Too good to be true?

Birdie1483

So this isn't etiquette related, but I wanted to get various people's opinions.

FI and I are on a budget and weren't sure if we wanted to do an iPod wedding or DJ. Well, I found a DJ that will do the ceremony plus reception with no time limit for $100-300 less than most DJ's in my area that don't charge by the hour. He doesn't require a deposit and said he doesn't require a contract, but will do one if requested. I found him online and he has a website and all that jazz.

Is this too good to be true? For some reason, I just feel like this is. Like paying a deposit or signing a contract of some sort would make me feel better and would protect me in some way so if he just decided to not show up on the day of, I would have SOMETHING to show for it.

I think I would go with him and ask for a contract to protect myself, but I wanted to get other's opinions on what they though.

salt78

No matter if you think it's too good to be true or not, you should ALWAYS protect yourself with a contract. 

And maybe have a backup iPod just in case.

TurtlesAllTheWayDown

I'd definitely sign the contract. But hey, if your choice is between this DJ and an ipod, I'd hire him. Is he new in the business? Are there reviews online?

[Deleted User]

I would get a contract and I agree with the previous post.  Having someone do your music versus an ipod would be better.  Have you met him yet?  You may want to sit down with him and talk...my fiance and I were amazed at how many cheesy dj's there are out there.  If you guys aren't on the same level, then you might be better of with the ipod! 

Birdie1483

I'm not sure how new he is, but I think I found him from a site that listed DJ's and "referalls." I'm not sure if they were people referring him or search engines. He did say "over the years" in his long detailed email to me about his services and his equipment. I was impressed with him from his email to me because he seemed to take the most time in emailing me and explaining things to me. However, I can be way too trusting of people sometimes in terms of thinking they're nice people and won't screw me over!

We don't really have high expectations for our DJ. As long as he shows up, plays the music that we would like for the ceremony and stays concious enough to man the music during the reception, I will be happy. I'm mostly worried about the whole no contract, not showing up thing.

TurtlesAllTheWayDown

If you have a contract and he doesn't show up, you can take him to small claims court. If you give him a deposit, you should always have a contract.

ehathewa

I'd pick DJ over iPod any day. 

Have him sign the contract and keep a copy for your records. 

Birdie1483

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_good-true?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:5b497f01-2861-4509-b602-ea0203b2c182Post:690ed058-edce-47fa-8084-fc486da1fda1">Re: Too good to be true?</a>:
[QUOTE]I'd pick DJ over iPod any day.  Have him sign the contract and keep a copy for your records. 
Posted by ehathewa[/QUOTE]

That's what I'm thinking. Our friends love to dance and we would have to rent equipment for the iPod anyways. I got to thinking about it and decided a couple extra hundred bucks was worth it to me to not have to deal with it ourselves.

I think I'm going to look around a bit more since I have a little bit of time and if I decide to go with this guy, will definitely get a contract.

emilyinchile

I would flat out ask him why he's less expensive than other people. I did this with our caterer who was less expensive than the top caterers, and he told me that in his case it was because they "only" had 9 years of experience, which was enough to do the job well but not enough to get the same name recognition as the more-established companies (here people know the top caterers, and some people pay more to say "oh, we had XYZ do the food"). That answer made sense to me, and we ended up feeling like we got top food and service for a lower price.

But yes, do a contract.

Birdie1483

Thats a good suggestion emily! I actually just emailed him and asked him that as well as if I could see a copy of the contract.

Catwoman708

It DOES sound too good to be true, as if he's an amateur with a boom box, or what a friend would charge to do it as a favor.

Around here, decent, experienced, professional, independant contractor type DJs with professional quality equipment start at around 600-800, and more for larger companies with all the bells and whistles.

See if you can get some references, sample videos, or ask if you can "sit in" briefly on another event he is doing before considering it further.  Then get a contract, and have a back up plan, like an iPod.

reebsreebs

Ask him for references that you can call. If he's been doing this "through the years" he'll have at least 3 satisfied customers who you can ask about his abilities.

srkropf

Is he new-- building a list of referrals? Can you go to a performance he's doing and see how he works? And always-- this is from my vast experience watching Judge Judy, Judge Joe Brown, and People's Court-- ALWAYS get a contract detailing as much information as possible, and include times, payment schedule, what equipment he'll be bring, when he'll set up, and have a list of songs he'll be playing for the special dances, and a list of songs you do not want him to play. Have a clause stating that if any part of the contract is not met-- ie he's late, wrong/bad/no equipment, plays wrong/ forbidden songs, that you do not have to pay x%. That's the best way I can say for you to be protected so you can take advantage of a good deal, and hopefully a great DJ

Birdie1483

I sent him an email asking why he was cheaper amongst a few other questions I had. He told me it's due to a few things. One, he's a one man operation and doesn't split his money. Two, he's been doing it for awhile and said he just hasn't updated his prices in awhile. He said he's actually been considering increasing his fees to try to offput the perception that he's inferior. He also said he's rather do a gig for $500 than not do one for $750 (the average price here). He said he just enjoys doing it and playing the music is the fun part. He says he doesn't charge by the hour because it's just easier charging a flat rate and an extra hour or two of DJing isn't that bad because that's the fun part.

I asked for a copy of the contract that he uses to those who ask and he said he's send it to me tomorrow or Sunday when he gets back to his computer. I'm going to take a good look at it, but so far I've been pleased with his responses and transparency. It's just hard not believing someone's not trying to rip you off because you say the word "wedding."