EMAIL ETIQUETTE | Dos & Donts From: Bride To: Vendor A good friend of mine messaged me today to ask me about all the things you should go into an email with when youre contacting a vendor. Hes looking to host an event for his job, and wanted to make a good first impression. I think this is a fundamental, and crucial, step to any working vendor/host relationship and thought Id share a few pointers here for Brides to benefit from as well. So here goes ... *drum roll please* ... 1. Find their website: We pay good money for, and lots of time on, a functional, professional, and informative website that all our people can go to and have questions about our service answered. Starting your email with, Whats your pricing? when it is clearly visible and easily navigated on our website is not the best way to start an email conversation. We like knowing that all the hard work weve put into our business store front is appreciated, so make sure that you visit a potential vendors website and had a good snoop around, before emailing us. It saves everyone time too! 2. Dont expect discounts: I keep seeing these Bridal magazines and blogs giving these poor unsuspecting Brides the most horrible advice EVER: dont settle on the price you see, negotiate! No, no, no, no, no. Did I mention NO? If you walk into a consultation with a vendor in the mindset that youre not paying full price, then youve already lost. Honestly, if you arent ready, willing, and able to pay a vendor their full price, then you shouldnt be doing a consultation in the first place. I know it might sound harsh, but thats really the best way I can explain it. We are not obligated to give a discount. Should we find it in our hearts to offer (notice I say offer) you a discount for being active military, or maybe youre a teacher, then thats for US to decide. I always encourage my Brides to set up a spending budget prior to meeting with ANY vendors so that they can walk confidently into a consultation, get the information they need, and walk out feeling good. Its really the best way to operate, and we appreciate not being put in an incredibly awkward situation. 3. Know what you want: Do your research, and figure out, exactly what it is you will require from a vendor. How many hours will you need them? What expectations do you have while theyre with you? Will there be any extra cost for something? Is travel included? How about set-up and tear down? These are all vastly important questions that should always be discussed in detail before you sign a contract and pay a deposit. 4. Treat them with respect: Lets be honest, you need what theyre offering, so emailing them and being a jerk ... isnt going to endear them to take on your event. They can easily tell you theyre already booked, and take the chance they may/may not get interest again for that day, knowing they didnt have to work with someone who didnt respect what they did. When I get an email and the first sentence tells me that they love my work and really want to have me be part of their wedding ... Im mush. I kid you not, Im just all gooey and feeling fantastic at that point and will go out of my way to try and get them reserved. You can definitely catch more flies with honey, and with vendors if we know you enjoy something about our business, were usually putty in your hands. As a photographer, I also threw in here that for a wedding day having my meal, or at least a meal, included in there somewhere was a HUGE amount of stress off my back and total relief. It also makes me feel included and more part of the event, so thats a little tip for everyone as well. Hope this has been helpful! Love & Light ☼
Posted on: Tue, 06 Jan 2015 21:17:16 +0000
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