1. QUALITY AND RELIABILITY OF SERVICE
Quality of Service is an expectation and demand of all DJs.
A DJ's quality of service is an outgrowth of technical competence, personal character, responsive and informative communication; and appropriate care of property.
Interpretation:
- Technical competence is knowledge and the appropriate skillful application of knowledge.
Knowledge is possessing an informed understanding of the subject matter of a DJ's field of practice or employment, based on education and experience. Because technical competence is not static, continuing education, both formal and informal, is necessary to maintain and improve a DJ's knowledge and understanding.Skillfulness is the appropriate application of knowledge. It is the focusing of one's knowledge in the most effective manner resulting in diligently and thoroughly completed services. It includes the ability to recognize and acknowledge the need to obtain additional qualified assistance and or expertise when necessary. - Personal character is a quality which is demonstrated through trustworthiness, truthfulness and professional conduct. It demands full disclosure of all pertinent information, data and records. It is manifested through providing services with the highest degree of integrity.
- Communication must be responsive, informative and accurate. Communication includes, but is not limited to timely responses to inquiries from others in an appropriate and needful manner; keeping of appointments; complying with client and employer requests for information; periodic updates to the client or employer on project progress, and informing the client or employer when problems are encountered that may effect their event.
- A client's or employer's property entrusted to a DJ creates a fiduciary relationship which means that detailed and accurate records are kept and property is not commingled or used personally.
2. FULL DISCLOSURE TO CLIENTS AND ASSOCIATES
Interpretation:
- Full disclosure to the client/employer means disclosure of:
Conflicts of interests (including, but not limited to such items as personal, financial, emotional, employment; prior or current, or others.)
Lack of competence/experience. - Full disclosure to the public with whom the DJ has business means disclosure of:
All pertinent event information (e.g., nature of event, rights acquired and rights retained, event schedule, basis of payments);
All statutory and equitable rights available. - Full disclosure does not include privileged information, except when required to do so by due process of law.
3. FAIR AND REASONABLE RATES FOR SERVICES PROVIDED
A member of the DJ Profession shall at all times charge fair and reasonable fees commensurate with the service being provided and fully disclose the amount of such fees prior to the time the service is to be provided. At no time shall the DJ accept remuneration from more than one party for services rendered without full knowledge and written agreement of all parties involved.
All fees charged for services shall be in accordance with applicable statutory provisions and/or local established rules and customs.
A fee is fair and reasonable if it is one which can be justified in the light of all pertinent circumstances, including the factors mentioned herein.
Interpretation:
- The DJ should assure written contractual relationships in all matters in order to avoid any misunderstanding and to assure a better service to the DJ's client(s).
The DJ, for the protection of all parties with whom the DJ transacts business, should assure that all financial obligations and commitments are in writing, prior to the beginning the event, expressing the exact agreement of the parties; and that copies of such agreements, at the time of execution are placed in the hands of all parties to the agreement, and shall be dealt with in accordance with the instructions of the parties involved.
(a) DJ shall not receive directly or indirectly any rebate, fee, commission, discount or any other benefit without the full knowledge and prior written consent of all parties.
(b) The fiduciary relationship between the DJ and the DJ's client requires full disclosure in all financial matters between them and prohibits the acceptance by the DJ of any hidden fees.
(c) No fee, reward, costs, commission, interest, rebate, agency or forwarding allowance or other compensation whatsoever related to professional employment maybe taken by the DJ from anyone other than the client without full disclosure to and the consent of the client and, where the DJ's fees are being paid by someone other than the client(s), the consent of such other person.
(d) The entering into an agreement with the client imposes upon the DJ an obligation of rendering a skilled and conscientious service. When the DJ is unable to render such service alone, it is incumbent upon the DJ to obtain assistance from another person having the appropriate expertise and qualifications. The DJ should not engage, recommend or suggest the use of services of any other organization or business without prior disclosure to the client. The DJ shall not accept any rebate or profit on expenditures, made on behalf of the client without the client's written consent and knowledge. A DJ must render a proper accounting to the client with respect to direct or indirect costs relating to additional services.i. A DJ shall not provide service where the DJ's level of expertise is not on a level that could be reasonable required under the circumstances. Where services are required in such areas and the DJ does not have the appropriate level of expertise, such services should not be provided without the aid of another person who is properly qualified in the area of activity being contemplated.
ii. The DJ shall not recommend or suggest to a client or a third party the use of services of any other organization or business in which the DJ has a direct or indirect interest, without disclosing such interest, in writing, at the time of the recommendation or suggestion.
iii. The DJ must be alert to recognize his lack of competence for a particular task and the disservice he would do his client if he undertook that task. The DJ must either decline to act or shall retain, consult or collaborate in that field, or refer the client to an individual who is competent in that field
A fair and reasonable fee will depend upon and reflect such factors as;
The time and effort required and spent;
The difficulty and importance of the matter;
The likelihood that the acceptance of the particular employment will preclude other employment by the DJ;
The fee customarily charged in the locality for similar services by individuals with similar credentials;
The amount involved and the results obtained;
The time limitations imposed by the venue, client, or by the circumstances;
The nature and length of the professional relationship with the client or employer;
The experience, reputation, and ability of the DJ performing the service;
Whether the fee is fixed or contingent;
The informed consent of the client or employer to the fee or employment agreement;
Fees authorized by statute or regulation;
The DJ should not attempt to set fees for services to be offered by suggesting or implying directly or indirectly, that the level of fees being suggested is based on direction from the Association, Institute, Society or Council to which a DJ also belongs;
A DJ should be ready to explain the basis for his charges (especially if the client is unsophisticated or uninformed as to the proper basis and measurement for fees).
