Insider tips: Shopping for the right DJ service for your event (and avoiding the disreputable ones).

We understand that many potential clients are shopping around for pricing as well as trying to determine which company will give them the best service for their hard-earned dollar. This is only natural.

Professional vs. Amateur DJs:  A DJ's style is only an issue with inexperienced, less-than professional DJs---don't fall for the "we'll match your style to a certain DJ's style" argument, if a DJ has limitations he/she is not a professional.

Witness a company in action at an event: Frequently I'm asked about seeing us at an event. This is actually against our policy, let me explain.  All of our events are private.  Also, every event is tailored to the client's exact specifications--(as it is for any reputable DJ service.)  Therefore, if you were to be "fly on the wall" at any given event with a reputable company, you may witness something that you would not want at your event--so not really a fair analysis unless you were to speak to the client after the event to ask them if the company did exactly as they desired.  

From our perspective, any company who invites you to one of their client's events is lacking in tact and professionalism. Also, for most companies who allow this, it is a strong indicator that they only do business one way and do not guarantee that they will do exactly as the client wants.

Pressured into a meeting at office/warehouse: This is actually a red-flag. Generally you want to avoid companies who pressure you to come in for a preliminary meeting.  Cheryl and I used to work for one.  These meetings are focused solely on getting you to sign on the dotted line and usually feature a slick demo performed by whomever of their "top" DJs happens to be there.  A slick demo has nothing to do with anything pertaining to anyone's event and is just used for added pressure to get people under contract right then and there.

The only effective way to evaluate: us or any reputable DJ service for that matter, is to contact references and ask those former clients specifically if the company did exactly what they wanted.   Reputable companies have extensive lists of references, and don't need to resort to deceptive sales techniques to lock clients. Mind you, this is more work for the potential client, but ultimately we are talking about your big day. With that in mind, more knowledge about your DJ company is a very good thing!