Absolutely not! It has been my observation that the vast majority of
DJs are lazy and uneducated in both in business and in the music industry.
Most DJs will buy the very minimum of equipment to get by so that they can
see the dollars coming in. Most do not invest in backup equipment and
most will purchase the smallest, lightest weight equipment available.
These DJs usually are hesitant to list their equipment upon their website
and usually show up in some sort of commuter vehicle that is transporting
consumer grade electronics equipment (cheap, small, lightweight and lacking
in durability, performance and fidelity). You probably know from your own music equipment that
cheaper, smaller and lighter is usually NOT the best choice for music.
Most of these people work as DJs in their spare time to earn extra money an do not
invest the time in planning your event to the extent that it deserves.
An easy way to identify amateurs is to ask if they need a table for their equipment. These "wanna-bees" use what equates to "toys" that need your extra support. A true professional uses pro audio equipment that is "rack mounted" in self-contained, self-standing "road cases." Since a professional DJ must move and use equipment often it is best to hire a DJ who uses professional audio equipment that can withstand the punishment that transportation and constant use inflicts upon equipment. (The last thing you need is for your DJ's equipment to be broken or malfunctioning by the time your event is staged)
There are distinct differences between "Wedding DJs," "Party DJs," and "Club DJs." Though a certain DJ may excel in one area, he may be totally inappropriate for the next. In other words: If your DJ doesn't have the proper experience, know-how to conduct business, knowledge on how to dress or act appropriately, understand the flow or etiquette of your event, etc., your day could become a disaster.
There are even some DJs who are so vain and stoop so low as to ask what your
total event budget is and then "claim" that it's customary to pay a DJ a
percentage of your overall budget. This is ludicrous! Some may
even tempt you by low prices only to later find that the price they quoted
was for an "introductory sound system." These smaller sound systems
are typically fine for very small crowds in small rooms but will not accommodate
your needs if your guests number greater than 50, if your event is outdoors
or if your event is held in a medium to large-sized room. These DJs
will usually try to later "up sell" you on larger and/or better sounding
equipment.
Still others are paying facility managers or owners a fee to be "recommended" to you. The consumer is the one who suffers in this scenario since you must see your event as an overall investment; if your guests leave early at do not eat, drink, dance and party all night long you have lost substantial amounts of money. A good DJ is an essential part of the equation. Avoid DJs that you are "required" to be used as per the event manager, event facility owner or coordinator. These DJs are usually paying for the recommendation or the facility is making a profit as some sort of "package deal." These DJs are most often sub-par in in skills, experience, equipment and music selection an effort to make a profit at the consumer's expense (literally and figuratively).
Trust your instincts. Meet any and all prospective DJs. Find a professional DJ who has "immersed" himself in the music
industry for the vast majority of their lifetime. They may boast that they love their job or are passionate about music but who doesn't like music?
Ask Yourself:
∆
Do I want a "wacky" DJ who will try to be the center of attention or a professional emcee?
∆ Do I want to hire a DJ "site unseen" because I am told to hire one or do I want to personally interview DJs and decide for myself?
∆ Do I want to hear
the speakers squeal (feedback) or do I want announcements and toasts to be
heard clearly?
∆ Do I want the
sound of a loud home stereo or of that of a nightclub or concert sound
system?
∆ Do I want music
that all my guests will enjoy and dance to all night long or do I just want
the music that the DJ wants to
play?
∆ Do I want a
professional or a novice DJ? (In the way they dress, act, talk,
conduct business and perform?)
∆ Do I want to take
a chance at regretting saving a few dollars versus having a successful
event?
∆ Do I want my wedding to
be as good as my friends' or do I want it be the one we talk about for the
rest of our lives?
Top of Page
Return to list of FAQs
DJ Red Flags
► Why am I being persuaded to hire someone else by a coordinator or event facility?
