There are a number of ways to buy hospitality.
The most popular are:
1. Contact the venue direct
2. Google it
3. Appoint an agent
Number 1
Sounds the most sensible and often is, but remember you will be one of many companies they have to deal with, but you know you getting the right price.
Number 2
You are putting you head in the Lions mouth.
Number 3
You are putting your head in the Lions mouth.
Or are you:
Number 3
The agent will get a commission, you will not, this gives you the benefit of having someone looking after you, either in the build up to the event or most often on the day itself for free.
Going direct does not mean that it will be good, if the agent turns up and your not paying them then its better to have someone there on your side checking and checking again that you "their "client are being looked after.
Often an agent will solve problems you don't even know existed and will make sure that you get your Champagne before anyone else!
Don't dismiss the option of an agent just make sure they give you the facts, price check them and ask them if they are marking up to cover costs, a good one will tell you....
Monday, 12 November 2007
We are looking for.....
Time and time again I get asked for hospitality options for clients.
Normally the brief is "we are looking for something for 10 guests" and that is about as good as the brief gets. This brief tends to get a corporate company such as Ingram's going, we look for ideas, we hold space we talk to suppliers then we put the proposal only to find out that its for couples is in June and the budget is £250.00 per person.
"Ok" you say "well you should have asked the questions at the time" whilst this is true the reality is that the client does not know as "The Boss " was very vague.
In fact you get growing confusion and frustration which is only compounded by the fact that of course you will have asked two maybe three or even more companies to look for you.
I do not know the answer to this problem but all I do know is that you are better spending a few minutes talking to "The Boss" setting out some clear questions and getting as many facts as possible, it will save you time, money and also get a better result and clear pricing breakdown.
Normally the brief is "we are looking for something for 10 guests" and that is about as good as the brief gets. This brief tends to get a corporate company such as Ingram's going, we look for ideas, we hold space we talk to suppliers then we put the proposal only to find out that its for couples is in June and the budget is £250.00 per person.
"Ok" you say "well you should have asked the questions at the time" whilst this is true the reality is that the client does not know as "The Boss " was very vague.
In fact you get growing confusion and frustration which is only compounded by the fact that of course you will have asked two maybe three or even more companies to look for you.
I do not know the answer to this problem but all I do know is that you are better spending a few minutes talking to "The Boss" setting out some clear questions and getting as many facts as possible, it will save you time, money and also get a better result and clear pricing breakdown.
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