Post # 1
Member
1747 posts
Bumble bee
Are you guys having a tough time receiving responses from vendors you have booked and/or vendors that you are interested in? I can’t seem to get a response time of less than two business days. Sometimes it goes up to five business days.
Three examples come to mind currently:
A florist I didn’t even want to book but who both families rave about. I called the shop to ask for a flower consult/appointment and was told the “owner wasn’t in, what’s your number, I’ll see when she is available and have her call you back”. Five days ago. Never received a call. Going with a different florist, obviously.
My photographer. Love his work, but the average response time of his wife (the manager) is five days, and I sometimes have to forward emails I sent her last week to even get a response at all.
My wedding coordinator at the hotel. I’ll wait at least five days for his response. I like the guy, but we are dropping so much money. I think a one business day turnaround time is more appropriate for a vendor like this.
I don’t know, am I asking too much? Are these people juggling too many brides? Because I know I juggle many things in a day, but I can usually respond to any one particular email within a business day and if I can’t, I’ll drop a quick line to at least acknowledge it.
Is this how it works for everyone?
Post # 3
Member
2493 posts
Buzzing bee
I had a few times I was frustrated like that. My catering, for example, took THREE WEEKS to connect with them. Was it worth it? Yes, but it was frustrating and I almost switched companies a few times. I am also currently in an email war with my photographer trying to get them to set a date in April to do E-Pics. Over a week ago they were going to email me with available dates and never did.
In the end, I think some people are busy or just don’t get it. I agree it is rude, and if you haven’t put down a deposit, it might make you think twice about booking.
Post # 4
Member
13249 posts
Honey Beekeeper
If someone doesn’t respond in 48 hours, I put them on a maybe list based on that. If it’s over a week and there isn’t a good excuse for the delay, I cross them off the list. If they don’t respond when they’re trying to get my money, are they actually going to answer any better when they have my money?
Post # 5
Member
2359 posts
Buzzing bee
i would not stand for that! That is rediculous and shows they do not value your business.
Thankfully all my vendors have been amazing… i usually get a response within 15 minutes, haha.
MY venue has 3 different people i can communicate with, which makes it easier too.
Post # 6
Member
1747 posts
Bumble bee
@abbie017: I totally agree. I immediately took this florist off the list. Well, not immediately since I gave them the benefit of the doubt because of a slight language barrier.
My photographer was lightening fast when I was about to book though, so it is a bit of a disappointment that I have alotted so much money to him and my question, which is really simple actually, doesn’t merit a yes or no. Ugh.
I usually don’t panic when I don’t receive a response, I’ve planned most things without having to constantly be in contact with anyone, but I just hope it’s not like this when things get down to the nitty gritty.
I will say the band we’re using is incredible with their response time.
