So, What's The Difference?
By Jason Walsh

Even if you've only been looking at hiring a DJ for a short time now, you've probably noticed that there is a large price range for entertainers in the Baltimore/Washington Area.  A survey of a dozen deejays for your 4 hour event, will likely net results varying from $750 to $2,000 or more.  But as the saying goes, do you really get what you pay for?  Is a $1,000 twice as "bad" as a $2,000 deejay?  How does that work?

Hiring any vendor in our industry is really similar to buying a car.  Some cars have features you need (or want), but others have features you may not want but end up paying for anyway.  But how can you be sure you are paying for a Mercedes Benz SL600 and not receiving a Ford Pinto?

Equipment - The first factor in entertainment pricing is the type and amount of equipment used by the DJ.  Playing for more than 175 guests usually requires a DJ to bring a premium sound system with a separate sub-woofer and higher quality "main" speakers. (most deejays have multiple sets of speakers to suit various venues)  Additionally, some deejays include additional equipment in their standard price (for providing cocktail, ceremony, or "satellite" DJ systems), some deejays offer this option "a la carte" for $100-$250 per system.  If you are having an event in a very large, open area, you may want to spend more time than usual researching and questioning what type of equipment your DJ will use.  Professional equipment should be assumed if dealing with a DJ company; all BADJA members have been certified to use professional DJ equipment and carry professional back-up equipment.

Talent -  The talent of a DJ is similar to a professional athlete (except most of us are not in pro-athlete shape).  Some deejays are just better than others... How do you know who are the best?  There are no official rankings, but price can be said to be one factor (similar to the pro athlete comparison).  If a DJ commands top dollar, it is usually due to high demand and a proven track record of successful events.  This is not to say that cheaper deejays are not as good, but in general, talent pricing is set at a "market price".  A DJ will usually price him/herself at a rate that offers value for his/her clients but ensures a sufficient number of bookings to keep their calendars busy with work.  Some standard DJ talents and business skills that you should be aware of when making your selection, include: announcing voice/microphone skill, beat-mixing skill, event planning/coordination, personality, customer service, production skills, and overall performance skill.

Demand - If a deejay is in high demand in a certain market, he/she can naturally command more money that a "jock" that is not as popular.  How can you determine popularity?  Does the DJ "book-up" quickly?  Has he/she been recommended highly by other brides that you know? (tip: always confirm good and bad online reviews when possible to ensure they are coming from an actual client), And, does the DJ receive praise from local trade magazines or publications.

Venue - Some venues are a nightmare for industry vendors due to load-in/load-out procedures, parking, travel times, specific requirements, etc... The professional DJ will likely never mention this to you, but may build a "premium" price into your quote to compensate for the additional time needed to entertain at your venue

Time of Year - It should not come as a shock that most couples do not get married in the Winter in Baltimore, therefore there are usually a plethora of unemployed (or under-employed) deejays during January, February and March in our area.  Many deejays accept other types of events including school dances, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs and corporate events, but almost all wedding industry vendors are slower in the Winter (and sometimes will offer deeper discounts on your event).  That said, the "busy" months for entertainers (Spring, Fall, and the holiday season) sometimes come with a premium price tag because they are very much in demand for all types of events.

Time of Day - Some deejays, and many venues, caterers and photographers can accept more than one event per day.  Therefore, you may be able to save money by booking a "daytime" event (usually between 11am and 5pm) which would allow an industry vendor to accept a second job on a day in which he/she was already working.  If you are price conscience, ask the venue point-of-contact where you are holding your event if you can get in touch with the client who is holding an event following yours at the same venue.  This is usually the best way to get a "steal" of a price from a professional DJ or other industry vendor.  They may not disclose the client's name to you for privacy reasons, but more than likely they can gather a list of vendors or pass a note on to the client if they choose to work with you.  You may be able to work a deal for you and the other client, by "sharing" other items (rental equipment, silk flowers, centerpieces, etc.).