Hiring a DJ company vs. an individual DJ

There are many factors to consider when hiring a DJ for your event. Since you're probably spending a lot of money for the function itself, it's a good idea to hire a professional DJ that will run it properly, play the right music & ensure a successful celebration. Experience goes a long way and a professional DJ will have already handled every type of event & have the knowledge to take care of whatever is put in front of him.

You begin searching for the right DJ to entertain at your function and see that there are ads for both DJ companies, with many entertainers, and individual DJs that offer many of the same services. What should you consider when evaluating each option? Below is a listing of pros and cons between using a DJ company vs. an individual DJ:

DJ Company

1. Is a full time business dedicated to providing a professional DJ, Photo Booth and/or Lighting for your event & will be more readily available to service your needs. All services are handled directly by the DJ company.

2. Will have a professional website describing their services & pricing structure.

3. Will have online reviews from previous clients for you to see how customers have felt about their services.

4. Will have an office, with a dedicated landline telephone, to properly handle business. The office will also facilitate organization and proper preparation for all events.

5. Will assign a DJ to you who will personally interact with you to fully understand your preferences. The office will handle the business end & the DJ will handle the entertainment and event communication with you.

6. Will carry liability insurance.

7. Will have DJs, or additional equipment, available in case of unforeseen emergencies.

Individual DJ

1. Probably does not operate out of an office and will not be as organized as a DJ company.

2. Will use a cell phone number as a business number. Often, through social media, this type of DJ will try to market himself as a larger entity offering a variety of services. Typically, he will outsource the extra services to other DJs/companies. Therefore, rather than hiring one entity to handle your business needs, you're hiring at least two without knowing it.

3. Probably will not have a website.

4. If he has reviews, they will probably only be on a Facebook page.

5. Probably does not carry liability insurance.

6. Probably does not have an emergency plan in place in case he cannot make your event.

7. In some cases, the individual DJ may back out of a job that's he committed to because a more lucrative opportunity is available.

The bottom line is to do your homework and be certain that you're aware of all aspects of your entertainment services. Ask the right questions:

1. How long have you been in business?

2. Do you have online reviews?

3. Do you carry liability insurance?

4. What happens in case of an emergency?

5. Why are you using your cell phone as a primary business phone?

6. Are you personally handling the extra services that you offer (Photo Booth, Lighting, etc.) or subcontracting them from another source?