Why should you avoid cheap DJs?
What’s this article about?
I aim to provide some insight on what running mobile disco business entails and the running costs and the potential risks relating to booking someone based on prove alone, without considering other factors of why should you avoid cheap DJs.
This article is meant to give prospective customers a broad perspective of those risks and what to look out for prior to securing someone’s services, regardless of their price and why should you avoid cheap DJs.
Why should you avoid cheap DJs – how much do y0u charge?
Many people have naturally never booked a mobile DJ before, so frequently the question of cost and a fixed budget is sometimes at the forefront of their mind, before going any further. Be very wary of cheap DJs. Is something is cheap and to good to be true, there’s usually a nasty problem. ahead!
DJ prices are frequently dictated by the experience of the DJ, location they are based (London will be higher) whether they are are in high demand, the package you are seeking (usually the times of the event) and sometimes the time of year. Certain functions may attach a larger fee due to additional costs associated with preparation or sourcing/provision of any additional equipment such as mood lighting, dance floor etc.
Are they Legal?
There are many ways to cut costs to keep prices down leading to unacceptable risk. Why you should avoid cheap Djs. A professional DJ is charging you a professional fee covering these critical costs, keeping you, your guests and the public safe. They will have a reputation which they will want to maintain and enhance.
Public Liability Insurance – ensuring that if you trip over his equipment, or he damages anything in the venue/car park he will be covered. Otherwise you will be left having to sue him personally for compensation.
Transport – many people cut corners by transporting their equipment with domestic insurance rather than business cover. Does it matter for the client? The police do carry out random spot checks. I have heard many stories of mobile DJs being stopped & prevented from proceeding to their gig. Secondly, many also use domestic vehicle breakdown cover, meaning it won’t cover business use leaving them stranded on the way to your event.
Portable Appliance Testing – often called PAT. It’s an annual safety check carried out by a ‘competent professional’ certifying that their equipment to safe to use. Whilst this is not a legal requirement many venues insist on the DJ providing evidence that they hold a valid certificate, and usually request this in advance of allowing them to enter the venue.
Music – Is it legal? Professional DJ’s will buy their music or subscribe to a legitimate streaming service. If its isn’t legal they run the risk of an on the site inspection. Worse still, many cheap DJ’s just rely on YouTube (with adverts) to save on costs, or use other means resulting in very poor muffled sound quality.
Payment – be very wary of cash in hand only payments. Paying a deposit by bank transfer with a contract to a professional way of conducting business giving you peace of mind.
Tax – ensuring that any profits are legally disclosed so that they contribute to the cost of running public services etc
Other Risks of why should you avoid cheap DJs
Unreliable equipment & no back up – I have often sad heard stories from brides that their wedding reception ended abruptly, as the DJ had no back up equipment. The lack of PAT testing will not have helped! Professional DJs will carry all spares to ensure that have full back up in place. Professional DJs will also invest in updating equipment meaning better sound, lighting and reliability.
Music Back up – why should you avoid cheap DJs. Over 90% of mobile DJs use a laptop or similar systems. This means they are reliant upon the systems hard drive. If that fails, they need a back up or it’s the end of the evening. A professional DJ carries a least one spare hard drive.
Booking Contract – why should you avoid cheap DJs. It’s absolutely critical that you have a contract. This includes their terms and conditions. Avoid if they don’t provide one! The contract is a legal agreement committing them and you to the booking. It also includes their full contact details, the fee, terms of payment and times. It protects you!
Reliability – why should you avoid cheap DJs. Will they turn up or let you down at short notice. This might be down to equipment failure, or they have been offered a larger fee. Whatever it is, without a contract you are in difficulty. I receive many sad calls from people who have been let down at short notice. Almost always, they have no contract and/or have secured the DJ at a low fee.
What is a low fee?
This depends where you are located and the performance times alongside a host of factors.
This article is meant to guide the public and think about if something is too cheap, often there is a good reason for it and why should you avoid cheap DJs.
