1. Have you commited yourself to follow the ADJA Code
of Professional Conduct? Any responsible
business owner will be committed to living by the
ADJA code of Professional Conduct. This is just one of
the commitments that legitimate entertainment companies will
make to you.
Not only does JBDJ follow the ADJA's
code of conduct, we helped write it! Jack, as Vice president
and a founding member of the ADJA's Michigan chapter was
part of the group who founded the Chapter's "Award of
Excellence" program, providing recognition for those DJ
entertainers who have displayed exceptional business ethics
and who provide a high level of professional service to
their clients. Jack (who has won this award himself) serves
on the committee that awards it even today!
2. Are you insured? Can you supply me with proof of
liability? Many responsible business owners
carry liability insurance to protect their businesses and
the consumer. Many locations are beginning to require proof
of liability. Ask for proof of liability insurance. Disc
Jockey's receive a Certificate of Liability
which can be used as proof.
JBDJ carries a One Million Dollar
Liability policy through Fireman's Fund Insurance Co. We'll
be happy to provide you with a copy. We've never had to use
it, but it's reassuring to know it's there. No professional
Entertainment Company should be without it!
3. Will you be willing to play requests and discuss
music ahead of time? A versatile
Disc Jockey is willing to listen to your suggestions, give
you feedback and play from your desired song list. A
professional Disc Jockey will also accept the fact you may
not want certain songs played. A professional Disc Jockey
cannot know everything about your musical preferences and
entertainment needs without communication.
Music is a very
important part of our planning process and is discussed in
detail. We encourage requests from guests at events,
provided that you have indicated that you wish us to do so.
4. Do you use Professional Equipment? Ask whether your prospective Disc
Jockey works with professional audio equipment. If you are
not sure, ask for their equipment list and check with a
local music dealer or the A.D.J.A. to verify they are using
professional-grade sound gear. Remember that
professional gear does not guarantee an entertainer's talent
or service level, but is simply a tool for building
an exceptional event.
Our sound systems and music delivery
systems are 100% digital and of the highest professional
quality. Furthermore, our systems have built-in redundancy,
which means if something breaks, the show continues.
5. Do you provide backup equipment at my event? Although
equipment failure is rare, do you really want your special
occasion ruined because your Disc Jockey did not come
prepared? It is also important to know if your Disc Jockey
has a back-up plan in case of illness or an accident.
Members of the A.D.J.A. have many resources available to
them in case of an emergency. You may also reach our Hotline
number to get a Disc Jockey when you have an emergency. The
toll-free number is 888-723-5776.
Booking a reliable Disc Jockey is a very important decision
for the success of your party. Selecting a Disc Jockey who
is an active member of the American Disc Jockey Association
will provide you with the confidence that you have selected
a trained professional. A.D.J.A. members are more likely to
be involved with other Disc Jockey's who can help them out
with an unexpected situation.
JBDJ brings
back-up gear for everything. We carry spare computer, hard
drive, mixing board, speakers, microphone cables batteries
light bulbs and just about anything else you can think of.
Your special day is too important to take any chances on
being ruined due to an equipment failure.
6. Does the Disc Jockey know the proper etiquette for
your type of party? A professional Disc Jockey will
assist you with the planning of your special day. Most
professional entertainers will coordinate, emcee and provide
the music that you desire. Ask if they have
experience with your type of event.
JBDJ's DJ/MC's are experienced Wedding
professionals with hundreds of successful wedding receptions
as a testimony to their expertise. Your JBDJ team will work
with you to create the Wedding reception of your dreams!
7. How much time do you allow for set-up? Punctuality is a
necessity. Most Disc Jockey's arrive at least one
hour prior to the start time you've given them. Your
entertainer should ideally be setup and in-place before your
first guest walks through the door.
JBDJ will arrive at your venue AT LEAST
90 minutes prior to the arrival of the first guests. This
allows time to set up and test the equipment and review the
event plan with the other wedding vendors.
8. Do you provide a written contract? It is extremely important to have
your booking confirmed in writing. Ask for
a written agreement, especially if you are paying an initial
retainer. The standard initial payment for entertainment
services is 50%. If you are expecting a specific
entertainer, make sure you get it in writing as well.
JBDJ utilizes a standard entertainment
contract for everyone's protection. We'll be happy to
provide you with a copy to look over.
9. Will you be suitably dressed for our occasion? Specify the type of apparel that
your Disc Jockey is expected to wear for your occasion.
Formal attire or coat & tie are the most popular forms of
attire. If you are having a "themed" event, make sure your
entertainer is informed.
A tuxedo is JBDJ's normal wedding
attire, but sometimes we are asked to wear suits, business
casual or themed attire (such as Hawaiian shirts). We are
happy to comply. We dress to please.
10. Do you belong to a professional organization or
trade group? Although
belonging to an organization or trade group does not
guarantee the talent or professionalism of a disc jockey, it
may indicate the companies willingness to network, learn and
grow. Disc jockeys can learn through local chapter meetings,
national DJ conventions and seminars geared toward the
entertainment professional.
We are proud
members of the ADJA and are active in the local chapter. We
have attended educational conferences in Las Vegas, Niagra
Falls and Chicago as well as here in the Detroit area.
Other FAQ's
11. Why do rates for Wedding DJ's vary so much?
Disc Jockey rates
vary based on talent, experience, emcee ability, service,
coordination, equipment needed, music knowledge, mixing
ability and personality.
Rates for the DJ industry vary greatly, ranging from $350.00
to over $5,000.00 with an average of $1,200.00 for a
4 hour booking. The best price is not always the
best deal, especially if you are planning a wedding. As a
matter of fact, surveys conclude that nearly 100% of brides
would have spent more money on their entertainment and made
it their #1 priority in hindsight.
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, education and other business related
endeavors add up to the overall success of your special
occasion.
Hiring a DJ / Entertainer is almost
always a case of "You get what you pay for". You can find
part-time and wannabe DJ's on places like Craigslist who
call themselves "experienced" and "professional" that
offer to "do" your wedding for as little as $300. Those who
hire these kinds of DJs almost always end up being very
disappointed. JBDJ is a Professional Entertainment company
(and has the pedigree and references to back it up). We
charge a fair professional rate commensurate with our
experience. (If you were looking to have Lasik eye surgery,
would you hire the cheapest guy on Craigslist? Yikes!) Our
past clients have said that the money they paid to hire JBDJ
for their wedding was the best money they spent. Value is
more important than price. Your event deserves the very
best.
