DJ contract question -- need advice!!

kn2130

Hi ladies,I am about to sign my DJ contract and there is something that I am a little unsure of. I need a bilingual DJ and MC, since most of my reception is going to be in Spanish. They have already secured a person who can serve as either DJ or MC for the wedding, but have not been able to get in contract with this other person they thought would be a good fit given the language requirement. I spoke to the one person they found and felt pretty comfortable with him and his ability to speak Spanish. (But there's basically still one person they haven't decided on).The company did not put the name of th DJ or the MC on the contract and when I asked about it, they said they dont usually put the name of the MC/DJ in case of an emergency. So, anyway, I asked what the back up plan would be for these two people and she basically told me not to worry about it, that they will def have a back up. I wrote back saying that I've heard great things about their company, but that this particular issue is important because i know it can be more difficult to find a spanish speaking person if its necessary. So she responded saying that emergencies rarely happen, but if it would be okay if he just wrote on the contract that there would be a bilingual back up if necessary.what do you ladies think? does this sound shady?sorry for the long post.thanks so much!!!karina

Little Spitfire

I don't think it's shady, but I think you need to make sure your contract protects your interests.  What does a "bilingual backup" mean - will that person have the level of fluency you are comfortable with?  Perhaps have them let you meet the two people- the one who is supposed to do your wedding and the back-up, and then put those names into your contract.  GL.

kn2130

thanks so much GL. What do you think of the fact that they are not wanting to put names on contract in case of an emergency? is that weird?

camceverett

I think you should try to be as specific as possible. If "John Doe" is your bilingual MC, make sure it's noted on the contract. And that if "John Doe" has an emergency, "Jim Doe" (another Bilingual MC) will fill in his place. (Or at least have it so that a BILINGUAL MC will fill in his place in the event of an emergency) Does the contract state what happens if there is an emergency? Any company in general can promise you the world, but what's the consequence if they fail to fulfill their contractual obligations? I don't think what they're doing is SHADY. I just think they're protecting their assets moreso than yours. Be as specific as you want on your contract. YOU need to feel comfortable.

kn2130

thanks so much for your input. this is basically what it says: THIS AGREEMENT OF THE DJ  TO PERFORM SHALL BE EXCUSED BY DETENTION OF THE DJ BY SICKNESS, ACCIDENTS, RIOTS, STRIKES, EPIDEMICS, ACTS OF GOD OR ANY OTHER LEGITIMATE CONDITION BEYOND THE DJ’S CONTROL.  IF SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD ARISE, ALL REASONABLE EFFORTS WILL BE MADE BY TOP NOTCH MUSIC PROD. INC. TO FIND A REPLACEMENT DJ.  SHOULD TOP NOTCH MUSIC PROD INC. BE UNABLE TO PROCURE A REPLACEMENT DJ CLIENT SHALL RECEIVE A FULL REFUND.  IN ALL OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES, TOP NOTCH MUSIC PROD. INC. LIABILITY SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE COST OF THE SERVICE IT IS CONTRACTED TO PROVIDE. and it will say on the bottom that back up for dj and mc will be bilingual.

camceverett

I think that's pretty standard.  My DJ has the same little paragraph, just with a couple of different words.I'd say it sounds pretty safe.  Good Luck!

kn2130

thanks so much, ladies! i really appreciate everyone's help!