I've been looking at making my contract more professional, but I'm not sure how much is too much. I have a checklist of equipment and prices for each on top of the basic packages I offer. I also have some general contract legalese in there that a law-friendly friend of mine helped me with. What does your contract include/cover? Do you have different contracts for different venues/events?

I'd think these days you have to be fairly detailed. Everyone is so sue happy you really have to cover your behind. Especially with insurance for events such as weddings. You can't be too careful with people.

You need to include also, things such as how much you get paid in the event of a cancellation. How much you get paid in the event of a power cut, and most importantly you need to have some kind of coverage in there for what happens in the event of a total failure of your equipment.

The duration of the gig must be clear, and a statement regarding if you are required to go over the agreed time. The rate must be clear beforehand to prevent any problems. Sometimes function start late and DJs are still expected to stay for the entire function without the extra pay.

If your not detailed, somehow you will end up losing and thats never a good thing. I think everything you plan on doing for the event even down to the small stuff needs to be in the contract otherwise something bad can happen and the client may end up blaming you for it. Better to have all your bases covered!