How To Select A DJ Entertainer

Booking the right Disc Jockey/Entertainment Company for your event is probably the most important decision you will make in the planning of your event! So how do you find the right company? Some people spend time looking for the best bargain available without knowing the vast differences to look for in your entertainer.  At Xceptional Entertainment we hear numerous disaster stories from our clientele that include complaints ranging from companies that send DJ's with no experience and who are not interactive with the guests, to bad MCing or bringing out home audio equipment. All too often, clients are quoted a good price in the beginning to learn later the price has changed. The biggest complaint we hear is from clients who attend bridal shows who contract and think they are getting the entertainer at the show to learn at the last minute another was put in his place!

This page will enable you to find the right Disc Jockey/Entertainment Company whether or not you use OUR services! It could make the difference between a memorable event and when you want to forget!

The more informed consumer you are, the better your chances of selecting the appropriate entertainment company! Brides and Grooms will spend thousands of dollars on the location of their reception, food, beverages and décor but will cut corners on their entertainment. This is a recipe for destruction. No one will instantly recall if the beef or chicken was over cooked or if you had a balloon or floral archway but they will remember if they had a great time and enjoyed themselves dancing the night away.

Here are some question you should ask when booking your DJ/Entertainment company:

Q. Is Your Disc Jockey registered, incorporated/ L.L.C. and/or insured and listed in the phone book, yellow pages, and 411?

A. Disc Jockeys who have taken the time to register and insure their company state that they are a serious business men and woman. Xceptional Entertainment is insured for $1M, a registered Corporation in Hudson County, New Jersey, we are listed in several phone books with Verizon SuperPages and 411, and we are a proud member of the American Disc Jockey Association. XceptionalDJ Tip #1: Obtaining the above credentials is not easy or cheap. Only legitimate businesses, meeting certain criteria would go through the time and effort of obtaining them.

Q. Can Your Disc Jockey provide a written contract/agreement and references from previous clients?

A. When booking, it is very important that all terms of the agreement are confirmed in writing. This will help to avoid any complications or misunderstanding between you and the Disc Jockey. Contract/agreement is the first thing you receive from Xceptional Entertainment. References are important for any business and can always be provided upon request. XceptionalDJ Tip #2: Every Client is requested to complete a brief Survey of our services after every event. We study and use this feedback to improve the quality of our services. Aside from general suggestions, we have received ZERO negative feedback ratings thus far!!!

Q. Is there sales tax charge on DJ/ Entertainment.

A. No, There is no sales tax charge here in NJ, PA, NY, CT & DEL. If a DJ/Entertainment Company does charge sales tax, DO NOT BOOK THEM! Call your Div. of tax. in your state capital and report them.

Q. Is Your Disc Jockey willing to discuss musical selections ahead of time, and is he or she willing to play requests?

A. At XceptionalDJ.com, we want to know what you want to hear at your event. That is why we have given our Customers the flexibility of selecting their music of our Music Database. The Music Database is constantly being updated and list most popular tracks, current and not so current. It is important to note however, that the Database is not an all-encompassing list. We carry Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Banghra, Calipso and Reggae and other not so popular titles that may not be listed. In such likelihood, you may make these requests under ”Special Requests. ” Your DJ will make arrangements and research necessary to obtain your requests. In the event we are not successful, we will gladly play your song in the format of your choice. We will always contact you to go over not only your music requests, but every aspect of your event to ensure flawless progression throughout the entire event! XceptionalDJ Tip #3: Your DJ has many years experience as an entertainer and party motivator. It is important to use the Music Database as a guide for the DJ and not as a program that he must follow. You want to allow discretion so that your DJ can perceive and anticipate the mood of your guests. The Database provides the time lapsed of your music selections; Do not complete it for the entire duration of your event. Lastly, being a good host means catering to the comfort and appeal of your guests. Always consider how your taste of music ranks up to your guest’s expectations.

Q. Does your Disc Jockey know the proper procedure and etiquette for your type of event?

A. A professional Disc jockey will become involved with the planning of your special event and will be prepared to handle any announcements or special event of your day. At XceptionalDJ we want to know every detail of your event to minimize improvisations and discrepancies. We will go over all of the details for your venue to ensure proper pronunciations of names, procession order, and timeline to create a seamless orchestrated program.

Q. Will your Disc Jockey arrive on time?

A. Punctuality is an ultimate necessity. As a professional business person, your Disc Jockey should be fully aware of their responsibility to you for the timely arrival and setup prior of the function. At Mix Master Disc Jockeys, we show up to your event, at least one to three hours before start time to do a system check, and make sure we understand all of the day/nights events with you. XceptionaDJ.com Tip #4: Be aware that some companies charge a set up and breakdown fee. All our costs are itemized up front and our clients have the ability of adding and subtracting services according to their needs.

