Pay close attention to a DJs professionalism. A professional DJ should have a web site, or at the very least be able to provide you with literature, referrals and videos. According to the Wall Street Journal "A quality web site is a sign of a quality business".
DJs work under enormous pressure and they have a huge responsibility for the outcome of an event. Most people don't realize how critical the DJs job is until they're well into their event. But ultimately the success or failure of an event all falls on the DJ. It takes years of hard work and practice to really master how to read and work a crowd. Always ask about experience.
One of the biggest misconceptions about mobile DJs is that all they do is show up on the weekends and play music. If you have ever been at an event, and seen a good DJ, most likely, the reason they seems so good, is because of all the work they put into it before the event ever started. A professional disc jockey service will normally invest 20 to 40 hours into every event, however, it may appear that you are paying for only "3 or 4 hours" (the part you see). Consultations, music purchasing And editing, preparation, set-up and tear-down, education, training, maintenance, and other business related endeavors add up to the overall success of your special occasion.
Get it in writing. Once I got a phone call from a panicked bride on the Wednesday before her wedding on Saturday and she could not find her DJ. When I asked, do you have a signed contract? After a long pause, the reply was no. Be sure to get every thing in writing and a signed contract.
Your event will most likely require music to satisfy all ages and
musical tastes so ask about variety and the policy on requests.
Ask for a guarantee in writing. A professional DJ will be willing
to give you a guarantee.
A good DJ will take the time to explain how they will handle the
details of your event. They will be able to communicate well with
you and should be willing to listen to your ideas and meet any
special
needs.
Your DJ should be familiar with most of the music you want and
should know how to organize the event within your guidelines. Try
to determine if your DJ has the ability and willingness to "read"
and motivate the crowd. Please keep in mind, with whomever you hire, "We Are Not All The Same".
Most reputable DJ's will be willing to provide you materials, song
lists and informational planning sheets.
Ask if the DJ has some videos of their work.
Auditioning a DJ at a stranger's event is not usually practical. Remember,
a good event is an individually customized event lasting 4 hours
or more. The DJ may be providing activities and music as
requested by the client and this may not be of the style or
type that you require. Also, a good DJ is busy during a event
and usually cannot take time out to explain what is going on
and why. Some DJ's also consider it tacky to invite strangers to
a event just to solicit new business. You wouldn't want that at
your event.
The perfect DJ will be affordable, experienced and have good
references. He or she will know music, communicate in a friendly
and helpful manner, and should be interested in what you and
your guests want.
A professional DJ will mix music of all types well. Your DJ
should do it all with style, microphone presence and proper volume.