References and Background Checks on Vendors
The event-planning industry relies heavily on vendors. As you begin your event-planning career, it is wise to check a vendor's reliability before beginning a relationship. A client will also want to be assured of a vendor's reliability before she gives a deposit and access to her home. A few tools exist to aid event planners in checking the backgrounds of vendors.
About the Better Business Bureau
The Better Business Bureau is a private nonprofit agency established in 1912. Today 300,000 local offices support the bureau. The bureau was structured to protect consumers against fraudulent companies and products. As a consumer, a person can contact his local Better Business Bureau to lodge a complaint against unfair operations. Once a complaint has been filed, the Better Business Bureau will contact the organization on his behalf and assist in finding a solution.
As an event planner you may wish to check a vendor recommendation before referring him to a client. You can utilize the Better Business Bureau by requesting a reliability report. By contacting the bureau, you can verify that no complaints have been filed against a vendor. The bureau will share the number of complaints for this vendor. You can then decide if you still wish to work with the vendor.
Background Checks
A background check is a safeguard you can take to protect yourself against vendors you may work with. The background check can search criminal records, driving records, and lawsuit history. There are several Internet companies providing background checks. Avoid companies offering cheap or free background checks. Although background checks can be expensive, the information you may receive will provide peace of mind to you and your client.
Checking References
Just as a client may request references before hiring you as an event planner, you should incorporate the same practice with your vendors. Before hiring or recommending a vendor, ask for letters of reference. Contact the references and ask questions specific only to the vendor's performance and reliability. Also contact other event planners in your area and inquire about the vendor's reputation.
Alert
In the event you have a complaint against a vendor, contact your local Better Business Bureau. You would not want another event planner to have the same negative experience with a vendor. Also, if the vendor happens to list you as a potential reference, do not give specific details to your negative experience. Simply saying “I found him unreliable” is a sufficient answer.