Q. Will Your Disc Jockey Be Appropriately Dressed For Your Event?

A. XceptionalDJs are always dressed equal or better than your guest at your event. We always dress for the occasion and obtain dress code requirements from our clients in advance. There is no additional charge for formal attire and rest assured that utmost professionalism will be maintained.

Q. Is your Disc Jockey a member of any Association?

A. Yes! See our listing below:

• Better Business Bureau

• American Disc Jockey Association

• WEDJ

• FDJA

• Barter Depot.

Q. Does your DJ Company have an office that I can visit or do you come to my home?

A. One very effective method of not compromising quality for pricing is our ability to minimize costs. The advent of the internet allows us to provide insurmountable amounts of information about our company and service that can be researched in the comfort of your home or office. We are a legitimate home based business. You are always welcomed to our home office however we are also available to meet at your premises, school, catering hall or the location of your liking. Whatever makes it convenient for you!

Q. Does Your Disc Jockey use Professional Equipment?

A. There is a difference between home audio and professional road-worthy equipment. Pro audio gear is built to withstand the rigors of the road and varied temperature conditions, and the electronic circuitry has built-in protective features to prevent overloads and equipment failure. All of our equipment is cased to look professional and a façade is used to minimize visibility of wires or stacked up equipment on top of each other.

Q. Can your Disc Jockey provide backup equipment and/or personnel in case of emergency?

A1.. Even professional equipment can fail on occasion, we always carry a small backup system in hand just incase. Our professional, independently powered speakers ensure reliability and constant sound. XceptionaDJ.com Tip #5: Always ask about your entertainer’s contingency plan or back-up plan!

A.2. Any number of circumstances may arise between the time you book your DJ and the date of the event. It is important to know that your Disc Jockey has a back up plan in case of unforeseen and extenuating circumstances. Our staff is on-call and available to handle the event. We also work with a wide network of other professional DJ companies that provide a sound contingency plan. Clients are kept informed at all times.... We always ask for all contact information and provide our team members contact information as well!

Q. Will I know who the DJ Entertainer will be the day of my event?

A. At XceptionaDJ.com you will always know who your entertainer(s) will be. We will assign and match the best entertainer for your event to ensure that music, announcements, and entertainment are to your satisfaction. For example, if your venue requires Latin music, we will always assign a Latin DJ who is proficient in Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Reggetton, Cumbia, etc and one who is professional in every aspect. We meet or conference several times prior to your event via e-mail, phone or in person. At every step, we are in constant communication and in touch. All calls are returned in a timely fashion. An event averages a minimum of 10-20 hrs of work in addition to the event schedule.

Q. As a DJ do you get interactive with the guests?

A. We love to get out on the dance floor and show you and your guests how to do some interactive line dances. When we participate you and your guests will have a great time and if you do not want to have interactive dances done at your event we will abide by your wishes.

Q. What format does your music come on and do you down load your music of the internet (MP3s).

A. Our music is on Compact Disc, original store bought and promo copies from record companies. From time to time, we download music from the internet but always verify the integrity and sound quality for high fidelity and clarity. We pave the way for the future by providing streaming audio mixes that can be previewed from our web page. XceptionaDJ.com Tip #6: Be sure to preview and download our mixes. They are a great way to

Q. What kind of equipment do you use to play your music? 

A. We are advocates of technology and use only state-of-the-art equipment and programming to provide unparalleled performance. Matched with superb performance, our equipment with beat-matching capabilities, sampling, effects, and task autonomy provide the greatest results. Our independently powered speaker monitors have built-in crossovers and compressor-limiters that will automatically adjust to prevent distortion and overdrive. Equipment failure and computer crashes result in NO MUSIC, NO PARTY = ANGRY GUESTS.

Q. Why do most DJ website not have information listed on them, that as a consumer I am looking for and why don't they have there own domain name.

A. That is a very good question why most DJ do not list there information on line, even we here at XceptionalDJ.com can't figure that one out too! We attempt to make as much information available on our website. Our website is a virtual store that inventories all our services. We want you to see our products 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. Sometimes clients request products and services not offered at our store. Our party planning specialists are available to assist and research your needs.

Our Testimony:

Xceptional Entertainment is committed to a fundamental philosophy for service and customer satisfaction: We provide our entertainers with the best tools, support, and information available and match the appropriate entertainer for an event; as a result, creating the necessary components for success to provide the high level service our customers deserve. Combined with our up-front approach and open communication policy, our formula has a proven track record for success. This approach in turn will fuel our growth as we expand our reach to new horizons and evolve as your family entertainer of choice!

Thank you.

Xceptional Entertainment