Hiring A DJ

The number one question always asked is how much do you charge. This is normal because most people have never hired a DJ before and are unsure where to begin.

Let me recommend that you leave the "how much?" question as your last question. The DJ is the most important factor in the success of your event. Price should be your last consideration in looking for a DJ. Always remember you get what you pay for.

DJ Service...When choosing a DJ, the service you receive from the very beginning may very well reflect what to expect on your wedding or event day. A high-quality DJ company will most likely answer your calls immediately or at least return your phone call quickly if you leave a message on their voice mail. Other DJ's may work a full time job and be a part-time DJ not being able to reply to a message you leave until that evening.

DJ Weddings... Your wedding day is the most important day of your life. Hiring a DJ for your wedding is one of the most important decisions to a successful reception. Choosing the right DJ for your reception will provide help in coordinating all activities, all announcements, special request, and always in a professional manner.

Are you Available? This is the first question to ask as you are calling to find DJ Entertainment for your wedding or event. When calling indicating the date, time, location and approximately number of guests of your event. When you talk to the DJ, have a list of questions ready and explain what you are expecting of the DJ. The answers you receive and the way a service is explained will help clarify range of price quotes you can expect.

So, with that in mind here are a few more questions...

Things you should ask your DJ
Each question provides an Answer and Explanation. (click on each to see)

• Will the DJ provide a written contract?
• Will the DJ provide a written contract?

  Answer: DJ Jim Stacy always provides a contract and requires a down payment.

  Explanation: This can not be emphasized enough and how important it is to get your DJ confirmed in writing with a down payment. All terms of the agreement should be in writing to avoid any complications later on. This insures you that the DJ should show up. If you don't have a contract with a down payment, it's a good chance the DJ might find a higher paying job and cancel.

  A contract alone is not a commitment without a down payment. A piece of paper and no real commitment is leaving your entertainment open to find a booking of greater value which happens more then you know.

  I have received calls that DJs, Bands and Other Entertainment have verbally committed to a low price with no down payment or contract leaving them with the option of booking another event for greater value and canceling your event or say that there was a conflict with the date. Do Not Let this happen to you.

• Will the DJ use professional sound equipment?
• Will the DJ use professional sound equipment?

  Answer: DJ Jim Stacy uses Bose Professional gear not sold to the public for home application. Bose is far superior over other professional audio equipment it delivers the best sound in every possible way. Its sleek design will not block views, leave your guest saying the music is too loud or I can't hear it.
  If you would like further information about my Bose Sound System (click here).

  Explanation: There is a big difference between the audio equipment you have at home and the equipment the professional DJ uses. Professional audio equipment is built to go on the road and perform under difficult conditions.

• Can the DJ supply back-up equipment?
• Can the DJ supply back-up equipment?

  Answer: DJ Jim Stacy always has back-up equipment on hand. Including: Two sound systems, two laptops complete with music libraries and Power Supply in case of a power outage.

  Explanation: This can be really scary if at some point through the event something happens to the sound equipment. If the DJ doesn't carry back-up equipment the party is over. If the DJ has back-up equipment the event is only interrupted for a few minutes while he changes a component. Even the best professional equipment can fail on occasion, so it is very important to know if your DJ has a plan or back-up equipment available.

• Will the DJ be dressed professionally?
• Will the DJ be dressed professionally?

  Answer: DJ Jim Stacy will always be dressed appropriately for ever event.

  Explanation: How many times have you gone to a wedding reception and the DJ was dressed in blue jeans and a t-shirt. (It happens) It is important that your DJ looks the part by dressing in formal or semi-formal attire; it should be your preference. Always ask the DJ what will you be wearing?

• Does the DJ know the proper etiquette and procedure for your Wedding or Event?
• Does the DJ know the proper etiquette and procedure for your Wedding or Event?

  Answer: DJ Jim Stacy has years of experience by providing exceptional service and planning itineraries that show his years of knowledge and experience that could save you the cost of a coordinator and references to back it.

