Hiring a Bar Mitzvah DJ: Taking The Shine Off Of Those Glossy Brochures
Regarding a Disc Jockey’s full color mail-out brochure, does High Gloss = High Cost? Not necessarily. And very often, the opposite is true.
It’s not a certainty about the one you may receive, but national printers sell professionally designed, glossy brochures to DJs by exclusive territory and classification (Wedding, Corporate, etc.) and simply plug in each local DJ’s logo and phone number. The descriptions and photographs are usually generic! Those same partygoers sure get around.
You can tell by noting if specific DJ information is found on the front and back covers ONLY. Is it sneaky? Is it credible? Does it matter? Should you care? You decide. It’s not the end of the world, it’s just another DJ sales technique, or it may indicate an agency.
If you choose to speak with an agency and bypass discussion with the DJ who will perform at your party, you’re walking on eggshells. So watch your step!
Agencies subcontract a crew of DJs (keeping a liberal amount of the fee for booking them). A benefit agencies promote is that they’re able to provide a replacement in the event of an emergency. OK, so? Although they stress the fear factor to favor themselves over an individual, an emergency isn’t probable. You’re not booking an insurance policy. Besides, all decent single operators network too, and can offer the same assurance.
So is it money well spent? Remember the old Wendy’s commercials: “Where’s The Beef?”
What else do they offer? If you’re hiring a “name” who works exclusively for the agent, that’s fine. But if you’re getting a guy from their stable, find out who’s been assigned to your party. Does he favor a tuxedo or a backwards baseball cap? Even if the agency has been around for years, he may be newly trained or hired last week. You’re spending big $$$…buy experience!
If the agency won’t allow you and your assigned Disc Jockey to speak together without the agency as an intermediary, assume the worst and walk away. Quickly. The DJ will be more frank and/or you’ll be able to judge his experience (or lack of experience) without Big Brother watching (or listening).
At a large catering hall which divides into four separate banquet rooms, I recently ran into a local booking agency’s DJ as we were both unloading our equipment for different affairs. He came in to check out my set-up and did everything but drool. I walked into the adjoining room and saw his “gear.” It looked like a DJ starter kit from Circuit City. Actually that’s unfair to Circuit City. Make that Toys-R-Us. (You know something? It’s almost unfair to Toys-R-Us, too!)
He volunteered to me that the agency was paying him a $35 per hour fee. Here’s a fellow who was content to go home with $140 in his wallet that night (before taxes). Is it any wonder that he couldn’t afford a professional system?
Anyone who’s been around for a while wouldn’t pack up his vehicle for $140. The key is that the agency booked the job for $400 (“Return Your Contract Within Ten Days And Receive A Special Discount From Our Regular $500 Fee”). Of course, what the customer ultimately received was an $140 Disc Jockey, not a $400 (or $500) DJ. Please note: This one example may not be typical and it’s certainly not meant to impugn respectable and reputable agencies, of which there are plenty. But, it is not extreme.
What do you think would have happened if this DJ received a last minute phone call from Agency “B” for a job that would pay him $250 cash that evening? It’s obvious. He’s a mercenary and a likely no-show nightmare for you. Re-read that last sentence.
And if Agency “A” subsequently fired him, so what? What’s Agency “A” going to do? Take him to court for $140? He’s a subcontractor out for himself with no vested interest in the agency. Nor is he indebted to you. He’s never even spoken to you! He doesn’t have a conscience. What he would have is an extra $110 in his pocket for the same amount of work. But where would that leave YOU?
Be aware, not wary hiring through a booker. Do they have office space or handle everything over the phone? Can they offer advice regarding invitations, photographers, light shows, dancers, sign-in boards, prizes and party favors? They’re a bargain and worth the extra expenditure if they assume the full burden. I want to be clear: many agencies are conscientious and exemplary. If you’ve gotten personal referrals–perfect! Dump it all in their lap. If not, PLEASE request professional references. Not glossy brochures.
Joe Pachino has been a Radio & Mobile DJ since 1974 and is the author of “DJ’s Secrets Revealed! How To Select (And Get The Most Out Of) Your Bar or Bat Mitzvah DJ” c 2007 EMI. It’s chock full of facts. (And, an occasional opinion!) Find loads of links and goodies at http://djs-secrets.com/
Hiring A Bar Mitzvah DJ: How To Do Better Than Eenie Meenie Minie Mo
The customer is (mostly) always right.
A client’s input is fabulous. DJ’s love to feed off of creative parents and perform to their expectations. But, there are times when parents should defer to the better judgment of the DJ, despite how they’ve envisioned the tenor of the party will unfold.
There’s rarely a Motzi, Candlelighting or Hora at a friends-only party. It’s just a basic, fun “record hop.”
