In the world of wedding entertainment, there are two types of disc jockey (DJ) services: independents and multi operational. To help you think through which DJ is best for your wedding, here are some things to think about.
The multi operational services will have a large number of djs. They hire people, just like any employer would for a job and train the new DJ, using a system they have found to work. Unfortunately, since most of the new DJs are there because the position is a job, not a passion, the multi operational companies have a high turn over of employees. Most of the DJs that start end up staying a year or less and will most likely after a summer. The DJs themselves only earn about $100 of the $600 you are spending with their company. The other $500 goes back to the company to spend on what ever they see fit.
Large multi operational DJ services will book as many events as they can. Once the events start rolling in, they will find DJs to fill the need. In my opinion, this is a recipe for disaster. There are some good DJs, however the ownership knows that not every DJ is at the same level of talent and skill when he sends them out for a job. The ownership plays a game of large numbers, hoping that the few “bad DJs” he has will work fewer events than the “good DJs” he has.
Independent Disc Jockey Services
Many Independent DJs come from larger multi operational DJ services. They made a choice to do things their way and go out on their own. Independent djs get most of their business from referrals. They are proven djs and have very good skills. Obviously, if someone is out on their own and doesn’t have the necessary skills to find new bookings and make current clients happy, they will soon be out of business. Since the DJ market is very competitive and customers have so many choices, if a DJ doesn’t make his current clients happy, he will last about two seasons. After that, the new business will dry up simply because he didn’t satisfy his old client base.
Independent DJs own their own equipment and don’t “share” it with 15-20 other DJs, like the multi operational DJ services do. They typically take pride in their equipment, and like any business today, have to keep up with the hottest technology and newest trends in their industry.
Most independents, if already booked for your date, can help refer you to a associate who is an independent DJ as well. This is a win-win situation for all the parties - The bride is happy, because she gets an experienced DJ. The DJ who does not have an event is happy, because he now has a booking. The DJ who refers the event is happy because he knows the bride is being taken care of.
Tips for your Grand Rapids Wedding
This author does not claim that all independents are good, and large services are bad. However, some of the risks involved with using a multi operational DJ service are:
1) They have much higher overhead, and thus they must book a lot more events, where they send out inexperienced DJs. Quality therefore suffers.
2) They don’t spend the time planning and customizing the bride’s event like an independent. Quality therefore suffers.
3) They don’t invest in more equipment because they know their “newer” DJs don’t yet know how to use the equipment. Quality therefore suffers.
4) They don’t work every week like an independent. Even the good DJs for the larger services only work about twice a month in the peak season. Quality therefore suffers.
The best thing to do is to look around and investigate all your options. Spend some time looking. Compare and talk to other brides you trust. However, if a bride tells you that XYZ service was great. Find out the name of the SPECIFIC DJ from XYZ, and make sure you get the same one. Otherwise you might be stuck with the “newbie”.
Probably the best way to find the right DJ for your weddings is to ask for references from the vendors you’re already using. They have some great experience and insight as to which DJs are good and which DJs are bad. Don’t be afraid to ask!
Contributed by Grand Rapids DJ, Rich Kosty of Encore Music.
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