PACKAGE FAQs:
Q: What’s the primary difference?
A: Experience level, when the DJ is assigned and the amount of equipment. Larger packages include more equipment and experience level. Click here to view available packages.
Q: Can I meet with DJ’s prior to booking?
A: Yes, only with the Professional Package. All other packages the DJ is assigned one month prior to each event. However, our support team is always available to answer all your questions!
Q: If I choose a package where the DJ is assigned one month prior to my event, will I know who my DJ is?
A: Yes! You will receive an email from us with your DJ’s name and contact information once assigned.
Q: How is a DJ chosen for my event?
A: DJ's are chosen based on availability, package selected, and qualifications matching the event criteria.
Q: Is there backup equipment?
A: All DJ’s provide their own equipment. Generally, Starter package DJ’s do not while most Professional package DJ’s do. This is another one of many reasons why professional DJ’s generally cost more than Starter DJ’s. Make sure to ask for a Professional Package DJ with back-up equipment if needed.
Q: Is there a back-up DJ?
A: Generally Starter package DJ’s do not while some Professional package DJ’s do. Great Rate DJs is able to assign a back-up DJ (pending availability) in most cases to any package for peace of mind. Inquire for details.
Q: Does the DJ have liability insurance?
A: Generally not with the exception of most Professional package DJs. Special day-of insurance plans are available. Inquire for details.
DJ BIDDING FAQs:
Q: Will my information be kept private?
A: You bet! DJ’s never gain access to your contact information until you request to speak with them.
Q: How will I know if a DJ has back-up equipment?
A: It will say so on his or her profile.
Q: How will I know if a performer has a back-up DJ?
A: It will say so on his or her profile.
Q: How will I know if the DJ has liability insurance?
A: It will say so on his or her profile. Special day-of insurance plans are available for DJ’s that are not liability insured. Inquire for details.
GENERAL FAQs:
Q: How do I book?
A: Contact Great Rate DJs to receive a contract. In most cases, a signed contract and deposit are required within 5 days to guarantee services.
Q: How much is the deposit?
A: It depends on the services you need. Generally $95 and up.
Q: Is the deposit applied towards the total?
A: Yes!
Q: Is my deposit refundable?
A: Yes if your DJ cancels, otherwise no.
Q: Can my deposit be applied to a future event?
A: Yes, in most cases up to one year from the original event date.
Q: When is the balance due?
A: The balance is due directly to your DJ upon arrival in cash prior to setup or one week prior to your event if paying with a check.
Q: Is it possible my DJ won’t show?
A: It’s very unlikely but unforeseen circumstances such as inclement weather, illness, vehicle failure, or other uncontrollable situations are always a possibility regardless of who you hire. In such circumstances, your deposit will be refunded. One of the questions we ask all DJs who list their service is if they have a backup DJ. This information can be found under the Reassurances section on each DJs profile.
If for some reason a DJ is unable to make it, you always can call us and we’ll be glad to see if anyone else would be available free of charge. If you would feel more confident having a 2nd DJ keep his or her calendar clear just in case, you may have the option to book a 2nd DJ at 50% off. This option is only available if booking one of our hosted packages.
If you used the DJ Bid Form to pick and choose your DJ, remember to always check the Reassurances section to learn which DJs have a back-up. If for some reason the DJ you hired is unable to make it we’ll gladly resubmit your bid request to other DJs in your area. If any are available you’ll receive their personalized quote and a link to their profile.
Q: Do I need liability insurance?
A: In some circumstances, yes. We recommend you contact the venue where your event is being held and ask. As each DJ is an independent performer, some provide this and others don't. One of the questions we ask all DJs who list their service is if they have a certificate of liability. This information can be found under the Reassurances section on each DJs profile. If you used the DJ Bid Form to pick and choose your DJ, remember to always check the Reassurances section to learn which DJs carry insurance. Otherwise, the only package that can include a DJ with liability insurance is the Professional package. Make sure to specify liability insurance is needed.
Q: What's your cancellation policy?
A: Deposits are non-refundable or still required if not already paid when an event is canceled plus 50% of the remaining balance will be owed to the DJ by no later than the event date as compensation for turning away other business for the same date. If the purchaser does not pay 50% of the balance to the DJ in full by then, the DJ can charge a 5% late fee each month based on the balance not paid. If the purchaser does not pay this balance to the DJ within 90 days the DJ reserves the right to seek legal action and can charge 100% of the remaining balance including late fees and all associated legal costs. If DJ collected payment prior to engagement but was not able to provide services for an unforeseen reason Great Rate DJs will refund 100% of the collected deposit but can not be held liable for the portion paid to the DJ. If the purchaser changes the scope of an event after booking and the DJ is not able to provide the additional services, the purchaser will be required to pay the cancellation fee. If the DJ arrives at an event that was canceled but the purchaser did not inform the DJ or Great Rate DJs of the cancellation, the purchaser will still be responsible for full payment of the contracted services.
Q: Are Great Rate DJ's performers pre-qualified?
A: Yes! All DJs must meet the minimum requirements before we work with them. These items include, but are not limited to providing a headshot, providing full name, full address, valid phone number, valid email address, when they were born, how long they have been performing, how many events on average a year they perform, the type of equipment they use, the amount of equipment they have, the type of music included in their library, the type of events they service, what attire they wear, if they are liability insured, if they have backup equipment, back up DJ's and more.
Q: Why do DJ prices vary?
A: It mostly comes down to the scope and type of event you are having, how popular your date is, how much overhead they have, and if this is a hobby, part-time job, or full-time career for the DJ. Like cars, there are many makes and models of both event types and DJs. Events such as weddings tend to be more elaborate as they require more time to prep and at times setups can also become complicated requiring someone with the proper equipment configuration and technical know-how. Other events such as pool parties are much easier and generally require small, basic setups with minimal prep time.
Hobbyist DJs generally have the lowest overhead with minimal equipment. Part-time DJs generally have more music and equipment as well as experience. Career DJs generally have the most experience, technical prowess, the most comprehensive equipment inventory including backup equipment that doubles the investment cost and liability insurance. Some even have brick and mortar stores and/or a fleet of vehicles.