Let’s get right into Polka Dot Hot Spot this February Friday! I want to know about vendor responses!
Does it matter to you how long it takes for a vendor to respond to your inquiry? Does it matter if vendors are not available outside business hours? How important is flexibility with visiting your vendors? How important are communication times? Time to talk, I want to know!
As a rule, I try to respond to enquiries within 24 hours, including on weekends and after hours. Now that I’m planning my own wedding, I appreciate prompt responses even more!
I tried to respond within 6 hours of receipt. This has sometimes caused me to be in bed at midnight and replying to emails. I always put myself in the brides shoes and most times, they want an answer ASAPh
As a bride-to-be, I have found that some vendors will take weeks (if at all) to get back to me. The good vendors, and subsequently the ones I have booked have all responded within 24 hours for email or 3-4 hours on the phone which I deem acceptable. I figure if they arent responding quicker than that, they dont want my business – but if my heart is set on them, I will persist for a couple of attempts before finding the next best thing.
At this time of year, I do not expect responses on the weekends as that is vendors busiest time, and after hours is a touchy subject. I am understanding in that when I get home, I would rather be with my family, so do not expect the vendors to be online/on call at all hours. But if I can get a later appointment to meet a vendor it certainly helps (as in straight after work – 5.30pm/6ish)
I think brides need to ensure they arent getting mucked around, but also need to understand that vendors are busy too that have families and home lives they wish to enjoy – so dont go all bridezilla on the vendors and accept that if they dont respond within your expectations, they arent the right vendor for you, but make sure your expectations are also realisitic.
Hi Kate,
I’m so happy you chimed in! I must say I think vendors being available at least one day of the week after hours (if that;s a Saturday, or after work) I think it’s really valuable. It can be really tough to take time off during work for one appointment that isn’t medical! I’ve noticed a few vendors then take their Monday’s off ion lieu of that.
I’m still in the (very early) planning stages and trying to gather quotes so I can take them home to my folks in March and have the dreaded budget discussion (since they’re helping us out)! I’ve found I can immediately get the vibe of who’s going to be great to work with and who to avoid. The cake & stationery designer (yes, they do both!) I’m hoping to use have been fabulous, quick responses and even suggested “meeting” over FaceTime to have a discussion as it was difficult to get us both in the same place. Definitely a big plus!