DJ business, LLC or DBA?

[wavemakersdj]

So I have a dj business I've had for a few years, and I've gotten to the point that I want to make it an official company instead of just going to to events myself with no real business organization. At first I figured I'd get a DBA in Ohio and and EIN so I can have a bank account, but it seems an actual LLC is a better idea for liability and growth reasons.

My questions are these:
What would be the best way to organize an LLC, Legalzoom or the like or going to an actual lawyer?

The filing for legal zoom says it's about $800 for everything, would it cost that much, less, or more going through a lawyer?

Do I need an LLC if it's just me going to weddings and events with my equipment? (I assume this answer is yes to limit any personal liability).

Is there anything I should know about this process that novice business people don't always find out until it's too late.

[KyleXY]

1. An actual lawyer is always going to be the better option in terms of advice and forming the correct structure in the correct state and setting everything up correctly. While Legal Zoom simplifies the process, there is still the issue with error on the user part, lack of understanding all that is need to get done (it's not always as simple as filing for an LLC) to structure the proper structure or whether an LLC is even the right choice. Just some of many to give you an idea which is better.

2. Chances are attorney is going to cost more in most cases but check accordingly. Also note that some states have franchise fees or other fees that are not apparent in addition to your filing fees (for example: CA has a $800 franchise fee you must pay in addition to any other filing fees you have and this type of info may or may not be listed with the registration forms on most state websites).

3. This is a better question for an attorney. However, for liability reasons, you always want an entity rather than not, it's just good business practice.

4. Every situation is different. I'm sure there is plenty.

[Marco Santori]

You rang?

Yes, you should organize a business. DBA is a bad move for someone who deals with other groups of (drunk?) people as often as a DJ would. If you plan to DJ weddings and other large groups, it's not even a question - you're asking for trouble not organizing.

For a single-member LLC, legalzoom and other online options are a good, cost-effective option. However, using a lawyer is always a good idea if you can afford to do it. I know I wouldn't be able to get much sleep after filing one of their boilerplate membership agreements.

If your looking for an economical compromise between using a lawyer and just going legalzoom, you should have a lawyer draft your membership agreement and certificate, then have legalzoom file it along with the other documents. That way, you won't have to pay a lawyer to do the ministerial stuff that legalzoom can do cheaply. It should only cost you a bit more and you get the peace of mind of knowing a real attorney has your back. If you like, shoot me an email and I can suggest some options for you