CHOOSING YOUR DJ

A professional DJ company should allow you to meet your DJ upon request. With other companies, you will meet a salesperson and are required to book your event prior to meeting your DJ. Why? Because most of our competitors don't have any employees. In fact, they are nothing more than "booking agents" that outsource independent contractors. In some cases, you will have to pay extra to meet your DJ. It is important to know exactly what you are getting prior to booking your event. At Music By Design, you will meet your DJ/MC and know exactly what you are getting.

Unfortunately for the customer, outsourcing is common place in the DJ industry. Independent contractors do not actually work for the company, therefore, they are not accountable for the quality of service provided. By law, a company that uses an independent contractor does not have the right to direct and control work performance -- including the details of when, where, and how the job is accomplished. In other words, Independent contractors cannot be supervised or directed in any way. If you hire a DJ company that employs independent contractors, it is illegal for that company to direct and control the actions of the DJ performing at your event. It is difficult for a DJ company using independent contractors to honestly guarantee the quality of service and equipment that will be used at your event. In addition, independent contractors are not covered under most company's liability insurance. Beware! Many DJ companies in the Chicagoland area outsource independent contractors. Music By Design employs legal employees only, not independent contractors. Read more in the Chicago Wedding Blog.

A professional DJ company should encourage openness and honesty in all areas. A large number of DJs in the Chicagoland area practice high-pressure and nondisclosure with regard to sales. In most instances, you will drive to your consultation without knowing your price. In addition, you will be offered a substantial discount if you book your event "today". Please do not be fooled...it only appears to be a discount. You will be getting the same price that is always charged, however, because you are never told the real price, it appears to be an amazing offer. In addition, you will be pressured into thinking your event date must be held immediately. You will be asked for cash upfront just to hold the date. Often times, you will walk away feeling uneasy and in some cases scammed. At Music By Design, we offer an open and honest policy with a refreshing level of customer service. Please click pricing to view our prices or contact us and speak with a representative.

A professional DJ company will focus on service and customer satisfaction, not the latest equipment. Hundreds of DJs in the Chicagoland area have recently switched from CD's to Digital music. In doing so, these companies spend a large percentage of their time selling you their newly purchased "digital sound" and "the latest technology"...explaining how CDs are inferior to MP3s. If you find a company focusing on their digital platform and the "cool factor", beware! That company is lacking in several areas including customer satisfaction. Music By Design, Ltd. went digital in February of 1999. Digital music is no longer note worthy...it is the standard.

A professional DJ company should be using reliable digital music software. It is important to ask about the software used and investigate that software's stability via online forums/reviews. A large part of providing outstanding customer service involves choosing reliable software and equipment.

A professional DJ company should encourage communication and be receptive to 'all' of your input. You should be allowed to request an unlimited number of songs. Many DJ companies will only allow you to request 10 or 20 songs. Music By Design encourages communication, honors all requests, and allows customers to request an unlimited number of songs.

It is important to understand that high quality equipment does not guarantee the DJs talent or level of service. This is important to note when visiting competitors that focus on equipment instead of service. High quality equipment is simply a tool your DJ uses to elevate the quality of sound and help ensure quality service. Music By Design provides peace-of-mind by utilizing professional-grade audio equipment specifically designed for commercial operation.

With the development of the digital revolution, many DJ companies are making illegal copies of songs. Playing this type of music for commercial purposes is illegal under regulations set by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America). Music By Design purchases legal music.

Professional affiliations inform DJ companies on the latest developments regarding technology, service, and marketing techniques. It is important to understand the difference between the two main professional affiliations - 'Networking Groups' and 'Consumer Resources'.

A networking group is dedicated to sharing resources, marketing tips, and other useful information between all members in the group. Networking groups do not protect or inform the consumer and do not have any standards or barriers to entry. Music By Design belongs to the following networking groups; The ADJA (American Disc Jockey Association),The WPN (Wedding Professionals Network), Hinsdale Bride, N.A.M.E. (National Association of Mobile Entertainers), DG Bride, Geneva Bride and EWE (Elevated Wedding Events).

A consumer resource is an organization that exists to protect and inform consumers about the legitimacy/professionalism of a business. Ratings and customer feedback are generally the platform used to evaluate each business. In addition, a forum to organize and post customer complaints should exist. Music By Design is a member of the BBB (Better Business Bureau) with an A+ rating - their highest rating.

For a more complete distinction between 'Networking Groups' and 'Consumer Resources', visit The Chicago Wedding Blog.