Ask Tim
The DJ comparison checklist
Use this DJ comparison checklist before you book anyone. Ask every DJ the same questions, then compare their answers with Tim’s, side by side.
Tim’s tip: Ask every DJ the same questions, in writing, and keep their answers. The differences jump out once they're side by side.
Every answer here is written by Tim Daymond (Tinsel Tim), Norfolk’s only Trading Standards Approved DJ, with 50 years behind the decks. Updated October 2026. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 250+ reviews · 23 business awards · Check your date
Questions to ask any DJ
Ask every DJ you’re considering the same questions. Print this sheet, write their answers in the empty column, and compare them with Tim’s.
| Ask any DJ | Why it matters | Tim’s answer | Their answer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Will you personally be our DJ? | So you know who will turn up and run your night. | Yes. Tim plays every booking himself and has never missed one. He doesn't use agency DJs. | |
| Are you independently vetted? | Anyone can call themselves professional. Vetting proves it. | Yes. Tim is Norfolk's only Trading Standards Approved DJ, a Norfolk County Council Trusted Trader (ID 0000457). | |
| Do you have public liability insurance? | Most venues won't let a DJ set up without it. | Yes, £10 million. The certificate is in your client portal to send to your venue. | |
| Is your equipment PAT tested? | Venues ask for it, and it keeps your guests safe. | Yes, every year. The certificate is in your client portal. | |
| Are you DBS checked? | Important if children or vulnerable guests are there. | Yes. Tim is Enhanced DBS checked. | |
| Do you carry backup equipment? | Equipment can fail. A spare keeps the music going. | Yes. Tim brings a full matching backup sound system to every booking. | |
| Will we get a written contract? | It sets out your date, hours, price and terms. | Yes. Every booking has a written contract, signed online in your client portal. | |
| What's included in the price? | Hidden extras can add up fast. | The full price is shown up front, including set-up, packing away and travel anywhere in the four counties. | |
| What happens if we cancel? | Know the terms before you pay anything. | The 45% deposit is non-refundable. 80% of the total is due if you cancel within 12 weeks of the event, and 100% within 8 weeks. It's all in your contract. | |
| Can we choose our music and a Do Not Play list? | It's your night, and your music. | Yes. Your client portal has a playlist planner with Must Play and Do Not Play lists. | |
| How do guests request songs? | Requests keep everyone involved. | Guests scan a QR code at their table and send requests straight to Tim's touchscreen. | |
| Will you be our MC? | Clear announcements keep the day on time. | Yes. Tim announces the entrance, speeches, cake, first dance and more, using wireless microphones. | |
| How do you handle a sound limiter? | An inexperienced DJ can trip it and cut the power. | Tim plans his set-up and levels around your venue's limiter, so the evening isn't cut short. | |
| Can we read reviews from real clients? | Recent, independent reviews are hard to fake. | Yes. Tim is rated 4.9 out of 5 from more than 250 reviews, and his Trusted Trader listing shows reviews from real customers. |
Questions answered
Why compare DJs with a checklist?
Quotes are hard to compare when every DJ describes their service differently.
Asking everyone the same questions shows you what is really included, and who is insured and vetted.
Can I print the checklist?
Yes.
Press Print the checklist and you'll get a clean page with an empty column for each DJ's answers.
Is it only for weddings?
No.
The same questions work for birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas parties and any event where you're hiring a DJ.
Didn’t find your answer?
Ask Tim directly. He reads every message himself.