With weddings, usually the first person a bride & groom or "party planner" encounters is the “wedding coordinator” and/or the “event facility manager.” I only wish that customers understood that these individuals know they are not going to get “repeat business” (especially for weddings). They will try to get low-ball vendors or even recommend “house DJs” or “recommended DJs” that are either paying referral fees or who are getting paid extremely small amounts for their work (usually because they are not worth the price). If a coordinator or manager can free-up cash to divert sales to themselves, be all means they will. Meanwhile the bride and groom get poor DJ services. When customers do web searches it is uncanny that I am always told that the one thing that people say NOT to “cut-corners” on is your DJ. Still, they end up getting convinced by others to use funds elsewhere.
A good DJ’s music and performance can open up otherwise timid guests in a social situation. Think about it: If just one or two guests leave early because they cannot relate to what the DJ is doing you are losing hundreds of dollars. If a dozen leave you have lost thousands. You are also losing precious memories that will never be created or recovered.
Many times brides will splurge on their facility because it makes an impression on their guests. They will also pay extra for a photographer because they will capture and retain memories from the night. Yet a DJ can give a good or bad impression from the way they dress, act, speak, conduct business, interact with guests and perform. After all, a DJ interacts with your guest more and on more levels than any of your other vendors. A DJ also creates many of the moments that a photographer captures and is a true “coordinator” in the way they emcee and organize the activities. Remember: with weather, traffic, guests, personality interactions, alcohol, vendors and fate you cannot be in denial and must accept the fact that things WILL go wrong. It is the job of a good DJ (and your other major vendors) to be able to assess, negotiate and troubleshoot the problems so that they are never realized by your guests.
A good DJ can break-down guests' inhibitions and get them to socially participate and interact in ways that a manicured lawn, fold of a napkin or flash of a camera cannot. Many consumers think that there will be nothing tangible to take with them from the DJ. Nonsense! My company provides copies of “keepsake wedding CDs” that include ceremony seating music, ceremony music, introduction edits and music, activity music edits & music plus more. My customers get to keep those memories that they helped to plan out. And just like you can remember emotions, smells, tastes, sights and sounds from your childhood when you hear certain songs, that’s what will happen when you hear your wedding music again. In fact, a good DJ will “instill” new memories upon all of your guests in this same way with music that will last a lifetime!
I even hear from some people that “My guests won’t need motivating” or “This is a party crowd.” In reality, you don’t want your guests and family to act "predictably." You want to tear down the social and psychological barriers so that they act and interact in different and enhanced ways than what you are accustomed to and to "party like they have never partied before." This will truly create memories and a once-in-a-lifetime event. After all, isn't this why you are investing such large sums of money in your special event?
I can’t count how many times multi-million dollar event facilities and "DJ brokers" have asked me to submit a “bid” for DJ services. Obviously, they want the lowest bidder so that their profit margin will increase. Many DJs out there are working themselves to the bone in order to earn a living yet providing bad service to the consumer. In this industry there are so many DJs touting that they belong to organizations like the Amer DJ Asso (for example). (Name expressed cryptically) It was Groucho Marx who once said, “I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member!" That says so much! These organizations cater to beginners! In other words, these DJs cannot get hired upon their own merits so they join these clubs to learn the business and network while the organizations profit (although many times masquerading as “non-profit” entities).
How many people really call 1-800-Dental? (Name expressed cryptically) Do you want a dentist who otherwise does not have impressive skills, education and qualifications so they are forced to join an organization that is obviously getting referral fees? And who do you think ultimately pays the price? The consumer! What about the Bureau for Better Businesses? (Name expressed cryptically) ABC’s 20/20 recently did a story about them showing how they will give anyone a positive rating for a price! (ABC managed to get a well-known, middle-east terrorist organization [Hamas] to get an “A-" rating!)
