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| Contract Information
Some things to keep in mind BEFORE signing a DJ contract
- The obvious should be on all contracts: Name of the DJ or DJ Service with contact info - phone number & address (your name and contact info should also be on the contract). There should be a place for both signatures - yours AND the person responsible for your DJ. Place of event, date and type of event, start & stop times should be on th contract. The total cost and any conditional or potential additional charges should be clearly stated. Deposit and any payments should be noted. You should receive a copy of the contract.
- Discuss the venue (place of event) and any pertinent info such as address, phone number, indoor/outdoor, if the venue has specific load in/out times ...
- Total Price: Make sure agreed amount is phrased "Total Cost", "Total Charge", "Total Price", "Final Cost", etc. "Total" or "Final" are the key words that you want in writing.
- When signing a contract, keep in mind that whoever signs the contract as a customer/client is legally responsible for paying the DJ service. Example: if you sign a contract but someone pays on your behalf and the check bounces, YOU are legally responsible for the contracted rate, additional bank charges, plus any other additional incurred fees and charges - not the person who bounced the check.
- Most DJs have their own contracts and usually require a deposit. Some have non-refundable deposits, some refund deposits up to a certain time or if they can re-book that date. Ask!
- DJ start and stop times - BE SPECIFIC - and here's why: though some DJ services charge a flat rate (a set price regardless of the amount of time), some charge by the hour, many charge by the half hour after a basic time (usually about four hours).
- Necessary equipment: Is a wireless microphone required? Tape player? CD player? If you want the DJ to play something that will be, for example, brought on a cassette, CD or laptop by someone other than the DJ, then the contract should state that the DJ will be able to accommodate you. For a large group, a powerful P.A. (amps & speakers) is required.
- Take requests? No requests? Any specific music that you don't want played? Any specific music that has to be there? If it's important enough, get it in writing.
- Do you want the DJ to play your requests WHEN you want them played regardless of the effect on the dance floor or will dancing and the mood be most important? If it makes a difference, get it in writing.
- Attire: such as a suit, casual, theme ... once again, don't assume anything. From elegant wedding to beach party, if it makes a difference, tell the DJ and GET IT IN WRITING.
- Will it cost extra if you supply a list of specific songs that has to be at your event?
- At an event, who does the DJ answer to? Usually too many people claim to have the final word about what and when things are to be played. Be clear about this before the event.
- If outdoors, who is responsible for power (electricity) and shelter for the electronic DJ equipment? You? The DJ Service? Banquet facility? State it in the contract.
- Bottom Line: Whatever you want the DJ to do or don't do, get it in writing. Never, but never assume! When in doubt or something is very important - GET IT IN WRITING.
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