|
The following
information should be used as a guide in selecting a DJ service.
There are many outside influences that can determine alternative
choices other than what I have provided you with. The following
topics where collected by me over the 16 years that I have been in
the business. The topics are in no particular order; however, I
will make strong reference to the one's I feel are more important
to pay attention to. Here they are:
REFERENCES
This is probably the
most important tip I will discuss, that's why it is listed first.
Always ask for references, most DJ services will have some kind of
reference list from jobs that they have performed over the years.
Pay particular attention to what kind of references you are
getting, for example if you are having a Birthday party, you don't
want references that talk about the great job they did at their
wedding reception, likewise you don't want references about how
great they were for grandpa's 65th birthday party when planning a
wedding reception. It is important to have at least 6 solid
references for whatever you are planning. Keep in mind that some
of the newer DJ services may not have enough years in to get this
many references, so take that into consideration. This leads me
into the next topic:
YEARS IN
BUSINESS
As I mentioned above,
newer DJ services may not have enough references to provide, due
to the lack of experience. Ask them how long they have been in the
business.
A) If under 5 years,
find out how they got started, was it in a night club or did they
work for another DJ company? Then go to question B.
B) If between 5 to 10
years, again find out how they got started and how many functions
have they performed particularly in the area of the function you
are inquiring about. (Weddings, Class Reunions, etc.)
C) If over 10 years in
business, more than likely they have performed enough functions to
satisfy the experience factor. Word of caution make sure you ask
question #1 regardless of the number of years in business, you
might find out that they have been a Night Club DJ and just did
weddings or parties by request or to fill the void. This is not a
good situation, Night Club DJ's are very different from DJ's that
do Weddings, Class Reunions, etc. for a living. Bottom line, make
sure they have done enough functions like the one you are having.
Don't the let the number of years in business fool you!
NUMBER OF
DJ's IN THE COMPANY
Remember the phrase:
Safety in numbers? Well it doesn't work here. My new phrase is: Be
afraid, be very afraid. DJ companies that boast about having many
DJ's is something I have found over the years to be a selling
point to the smaller DJ company.
1. First of all, ask
if they have enough sets (the key word here is sets) of music. Are
they CD's or did they make copies on tape? I have yet to meet a DJ
service that had 10 sets of CD's for all their DJ's. What you may
find is they have hired a DJ that has his/her own collection. Does
that collection include the music you are looking for? Ask!!!
2. Don't let the line:
"we have a combined 20 years experience in the DJ
business" fool you. This is nothing more than a cover up for
the lack of experience of some of the DJ's or lack of years the DJ
service has been in business. That line says that one of us has 10
years experience and the other 10 have 1 year experience. (This is
not true in every case, but I know the tricks and this is one
trick that most people over look.)
3. That brings me to
experience. If a DJ service has many DJ's working for them, find
out the experience level of the DJ that
will be performing for your function. Ask them the questions that
I mentioned above under Years In Business. To protect the guilty,
I will not mention any names but I have a short story I want to
share with you: I was invited to a friends house for a birthday
party for my wife and his. He got a bunch of our friends together
and of course I brought a small sound system over for the music.
During the night I was approached by a long time friend who asked
me about my DJ business. He said that during a short period of
time he did some DJing too. I said really with what company. He
said "The XXX's", and he went on to tell me how they ran
things. I was horrified listening to the things he was saying. He
explained that they would see what kind of vehicle he was driving
and fit the sound system to the size of his car. Music was never
right, he was given what they had excess of, not what was
requested. As for experience, I asked him how he even got the job?
He replied, it didn't matter, I would get, on the job training!
Funny thing was, he usually went by himself on a job. Who's
training? I think you get the message, be afraid, be very afraid
of numbers!
MUSIC
SELECTION
Find out what kind of
music selection they have, be specific! If you are looking for
country music, than ask for a list of artists that they carry. If
you are looking for big band music, ask for a list. I can't stress
this enough, when you are looking for a DJ service be specific,
don't generalize! If you say a mixture of everything, than make
sure they carry everything. To the DJ service who specializes in
oldies and country, that could mean a variety between the two,
when you really meant big band, oldies, top-40, country etc.
Additional questions to ask:
1. What form of music
do you carry? CD's, Tapes, Records etc. CD's provide the best
sound quality, tapes usually mean that
the music has been copied and the quality of sound is lost, plus
it is much harder for the DJ to take requests on demand since he
or she will have a hard time getting it cued up right away.
Records are ok; however I would question the amount of new music
they would have since it is very difficult to get records today,
especially new releases.
2. Do you provide a
list?*
3. Do you take
requests?