The bottom line is that it is essential that you meet in person with prospective DJs and trust your instincts! Don't give in to the smoke screen that many facilities a event directors may create. Remember that there is a huge "turnover" of employment for facility managers due to the fact that in the course of their attempts to increase sales for the facilities that they work for (and in collecting kick-backs to refer vendors), they create "conflicts of interest" that ultimately result in the bride & groom and their families and guests receiving subpar services. This is truly a sad fact within the industry and contributes to the large turnover of wedding coordinators.
This is a re-print of a typical review from a local facility using under-handed tactics:
► Are there any hidden charges?
-
Do you (the DJ) charge extra for equipment such as wireless microphones, lapel
microphones, additional sound systems, ceremony music, custom music editing, lighting,
etc.?
-
Are
there additional charges for travel (mileage), planning meetings, set-up or
tear-down times?
-
Will
they charge for music selections not in their current music collection?
-
Will
you be charged for unexpected delays that occur at your event?
...or: What
do your fees include? It has become a very disturbing trend for
unprofessional DJ companies to use "bait-and-switch" sales tactics.
These questionable companies may lure you into signing on with their
services only to find that the price that they quoted was for only 3 or 4
hours when your event requires 5 hours or more of DJ services. At the
last moment you find that you must then pay $150 or $200 for every
additional hour on top of what you thought was a great price.
Oops! Then they charge additional fees for use of microphones,
performing a wedding ceremony, ceremony music, lighting, sound
reinforcement, etc. The next thing you know your are paying much more
than a reputable DJ service would have charged. If a DJ company's rate
seems "too good to be true," get it in writing! Ask what their
fees include. At A PERFECT DJ we will ask you many questions
about the services you need and never charge you more than you were
contracted for.
► What are your prices?
It would be great to have a flat
rate that would allow me to post rates. When a company posts pricing upon the internet, be prepared to be "up-sold" or to get locked into an agreement that will cost a great deal more down the road. This is a "bait-and-switch" tactic that gets you to call the company but they give you an expensive sales pitch in response.
In reality, every event is
different and requiring of different services. The day of the week,
off-season bookings, performance time and extra services can cost more or less.
You can also get a deal for mid-week pricing (for example). Weddings on
a Saturdays are the highest demand day. At A Perfect DJ we even offer
coupons for "5th hour free" and "Active Military Discounts." (See
discount Coupon Page:
Discounts) Unfortunately, many DJs are in the habit of using
misleading tactics and try to "up-sell" their services. It is
not uncommon for many of these unscrupulous DJs to charge $1500 to $3500 and
more when all is said and done.
Most of the higher end DJs are
only selling you an inflated ego or giving a portion as a referral fee to event facility managers. In fact, many DJs use as little
equipment, knowledge and devote as little time to your event as necessary.
Do yourself a favor and find a DJ with true passion for the industry whose
equipment, knowledge and track-record reflect just that!
At A Perfect DJ we pride
ourselves with being upfront with pricing so that you have no surprises
along the way. In fact, A Perfect DJ usually comes in with a
price quote that is below the average pricing in the United States and far less than DJs paying fees for their recommendation.
It is very important that you ask DJs what is included in their pricing or
even what NOT is included in their pricing. Don't get fooled! Many DJs or event facility managers will try to make a buck around every corner. The bottom line:
Get it in writing. Protect yourself by getting a contract. Know
how many hours of service (service; not setup or teardown time) are included,
if the use of wireless microphones is included, multiple sound systems (if
needed), ceremony music (for wedding), intelligent dance floor lighting,
etc. Please don't be the next statistic. A Perfect DJ is more than
happy to give you an upfront cost and you can submit a request form at
this link:
Contact
Us
Top of Page
Return to list of FAQs
DJ Red Flags
►
Who is the "actual DJ" who will perform at my event?
