Advice for Booking a DJ
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Booking a DJ needn't be a daunting prospect. Our tips below
give a guideline to what you should expect and questions to ask
of your DJ.
Insist on your booking being confirmed in writing and both
parties signing the form. Check the day, date, timings and
service are as you agreed. Always read the DJ's terms and
conditions.
 Check with your venue that sufficient time has been allowed for
your DJ to set up before your event and pack away at the end.
Also ask your DJ how long he requires. Set up times vary from DJ
to DJ, often depending on the services you have booked and the
amount of equipment your DJ is supplying.
For deposits, booking fees and any advance payments, ensure you
have a receipt.
Read the small print of your venue contract carefully. Some
insist that your DJ has PLI (Public Liability Insurance) and all
of their equipment has PAT (Portable Appliance Test)
Certificates (see below).
Ask your DJ if they carry back up equipment.
Ask your DJ what would happen if they were unable to attend your
function. Many DJs operate in a network of local DJs who they
are able to call on in cases of crisis.
 Tell your DJ what atmosphere you want to create at your party,
the type of music you and your guests like and the age of your
guests. The more information you give your DJ, the better the
party will be.Prices vary greatly between individual
companies - it is recommended that your final decision is
influenced more by the service provided and it being compatible
with your requirements, than price alone.
What these terms mean ...
Below are explanations of some unfamiliar terms that you may
come across on DJ websites:
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PLI - Public Liability InsuranceIf someone should sustain an injury as
a result of the DJ or his equipment, he has the means to deal
with the situation rather than you being liable. PLI may also cover damage to the venue
caused by the DJ or his equipment.
PAT - Portable Appliance Test is an annual test of any portable
electrical equipment (including cables). It checks for safety at
the time of the test.
Produb - is a licence purchased by the DJ
giving him permission to 'format shift' music. DJs working from
computer having ripped their music from CD need this licence.
AMPdj - The Alliance of Mobile & Party DJs is the largest national organisation for
mobile DJs. All members have £10million Public Liability Insurance.
WDJA - The Wedding
DJ Alliance
is a national organisation for
wedding DJ specialists. An acceptance criteria is applied for all
applicants.
NADJ (National Association of Disc Jockeys)NADJ is
an association which
accepts all calibre of DJs from the hobbyist to the more
experienced - all members have £10 million PLI. (not to be confused with NDJA - a recent addition of which we have no further information)
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SEDA (South Eastern Discotheque Association)
SEDA is a local association for DJs based in Kent, Surrey and surrounding areas. It
accepts all calibre of DJs from the hobbyist to the more
experienced.
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DJ marks or accreditations
- many of these are non regulated systems,
privately set up by individuals. Whilst some are credible, others are
not and caution needs to be exercised.
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Are you a Mobile Disco/DJ? You can find
out more about joining AMPdj and receiving direct client
enquiries for your area by clicking the logo below. Membership
includes £10million PLI |
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What our clients say...
"I was really
impressed with the service of your website. All in all
very happy with the service your website provided, and I
couldn't suggest any improvements what so ever.
I only wish that there were websites like yours for my
business. Thanks very much for your help."
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Chester
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