However, if the Bar or Bat Mitzvah is for adults as well as friends (as most are) occasionally parents feel that “It’s my son’s day. Work for his friends. Don’t worry about our family. They’ll enjoy watching.”
Hey, it’s your dime and, if you insisted, your disc jockey will do it. But if this were your position, he might stress that the chance of what he perceives to be a successful function is negligible. He would hate leaving a party thinking “I told you so.” (But, by then, you would know it too!) Sure, the kids would have a great time. But for the adults, it would be like going to a restaurant with bad Musak. They’ll have their meal, light their candle, see what direction the party is going, kiss you good-bye and scoot out of there. Why stay if the music remains unintelligible and unfamiliar?
I’m NOT inferring that a DJ should play Sinatra for four hours. But…every kid is familiar with “I Will Survive,” “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “The Twist,” “Shout,” “Respect” and “Stayin’ Alive.” I recently had girls request “My Boy Lollipop,” “Build Me Up Buttercup” and “Do Wah Diddy Diddy!”
These tunes were all released long before this group was BORN. (Some, before their PARENTS were born!) But they know the tunes. They love the beat, dance, sing the lyrics and don’t perceive them as “old folk’s songs.” So although your DJ must have a comprehensive, up-to-date music library including rap, hip-hop, rock or any current music trend, don’t have him spin new tunes exclusively, playing strictly to the kids. They’ll usually stay until the end of the party anyway, so the final hour presents itself as a better time to have music blend or trend mostly, or totally, to current.
What if you just can’t decide? Ties aren’t allowed. This is better than Eenie Meenie Minie Mo:
If it comes down to it, thirteen questions to ask (and answers to expect):
1. “Is my deposit refundable?”
No–deposits reserve date and time for you and you alone. Your DJ likely had to turn away other business to protect your date. Deposit range: 20-40%
2. “Do you charge more for climbing steps?”
Hopefully, it’s a moot point. Every piece of DJ equipment is HEAVY. Here’s our routine: out of the house, into the van, out of the van, into the hall, out of the hall, into the van, out of the van, into the house. DJs will do everything they can to keep the weight of each case to less than 50 pounds. Many would opt for doing an hour free rather than setting up and tearing down equipment. It’s no picnic. And they loathe a second story banquet hall. If there’s no elevator, he’s not a happy camper.
Most DJs don’t charge more, but you may see a contract that adds $3 per step, since the DJ will be unable to use his rolling cart and must make multiple trips on the staircase. Ugh!
3. “Do you have a web site?”
Every day DJs open sites. But many don’t have one for the same reasons they haven’t produced a video: a competent single-unit operator is able to fill his calendar without one. Remember, a good web designer doesn’t equal a good DJ. If he has one, of course, browse. But don’t judge him by it. Don’t hire him because he has a great one. Don’t ignore him if he doesn’t!
A company that produces generic brochures for DJs also sells a matching generic web site! So the same web site “look” belongs to many DJs territorially, with their name plugged in. You aren’t inquiring out-of-state and would never know this. There’s nothing wrong with it, of course. It’s just that it’s the brochure company’s creativity. Not your DJ’s.
4. “Do I need to provide a table?”
Yes, and be sure it’s sturdy, not a glass top or a card table. Generally a 6′ or 8′ or two 5′ rectangular tables suffice. Ask your DJ what his arrangement requirements are (straight, L-shaped or one in front, one in back). Your hall should supply them.
5. “Will you provide an equally high caliber replacement in the event of an emergency?”
Yes. Period. (Even if you don’t book through an agency, a pro knows to network.)
6. “Will you work an outdoor affair?”
Yes, with a caveat. He must be under a cover, not only to protect against inclement weather, but also to protect against sun damage to the equipment, which could be extensive during a summer luncheon. How far is the socket? Is there rain exposure there? Will the table be level on the grass? When the sun shifts, will he be exposed under the tent?
7. “Will you work overtime if requested?”
Yes, if no other job follows. Expect a prorated fee.
8. “Do you take breaks?”
No. Unless you’d like several minutes to address your guests, during the Motzi or surrounding the Candlelighting Ceremony, music at a DJ’s performance should be non-stop.
9. “Do you carry property and liability coverage?”
Yes.
10. “Can my child supply his own CD’s if he wants something special played?”
It depends–remember those questionable lyrics! Some DJs say no, others don’t care since they want you to be pleased. Chances are, they’ll have his favorite songs in their repertoire, anyway. Some DJs utilize new formats (such as MP3) and can’t play standard CD’s, cassettes or vinyl on their equipment. A great DJ toy was introduced to the Mobile DJ industry a few years ago: laptop software holding thousands of songs in memory! All a DJ requires are speakers and a mic. Less for him to schlep! Find out in advance. (Be SURE he has backup in the event of a hard drive crash.)
