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DJmark assess quality standards for the UK mobile disco industry.
For some, their choice of DJ will make a dramatic difference to the success of their event - in many cases possibly one
of the most important (and expensive!) days of their lives. For others, where the music is just incidental and is being
provided to occupy the minority, a basic service is often all they need.
Your budget is probably the biggest deciding factor in ensuring the quality of the DJ service that you hire.
We urge you to consider this very carefully and not to shop around purely on price but rather on the suitability,
reputation and level of service being offered.
DJmark and our parent site needadisco.com have done much of the
leg work for you by checking the credentials of our members. If your intended DJ isn't registered with DJmark
then ask them to sign up and we'll assess them for you.
Finding a Disco
There are many online directories promising to find you the ideal DJ - but most (including ours) are incomplete. We recommend:
- needadisco.com - search by venue postcode or county
- uk-parties.co.uk - compare side-by-side by county
- mobilediscodirectory.co.uk - search by region
- Your local Yellow Pages - but see our comments here to avoid "cowboy" operators
Don't leave it too late! To get the pick of the best DJs for your event you should try to book well in advance,
ideally as soon as you've booked the venue.
Making sure yours is the right DJ for your event
Be very clear about your expectations for the event and then talk to your DJ about them. Don't be afraid to walk away if you're not confident in his/her abilities. Ask for feedback or references.
- Do you want a straightforward disco or are you looking for something a little more unusual or unique?
- Insist on a face-to-face meeting if you'd prefer, but expect to pay for this in the final fee
- Do you need the equipment set up earlier in the day to avoid disruption? Will your DJ do this?
- Ask about music Is your DJ knowledgeable in all the genres you are likely to need to satisfy the needs of your guests? Does he/she have access to a wide enough catalogue?
- Do you want to supply a playlist (or a "Don't-Play list"?) - is the DJ happy to accept this?
- Is the DJ's equipment specification of interest to you? Do you want a few flashing bulbs or a mobile nightclub? Discuss!
- Is the presentation of the equipment of concern? Will you be sitting through your wedding breakfast looking at road-weary tatty equipment and cardboard boxes, wires all over the place, or will your DJ present modern, subtle and professional-looking gear?
Insurance
All DJmark members carry Public Liability Insurance (PLI) as standard. This protects you and your guests in case
of an accident involving your DJs equipment; be that a personal accident or property damage at the venue. If your DJ
isn't a member, check their PLI! More and more venues are now insisting that contractors provide PLI before being allowed
access to the premises. The worst case scenario is a party with no music!
Paperwork
All DJmark members will provide you with written confirmation of your booking; most will supply a full contract
for you to consider. Always insist on proper receipts for any monies paid.
Licences
DJs are subject to the requirements of the MCPS & PPL Alliance ProDub Licence (more details here)
and, increasingly, venues are checking that licence conditions are being adhered to. If your DJ isn't correctly licenced
then the venue has every right to stop him/her performing.
From 1st August 2008 all DJmark Gold and Platinum members will have provided either a disclaimer to show that they are not
bound by the terms of the licence, or a copy of their licence documentation. From 1st January 2009 this will be a requirement
for ALL DJmark members.
"Resident" DJs
Don't rely solely on the recommendation of venue managers.
Venues are businesses and in most cases will recommend their "in-house" disco because they are probably the
cheapest they could find in order to make a good mark up.
If you do decide to book an "in-house" disco insist that you deal with the DJ direct and if you're not comfortable, don't go ahead!
See lots more quality advice on this matter here