4. If they don't have
something you really want, ask if it is ok if you provide the
music for them. Make sure they can play the form of music you are
providing. For example, some DJ services use only CD's, and do not
even carry turntables with them or even tape decks. So if you
don't have that song on CD, they can't play it.
* Note: Most DJ
services will not send a list out, for one it is very extensive
and expensive for them to do this, especially when you decide to
go with another DJ service but use the list to select your songs,
that's a no no! One thing you can do is ask for a consultation to
come see their list. This usually is given only if you book with
that DJ service, so satisfy all your other questions and book with
them, but get the consultation immediately! This way if it turns
out that they don't have the music you want, you can cancel with
them and still get your deposit back. I will cover deposits a
little later.
WHERE CAN I
HEAR YOU PLAY?
I love this one, in
fact so much I want to know the person who said this is a good
question to ask so I can tell them they don't have a clue! Do not
ask this question. The only reason I mentioned it is to make sure
you don't get misinformed about asking the question. I have been
asked this question a million times and each time I reply that I
do not play anywhere public for you to hear us. Now most times
this is ok with the person asking; however, I have been given the
response, well can we come to the wedding your playing at to hear
you? Sure come on in everyone's invited! I hope you see the
sarcasm in that last sentence. The DJ service does not have the
right nor should they let you come to a private party regardless
of what it is. The other choice is to come hear them at a night
club where they might be performing. Oh this good, your having a
wedding and you want to come to a night club to see what the DJ is
like and the music he or she plays. Well unless your wedding is
going to be held in a night club, as they say on the football
commercials "GET REAL!" Enough on this, best advice is
don't ask, you cab get a good idea about the DJ and their services
if you do your homework.
ASSOCIATIONS
Associations can be a
good thing if the association is a good and reputable
organization. One that comes to mind is the American Disc Jockey
Association. This is a growing organization and a good one;
however, just because the DJ service is not a member doesn't mean
they are not a good DJ service. Some DJ services try to persuade
people into believing that if your not a member your not
reputable. Wrong! Organizations like ADJA have certain standards
for being a member, such as having insurance. This has been a big
issue in the DJ industry for years. It is very expensive for DJ
services to carry insurance especially on the music, how do you
estimate a value for that? I do believe now ADJA does provide its'
members with insurance and things are changing but you don't have
to belong to reputable. If they do belong, find out for how long
and ask them why did they join? It's great to belong, but most of
the time it's for the benefit of the DJ service, not the consumer.
I am not bad mouthing ADJA nor am I saying it's bad to join an
Association. I actually think ADJA is a good association, I just
what you to know that belonging is not a criteria for picking a DJ
service.
EQUIPMENT
& LIGHTING
This is an important
topic, so make sure to ask the following questions:
1. What type of
equipment do you use?
A) Industry standards by category are: SPEAKERS: JBL, Peavey,
Klipse, Community, Yorkville, PAS, and EV. AMPLIFIERS: Crown,
Crest, Carver, AB International. MICROPHONES: Audio Technica,
Samson CD PLAYERS: Denon, Vestax. TURNTABLES: Techniques, Vestax,
Gemini
There are many many
different brands for each category. Listed are just a few names
you may encounter, make sure you ask if the equipment if
professional sound equipment. Ask for names, because if you can
buy it at a Circuit City or Best Buy, it's not a professional
piece of sound equipment. This type of equipment usually is only
found with industry specific retailers or distributors.
2. Do you have
different size equipment for different size rooms?
A) This is important because if they only have one big system, it
may not fit in the room! Believe me, I have seen some of the
tightest spots you couldn't even imagine. Just the opposite is
true if your having a function for a large crowd (300 +) and the
DJ service doesn't have the equipment to handle the area. Make
sure your getting a system to fit the function and the room.
3. Do you have
lighting equipment?
A) Lighting is good and it can really add to your function, but it
is not a necessity. If you have an entertaining DJ and he or she
plays good music, that's what counts, not the lights. If no one
dances what good are the lights? Again, don't get me wrong,
lighting is good to have if they offer them. I'll get into pricing
later.
CONTRACTS
& WEDDING FORMS
Contracts come in many
different sizes and forms, but they all say the same thing and
that is: It's a binding contract between the two parties for DJ
services.
1. Make sure you get a
contract. Check to see what rights you have and make sure you read
what rights the DJ has. Too many times I have heard horror stories
of people getting burned by the DJ backing out at the last minute.
If you did that you lose your deposit, if the DJ service does it,
what do they lose? Nothing, most likely they over booked and have
another job lined up. So what can you do? Make sure they are
responsible for getting you another DJ service for the same price
you contracted with them. At this point, quality of the DJ service
just went out the door, but at least you have a DJ.