11. “Would you allow my child to ‘DJ?’”
Extroverted kids get a kick out of it. Ask the DJ if he’ll teach your child how the POTS work and how to CUE a song using the headphones. Letting your child TALK UP THE POST of his favorite tune will be a highlight for him, so be sure the cameras are rolling. The DJ may chuckle and feel “cheap thrills,” but kids eat this up. Don’t overdo it. One song. Your child only, no friends. Otherwise the DJ will be inundated and might, rightly so, object. (NOTE: some DJs may grumble at this one, anyway.)
12. “Do you need my input?”
You bet! Your contribution is essential and ought to be welcomed. You should always have relaxed dialogs and feel at ease speaking with your DJ.
13. “If I put my backside in, then put my backside out, then put my backside in and then shake it all about, are you going to laugh at me?”
Not out loud.
Joe Pachino has been a Radio & Mobile DJ since 1974 and is the author of “DJ’s Secrets Revealed! How To Select (And Get The Most Out Of) Your Bar or Bat Mitzvah DJ” c 2007 EMI. It’s chock full of facts. (And, an occasional opinion!) Find loads of links and goodies at http://djs-secrets.com/
Hiring A Bar Mitzvah DJ: There Are No Do-Overs, So Rent One Who’s Worth More Than You’re Paying
Have you been assigned your Bar or Bat Mitzvah date yet? Due to vacations and camps, there are seldom Bar or Bat Mitzvahs scheduled in the summer. My son’s birthday is July 22. His Bar Mitzvah was pushed up to May 1! (And remember, springtime is Wedding season, too.) September and October Saturdays will get those August Bar or Bat Mitzvah birthdays, too. December Saturdays are devoured by office Christmas parties.
Never feel pressured to hire a DJ. But a word to the wise: DJs raise their rates regularly and book their dates from several months to even a year in advance. And Bar or Bat Mitzvahs are really the only type of affair that can book over two years in advance. All DJs will accept the first job that comes along for any date. So, as soon as you determine your DJ comfort level, GO FOR IT! Lock in your date, lock in your rate, book him and look forward to your party!
Think about the white-mustachioed, GOT MILK? advertising campaign. Your question must go well beyond GOT MUSIC? Of course, he’ll have music. It’s a given. After all, you’ve got plenty of CD’s. You could have your cousins take turns on a boom box.
So the next level is GOT ENTERTAINMENT?
Your DJ’s service must go well beyond pushing the “play” button. His entertainment value includes the HOURS spent with you well prior to your affair, consulting the caterer, photographer and others immediately prior to your affair and taking the burden off of your shoulders during the affair. Your party may be four hours, but counting the multiple consultations he’ll have with you months, weeks and days before your Mitzvah and his set-up and dismantling time, any DJ may put in twice the time of your actual function. Counting the time spent hiring subcontractors, obtaining party favors then removing the cellophane wrapper from each one, preparing contests, producing and timing your Candlelighting Ceremony and maybe even finding that obscure song that brings back a special memory for you, perhaps it’s triple the time of your actual party.
Your DJ simply cannot “wing it.” He’s got to prepare.
My wife and I were guests at a Bat Mitzvah and I couldn’t help but notice the DJ’s faux pas. Aside from consistently mispronouncing any Hebrew reference, he only referred to “The Bat Mitzvah Girl” and “Your Host and Hostess” throughout that party. It occurred to me that he never called Stephanie or her parents, Marty and Cindy, by their names. Not once. I’d bet a buck that he was subcontracted and never met with the parents prior to the party, forgot the agency’s fax, couldn’t recall their names and was embarrassed to ask who he was working for that day!
So your ultimate question should be GOT TALENT?
If one of the questions to a prospective DJ is “What type of mixer do you use?” I know you have no real concern regarding ohms or watts or what gauge cable wire your DJ provides. You just want things to function properly and sound clean.
Your DJ is not selling a product. He’s selling a service. His proficiency. Hire a name, not just the occupation.
I’ve been flattered to once have a client change from an evening affair to a luncheon due to my lack of nighttime availability on their date. If a DJ is a real “catch” and you have enough leeway, consider changing your actual date in order to book this guy. Farfetched? All DJ’s play tunes. It’s the interaction prior to and during the affair that sets us apart.
All DJs will provide the tangibles. We all have equipment and music and party favors. You want the intangibles. The pleasantly unexpected.
Your DJ should ask you about your child, your wishes and your expectations for this affair and listen. He should take notes, not talk. During your initial consultation, you’ll size him up immediately. Again, his focus should be on you and your family, not “me, myself and I.” He won’t have a second chance to make a good first impression so what you see (or hear) is what you’ll get. If he makes you feel stress-free and carefree regarding this affair…how fantastic! If you feel he’s well organized and can provide a beautiful flow to your party…how lucky you found him. If your town offers “slim pickin’s,” import a DJ! He has a vehicle. Pay him for the extra drive time. It’s money well spent.
