Anyone with an email address and a computer can create an account on Craigslist or Thumbtack, craft some compelling content, and call themselves a DJ.
And, with the cost of powerful audio equipment becoming more affordable, it’s not too difficult for an amateur to buy a cheap PA system and advertise their DJ services at incredibly low prices on sites like Craigslist.
While hiring these folks might not cost that much, there are pricey tradeoffs for hiring these amateurs. Namely, it takes more than good sound to be an entertaining and professional event DJ.
It takes training, hands-on experience, and a natural talent in order to keep a huge room of people entertained and at ease for several hours at a time.
Amateurs simply don’t have what it takes.
In fact, there’s an entire site (thumbtackfraud.com) dedicated to disgruntled Thumbtack users, including this one, who was burned when hiring a DJ:
“I hired a DJ through Thumbtack and I was extremely disappointed. He didn’t do any of the things we asked of him during our event. We even requested to meet with him the week before, gave him a written outline of the events, announcements etc., and he still did not do it. I would have been better off running the event myself with music from my iPhone.”
Others have complained that their hired DJ was actually interning and using their event as an on-the-job-training opportunity.
Sure, one day this DJ might be proficient, but would you want to hand over the fate of your event to an amateur?
As one of the most recognized names in event planning and entertainment throughout the Greater Washington DC area, we hear countless stories like these ones from our clients who just wanted to save a few dollars by using Craigslist or Thumbtack.
But finding a service – like a wedding or event DJ – is just part of the equation. You also have to:
* Assess the quality of the service
* Compare it to other competing services
* Determine if this particular DJ is going to help you put on the type of event you’re looking for
One piece of advice we like to share with anyone looking to hire a DJ for their upcoming event is: there is a difference between paying the lowest price for a service, and receiving the greatest value.
Be just as careful with your family and friends
Whether you’re planning a wedding, corporate event or any other milestone moment, using your friends or family members as your DJ could also have disastrous results.
We hear horror stories of wedding receptions that were derailed because the couple chose to use a family friend with a good PA system or who calls himself a hobbyist DJ.
Simply put, there is no comparison between a nice PA system and the state-of-the-art system and training that comes with hiring a professional DJ. Beyond a PA system, a professional DJ brings with him a complex entertainment system, including computers, speakers, lighting and more.
If you’re organizing a house party for a few friends, sure, go with an amateur. You’ll probably be happy with the results.
But there’s simply no way why you should trust one of the most important moments of your life to anyone other than a skilled DJ with a proven track record for hosting events of all shapes and sizes.
Want to guarantee that your event is unforgettable? Contact us today to learn how we can help!