Total Entertainment Solutions
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10 Questions You Should Ask Your DJ
used with permission of the American DJ Association
Choosing the right DJ for your event is one of the keys to a successful, stress-free event. By
choosing a DJ I don’t mean calling the first three you find in the phone book or online and picking
the one with the best price. Just because a person has sound equipment and calls themselves a DJ
does not mean they will provide quality entertainment for your event.
While you are interviewing a prospective DJ, he/she should be asking questions of you to make
sure they are able to provide the service you expect. These ten questions will get you started in
your interview process. We have answered all of the questions, but have also left space for you to
make notes when interviewing other prospective DJs.
1. Do you provide a written contract?
For your protection, it is important to get all details in writing. Ask for a written agreement
including date, times, price, retainer (if any), and services to be preformed.
Yes, Total Entertainment Solutions requires a written service contract for all events. This
ensures both parties are fully aware of what is expected of them.
2. Are you insured and can you provide proof of liability?
Liability insurance protects both the DJ and his equipment and you, the client. Many venues are
now requiring vendors such as DJs, caterers, photographers, etc. to provide proof of liability
insurance.
Yes, Total Entertainment Solutions carries liability insurance because we care about the safety
of our clients and their guests.
3. Do you have back-up equipment?
Although equipment failure is rare, electronics can fail at any time without warning. Make sure
your prospective DJ has a contingency plan so your party doesn’t end early.
Yes, Total Entertainment Solutions carries backup equipment including, speakers, mixers,
computers and CDs.
4. How much time do you allow for set-up?
Punctuality is the key. Your prospective DJ should be setup and patiently awaiting the arrival of
your first guest.
Total Entertainment Solutions prefers to begin setup approximately four hours before your
event. This allows us time to make sure all equipment is working properly, do sound checks
and make any necessary changes.
5. Is your equipment of professional quality?
Your prospective DJ should be using professional audio equipment. Ask your DJ for a list of the
equipment he/she will be using at your event. You can contact any local music dealer and ask if
this is professional quality equipment.
Yes, Total Entertainment Solutions uses nothing but quality, professional audio equipment.
We will supply a list of our audio equipment and effects lighting upon request.
6. Will you play requests?
Your DJ should listen to and play your requests. He/She should also evaluate the volume level
throughout the event and adjust it accordingly.
Yes, Total Entertainment Solutions makes it easy to hear exactly what you want to hear at
your event. Our website has an online request section that you (and your guests) can request
songs up until the day before your event.
7. Do you do more than just play music at my event?
A DJ should be more than just a human jukebox. He/She is responsible for the flow of your
event.
Yes, Total Entertainment Solutions will help you plan your event from start to finish. Our
website has a detailed event planner and timeline to help get you started. We will meet with
you before your event to discuss music selection and event details. We also work with other
vendors at your event (caterer, photographer, etc.) to make sure things run smoothly.
8. Will you dress appropriately for my event?
Specify the type of apparel that your DJ is expected to wear for your event.
Yes, Total Entertainment Solutions is ready for any type of event from tux to jeans and even
costumes for theme parties.
9. Can you provide me with honest references?
Let’s face it, no one can do an outstanding job every time. Your prospective DJ should take all
constructive criticisms and learn from them. References from only the best jobs give you a one-
dimensional picture of your DJ.
Yes, Total Entertainment Solutions will provide, upon request, a list of references of people we
have performed for in the past. We will also provide to you, a complete copy of their online
satisfaction survey if available.
10. How much control do I have over what you do and what you play?
Your prospective DJ should be a professional, knowing what to play to entertain all of the guests
you have invited to your event, not just a select few. He/She should take all of your ideas and
requests into consideration when doing this, because ultimately, you’re the boss.
It’s your event, Total Entertainment Solutions works for you. While we make every effort to
make sure every one of your requests is met, please keep in mind that some music is not
appropriate in all age groups.
used with permission of the American DJ Association
Choosing the right DJ for your event is one of the keys to a successful, stress-free event. By
choosing a DJ I don’t mean calling the first three you find in the phone book or online and picking
the one with the best price. Just because a person has sound equipment and calls themselves a DJ
does not mean they will provide quality entertainment for your event.
While you are interviewing a prospective DJ, he/she should be asking questions of you to make
sure they are able to provide the service you expect. These ten questions will get you started in
your interview process. We have answered all of the questions, but have also left space for you to
make notes when interviewing other prospective DJs.
1. Do you provide a written contract?
For your protection, it is important to get all details in writing. Ask for a written agreement
including date, times, price, retainer (if any), and services to be preformed.
Yes, Total Entertainment Solutions requires a written service contract for all events. This
ensures both parties are fully aware of what is expected of them.
2. Are you insured and can you provide proof of liability?
Liability insurance protects both the DJ and his equipment and you, the client. Many venues are
now requiring vendors such as DJs, caterers, photographers, etc. to provide proof of liability
insurance.
Yes, Total Entertainment Solutions carries liability insurance because we care about the safety
of our clients and their guests.
3. Do you have back-up equipment?
Although equipment failure is rare, electronics can fail at any time without warning. Make sure
your prospective DJ has a contingency plan so your party doesn’t end early.
Yes, Total Entertainment Solutions carries backup equipment including, speakers, mixers,
computers and CDs.
4. How much time do you allow for set-up?
Punctuality is the key. Your prospective DJ should be setup and patiently awaiting the arrival of
your first guest.
Total Entertainment Solutions prefers to begin setup approximately four hours before your
event. This allows us time to make sure all equipment is working properly, do sound checks
and make any necessary changes.
5. Is your equipment of professional quality?
Your prospective DJ should be using professional audio equipment. Ask your DJ for a list of the
equipment he/she will be using at your event. You can contact any local music dealer and ask if
this is professional quality equipment.
Yes, Total Entertainment Solutions uses nothing but quality, professional audio equipment.
We will supply a list of our audio equipment and effects lighting upon request.
6. Will you play requests?
Your DJ should listen to and play your requests. He/She should also evaluate the volume level
throughout the event and adjust it accordingly.
Yes, Total Entertainment Solutions makes it easy to hear exactly what you want to hear at
your event. Our website has an online request section that you (and your guests) can request
songs up until the day before your event.
7. Do you do more than just play music at my event?
A DJ should be more than just a human jukebox. He/She is responsible for the flow of your
event.
Yes, Total Entertainment Solutions will help you plan your event from start to finish. Our
website has a detailed event planner and timeline to help get you started. We will meet with
you before your event to discuss music selection and event details. We also work with other
vendors at your event (caterer, photographer, etc.) to make sure things run smoothly.
8. Will you dress appropriately for my event?
Specify the type of apparel that your DJ is expected to wear for your event.
Yes, Total Entertainment Solutions is ready for any type of event from tux to jeans and even
costumes for theme parties.
9. Can you provide me with honest references?
Let’s face it, no one can do an outstanding job every time. Your prospective DJ should take all
constructive criticisms and learn from them. References from only the best jobs give you a one-
dimensional picture of your DJ.
Yes, Total Entertainment Solutions will provide, upon request, a list of references of people we
have performed for in the past. We will also provide to you, a complete copy of their online
satisfaction survey if available.
10. How much control do I have over what you do and what you play?
Your prospective DJ should be a professional, knowing what to play to entertain all of the guests
you have invited to your event, not just a select few. He/She should take all of your ideas and
requests into consideration when doing this, because ultimately, you’re the boss.
It’s your event, Total Entertainment Solutions works for you. While we make every effort to
make sure every one of your requests is met, please keep in mind that some music is not
appropriate in all age groups.