| Are there any hidden charges? |
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 Gateway DJ we will ask you many questions about the services you need and never charge you more than you were contracted for.
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| Is DJ work your full-time career or a part time job or hobby? |
This is a very common problem within the industry. There are many DJs out there but many are only doing "DJ work" as a way to "supplement" their income. What this means to you is that a "part-timer" does not have the time to commit to your event as they are usually involved in their primary occupation. (Other problems involve sub-standard equipment that is not maintained, updated or operated properly, lack of experience, uninsured, etc.) One good indication of this is their pricing; If a DJ service's prices are remarkably low it is usually because they are employed elsewhere (of course, this means they cannot devote necessary amounts of time to your event) or they are actively involved in "sub-contracting" their work to others.
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| Will you (the DJ) meet me in person to plan my event? |
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.
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| Will you (the DJ) coordinate the entire reception for me (if desired)? |
Most DJs will tell you that they will coordinate the events at your reception. 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. If they have not gone over pronunciations of names with you they ARE NOT prepared. If the music selections are not planned, categorized and documented in advance they ARE NOT prepared. 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.
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| What do you (the DJ) do to make your services unique? |
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.
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| Have you (the DJ) ever had professional education in the entertainment arts or been a member or participated in any professional organizations or associations? |
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.
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| Do you (the DJ) have a wide base of music and entertainment experience to draw from? |
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.
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| Do you (the DJ) have skills to deliver announcements that are clear and direct? |
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.
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Do you 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.
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| Are you (the DJ) insured? |
| It is very unlikely that a professional DJ will do anything that would warrant a claim on their insurance policy. However, if a problem does occur, coverage is the only way to assure a large amount of funds if a DJ were liable for damages. In fact, some venues will NOT allow an unlicensed DJ on their premises. |
