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Vendor Questions
Don't hire a vendor without reviewing our list of vendor questions. The right vendor can make all the difference.
There are many things to consider when hiring a vendor. Locate a Vendor
General Questions to Ask All Vendors
- What is included in the quoted price? Are there any additional charges for travel, delivery, set-up, taxes or
fees?
- Do you offer any discounts - AAA, Military, Senior Citizen, Past Customer, etc?
- What forms of payment do you accept?
- Do you require a deposit and when is full payment due?
- Do you accept gratuity, and if so, how is it handled?
- Can you provide at least 3 referrals from previous customers?
- How long have you been in business and how many events have you done?
- How much time do you need to set-up?
- Do you have a business license (if required)?
- Do I need to sign a contract?
- Are you insured or bonded?
- What area do you service? Make sure your area is covered.
- What is the quality of your equipment? Can I see pictures?
- Do your staff members where a uniform? What does the uniform look like?
- Can you handle special requests?
- What is your cancellation policy?
- What makes you stand out from your competition?
- Why should I hire you?
Party Tip: Make sure you get everything in writing.
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Questions to Ask Caterers
- How will you handle leftovers?
- What time will the food be cleaned up?
- What is provided? Plates, silverwear, linens, chaffing dishes, serving utenclis, etc.
- What is the ratio of servers for my event?
- Do you provide table cloths or skirts for the tables?
Questions to Ask Photographers
- What format will my proofs be in and how do I select photos?
- Do you print the photos?
- Can I order photos in color and black and white?
- Who ownes the rights to the photos of my event?
- Will my photos be posted on a website?
- How do I order photos?
- How long will you keep my photos on record?
- What size photos do you offer?
- Can you enhance or add special effects to my photos?
Questions to Ask Venues
- Where will my guests park? Is there a fee to park?
- Do you offer valet parking?
- Are you required to cater the event or can I hire my own caterer/bring my own food?
- Do you offer bartenders and what is the fee?
- How many people can the room accommodate?
- Do you have a PA system/screen available for use?
- Can I hire my own vendors?
- Is there a fee for cleanup?
- How long will I have the room?
- Is it possible to extend the event for additional time and how much is it per hour?
Questions to Ask Disc Jockeys
- How many music files do you have?
- What types of music do you have?
- Can you take requests?
- Do you make announcements?
- How long will I have the room?
- Do you have a PA system/screen available for use?
- Can I hire my own vendors?
- Is there a fee for cleanup?
Questions to Ask YOURSELF
- What was your first impression of the vendor?
- Do you feel comfortable with their answers to your questions?
- Were they knowledgeable of their products and services?
- How would you rate their customer service?
- Do you feel comfortable with what they are offering?
- Do you have confidence in their abilities?
- Are you happy with their price?
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Party Tip: Do not hire a vendor you do not have confidence in. If you trust them enough to hire them, do not micromanage them.
Keep the lines of communication open and give them everything they ask for in a timely manner.
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