Choosing a DJ can be very confusing, not many of us do this, and there are many to choose from - with friends recommending DJ's.
We know that many people simple chose the random approach - pick a few companies are random and choose by price.

Price

Price is a nice number we can all relate to - we often pick services by price (gas,electric,insurance), and most of our day-to-day purchases are price driven (fuel, groceries etc).

Beyond Price

For those important things in life, its often worth looking beyond price (but obviously keeping within your budget!).  We all try to get nice things for Birthdays, Christmas,  and other special occasions - even if we're not having a party.  For us, this may mean a better bottle of wine, and a nice desert.

If you're having a party, then you may get some new clothes, and make a bit more of an effort than you would on a normal night out.

So, with this in mind, whatever your budget, its worth placing some value on the entertainment, and getting the best you can for your budget.

Top 10 Tips for Booking a DJ

1. Work out how important the DJ is for the success of the party.  
   Do you want background music only?  How about some funky mixing, or party games?  How about a DJ that is open to your suggestions?
   Use this to work out the style of DJ you need.
    
2. Speak to the DJ.
   Emails are good for conveying information (dates/times/prices etc), but are not much good when it comes to getting a good (or bad) feeling about someone.
   Are they helpful and confident on the phone?  Chat about what you need from them.
   Don't be shy, or worry about small requests - ask their opinion.  Perhaps you're worried they'll turn up in Jeans for your Wedding, or a Tux for your daughters 13th.
    
3. Ask what other similar parties they have done?
   If its a Wedding, ask how many weddings they have done recently.  If its a 16th, ask the same.   Both require different skills, and its important to get the right DJ.
   This is not to say a DJ cannot cover both, and this could be a sign of a very flexible and experienced entertainer!
    
4. Do they issue paperwork/confirmation of booking?
   You need to be sure that any booking is confirmed, ideally with any details you have agreed (early set-up, specific music, attire etc.
   In our experience, the #1 comment from people let down by other DJ's is "non paperwork", and normally just a mobile number.
    
5. Do they require a booking fee?
   This should be fairly normal.  The venue (village hall to top wedding venue) will be asking for a booking fee/deposit.  This should show a commitment on your part to the service (DJ) and by accepting this, they should then be exclusively working for you on the party date.
   Somewhere between 10% and 30% of the total fee is a reasonable booking fee, receipt of this should be confirmed.
   Posting a cheque will let you know their address for any future correspondence.
    
6. Do they have any take requests?
   Not all DJ's will allow a 100% play list, but many will allow a list of your favorite tracks and try to work them into the night.
    
7. Can you meet the DJ?
   Often this is a great way to build a working relationship, and trust the DJ for your Party.  You can meet anywhere suitable, so a quiet pub, or a coffee shop, or even the venue.  If the DJ is not local, then this may be difficult for them, but a meeting 1/2 way may be more possible.
   In our experience, the best meetings are really a chat and not too formal.
   We do cover music, lighting and the timing of the party (so timing of buffet/speeches etc), but also chat about previous parties and personal backgrounds.
    
8. Will the DJ be sub-contacting out to another DJ?
   Some DJ's will do this, and providing this is made very clear and you are happy with this arrangement, then all is good.
   The problem is when the company cannot provide a name/details of the DJ they will be supplying, leaving you wondering who will actually turn up!
   We do not sub-contract to other DJ's, unless in the event of serious illness/emergency that would place a party at risk.
    
9. References
   Can they provide references?  Most working DJ's will have recent "thanks!" from clients.  They may not be able to put you directly in-touch with clients (respect for privacy being the issue here!), but scans/emails (with personal details removed) can help.
    
10.  Back-up equipment?
    If their playback equipment fails, do they carry back-up equipment that will allow them to carry on?  This may take the form of a single CD player, iPod, or something approaching more expensive professional DJ equipment.  In any case, being able to play music and make announcements is critical.

So - if you can follow these tips, we hope you won't go too far wrong!  I've tried to keep price out of the equation.
Also, there are currently no recognised test/exams for DJ's, so "Approved by", "Certified" are no indication of a good DJ.

I hope this helps - the main aim is reduce the number of "our DJ has let us down" calls we receive.  Luckly, its not too many, and we do try to help by passing on details of our local associates.