Many DJ companies will assign someone
impressive to talk to you over the telephone and/or meet with you to get
your business. In reality, most of these companies sub-contract their
DJ work out to the lowest bidding DJ so that the company can retain the
difference as profit. The problem: You don't know about this
DJ's experience, music selection, equipment, backup equipment, appearance,
personality, emcee skills, insurance, track record or how much time they
will spend to prepare for your event (many of these contractors only "DJ"
part-time). It should be mentioned again
that if your decision to purchase DJ Services is
based solely on price, you have the investment of your entire event
to lose by not hiring a professional! You want an experienced DJ to
perform for you who will keep your guests entertained, dancing, eating and
drinking at your
event all night long. This is the only way to assure that you are
maximizing your overall investment in your event.
►
Do you (the DJ) have any business experience?
The DJ industry is like any other business: It takes intellect,
motivation, knowledge, skill and character to run a successful business. Since the
market is flooded with amateur and "part-time" DJs, it is unfortunate that
many lack the necessary skills to succeed in the industry. The worst
case scenario would be hiring a "bargain DJ" who you pay months in advance only to
find that they have gone out of business when your special day arrives.
Aside from being a good emcee and playing good music, it is important that your
DJ is professional, ethical, personable, organized, punctual, energetic,
hard-working and resourceful in addition to possessing many other traits as well. If your
"bargain DJ" is not business savvy, there is a good chance that your
investment in your event will suffer from the lack of professionalism.
If you are in doubt about your DJ's abilities, DO NOT hesitate to ask about
their business experience, professional background, to see their planning documentation or to view
one of their files.
Top of Page
Return to list of FAQs
DJ Red Flags
► What
is the average cost of a wedding in Temecula?
Currently, the average cost of a wedding in Temecula is approximately
$28,000 and that price does not include the engagement ring or the
honeymoon (Temecula weddings are still about 50% of what you would pay in
Napa or Sonoma counties). Since the DJ has the ability to entertain your guests it is
of paramount importance that he can keep them at your wedding eating,
drinking, dancing and enjoying the facility all night long. A good
reception (or party) is only as good the happy, large, dancing crowd. It is
crucial that you do your research and hire a DJ who will help you maximize
your investment in your special day.
►
Why are there so many DJs in Temecula?
There aren't! The sad fact is that many DJs want to come in from surrounding areas and inner cities who claim that they live in or are based in Temecula but they are not. Sometimes it's as easy as noticing their telephone number's area code. Other times you need to ask and confront them about where they are from. Unfortunately, let the buyer beware! They are usually not accustomed to the region or the facilities here in the area. Many lack the professionalism, business intellect, tact, discipline and knowledge of how to conduct themselves for the event at hand. Still others underestimate traffic and cause events to start late. Others are just pirates who want to make a fast buck. The bottom line is that you must do your research carefully and hire a qualified DJ who will deliver the performance that you desire and, most importantly, still be in business when the day of your event arrives.
Top of Page
Return to list of FAQs
DJ Red Flags
►
Are you (the DJ) worth the price you are asking?
As you have probably already read on this site, the DJ business is flooded
with individuals who think that they can be a "DJ." Experience,
education, equipment, backup equipment, passion, ethics, personality,
business background and insurance are all factors that you should consider.
Still, why is this guy making this amount of money for his work?
The reality is that a true "Professional DJ" invests a great deal of time
in planning and resources to make sure that your day is a success.
Beware
of "part-time DJs" who make extra money by doing the same "cookie-cutter"
performance that they have relied on for years without maintaining their
skills, music and equipment. If you are planning a wedding, there is a huge
difference in the amount of preparation that is needed for a successful
event. On the other end of the spectrum, many DJs quoting high prices are doing so to pay fee for a recommendation. It never ceases to amaze me that brides and their families try to
find the cheapest DJ they can when statistics show that entertainment is the
number one thing that guests remember after a wedding.
►
How much do I stand to lose by not hiring an experienced DJ for my wedding?
Think about it: If your
guests leave early because you hired a "discount DJ," those tens of
thousands of dollars were just wasted. Currents statistics show that
in the Southern California region a single guest can add $167 to
$204 per person to your wedding day. If they only stay for an hour,
was that cost maximized? No. Keep your guests at your event all
night long by doing your homework and hiring a qualified, experienced DJ.
