A few tips on how to hire a mobile DJ. By following this simple guide you greatly increase the chances of successfully hiring a good mobile dj.
Begin by looking for a mobile DJ company that is insured for liability. While is it usually not the case that anyone or anything is injured or damaged at an event being insured against such an accident is important and also is a good sign that you are dealing with a reputable mobile DJ company.
Ensure that the mobile DJ you are interested in is using professional DJ equipment and sound. For the most part this means not using consumer grade speakers. While consumer grade speakers may sound great in your home trying to fill a banquest hall with consumer grade speakers will not work. Consumer grade speakers are designed to be listened to from a short distance. Professional grade speakers are designed to cover large areas. Also it is a good idea that the rest of the equipment also be professional grade.
Look for a mobile DJ company that has backup or redundant equipment in case of equipment failure during your event.
Be familiar with at least some of the music you know you want to hear and check the mobile DJs music library to see if they have most of what you are looking for. If a few songs are missing see if the mobile DJ company will obtain these for you. Also it's a good idea to ask if the mobile DJ company is obtaining their music library legally. Many illegally downloaded music files are of inferior quality. Most reputable mobile DJ companies will subscribe to a service to provide high quality music to them each month.
Ask the mobile DJ company if references are available. Most reputable mobile DJ companies will provide references upon request. If after hiring a mobile DJ company you are pleased with the service you may be asked to be a reference for future customers. One thing to be weary of is mobile DJ companies that post previous customers email addresses to their web site. This is a major source of spam to these unsuspecting customers as there are many spammers using sophisticated software to scan the internet in search of valid email addreses. Once these addresses are harvested they are sold over and over again to spammers. It's great that customers are willing to be a reference but check with the mobile DJ company to ensure that your email address will not be displayed on their public website but only made available to potential customers upon request.
Decide on the level of interaction you desire from your mobile DJ for your event. The most fundamental task of a mobile DJ is to provide music for your event. If you require announcements to be made ensure that the mobile DJ company you are interested in has a microphone and is able to make the announcements for you. Additionally if you are not interested in a highly interactive mobile DJ for your event convey this to them to ensure you are getting the level of interaction you desire. If you are looking for a mobile DJ for a wedding event be sure to go over the sequence of announcements, for example, the grend entrance, first dance, etc. Also go over the pronounciation of the names of all those being announced.
It's a good idea to obtain a contract from your mobile DJ company which should describe what services you are to receive at your event. Many reputable mobile DJ companies will require that the customer either electronically sign, via a website, or physically sign a paper contract before your event. This document will usually spell out what the mobile DJ company expects from you, things like an AC power outlet and possibly a roof or tent for outdoor event and what the mobile DJ company agrees to provide. Also in this document may be information on if additional charges will be incurred if the mobile DJ company is asked to play for additional time beyond what was originally scheduled.
Consider the fact that mobile DJs are not a commodity. Each has a unique personality and style. Similar to any other type of performer. For example if you were to hire Dick Clark to MC your wedding it would be different than hiring Andrew Dice Clay. While both performers would help guide you and your guests through your event both will provide a slightly or wildly different experience. This is the same for hiring a mobile DJ.