Questions to Ask When Choosing DJs

Because DJs have such a big influence over the party’s atmosphere, it’s really important to find one that will match your needs. Do you want him/her to get the crowd involved? Would prefer (s)he quietly play in the background? Be sure to check online reviews (EasyEventPlanning.com may have reviews for DJs in your area).

Experience

1. How long have you been a DJ?

2. What made you become a DJ?

3. What did you do before?

4. How many events have you DJ’d?

5. How many of my particular type of event have you DJ’d?

6. How much experience do you have as a Master of Ceremonies?

7. Have you worked at this venue before?

8. What’s the worst thing that has happened at an event you worked and how did you handle it?

Songs

9. How many songs do you have in your library?

10. Can I choose my songs ahead of time?

11. Is there a cost to get songs not already on your list?

12. How many songs will you have at the event for guest requests?

13. What is your request policy? (does (s)he allow them? Does he screen them?)

Equipment

14. What kind of equipment do you have?

15. Do you need the venue to provide anything in the way of lighting, amplifiers, etc?

16. What are you electrical requirements?

17. What kind of lighting will you provide?

18. Do you have back-up equipment available if something malfunctions?

19. Do you offer any guarantees about equipment performance?

Pricing

20. What do you charge per hour? What the minimum number of hours required?

21. What is your overtime rate?

22. What is included in your rate? (Some may charge extra for lighting, props, etc)

23. What is your payment policy?

24. What is your cancellation policy?

Other

25. Do you have any other events booked on my event date?

26. How much room do you need?

27. Do you have an upcoming event I can observe for a little while? (Make sure you’re observing the actual DJ you will have at your event)

28. Do you have videos of past work?

29. Do you have a website?

30. Can I speak with your most recent 3 or 4 clients?

31. Will you the one present at my event?

32. Will you take any breaks during the event? How often and long will those breaks be?

33. What will you wear to the event?

34. Are you available for overtime on my event day?

35. Will you require a meal during the event?

36. Do you carry insurance? Liability and workman’s compensation?

37. Do you have a back-up in case of an emergency? If so, what kind of experience does that person have?

38. What time would you arrive to set up?

39. What special touches/special effects are you able to offer?

40. Why are you the best choice?

41. Could I have your cell phone number? Are you able to receive emails on your phone?

42. How soon should I be able to expect a reply to an email or voicemail?