Quotes / Packages
It's A Fact.
Hiring a great DJ is one of the most important parts of making your day special. Whether you choose me or not, I want to make sure you have all the necessary information critical to the success of your event. Please take a moment to learn a little bit about me and what goes into making me a great choice for your event.
About Me
My name is Randy Helfrich, and I own NightHawk DJ Service. I've been in business over 32 years and a brief glance at my reviews will show you how pleased my clients have been.
In addition to satisfied clients, I also have a great relationship with several other DJs in town. If I'm booked when you need me, I will definitely be able to steer you to an associate of mine and I appreciate that my fellow DJs do the same for me. Having a network you can trust is a great asset in this business.
Most people don't have a need for a DJ on a regular basis. In fact you will only hire a DJ once or twice in your lifetime. That's why it is very important that when you need a DJ, you get the best one. I would like to use this page to give you some important information to consider when making your choice. Whether you ultimately choose me or not, your decision will be a well-informed one.
Why Referrals Matter
Many people only have one question in mind when looking for a DJ … pricing! While I understand that everyone has a budget and bottom line, I need you to understand that for me to succeed, I must provide excellent service and a great price.
While a few people will find me through a web-search, the majority of my business comes through referrals and word of mouth. The excellent service I provide for special occasions keeps people spreading the word about NightHawk DJ Service. While you may not need me for repeated events, I want to impress you and your guests so much that when you hear of someone needing a DJ, you automatically think of me. I have no desire to sell you with some slick speech or an unusually low quote — I want my past success to speak for me.
Don't Be Swayed By Horror Stories
It's an unfortunate fact that many DJs try to scare you into paying inflated prices. Many run negative campaigns about what can happen to a customer who chooses the wrong DJ. I find it sad that the only method some people have for promoting their business is telling you how bad the competition can be. Don't be frightened into choosing your DJ.
The truth of the matter is that in any business there are good and bad service providers. I believe my customers are intelligent enough to choose the DJ that will work for them without having to resort to "what if's." Again, look at the length of time someone has been in business and the reviews that they have. This will tell you a lot of what you need to know. In today's Internet age, if someone has a bad reputation, it's not hard to find out.
Pricing
Now you are probably asking, what do I charge and how did I decide on my pricing. You likely have (or will) received several quotes and chances are you will find some DJs who are cheaper and some who are more expensive. It is not my intent to tell you that you should spend more or less money. I will just tell you what you can expect to receive in certain price ranges and I think you will see why my services stand out. If you decide another pricing range is more suited to your event, I wish you well and there are no hard feelings.
For a local Wedding DJ, the "average" price for a reception is now well above $1,400. Although my rates are below the average price for DJs, please keep in mind that these averages include price ranges from some very high-price DJs.
The four most common pricing categories for DJs
1. Bare Bones DJs
At this level you are hiring the cheapest DJ you can find. While this may be the easiest solution on your wallet, it often comes with a few red flags. Many of these DJs work part-time and have no back-up in case of injury or illness. Others may not have the necessary licenses or insurance to protect their clients. Often their personal cell phone serves as their business line. On the other hand, it is possible to find a cheap DJ who is just getting started and is willing to accept a small fee just to get the experience.
2. Economy DJs
Economy DJs represent a huge portion of the market — from super large companies that have 10-20 DJs available to independent DJs working their way up. Large DJ companies hire independent contractor DJs 'on-call,' so you might not know what DJ will show up. With independents, make sure they have the experience and referrals you can verify. Check for a business license, phone, and insurance — you are paying more for a reason.
3. Mid-Price to High-Price DJs
This is the category that I fall into. Ranging from $550–$1,200 you will find a relatively small pool of DJs. What we offer is generally great customer service, years of experience, professional and articulate MC & hosting abilities, and a can-do attitude. We are here to make sure your event goes off without a hitch.
4. Very High-Price DJs
There are a few companies in business that place a premium on their DJs and regularly charge upwards of $1,500 for a 4-hour event. These companies not only provide DJs but also lighting, props, performers, custom decorations, and more — the quality you are likely to see in TV and movies. If this is what you are looking for and you can afford it, by all means take it to the next level.
Once you enter my price range, make sure your DJ offers…
- Liability insurance
- A current business license
- Professional equipment
- An extensive song catalog
- A clear contract with a performance guarantee
- A direct business line with timely responses
- A back-up plan for emergencies
- A face-to-face meeting to discuss your event
- References that you can contact
- Experience in high-profile events
With regard to my services: I carry full liability insurance and have a valid business license. I have up-to-date professional equipment and offer an extensive song selection. My contract is clear and concise and there are no hidden fees. I am easily reached through my telephone or website and while I have never had to cancel an event, I am happy to go over my back-up plan with you for emergencies.
Pricing And Illegally Downloaded Music
"How do I know if my DJ is using illegally downloaded music?" First, just because a DJ may fall into the bare-bones price range, it does not mean that he or she is using illegally downloaded music. For peace of mind, the best thing to do is ASK.
Why is illegally downloaded music a concern? Quality: illegal downloads can sound fine on a CD or MP3, but often the quality suffers when the music is amplified to play in a large venue. Availability: downloading music illegally is a crime — do you really want to chance hiring a DJ who may have all of his or her music confiscated the day before your event?
Making A Decision
Well, after reading this far, you may now be able to make a decision about your DJ. If you are still stuck, go with experience. The more experience a DJ has, the more likely they are going to be to solve any problems that come up on your big day.
The Wedding Budget
Most wedding planners suggest that about 5–10% of your wedding budget be allotted to entertainment. For those working with smaller budgets, consider how important the DJ is for you and adjust accordingly. I do not vary my prices based on the extravagance of the location — whether at the most exclusive venue in town or in your backyard, my price remains the same.
Getting Your Guests On The Dance Floor
Here is where you ask me for the magic secret. Unfortunately, I don't have one. Some guests, no matter how amazing the event is, just won't dance. However, the good news is these guests are usually few and far between. My years of experience at reading crowds along with your input as to what you would like to hear will help create the right environment for a memorable experience.
What Music Will You Play?
It all depends on what music you and your guests would like to hear. What environment do you want to set? You might be surprised to know that at most wedding receptions there is really only about 2 hours or so of actual dance-time. I suggest the Bride and Groom give me their "Top 10" favorite songs — that gives me a great understanding of your musical taste and lets me accept requests from guests.
Summary
I hope you have found this page helpful in your journey to hire a DJ. Whether you choose me or not, I am sure you know a little bit more about the hiring process and I wish you great success with your event.
— Randy Helfrich, Your St. Clair County Area Wedding DJ
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