How do you handle "red flags"? Some people will not book with a vendor that gives off a red flag vibe. Others just can't pass up a good deal, so they take the risk. What are some red flags when it comes to wedding vendors?
1) Price - in every vendor category, there is a "breaking point" where anyone charging below a certain amount is suspect. They are either totally new, or only book because they are totally cheap. Either way, if the price is well below average, question them as to why. Also, find out their track record and if they will be able to remain in business at such low rates.
2) Communication - if a Vendor has lost focus on their wedding business for any reason, their communication will be lacking. This can be very frustrating as you will need prompt communication throughout your entire planning process, so if you aren't happy with the pre-booking communication, it's a red flag.
3) Attitude - working with someone on your wedding day will require you to be able to enjoy them as a person. If their attitude is flippant, snobby, uninterested, etc, they may be experiencing burn out, or they just may not have a personality that you enjoy. Don't do it, it's not worth it!
4) Limited Portfolio - if a vendor is only showing their "prize work" and you can't get more samples upon request, there is something wrong.
5) Always Agrees - it can be easy to fall into thinking that you want a "yes man" for the job, but don't let this fool you! A vendor who never offers their professional opinion either doesn't have one, or doesn't care enough about you to share it. Either way, you deserve better!
6) Desperate - this one should be a red flag that you can spot a mile away...someone who is just too desperate for the work. Don't confused this with a "highly motivated go-getter". There is a difference you can feel.
So what SHOULD you do if you start getting a red flag on any of the vendors you've been considering? Sometimes a simple question can clear things up for you. Here are some ways to ask:
1) I noticed your pricing is well below the other vendors I've contacted. Can you explain how you came up with your quote?
2) I have tried reaching out and still haven't heard back from you, is this a bad time?
3) Dear Vendor: Thank you for your response. I get the feeling that we may not be the best fit as your ideal client. If that was not your intention, I would like to hear more about you and your services.
4) The samples I've seen look great, but could we see a few more?
5) Thanks for answering my questions - I was hoping you might provide some additional insight on why you feel those are the best options?
6) Dear Vendor: Thank you for following up with us. We are considering our options and would like to know if you can put your follow ups on hold for a few days while we think things over?
The response to these questions should give you some great insight into how they will handle things and guide you as to if your red-flag feeling was spot on or not!
1) Price - in every vendor category, there is a "breaking point" where anyone charging below a certain amount is suspect. They are either totally new, or only book because they are totally cheap. Either way, if the price is well below average, question them as to why. Also, find out their track record and if they will be able to remain in business at such low rates.
2) Communication - if a Vendor has lost focus on their wedding business for any reason, their communication will be lacking. This can be very frustrating as you will need prompt communication throughout your entire planning process, so if you aren't happy with the pre-booking communication, it's a red flag.
3) Attitude - working with someone on your wedding day will require you to be able to enjoy them as a person. If their attitude is flippant, snobby, uninterested, etc, they may be experiencing burn out, or they just may not have a personality that you enjoy. Don't do it, it's not worth it!
4) Limited Portfolio - if a vendor is only showing their "prize work" and you can't get more samples upon request, there is something wrong.
5) Always Agrees - it can be easy to fall into thinking that you want a "yes man" for the job, but don't let this fool you! A vendor who never offers their professional opinion either doesn't have one, or doesn't care enough about you to share it. Either way, you deserve better!
6) Desperate - this one should be a red flag that you can spot a mile away...someone who is just too desperate for the work. Don't confused this with a "highly motivated go-getter". There is a difference you can feel.
So what SHOULD you do if you start getting a red flag on any of the vendors you've been considering? Sometimes a simple question can clear things up for you. Here are some ways to ask:
1) I noticed your pricing is well below the other vendors I've contacted. Can you explain how you came up with your quote?
2) I have tried reaching out and still haven't heard back from you, is this a bad time?
3) Dear Vendor: Thank you for your response. I get the feeling that we may not be the best fit as your ideal client. If that was not your intention, I would like to hear more about you and your services.
4) The samples I've seen look great, but could we see a few more?
5) Thanks for answering my questions - I was hoping you might provide some additional insight on why you feel those are the best options?
6) Dear Vendor: Thank you for following up with us. We are considering our options and would like to know if you can put your follow ups on hold for a few days while we think things over?
The response to these questions should give you some great insight into how they will handle things and guide you as to if your red-flag feeling was spot on or not!
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