When booking a mobile disco for your event do not make the decision based on price. In today's market there are number of DJ's out there; especially within well established publications like yellow pages, thompsons etc that would happy quote cheap has possible as little as £100.
This may seem like bargain price at the time, but it can be really upsetting if the DJ does not turn up or hold valid PAT/PLI certificates and venue does not allow them to continue. Far to often we have calls from upset people who's event is ruined because they paid so little for their DJ.
A good quality mobile disco service will cost you approx 2 to 3 times as much as bargin DJ's, but you do need to ensure that you receive value for your money.
Examples: (Links to example posted experiences)
As a basic checklist we do recommend that your mobile disco service has the following:
PAT (Portable Appliance Test) Certificate
This will ensure that their equipment is regularly tested for electrical safety
PLI (Public Liability Insurance) Certificate
We strongly recommended that you book with a company that has public liability insurance (PLI). This is important should anything happen to you or your guests, such as a trip on a lead or a lighting effect come loose and fall on someones head. If this was to happen you need to be assured that the DJ has sufficient insurance against such accidents. Even more so if you will have young children at your reception. You can ask the DJ to send you a copy of his/her insurance certificate to prove that they are insured.
Registered company UK company
Ensure you have sufficent contact details for the mobile disco service and that they legal registered company with Companies house and using their Web health check service. Companies house will allow you to see the company status as well as their registered business address.
Booking, contracts and payments
When you do decide to book a mobile disco for your event it is must that you get a signed contract from them. A contract will give you a legal guaruntee that they must attend your event. Please be sure you do read the small print on any booking form/contracts you receive.
Be sure you get a receipt for any reservation fees or deposits they require to confirm your booking. Some companies require full payment, other let you pay in cash on the night. Either way ask for a receipt for any money that you pay, this gives you proof of payment.
Equipment and Presentation
This is another must as you need to be re-assured that the mobile disco service you are considering use professional equipment (not home hifi equipment) that is presentable.
A professional mobile disco service will strive to ensure their presentation is at the highest level and equipment is perfect working order.
Insist on seeing recent photos/videos from recent events of their equipment.
Sub contracting & Agencies/Entertainment agencies
Ensure you know who your DJ is before you book and valid contact number for them. There are mobile disco services who will take on the booking and pass it on to another DJ after taking their fee.
This also applies if you book through an agency as they usually adapt the same process as sub-contracting.
You should be able to talk directly to your DJ to ensure they understand what you require. This will avoid the DJ been un-prepared for your event and is suitable.