Weddings include guests of all ages and only the best DJs know how to
"read the crowd" to keep them all dancing all night long. If Aunt Mary
and Uncle Jim leave early because they cannot relate to "Gansta Rap" music (if that's all
your DJ is playing), your investment in Aunt Mary and Uncle Jim were just lost;
$300 to $400 of your hard-earned money just walked out the door (So how
much did you save on that "discount DJ?"). The troubling
part is that once the guests start leaving, it can be a "domino effect" and
your party could end early. The losses can be exponential. You
can literally see the look in a bride's face (or her parents') when the
reception is falling apart before their very eyes.
Top of Page
Return to list of FAQs
DJ Red Flags
► In what city do you live and where is your office located? (Where will you be commuting from?)
-
Are
you travelling in from another area?
-
Will
you take time to meet at consultation appointments if needed?
-
Are you familiar with
the event facility that I am using?
Many people tell me, "I have a good
friend who is a DJ from out of the area who will be performing for us."
When I hear this it immediately brings up a red-flag. All too often
these DJs are not familiar with the event facilities, are not seasoned
professionals or they under-estimate the local highway traffic.
Nothing is worse than having your DJ arrive late, unprepared or not familiar
with how to successfully run the event at hand. It is also important
to note that it is becoming increasingly common
for "discount DJs" from the inner-cities to commute into areas where they
can make a fast buck. These "low-quality DJs" rarely have the
credentials to be true professionals. They simply claim that they are
from affluent areas to appear that they are of higher quality than they
actually are. Many times these DJs are not familiar with the event
facilities or even how to carry-out successful events (not to mention their
experience, skills, knowledge, music selection or quality of equipment). They even find
ways to "fool" search engine directories (like Google) into
listing them as "local" DJs. Many of these pirates use post office
boxes or fake addresses. These days you can't can't even trust a
business card. If all else fails, ask to see their I.D. to verify
their address.
►
Are you (the DJ) paying any type of compensation, referral fee or stipend
for your recommendation?
Unfortunately, it is a sad reality
in the industry that many event managers and facility owners receive fees or "kick-backs" for
referring out DJs. This is probably the reason why there is a large
amount of turn-over in employment as event facility managers. Make
sure that you find out if any compensation is being exchanged for referring
or recommending any types of services. There are many DJ services that cost 150% to 200% MORE than A Perfect DJ only because the venue or event facility will ask you to use what they claim to be "their DJ" services.
The sad truth is that these are greedy individuals, facility managers and business owners who want a piece of what the DJ makes to refer you to the DJ. This comes at your expense since the quality of these services are usually not up to par with legitimate, professional, ethical services. Some venues have even tried to ban outside DJs in an effort to line their pockets all out of shear greed. Even some websites on the internet are now extorting money from businesses by making them pay for positive reviews and will "trash" a DJ's reputation if they do not pay. This is all at the expense of a bride's family, corporate party throwers and private parties (contact us and we can show you examples from ABC news, newspaper articles and internet articles). Again, you need to confront any individual who claims that you must only use who they recommend. You should not have to pay double the cost of any of your vendors so that these unscrupulous individuals can line their pockets. You want to hire your major
vendors based on their experience, knowledge and skills.
Top of Page
Return to list of FAQs
DJ Red Flags
► Will you (the DJ) meet me in person to plan my event?
-
Are
they willing to meet at your home or event location?
-
Will
they take time to meet with you on multiple occasions if needed?
-
Will
they help you plan in advance so that your event is structured exactly as you want it (unique and
personalized)?
Make sure that a DJ is
willing to meet with you "face-to-face" so that you have the
opportunity to see their appearance, personality and demeanor. If a company
only allows you to hire them or sign a contract through the mail it is usually
an indication that the companies are "sub-contracting" and
overbooking their events. Most importantly, make sure that the DJ that
you meet with is the "actual DJ" who will perform for you. Many
large companies will send a slick salesperson to meet with you and then send
out the lowest-bidding DJ to perform for you on the day of your event.
