1. 10 Questions To Ask Before Hiring Your D.J.
2. Three Classes of D.J. Entertainers
10 Questions To Ask Before Hiring Your D.J.
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“What is there about your service that makes you unique?”
This is an important question because most people desire something different than the same ole’ “cookie cutter” event. Some Disc Jockeys have developed a standard formula. However, if you desire something innovative and creative, then he is either forced to go outside of his comfort zone, or worse, fall back on his old tired formula – whether it is what you wanted or not. At Cassidy’s Entertainment, I have many creative ideas for customizing and personalizing your event. Each event should be unique and tailored to the personality and style that you desire. I will share these creative ideas with you during our first appointment!
“Is this your full-time profession?”
This is an important question because if you hire someone who has another full-time job and just does D.J. work as a “hobby,” it will greatly impact the amount of time and energy he will spend working for you. A sure sign of a part-time Disc Jockey is an inability to return your calls promptly and unavailability to meet with you during the day. A part-time Disc Jockey doesn’t really have to do everything it takes to make each and every event all that it can be. If things don’t go well with his Disc Jockey work, oh well, he always has his other job to fall back on. At Cassidy’s Entertainment, being a Disc Jockey is my chosen full-time profession. I will work tirelessly to prepare for your event of a lifetime. This is more than “just a job” to me: it is my passion! Weddings, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Proms and Corporate Parties all require full-time attention. Please hire a full-time Professional to do the job.
“Are we guaranteed in writing that the Disc Jockey of our choice will be at our event?”
This is an important question because it protects you from having your event subcontracted out to another Disc Jockey. Without any advance warning, your reception is placed into the hands of a total stranger who is less qualified and not fully prepared to execute your event perfectly. Yes, it does happen! Some have even gone so far as to show up for the grand entrance and then leave for another reception, letting their “assistant” finish the job.
At Cassidy’s Entertainment, your contract will state that I, David Allen, will be your Disc Jockey at your event. When I am booked, I actually turn people away because I am only interested in being involved with one event at a time – not two or three. I fulfill my commitments. In fact, since 1991 I have been hired to D.J. over 1,000 events and have never missed one event. Not one!! In my contract, it states that if I am unable to perform for some unforeseen reason, I will inform you and help you find a suitable and well qualified replacement or you are entitled to 100% refund – including your “non-refundable” deposit. That’s your guarantee in writing.
“Will you help with the planning and coordination of our event?”
This is an important question because planning and coordinating (or lack thereof) are two of the biggest reasons why an event is a success or a failure. If your Disc Jockey says that he will help with the planning, ask him about his planning materials. Is it a one or two-page planner that sort of gets the “gist” but leaves the rest of the details to “work themselves out” on the day of your event? Ask about the method of coordination between him and the other vendors at your event. Sadly, for some, coordination simply means they will introduce themselves to your other vendors, shake hands and then and ask “so, what do you think we should do next?” At Cassidy’s Entertainment, I understand that meticulous planning and thorough coordination will make your guests walk away “wowed!” I don’t just get the “gist” of your event; I cover every detail and more. Please ask to see my 19-page Wedding Planner, my 10-page Bar/Bat Mitzvah planner or my 5-page Prom and Corporate (Holiday/Team Building) Planners. You are the subject of my planner. Don’t you want a reception custom-designed just for you? As for coordination, I will create your personal itinerary based on our multiple meetings and planning sessions. In addition, I will forward your itinerary to the other vendors so that we are all equipped with the same “production plan.” With all of the details professionally planned and completely coordinated, you will be able to breathe a sigh of relief as you just show up and enjoy your event.
“In what ways are you able to cater to our musical likes and dislikes?”
This is an important question because your special event should be filled with music that is special to you and your loved ones. Some Disc Jockeys don’t pay any attention to your musical tastes! As a result, he may play a song that you can’t stand simply because he thought it might “move the crowd.” At Cassidy’s Entertainment, I am very mindful of your expectations and parameters in regards to music. I encourage you to make a list of songs that you would like at your event. I use that list as my “play list” for the event. I also encourage you to make a list of songs that you would not like at your event. It’s your event; you should be able to hear your music.
“Do you have a set of back-up equipment and will you guarantee that there will be a complete set of back-up equipment at our event?”
This is an important question because equipment failure could have major ramifications at your event. Imagine for a moment…the food being ready, the guests arriving and your Disc Jockey leaving because his amplifier is dead. Of course, he will try to obtain another one. Or will he? A Disc Jockey who shows up at your event without a complete set of back-up equipment might as well ask you to go sky-diving without a second parachute! At Cassidy’s Entertainment, I carry a complete set of back-up equipment to all of my events. Rest assured that if anything did fail to operate, the second system is no further than my vehicle!
“Do you have a list of current references we may call to inquire about your services?”
This is an important question because it is difficult to verify the quality of a service. One of the best ways to verify the quality of a service is through the personal experiences of prior clients. There are only two reasons why a Disc Jockey wouldn’t be able to provide you with a current list of references: he is either substandard or inexperienced. Either way, this is hardly what you would choose for your special event. At Cassidy’s Entertainment, I will gladly provide you with my list of current references. I give each event my absolute best effort; therefore, I am completely confident that every person on my list will give me a glowing review. My hope is that you’ll soon be the latest addition to my list of great referrals!!!
“Do you have company standards that govern your business?”
This is an important question because this will tell you what to expect when it comes to a company’s business practices and/or personal behavior at your event. If you ask about company standards and get a blank stare, then he is essentially saying that just about anything could happen at your event. Your D.J. hitting your open bar? Your D.J. telling an inappropriate joke that embarrasses you and your guests? Your D.J. playing an offensive song? All of this is possible if a Disc Jockey hasn’t committed to a list of company standards. At Cassidy’s Entertainment, I have developed a list of company standards and posted them on my website. My standards will tell you exactly what to expect from building a business relationship with me. You will never have to be concerned about unacceptable behavior from me. Doesn’t that give you peace of mind?
“Are you an active member of any professional associations?”
This is an important question because this speaks to how serious someone is about their “profession.” The Mobile Disc Jockey industry is completely unregulated and the talent required to be a mobile Disc Jockey is not certified by any organization. However, the American Disc Jockey Association and the Dallas/Ft. Worth American Disc Jockey Association provides constant education to the Disc Jockey who is committed to improving his overall service. Any Disc Jockey who is not committed to improving will eventually grow stale. At Cassidy’s Entertainment, I am an active member in good standing with the American Disc Jockey Association (ADJA). I am also an active member of the local chapter of the ADJA, the DFWADJA. This local chapter is committed to raising the bar of excellence for the Mobile Disc Jockey Profession by holding monthly educational meetings. I am a proud and committed member of the ADJA.
“Do you carry liability insurance to cover any potential mishaps caused by you or your equipment?”
This is an important question because of the possible liability you may incur if an unfortunate incident occurred. In today’s society, why put yourself in a potentially vulnerable position? Perhaps you’ve heard about the Disc Jockey who was “swing dancing” with one of the guests at his event. When he accidentally let go, she fell and broke both her arms. Did you know that some facilities will not even allow a Disc Jockey to play at their facility if he doesn’t carry liability insurance? At Cassidy’s Entertainment, I carry a liability insurance policy of $1,000,000.00. Although it is highly unlikely that something would happen, is it worth the risk?