2. Ask if they have
ever canceled a job or backed out and for what reason? Find out
what they will do to insure you getting a DJ and ask for a
discount! This wasn't your fault and they should be held
accountable for this. Make sure it is in the contract!
3. If you are having a
wedding, ask if they have any forms for announcements, special
events or requests. Ask them how they conduct wedding receptions.
Things to look for are:
1. Doing all the
announcements. (Wedding party, Bride & Groom, etc.)
2. Working with the Photographer.
3. Does the DJ service take control and do it their way?
Remember this is your
day not theirs! Make sure they are willing to work with the
Photographer and more importantly work with you! In summary,
carefully read the contract, make sure your protected. Find out if
the DJ service will work with you.
DEPOSITS
& PRICING
Your probably saying
finally, what took so long to talk about price? Well I'll tell
you. This is not as critical as most people think. Price can fool
allot of people into a false sense of security. Just because you
paid allot of money for a DJ service doesn't mean that they are
any good. Just the same for the guy who hired a DJ service and got
the deal of the century and your bragging because Bill across the
street paid $100 more. This does not mean you got a good DJ
service. I can't really discuss pricing in terms of actual dollar
amounts because it varies across the country; however I will give
you an idea of a fair price based on our area which is located in
Pennsylvania.
A) DJ services can
charge anywhere from $50.00 per hour to $300.00 per hour. In some
cases I have seen even higher amounts. So you say what is fair?
That depends on what they have to offer. If you want background
music for a anniversary party for mom and dad, you only need a
small sound system and appropriate music for that occasion. You
shouldn't have to pay more than $90 to $110.00 per hour. If your
having a wedding reception look for package pricing, more and more
DJ services are offering these kinds of packages which can give
you a good deal. Lighting is sometimes extra, so make sure you
know what your getting before you agree to the price. For example,
some DJ companies have high quality lighting such as lasers,
special effect lighting, intelligent lighting etc. This is worth
paying the price, but make sure that it is appropriate for your
function. If they tell you they have some colored flashing lights
and a mirror ball, it's ok but don't pay extra for that. That's
something that should be included.
B) Ask about overtime,
how much and is there an extra charge if you request it at the
time of your function. Do you get a break; if you book extra hours
over and above the normal package price, in advance. Ask if you
are charged for unused extra hours. You should not have to pay for
something you did not use!
C) How much of a
deposit must you lay out.
D) Is that deposit
refundable and up until what time frame is it refundable?
E) When is final
payment due? Most DJ services require payment when you get to the
function which is standard. Unless the DJ company had problems in
the past with customers, payment required before the date of the
function is not a good idea. What happens if they don't show up?
Plus you now have no bargaining power during the evening to get
them to do what you want them to. I know in certain cases I had to
require payment up front, but usually it was due to no deposit or
insufficient funds on the deposit.
IN CLOSING -
BE SPECIFIC
Well I could go on
& on and maybe I will write a book that goes into more detail,
hey good idea! Look for it. Anyway, this is just some things to
help you make the choice easier and I hope that through the years
of my experience as a Mobile DJ Company I have done just that. The
bottom line is do your homework and be specific on what you want!
You have to look at this like an investment, and if you don't
watch out you can get burned. Below are some tips and reminders,
good luck and thanks for taking the time to read this. If you have
any suggestions or comments please email them to: wps@bellatlanic.net
, and check out our web site at www.mylocation.com/wps
now you know I had to throw that in there!
TIPS:
Ask for brochures,
informational material, web site. Web sites can give you tons of
information including songs lists. What type of advertising do
they do. Yellow pages? If so how long, check to see if they have
been advertising for a long time, it's a good way to double check
them on the number of years in business. Another great way to
check on DJ companies is to see if they really do specialize in
weddings, check the newspapers in the bridal section, most papers
have listings for area services for florists, music, bridal shops,
etc. See if they list their services there.
REMINDERS:
Be specific . . .
1. What kind of Music do you carry?
2. How long have you been in business?
3. What do you wear at wedding receptions?
4. Do you work with us?
5. REFERENCES!!!
6. Do you supply a contract?
7. Do you require a deposit and is it refundable?
8. Do you take requests?
9. When is final payment due?
10. Oh yeah, watch out for relation. This can be disastrous if . .
. well, you know.
Written By: Doug
Wenrich
Wenrich
Professional Sound
October 1997
Copyright October 26, 1997
Republication of this article is prohibited without the written
consent of Doug Wenrich & Wenrich Professional Sound.
|
