This is a list of tips that we feel are the most important when looking for a great DJ for your event. Some of these are things that we have learned over the years of DJ'ing but many of them are simply just common sense you might not have thought about.

If I was looking for a DJ Service for my own event, these are some things I would be looking for in a DJ Service.

1. Look for a DJ who is willing to take the time to meet you in person as many times as needed to finalize all your details.

If a DJ is not willing to spend an hour or so to get to know you, how are they going to know exactly what you want at your event? Some DJ companies do set a limit on time and/or amount of times they will meet up with you.

We don't believe that you can clearly communicate your ideas and feelings just over the phone, e-mails, event planner, or through a song sheet. Meeting up with the client also gives us more of an opportunity to personalize this event to your expectations. There is no time limit, or amount of times included in your package. We will meet with you as many times necessary to make sure everything is the way you want it.

2. Make sure the DJ Service you choose provides you with a service contract!

This will ensure that they are going to show up at the contracted times.

We always supply a contract to our clients that explains all the cost details and cancellation policy's including any possible issues that may arise so there are no hidden fees. The contract also guarantees we will be at the event.

3. Look for a DJ that carries liability insurance to cover any possible accidents that unfortunately can occur.

A DJ that carries insurance is not only a professional but they are also covered if something should go wrong. 

We carry a million dollar liability insurance policy to cover any incidents.

4. If you want your event to be done your way, look for a DJ that is willing to cater to your individual needs and desires.

Some DJ's have a certain way of doing things and are not willing to alter them in any shape or form.

We will change everything to your tastes if that is what you desire. If you wish to hand us a list of music you only wanted played at your event, that's what will get played!

5. Look for a DJ who has been strongly recommended by a close friend or whom you have seen yourself at a previous event.

At a minimum, get some references from your DJ from previous clients.

We can provide you a reference list of some of our clients who have authorized us to use them as contact. You may contact them via e-mail and/or phone number depending on the contacts preference.

6. Look for a DJ who is in it for the long haul.

Everyone has to start somewhere but a DJ that has been in the business for a while will have the necessary experience and skill to make sure things go smooth.

We have been DJ'ing over 9 years.

7. Don't base your decision solely on price.

Look for the DJ's that you feel are the best, find out which ones are available, and then see which one fits your budget the best. Hiring a "here today, gone tomorrow" DJ Service might save you some money up front but it might leave you spending more in the end.

We understand if we don't fit everyone's budget, but please take into consideration the quality of service you will be receiving. We have worked with many clients on a low budget, maybe we can alter/change a package to help fit your budget. I know we are not the most expensive service in town, but we may not be the cheapest either. You do get a lot for your money. You'll work with professionals you can trust and feel comfortable to talk too. That count's for a lot, at least peace of mind! Sarnowski's TNT-Hot Tracks DJ Service offers high quality service, reliability and someone you can trust.

8. Ask your DJ if they carry backup equipment.

When it comes to electrical equipment "anything" can go wrong! A good DJ will spend the extra money and carry backup equipment to make sure you have music at your event even if things go seriously wrong.

We always have our other system available in the trailer, so we can always adapt to any problem that may arise to get the music going again in a timely manner.

9. Look for a DJ that keeps their business up to date.

A DJ that pockets all their earnings and never updates their equipment or music will have a poor music selection and a higher risk of equipment failure. 

We update our music weekly, if not daily sometimes depending on what part of our music collection we are improving. We do take great care of our equipment to help with its reliability; if there are any signs of issues we do replace it ASAP.

10. Look for a DJ that you feel comfortable with!

It is important that you find a DJ Service that is easy to work with and that makes you feel at ease. Your entertainment should be the last thing you have to worry about at your event.

This is probably one of the most important tips! You have to feel comfortable with your entertainer before you can begin to trust him/her.

11. Are you actually going to get the DJ that you booked?

A lot of bigger DJ companies have multiple DJ's working for them. You may see one DJ do a great job and book that company only to have a different DJ show up from that service. Some companies don't even do the majority of their bookings. Instead they sub-contract the job to a cheaper DJ in the area and pocket the rest of the money for doing nothing. This question is definitely worth asking.

The events we book are the events I (DJ, Todd Sarnowski) will be at along with possibly one of my co-DJ's.

12. Do you have a backup DJ if you are sick?

You want to make sure the DJ Service Company you hire has some kind of backup plan if they are sick. We are only human, so yes we do get sick and can't control when. That would be ideal if we could only get sick Monday - Thursday! It doesn't work that way, so at least make sure they have someone that could cover in this rare instance.

Even though I am the Main DJ at 99.9% of the time, my co-dj's have been working with me ever since we started. They could easily run an event on there own if they needed too.