- What is the difference between an agency and a company?
- How do I know I am getting what I pay for?
- Are there hidden costs?
- How should I pay?
- What is proper disc jockey attire.
- Is it appropriate to drink while working?
- Should the DJ take requests?
- Can I ask about other services?

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What is the difference between an agency and a company?
Agencies are primarily managed and operated on a marketing policy.  In other words, the highest dollar, for the cheapest cost.  Agencies have very little control over their entertainers and prefer to keep it that way.  Most companies usually have fewer employees but they are generally well trained and efficient.  A company can control the entertainer because the entertainer works for the company directly.

How do I know I am getting what I pay for?
Well, usually the better companies and entertainers book early and fast.  We recommend brides and grooms in particular think about booking 6 to 9 months prior to the wedding date.  If the company or agency has many available dates, that could be a hint to you as the client that there is a reason for that.  We also think every client should have the opportunity to meet and greet the entertainer prior to the event.  This will allow you to find out in a private setting how well you like or dislike the entertainer.

Are there hidden costs?
Most organizations will hide costs inside package prices or they will send you a can not miss quote, and then when you decide to book you find out your great deal isn’t so great anymore.  Ask in advance about travel or lodging costs, and if those costs are there ask the consultant how they arrived at your particular price.  Asking questions is always a good thing, and you can never ask to many.  A  good company would want you to make the best educated decision possible even if it leads you in a different direction.

How should I pay?
Always know in advance how the payment system works.  Normally the company or agency will book you and require a deposit of up to 50%.  Taking care of the remaining balance can happen prior to, during, or immediately after the event has taken place.  Also know what the over-time plan is.  Knowing how much, and when to make that decision could be very important.  Nobody wants to spend money for more time just to see the party end anyway.  Informing your entertainer early enough so it does not interfere with the flow of the event is very important.

What is proper disc jockey attire?
It is ok to find out what your DJ will be wearing during your event.  A tuxedo should be proper and should not cost you the client anything extra, but if you plan to have a casual event where it would be appropriate for the DJ to be in a nice shirt and tie you need to inform the company of that too. The DJ needs to blend with your occasion, so it is important the client does not let the DJ over or under dress for the event.

Is it appropriate to drink while working?
Most entertainers who choose to consume alcohol know their limits because we know we are working for you and we do have to be effective.  By all means though it is ok for you to request that your entertainer do not consume any alcohol during your event, and the entertainer should honor and respect that request.

Should the DJ take requests?
This is one of the best ways the DJ can make educated decisions about what to play for your guests.  You as the client can only lead the entertainer so far before you trust him/her to do the job you hired them to do.  The DJ must take the requests and filter the good ones from the bad ones. Yes, there are good and bad requests, and we may try to play them all. Some are just not appropriate for the time or the event as a whole.  It is not always the entertainers' job to have every guests request because of just how random they can be, but most company’s have a large enough selection that this is usually not an issue.

Can I ask about other services?
Companies tend to have friends in any industry.  If you are just starting your planning process and need to check more services off your list feel free to ask who they can recommend to you.  Some companies work together better than others because they have done many events together but never feel you have to book off the suggestion list.  DJ’s are very flexible for that reason and should be able to work well with any vendor you are comfortable with.  The key to any event being successful is you the client must be comfortable and happy with your choices, because it is your event not the vendors.