► Do you (the DJ) have backup equipment in case of equipment failure?
-
Do you carry more than
one sound system in case of problems?
-
What happens if you
become sick or injured?
-
Do you used fully
licensed and legal music tracks?
Many DJs have entered into this
business for a quick buck. Sorry, buy it's true. Many times that
"discount DJ" that you hire will have little-to-no experience, 20 year old
equipment, delivered in a 30 year old car with no backup plans. He (or
she) may also have a very limited selection of music and little to no
knowledge about music or how to deliver a successful performance. They
may also very well not be accustomed to the proper etiquette for your event
or how the event will transpire. Not to mention that they may not be
dressed appropriately. One other note: It is very common these days
for amateur DJs to use illegal or "pirated" music tracks. These
companies are targeted by legal authorities and can (at any given time) be
fined, jailed and shut down (leaving you without a DJ for your event).
Make sure that your DJ company abides by U.S. and international Copyright
Laws.
► Will you (the DJ) coordinate the entire event for me (if desired)?
-
Do
they have a checklist to ensure that your event will run smoothly?
-
Is
their paperwork and documentation organized and structured to encourage a
successful, flowing event?
-
Are
they willing to work with other vendors & family members and keep them
informed?
-
Will
they get your permission before they make changes and are they willing to
NOT surprise you with impromptu activities or announcements?
Most DJs will tell you
that they will coordinate the activities at your event. To verify if
they actually do this or how it is performed ask to see their documentation
and checklists to be assured that things will run smoothly and flawlessly. If they do not have checklists and
structured documentation
they ARE NOT prepared to coordinate your event. Some DJs will even claim
to be "wedding coordinators." Although it may seem like a great way to
save money, the truth is that a good DJ simply DOES NOT have the time to
devote to a wedding as a coordinator. Leave these tasks to a
professional and let your DJ do their job to their fullest. If the
music selections are not planned, categorized and documented in advance they
ARE NOT prepared. A good DJ will and must also be able to "read the
crowd" and adjust the music "on the fly" under stressful conditions. Also, the last thing you need during your
important day is for a stranger with a microphone to do an "impromptu
comedy routine" or any activity that you knew nothing about in advance.
Top of Page
Return to list of FAQs
DJ Red Flags
► What do you (the DJ) do to make your services unique?
-
Do
they have creative ideas for customizing and personalizing my event?
-
Will
they keep my guests attention where it belongs - on me (and the
bridal party)?
-
Will
they incorporate my ideas with the personality and style that I desire?
Unfortunately, many
people think that DJs are a "dime a dozen." However, based
upon the way most disc jockeys promote themselves, perform and conduct their
business, this misconception is understandable. If you want your event
to be unique and memorable then you should find a DJ who is unique and
memorable as well. Each DJ will have their our personality, skills and
ideas. In other words; take the time to find the DJ who will be the best
choice for your concerns, needs and guests.
► Have you (the DJ) ever had professional education in the entertainment arts
or been a member or participated in any professional organizations or associations?
-
Do they have a degree in the entertainment arts?
-
Are they currently or have they ever been affiliated with groups like the A.A.D.J.A.
(All American Disc
Jockey Alliance),
A.D.J.A. (American Disc
Jockey Association),
G.M.E.A. (Global Mobile
Entertainers Association),
N.A.M.E. (National
Association of Mobile Entertainers),
etc?
-
Can
they certify their membership or degree?
The Mobile Disc Jockey
industry is completely unregulated and the talent required to be a Mobile Disc
Jockey is currently impossible to "certify" by any organization.
However, the benefit of finding a Disc Jockey who is involved in a local or
national association is that they are committed to improving their overall
service through the constant education that is provided by these associations.
Any Disc Jockey who is not committed to improving will eventually grow stale.
Note: Membership in any association is still no guarantee and most DJ
organizations are only in business for the money. Once again, do your
research.
