Wed 5 Dec 2007
When you are ready to plan for a great event you will need to consider many things which you will need to purchase. For all these things you will need a vendor who can give you good stuff at the right price. There are many vendors who would like to take your money and you want to make sure that you are protecting yourself and your event when you decide to use them.
Planning the event is not an easy task and you have to seriously decide what your wants are and are you getting of the most for what you are paying. You want to get the most of the money you spend and still put on the great event.
Make a list of what all will be required; shop around for prices for such items. Do not pick from the first vendor contact at least three vendors and ask for the prices of the same items. The item can be $1.00 cheaper at the other store and if you want to buy in bulk that $1.00 converts itself into thousand dollars.
If you are regular event planner you can look for the items which can be reusable later at another event. You can use the cotton table cloth instead of the paper ones which can be laundered and kept for the next use. They will be expensive than the paper ones but in the long run it will fall much cheaper.
Even though paper table cloth is not appreciated at all the events, The cotton or table cloth can give a much better look. If you are using the paper linen you cannot use it for a good event and you may eventually opt for those cotton linens. So it will be a good idea to invest in good supplies.
A supplier chosen wisely can make your event. You can choose a vendor locally and who is sure to supply the stuff immediately. If you choose online supplier any thing might go wrong and you are stuck with no table linen or any other supplies whereas locally you can pick it yourself and be sure that the stuff is available when required. Always keep a backup plan in case the supplies do not reach you in time. Don’t let anyone hold you from making a success of your event.
Hold the suppliers and vendors to their contract. If they make any mistakes in supplies call them and make them pay for it. Tell them you want big discounts or you will refuse to accept their shipments. Be firm. If you have to put up with things which are wrong you are entitled to discounts get money back on the overall deal.
You can dictate terms with the suppliers as you are paying the bills and you do not need to pay if the supplies as not supplied as per the quantity and quality ordered. Make the vendor or supplier work for your money.
You should know the reputation of the supplier and avoid them if they have a history of running late, wrong supplies. Always keep a list of suppliers that are good and will supply everything you require in time and as per your order. Always know where you bought the item last, and at least one other supplier for that item so your events will ‘go off’ without a hitch.