If your Bar or Bat Mitzvah is eighteen months away and you feel “he’s the guy,” book him now. (You’re getting a discount! Even if he were available, I can assure you that his fee in eighteen months will be higher than it is today.) He’s a professional, not a hobbyist, and he brings a lot to the table for you. He’s more than gear and music. He’s a fraction of your total day’s expense, but he’s worth more than you’re paying. He’s your trump card. Don’t skimp. If you were a fly on the wall, as your guests left you’d certainly rather hear “Wow, that was so much fun!” than “At least there was nothing good on TV tonight!” Let’s face it, if your DJ can even manage to get Aunt Edna up to dance, you may call him The Miracle Worker. Remember, there are no do-overs!
Joe Pachino has been a Radio & Mobile DJ since 1974 and is the author of “DJ’s Secrets Revealed! How To Select (And Get The Most Out Of) Your Bar or Bat Mitzvah DJ” c 2007 EMI. It’s chock full of facts. (And, an occasional opinion!) Find loads of links and goodies at http://djs-secrets.com/
Hiring a Bar Mitzvah DJ: You’re Being Warned, So Stay Calm
One of your major party considerations is time of day. Prior to deciding on one over the other, consider the following points of view.
Luncheon Advantages/Evening Affair Disadvantages:
1. Synagogue service. “Great party. And Mazel Tov, once more!” “We’re so-glad-you-enjoyed-yourselves-wonderful-seeing-you-again-drive-back-safely-bye-bye.” Finis.
2. Out-of-town guests who can get home in a few hours won’t have the additional expense of a hotel room for the night.
3. Depending on your (literal as well as figurative) tastes, you might opt for a less extravagant meal. Omelets and bagels vs. prime rib and garlic toast.
4. Fees may be lower for your DJ, caterer, photographer or hall. Ask and you shall receive…occasionally. You may not be offered a price break, but there’s no harm in trying.
The opposite may be true. It’s not unheard of for DJs to tack a concealed surcharge on a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. They feel a Bar or Bat Mitzvah is more work. They’re right! (But, hey, that’s not YOUR fault!) They’ll justify the heftier fee if questioned, but you’d never think to bring it up.
Want to find out? Surreptitiously have someone call back and request a rate for a Reunion (a piece-of-cake gig). Some DJs keep their hourly rate fees standard for any type of affair, any time of day, any day of the year. Some don’t.
Luncheon Disadvantages/Evening Affair Advantages:
1. DJ’s make themselves available 24/7. (For most Conservative and Orthodox families, it’s 24/6!) But, presuming you have a Saturday afternoon affair, your guests won’t have had a chance to unwind after services. Evenings allow a respite.
2. The “mind set” and atmosphere at a luncheon is quite different than that at an evening affair.
From a DJ’s point-of-view behind the mic, I suspect that the exact same music played in the exact same sequence would elicit a far different response from the exact same crowd during different times of the day.
It’s often tougher to motivate an afternoon crowd that seems to be more talkative than active. Is there a dentist in the house? Getting some people off their tush is like pulling teeth! That’s not to say that a luncheon won’t be a wonderful and complete success. My wife and I had three. But, if liquor is offered, guests will drink more and assume a “looser” posture at night.
So, if the dance floor isn’t jam-packed for the duration of your luncheon, it’s not your fault, your DJ’s fault or your guest’s fault. It’s the human body clock. Some bones just weren’t designed to flail to The Chicken Dance at 3:30 in the afternoon! (But if you invite a fun-loving party crowd, the time of day won’t matter. They’ll wear a hole in the dance floor.)
3. If your banquet is on a boat cruise, no one’s jumping overboard prior to the last dance! But if not, this isn’t a Broadway show where they feel they’ll miss something leaving before “THE END.” Guests with baby-sitters, the elderly or out-of-towners who drove may exit early, especially if they also attended morning services.
Luncheon or Evening Affair, You’re Being Warned, So Stay Calm:
Invariably, when you check the place-card table, there will be unclaimed names. They’re not sick in bed either, but you almost wish they were! Seldom do 100% of expected, healthy guests show up. (And you had to pay for them, too!) It’s aggravating and extraordinarily rude, but don’t let it ruin your day. Anticipate it.
Joe Pachino has been a Radio & Mobile DJ since 1974 and is the author of “DJ’s Secrets Revealed! How To Select (And Get The Most Out Of) Your Bar or Bat Mitzvah DJ” c 2007 EMI. It’s chock full of facts. (And, an occasional opinion!) Find loads of links and goodies at http://djs-secrets.com/