Top of Page
Return to list of FAQs
DJ Red Flags
► Do you (the DJ) have a wide base of music and entertainment experience to draw
from?
-
What
is their background in the music and entertainment industry?
-
What
are they currently doing to improve their entertainment skills?
-
Is
their background limited to only "mobile disc jockey" work?
In order to provide the
best quality entertainment possible, each Disc Jockey should be actively
seeking to improve and broaden their entertainment capabilities. Most Disc
Jockeys aren't fulfilling this important detail because they fall into the
categories described by Questions #1 and #2, and therefore, don't really care
about improving their services. People tend to become what they are committed
to becoming. The same is true for Disc Jockeys.
► Do you (the DJ) have skills to deliver announcements that are clear and direct?
-
Do
they have any public speaking experience outside of mobile disc jockey
work?
-
Do
they have any speech or vocal training?
-
Are
their announcements direct and to the point?
-
Do
you feel that their intellect and vocabulary are at a level to be able to
relate, direct and converse with your guests?
If you've ever seen
someone try to get a crowd's attention without the proper vocal skills, then
we need not say more. Or when they do open their mouths, they don't know what
to say. Words like "uh" and "um," or phrases like,
"you know" get used too much and eventually your guests are left asking each other, "What did he just say?"
The person you choose as your Disc Jockey will be your spokesperson and will
be representing you to your guests. Choose wisely.
Top of Page
Return to list of FAQs
DJ Red Flags
► Do you (the DJ) ever "over-book" your performances?
Many Disc Jockey
services who claim to be large nationwide companies are no more than
"brokers" who will take your money and then "sub-contract"
the DJ work to whomever they can find to do your event at a reduced rate. In
fact, many large DJ companies will subcontract work to the LOWEST
bidder so that they can retain the difference as profit.
Would you want the lowest bidder to DJ your important
event? When this happens you may not know who
the DJ is that will perform at your event or their experience, equipment,
affiliations, appearance, music selections, if they are insured, etc. But even more important is that you
will quite probably get a DJ who does not pre-plan with you and personalize
your service to the degree that you desire.
► Do you (the DJ) drink
alcohol at your performances?
This question may seem a little
strange but most customers are not hiring a comedian but a DJ and an emcee.
Sometimes bargain (and even some expensive) DJs think that a microphone
gives them a license to say and do whatever they want to. In fact,
some DJs even take "stand-up comedian" classes to try to entertain the
masses. A DJ with a good personality and a good sense of humor is one
thing but a DJ with inappropriate remarks can be downright embarrassing.
Alcohol (or other intoxicants) can make this an even more uncomfortable
endeavor. Some DJs think that since the guests are having alcohol it's
OK for them to indulge. There is nothing further from the truth.
Hire a professional.
Top of Page
Return to list of FAQs
DJ Red Flags
► Why don't other DJs list
their equipment on their website?
The unfortunate truth is that
with the slow economy and the vast amounts of amateur DJ equipment on the
market, non-professional and inexperienced DJs have flooded the market in
recent years. Customers on a budget have opted for the cheapest DJ
that they can find. Many DJs do not list their equipment because most
often it is inferior equipment that is not "Pro Audio" quality equipment
that is made to endure the rigors that mobility and repeated use can
inflict. In addition, many times they do not have backup equipment in
the event of system failures further putting you and your event at risk.
Many amateur DJs also use "pirated" or otherwise illegal music tracks.
The music industry and legal authorities have been targeting these companies
(and individuals) and they may be subjected to legal action leaving you
without the music you are expecting for your special day.
► Why do other DJs say they
have 1,000,000 song tracks compared to what you offer?
Once again some unethical DJs use
"pirated" or illegally obtained tracks. Think about it: With the
average cost of legitimate song downloads averaging 99˘ per track that DJ
advertising a library of 1,000,000 tracks would have (roughly) had to pay
$1,000,000 to obtain these songs. Does that really seem realistic?
