If you have found a company that you are considering hiring, research them. Just type the company name into any search engine and see if any bad reports come back on them. For example, here is what you will find if you search my company on Google Reports On DJ Barry Productions. Also check sites like RipoffReport.Com.
Cost is important, but don't let it be the determining factor. If a DJ quotes you a super low rate for a wedding, BEWARE, they're either new to the business and trying to fill up their calendar or they're not a professional DJ, just someone looking to pick few extra bucks. A professional DJ will base their rate on the date, event type, hours, travel and equipment needed.
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.
A full-service disc jockey company will normally invest 12 to 30 hours in your special event however, it may appear that you are paying for only "3 or 4 hours". 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.
Pay close attention to their professionalism. A professional DJ should have a web site, or at the very least be able to provide you with literature and referrals. According to the Wall Street Journal "A quality web site is a sign of a quality business".
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.
Most reputable DJ's will be willing to provide you materials, song
lists and informational planning sheets.
Be sure to check references and recommendations. 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.