Questions to ask your DJ:

Is the DJ available for your date?

Begin your enquiry by indicating the date, this way if the DJ is unavailable there is no need to take the details further. The DJ may have a "penciled in date".To confirm a date a deposit should be paid. This guarantees the DJ will be there for your event.

Are they an experienced professional?

During an event many things can happen, both planned and unplanned. An experienced DJ can handle many situations that arises and be able to fix each problem in a way that appears as if nothing ever happened. Knowledge and confidence comes with experience. Your DJ will be able to read the crowd and know what music to play at what time.

What type of music do they provide?

Let the DJ ask you questions. They will often ask what you do and don't want to hear. A professional entertainer takes an avid interest in what YOU want. You want a DJ that plays to the crowd and is flexible.

Questions you should ask your prospective DJ include: Do you take requests? Can you provide a playlist to choose songs we want and don't want? Can you play music we provide?

Can you meet with the DJ personally?

Does the DJ you are considering provide any information about themselves on their website? Most people like to know a bit about the entertainer they are hiring. Meeting your entertainer face-to-face is the best way to achieve this. Any professional DJ's will be happy to meet with you to discuss the details of your event. It is also important to find out what your DJ will be wearing. Will a tuxedo, shirt and jeans or casual be their choice in attire. Make your preference known to your entertainer, as it is YOUR event.

What kind of equipment do they use?

A professional DJ will only use today's latest technology. When you hire a DJ you are wanting a professional., hence the equipment they use should be well maintained and top of the line. Make sure the equipment they use is of a professional grade and not of consumer grade, this will impact the ability for them to provide you with a quality service. The DJ should know how to operate all the components effectively, providing you with quality sound, at the right volume throughout the whole venue.

Have a look at the equipment page to see the equipment Pro DJ Entertainment owns and uses for events.

Will they personally be your DJ?

This is an important one! As I am the owner, and sole operator, you can rest assure that I will be the DJ.

WARNING! Some companies send out trainees or even sub-contract another company. Some DJ's don't even turn up. Make sure you get what you are expecting.

Have they ever performed at your chosen venue?

Ask the DJ if they have performed at your chosen venue before. It helps if they know the place and how to get there. Problems are less likely to occur if they have prior knowledge of the venue.

How much do they charge?

Professional DJ's charge more for their services than a hobbyist. A company that has a low cost will more than likely offer a service that will be less than desirable. Be certain to discuss aspects like what their fee entails, times they will be setting and packing up, when you want them to arrive and when they will start playing music etc.

Prices for mobile DJ's in New Zealand currently vary from $550 to $3000 (plus GST), with average operators charging $650 to $1100.

Do they offer lighting equipment if you want it?

Can the DJ you want to hire provide lighting effects? Modern lighting effects can alter the atmosphere - adding mood and energy. A professional can provide effects that provide this and most of all not shine in guests eyes.

Conclusion

This is an outline to help distinguish between a true professional and an amateur. Some qualities may be more difficult to judge unless you meet with that person.

Does your chosen entertainer speak with great knowledge and passion? If so, this maybe your DJ!