Ask Tim
DJ hire myths: myth or fact?
Ten DJ hire myths that catch couples and party hosts out. Choose myth or fact for each one and see how many you get right.
Tim’s tip: If a quote looks too good to be true, ask what's missing. It's usually insurance, set-up time or the lighting.
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
DJ hire myths: true or not?
Read each statement and choose Myth or Fact. The answer appears straight away.
Your score: 0 out of 0
1. “A friend with decks is just as good as a professional DJ.”
Myth. A friend rarely has insurance, PAT-tested kit, backup equipment or experience reading a mixed-age crowd, and they'll want to enjoy the party too.
2. “All DJs carry public liability insurance.”
Myth. Many don't. Ask to see the certificate. Tim has £10 million cover and the certificate is in your client portal.
3. “Venues often need to see a DJ's insurance and PAT certificates.”
Fact. Most venues ask for both before the DJ can set up, so have them sent in good time.
4. “Booking a DJ a year ahead is too early.”
Myth. Summer Saturdays and December dates often go 12 to 18 months ahead. Check your date as soon as you have your venue.
5. “A long Must Play list guarantees a full dance floor.”
Myth. Too many must-plays leave no room to react to the room. Pick your key moments and favourites, then let the DJ read the floor.
6. “A sound limiter means a quiet, flat party.”
Myth. An experienced DJ sets up around the limiter so the music sounds great without tripping it.
7. “Guests can request songs from their phones.”
Fact. With Tim, guests scan a QR code at their table and send requests straight to his touchscreen, with no app needed.
8. “The cheapest quote usually includes everything.”
Myth. Low quotes often leave out lighting, set-up time, travel or insurance. Compare what's included, not just the price.
9. “One DJ can get every age group dancing.”
Fact. With a library from the 1950s to today and years of reading crowds, a good DJ mixes the generations so everyone gets up.
10. “Checking a DJ's availability commits you to booking.”
Myth. With Tim, checking your date is free and there's no obligation. Your date is only held once you pay a deposit and sign the contract.
How to check a DJ before you book
Most DJ hire myths come from one place: it’s hard to tell DJs apart from a website or a quote. These four checks cut through the guesswork.
1. Ask for the paperwork
A professional DJ will happily show you their public liability insurance and PAT test certificates. Venues usually need both before the DJ can set up. Tim’s are in your client portal as soon as you book, ready to send to your venue.
2. Look for independent vetting
Anyone can write “professional” on a website. Schemes like Trading Standards Approved check a business before it can join. Tim is Norfolk’s only Trading Standards Approved DJ.
3. Read recent reviews
Look for reviews on more than one site, and check the dates. A run of recent reviews tells you more than a few old ones. Tim is rated 4.9 out of 5 from more than 250 reviews.
4. Ask who turns up
Some companies take your booking and send whoever is free. Ask who will be your DJ on the night. With Tim, it’s him at every booking, and he has never missed one.
Questions answered
Why do DJ hire myths matter?
Myths lead people to book on price alone, skip the insurance check or leave booking too late.
Knowing the facts helps you choose a DJ who will deliver on the night.
What's the most common myth?
That a friend with decks is just as good.
Without insurance, backup equipment and experience, a lot can go wrong, and it's awkward to say so on the night.
Didn’t find your answer?
Ask Tim directly. He reads every message himself.