Questions to Ask When Choosing a Mobile Dj

Q: 1. Do you carry public liability insurance?

Any mobile DJ working at a venue in Scotland should hold public liability insurance, typically for at least £1 million cover, though many venues require £5 million. Without it, if a cable trips a guest or a speaker topples over, you or the venue could be left exposed. Ask to see the certificate, not just a verbal assurance. A professional DJ will send it without hesitation.

Q: 2. Is your electrical equipment PAT tested?

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is a legal requirement in most commercial and hired venue settings in the UK. Venue managers in Edinburgh and across Scotland increasingly ask for PAT certificates before allowing any equipment to be plugged in. A credible DJ will have up-to-date PAT stickers on their gear and documentation to match. If they look blank when you mention it, that is a red flag.

Q: 6. Do you offer a written contract?

A written contract protects both parties. It should cover the date, venue, start and finish times, the agreed fee, deposit and cancellation terms. In Scotland, consumer contract law applies just as it does elsewhere in the UK, but having everything in writing means there is no dispute about what was promised. If a DJ only works on a handshake, look elsewhere.

Hiring the wrong mobile DJ can turn a wedding reception, birthday or corporate night into an awkward memory. Before you hand over a deposit, asking a handful of direct questions will tell you quickly whether a DJ is professional, properly equipped and right for your event.

1. Do you carry public liability insurance?

Any mobile DJ working at a venue in Scotland should hold public liability insurance, typically for at least £1 million cover, though many venues require £5 million. Without it, if a cable trips a guest or a speaker topples over, you or the venue could be left exposed. Ask to see the certificate, not just a verbal assurance. A professional DJ will send it without hesitation.

2. Is your electrical equipment PAT tested?

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is a legal requirement in most commercial and hired venue settings in the UK. Venue managers in Edinburgh and across Scotland increasingly ask for PAT certificates before allowing any equipment to be plugged in. A credible DJ will have up-to-date PAT stickers on their gear and documentation to match. If they look blank when you mention it, that is a red flag.

3. Have you performed at our venue before?

This is a practical question, not just a flattering one. Venues in Edinburgh vary enormously in layout, acoustics and restrictions. A DJ who has worked The Caves, a Leith warehouse or a Borders country house before will already know about sound limiters, awkward load-in routes and curfew rules. If they have not played your venue, ask whether they will do a site visit beforehand.

The most important question you can ask: "Can I see a copy of your public liability insurance and PAT test certificates before I pay a deposit?" A trustworthy DJ will have both ready. One who stalls or makes excuses is not worth the risk.

4. What equipment do you use, and do you carry backups?

You do not need to be a sound engineer to ask this. What you want to know is whether they bring backup equipment for the key items: a second laptop or controller, spare cables, a backup speaker. Equipment fails. A professional DJ plans for that. Ask specifically what happens if their main system goes down mid-event.

5. How do you handle music requests, and what is your policy on songs you do not have?

Some DJs welcome requests on the night; others prefer a playlist agreed in advance. Neither approach is wrong, but you need to know which you are getting. If you have specific songs that matter, such as a first dance track or a family favourite, confirm the DJ either has them or will source them before the event. Vague promises about "sorting it on the night" are not good enough for important moments.

6. Do you offer a written contract?

A written contract protects both parties. It should cover the date, venue, start and finish times, the agreed fee, deposit and cancellation terms. In Scotland, consumer contract law applies just as it does elsewhere in the UK, but having everything in writing means there is no dispute about what was promised. If a DJ only works on a handshake, look elsewhere.

7. What is your experience with events like mine?

A DJ who specialises in school proms may not be the right fit for a black-tie corporate dinner, and vice versa. Ask specifically about events of a similar size, format and audience. A good DJ will give you concrete examples rather than vague reassurances. If they have online reviews or testimonials from events like yours, read them.

8. What is included in your fee, and are there any extra charges?

Get a clear breakdown of what the quoted price covers. Ask about travel costs (many DJs charge mileage beyond a set radius, which matters if your venue is outside Edinburgh), setup and breakdown time, and whether a cordless microphone for speeches is included. Some DJs also charge extra for lighting rigs. Knowing the full cost upfront avoids awkward conversations later.

Checklist at a glance

Do you carry public liability insurance, and can I see the certificate?
Is all your equipment PAT tested and documented?
Have you worked at our venue before, or will you do a site visit?
What backup equipment do you carry?
How do you handle requests, and can you guarantee specific songs?
Do you provide a written contract covering all agreed terms?
What experience do you have with events similar to mine?
What is included in your fee, and are there any additional charges?

Once you have your answers, you are in a much stronger position to compare your options. To get started, find a trusted mobile DJ in Edinburgh through the Found Local directory, where you can read reviews and contact local professionals directly.