  Explanation: A "Professional DJ" will become involved in the planning of your function and will be prepared to handle any announcements or special events. A guideline of the formalities should be discussed ahead of time and in writing. A lot of announcements and activities occur at a reception from introductions, cake cutting, toast, bouquet toss, garter toss and all the special dances. Being unprepared or unfamiliar with your type of event will lead to failure.

• Will the DJ discuss music selections and is the DJ willing to play requests?
• Will the DJ discuss music selections and is the DJ willing to play requests?

  Answer: DJ Jim Stacy require a meeting with the Bride & Groom before the event reason for the meeting is to ensure that everything you're looking for can be provided. As for music I am associated with several organizations that provide the latest hits in many genres.

  Explanation: A "Professional DJ" can't possibly know everything there is to know about all music styles. He should be willing to listen to your ideas and input or incorporate them into your event. He should listen to your requests and play them where they are appropriate. Keep in mind if you have a lot of requests the DJ may not be able to play all of them. There are some DJ services that will not play any requests. It's also important to have a variety of music especially at a wedding; Styles like Disco, Country, Jazz, Big Band, Pop, R&B, Motown, Standards, Top 40, and Line Dances etc.

• Will the DJ arrive on time?
• Will the DJ arrive on time?

  Answer: DJ Jim Stacy will always set-up before guest arrive. Most events require arrival 60 minutes in advance. I typically arrive 90 minutes to 120 minutes prior to start.

  Explanation: Make sure they set up prior to any guests arriving and ready to start when you want them too. Many times due to poor planning the DJ shows up late or in the middle of dinner to set up, this is very unprofessional.

• Does The DJ Charge Mileage or a Set-Up Fee?
• Does The DJ Charge Mileage or a Set-Up Fee?

  Answer: DJ Jim Stacy has a mileage fee above 80 miles and most of the time a Set-Up fee is not needed.

  Explanation: You should take in consideration of gas prices and if it's a difficult setup which may require additional help or setup time. Not every event can be 20 miles or less from DJ office and not every event has easy access. This should all be confirmed in writing and included in the price.

• Is The DJ full time or is it a side thing or a hobby?
• Is the DJ full time or is it a side thing or a hobby?

  Answer: DJ Jim Stacy is a full time disk jockey company that takes your event serious and always goes above and beyond what you would expect.

  Explanation: Who has more to lose; the DJ who does this part time and could decide to cancel or the weekend off is more important than your wedding or the person who makes a living doing this. A full time professional DJ will dedicate more time not to risk their professional reputation if your event is not as you would wish!

• Is the DJ registered and insured?
• Is the DJ registered and insured?

  Answer: DJ Jim Stacy makes this a top priority for his company.

  Explanation: A "Professional DJ" who is registered and insured has taken the time to show they are serious business people. It's a good idea to stick with the established DJ Service, especially when planning a wedding or corporate event.

• How long have you been in business and what type of experience do you have?
• How long have you been in business and what type of experience do you have?

  Answer: DJ Jim Stacy has been providing top-quality DJ entertainment for 20 years! and has experienced in almost every type of event.

  Explanation:A company that has been in business at least ten years is going to have more experience than someone who has just started. Ask what types of events the company has the most experience in: Weddings, Wedding Ceremony, Anniversaries, Corporate, Company, Clubs, Schools dances, and Etc.

• Now how much do you charge?
• Now how much do you charge?

  Answer: DJ Jim Stacy feels pricing should be based on experience, emcee ability, coordination, equipment needed, and knowledge. If the price sounds to good to be true be careful what is the reason for such an inexpensive price. Pricing will be discuss completely upon contact & I do my best to work with your budget. Local & travel pricing available. Credit Cards accepted.

  Explanation: A full-service disc jockey company will normally invest 12 to 30 hours to your special event but it may appear that you are only paying for "4 hours". Consultations, music purchasing & editing, preparation, set-up and tear-down, and more which adds up to the overall success of your special event. The best price is not always the best deal, especially if you are planning a wedding.

I am not the cheapest, but providing a particular service that goes above and beyond what you would expect. There are some DJ's with whom I simply can not and will not compete with in terms of price. This is because my standards are high, and cost of reliable professional equipment is not cheap. I firmly believe that the entertainment will decide the success of your event.