Most people only hire a Disc Jockey once in their life and usually to perform at their wedding reception. Because of this, you may not know the right questions to determine if the DJ your interviewing is the right person to handle one of the most important events of your life. 

Here's a list of questions that you can ask your prospective DJ either in person or on the phone to help you make a more informed decision.

1. Is this his/her full time career or a part time hobby? Can he meet with you at your convenience, even if it's during the day? Does he return your phone calls promptly? Are they working on your reception details during the week or their "regular" job?
    
2. Does he over-book events and then hire sub-contractors? Will he guarantee in writing that they will be the DJ at your event? Will he offer you a full refund if he can't perform at your reception? You DON'T want a complete stranger showing up to perform at your reception.
    
3. Does he have back-up equipment for all his major sound pieces? Does he use Commercial "Pro-Grade" equipment? If a speaker blows, does he have one ready to replace with? Are you willing to take the chance of your party coming to an end if you choose a DJ without back-up equipment?
    
4. Will he meet with you in person to help plan your event? Will he meet with you more then once to ensure you're comfortable with all the plans? Will he help you with all the planning so your reception is everything you dream it should be? Are you required to book with them first before they will meet with you?
    
5. Does he have liability insurance? Is he professional enough to carry insurance to cover an unfortunate accident?
    
6. Are there any "hidden" charges? In addition to the base price, is there a set-up fee? Are there charges for additional meetings? Will he buy any special music you require at your reception?
    
7. Does the company provide a written contract? The contract is not just to protect the DJ but to also protect you! Ask for a blank copy to review prior to the date you sign.
    
8. Will the DJ have an adequate and appropriate music selection? Some DJ's specialize in School/Teen dances and their music library can be quite limited when it comes to the more diverse crowd in attendance at a reception. Certain types of music are not appropriate to play at a reception. Will your DJ abide by your wishes when it comes to what you want played and not played?

This is certainly not an all inclusive list of questions you can ask but should provide you with just enough information to be a more informed "shopper" of entertainment services. I did not include anything about price in these questions. Each market has an impact on the prices DJ's charge, but the above questions hold true for any location.  

Be prepared to pay for quality, just like any other goods and services. DJ's only have one opportunity to get it right for your special day. Find one your comfortable with based on the answers to the above questions and one that matches your personality and your odds are that you will have the time of your life!