DJ's for your event
1. 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. A professional Disc Jockey does not put their own music tastes ahead of yours.
2. Do you use Professional Equipment?
Ask whether your prospective Disc Jockey works with professional audio equipment. If you are not sure, ask for the equipment list that would be at your event and check with a local music dealer to verify they are using professional-grade sound gear. Also note that some companies pass off insufficient gear as professional. (One company uses Bose 801 and 802 speakers which are professional but not designed to be used without a subwoofer system.) Remember that professional gear does not guarantee an entertainer's talent or service level, but is simply a tool for building an exceptional event. (2 good resources for this are Metro Sound and Lighting in St. Paul and Karaoke Tonite in Maple Grove)
3. 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.
Booking a reliable Disc Jockey is a very important decision for the success of your party. DiverTunes works with other DJ's in event of emergency but typically books 2 DJ's for a single event. This way, no matter what happens, there is a DiverTunes DJ at your event. We book Tom and Eric as a package.
4. 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. Also be sure that your Disc Jockey knows what type of crowd to expect. If you want your Disc Jockey to take more of a background role, we can do that. If you want your Disc Jockey to get out there and really stir things up, we can do that too. It's YOUR night and we're working to make it as memorable as possible.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Will you be suitably dressed for our occasion?
Specify the type of apparel that your Disc Jockey is expected to wear for your occasion. DiverTunes typically works in Shirt and tie. If you want more, let us know, if you'd rather we dressed down for some reason, let us know that too. If you are having a "themed" event, make sure we are informed.
8. Will your system be suitable for the hall we have selected?
What most people do not know is that all systems are NOT created equal. You will have some places tell you that "speakers on a stick" are not suitable for any show, these are companies that specialize in floor standing speakers. Companies that specialize in speakers on a stick will generally tell you all the things wrong with the big floor standing speaker systems. The problem is that both of these systems have their place. Once we talk with you and find out where your reception is at, we will tell you what we recommend. If it's a VERY large venue, you're better off going with a floor standing system and we will refer you to a company that can handle this venue for you. Your satisfaction is important to us and if we don't feel we can provide the quality you need, we'll refer you where we feel they CAN accomodate you with the best sound possible.
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 across the country 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 100% of brides would have spent more money on their entertainment and made it their #1 priority in hindsight. The local average is roughly $800+ per 4 hour event which is where we have priced ourselves.
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. Make sure that when you chose a Disc Jockey to hire, that they're willing to go that extra mile. Typically, once hired you normally won't hear from most companies until 1 or 2 weeks prior to your event. We strive to make contact at least 1 month prior to your event to hammer out the fine details and then 2 weeks prior and finally a contact 1 week prior to make sure that everything is discussed and we are ready to go.
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