No. Don't trust your special event to a company or individual who may
be shut down before your day even begins. Aside from that, A Perfect
DJ carries the most popular tracks in their "mobile music library" not "B"
tracks or worse. If something is rare and we have it we will provide
it for your day, if it can be obtained legitimately we will do so.
Otherwise we will ask your assistance in locating the track. Besides, do you want your DJ to play the number "835,236th most popular song" of all time without you specifically asking for it? I hope not!
Help stop Copyright infringement! Report DJs and others that use, distribute or sell illegally obtained or unlicensed music!
©!
Top of Page
Return to list of FAQs
DJ Red Flags
► What is the biggest DJ complaint for 2011 & 2012?
By far the biggest complaint about DJs recently is that consumers hire an amateur DJ ("discount DJ") and the lazy DJ ends up putting their system on "automated play" and goes out into the crowd to get drunk, pickup on bridesmaids and act cool. This is highly unprofessional to say the least! I hear this complaint from both consumers and venue managers alike.
You are paying a DJ to be at his station and to "read the crowd" and play music accordingly. I am not afraid to list popular tracks upon my website because experience has taught me that what puts a crowd into a frenzy one night, will not necessarily work on another night. A DJ must work each and every night to make the performances unique and to ensure success.
You don't want to have a good event, you want to have a GREAT event! Aside from the obvious, when dealing with 50, 100, 200 or more guests, many things can and will go wrong necessitating changes in the schedule that need immediate and constant attention. You and your guests will not be able to make music requests or give direction if the DJ is nowhere to be found. All of your vendors must interact with each other and this cannot be done properly unless everyone knows where the DJ is at all times. DJ equipment can be a shock and electrocution hazard to children who do not know any better (many times attracted to all the lights, buttons and computer) and electrical dangers also exist to others who may spill drinks. There are also dangers and hazards from unattended falling speakers, power and/or speaker cords, lighting and even hearing loss if audio problems are not corrected immediately. Once again, do your research and hire a seasoned professional.
Additional Questions to ask:
► Are you available for my
date?
► Do you
provide a written contract?
► How many performance
hours are included?
► Is
setup/teardown and travel time included?
► How early do you arrive to
setup?
► Do you
charge by the hour or do you have packages?
► What is the charge for
additional overtime?
► Can you
explain how you conduct the evening?
► Do you act as a wedding
planner?
► What type of
clothing do you
wear when you perform?
► Are “emcee” services
included? (Do you make the announcements?)
► Are you open
to requests? Can we decide if requests should be honored by our guests?
► How do we decide what types
of music are or are not played?
► How large is
your music selection and how varied is it?
► What happens if we have
music selections that you do not have?
► Is a
wireless microphone for speeches and announcements provided with your
services?
► Is dance floor lighting available?
► How long
have you been in the entertainment industry?
► How many weddings (or
parties, events, etc.) have you
performed at?
► How many
live performances or other kinds of professional events have you performed
or participated in?
► What type of
equipment do you have?
► Do you bring back-up
equipment with you?
► What is the TOTAL price for
the package that I personally want?
► How much is
your deposit?
► When is the balance due?
► What types
of payment do you accept?
|
The general rule of thumb
for any vendor you hire is that you are paying a professional to
"roll-with-the-punches" dealing with the many things that can
(and
will)
change,
delay or
go wrong with your day. It is their job to be able to handle
these obstacles so that your guests never knew they occurred.
Trust your instincts. An event is only as good as it's weakest vendor
(since the others will have to work to pick up the slack).
Make sure
your DJ is qualified, prepared and
experienced to deliver the performance that you expect.
|
Top of Page
Return to list of FAQs
DJ Red Flags
Call:
Click to call
Email:
dennis@aperfectdj.com
Call: (951) 699-9717
Look for these DJ "red-flag" warning signs:
(or lack thereof!)
%20Infringement%20Tsp%2015px.gif){kind=small}