The DJ should avoid controversy with his client respecting fees, Controversy and misunderstandings respecting fees and financial matters bring the DJ's profession into disrepute. He should give the client a fair estimate of fees and disbursements, pointing out any uncertainties involved so that the client may be able to make informed decisions.
Nothing herein shall be construed as prohibiting any gratuity, gift, or similar item which may otherwise be permitted by rules, regulations, or policies established by the DJ's employer and/or client.
4. CONFIDENTIAL OF INFORMATION
A DJ shall hold in strict confidence all information provided in confidence by a client, associate or person requesting confidentiality. In addition to the DJ's fiduciary obligation to the client, DJs shall at all times exercise loyalty to the interests of the client with respect to confidential information and shall not engage in any activity which could be reasonably construed as contrary to the best interests of the client or associate. The DJ shall not use confidential information for personal purposes or personal gain.
The DJ shall not disclose to a third party any confidential or proprietary information concerning an associate, client's business or personal affairs unless the disclosure is required or compelled by law or regulations. All obligations and duties of the DJ to clients, firms and employers shall also apply to relationships with former clients and former firms and employers. The DJ shall act in a professional manner when, for whatever reason, relationships are terminated between the DJ and clients.
Interpretation:
The DJ has a duty to hold in strict confidence all information acquired in the course of the professional relationship concerning the business, associates and affairs of the client, and the DJ should not divulge any information unless he(she) is expressly authorized by the DJ's client(s), associate or as required by law, to do so.
The DJ owes the duty of confidentiality to every client and associate without exception, regardless of whether he is continuing or casual client. The duty survives the professional relationship and continues indefinitely after the DJ has ceased to act for the client or associate whether or not differences may have arisen between them.
The DJ cannot render effective professional service unless there is full and unreserved communication between the DJ and his(her) client. At the same time the client(s) must feel completely secure and he(she) is entitled to process on the basis that, without any express request or stipulation on his(her) part, matters disclosed to or discussed with a DJ will be held confidential.
Disclosure by the DJ may also be permitted or required in order to defend himself(herself) or the DJ's associates or employees against any allegation of malpractice or misconduct, or in legal proceedings to establish or collect the DJ's fee, but only to the extent necessary for such purposes.
The relationship between the DJ and the DJ's client(s) forbids that the DJ use any confidential information for the benefit of himself(herself) or a third person or to the disadvantage of the DJ's client(s).
5. TRUTH IN ADVERTISING AND PROMOTIONAL PRACTICES
DJs shall only use those advertising and promotional practices which fairly and accurately inform prospective clients and the public of the DJ's services, qualifications, credentials, and other relevant professional information.
Interpretation:
DJs shall use the logos, emblems, designations, and registered trademarks only in accordance with the government's guidelines.
Without specific authorization, DJs shall refrain from using the logos, emblems, designations or registered trademarks in a manner which could be construed as representing an Organization or acting or speaking on behalf of an Organization.
A DJ's advertising and promotional practices shall fairly and accurately reflect the DJ's professional and educational qualifications, experience, professional designation(s) and areas of specialization.
Resumes and statement of qualification should only be presented in a manner that is positive, factual and not misleading.
All advertising and promotional practices shall be in good taste and shall not offend or be contrary to the public.
All advertising and promotional practices shall not create unrealistic expectations in clients or the public.
6. ADHERENCE TO ALL LAWS AND CONDUCT OF BUSINESS
A DJ shall abide by all laws, rules, regulations, certification and licensing requirements applicable to his or her profession. All business or professional practices shall be in strict accordance with all applicable laws, rules, professional standards, and any regulations governing the DJ's business, practice or profession.
Interpretation:
Compliance with all laws, regulations, rules, certification and licensing requirements shall also include the following:
In hiring or performing services, DJs shall follow non-discriminatory practices without regard to race, creed, sex, national origin or other legally protected classes.
DJs shall cooperate fully with the government in the enforcement of its rules and regulations.
The DJ shall adhere and comply with all mandated National and International Copyright laws applying to the duplication of recorded music.
7. GOOD CITIZENSHIP
DJs shall conduct themselves in their daily lives in a manner which looks beyond self or corporate interest to the interest of others and society as a whole, not just the avoidance of harm.
Interpretation:
As a minimum, DJs shall avoid conduct involving moral turpitude, dishonesty, fraud or misrepresentation.
A DJ shall, at all times, conduct his or her business and personal activities with knowledge of and in conformance with the highest moral and ethical standards consistent with the generally accepted rules and understanding of professionalism, integrity and high values.
8. RELATIONSHIPS: EMPLOYEE/EMPLOYER CLIENT/FORMER CLIENT
A DJ has a duty of loyalty and allegiance to his or her client/employer so long as such does not result in the breach of the Code of Ethics.
Interpretation:
A DJ shall always act within the scope of his or her employment.
Disclosure of confidential information obtained during the course of his(her) employment may be controlled by employment contracts, covenants not to compete as part of the sale of a business and/or the subsequent publication of previously confidential information. The DJ shall always use the utmost discretion when disclosing previously confidential information to a third person.
A DJ shall disclose all dual employment which may cause a conflict with the DJ's primary
employment or when the DJ's employer requires such disclosure.
