I’ve seen a couple articles and blogs over time sharing different perspectives of Planners working with or having a preferred vendors list.  I thought I would share some positive reasons why myself  and several other Planners actually have a group of preferred service providers we love to work with.   Keep in mind that we are willing to work with vendors not on our preferred list as well.   I believe that the below points will give you some insight to why we begin with our preferred partners as service options for our Clients.

An important disclaimer is that the vendors and venues I work with and several other planners I know DO NOT receive commission  from our preferred partners.  We have found trustworthy vendors we enjoy working with and they enjoy working with us.  

5 Reasons Why We Love Our Preferred Vendors

1. Talented –  They invest their time and money to perfect their craft.  They typically are members of associations in their industry, attend conferences, seminars, or even trade shows in different parts of the country.  These are people who take their work very seriously and it truly shows in their results.  
2. Strong Relationships – As we work with different vendors, sometimes really good relationships grow.  A greater level of respect and understanding develops.  The better working relationship a planner and vendor develops over the time, the more we can cooperate and stay focused on the main thing.  We foster a team work environment!
3. Flexibility – In this business, there are adjustments that will always need to be made.  That could mean negotiating the best price, working with a budget challenge, or even flowing with new changes prepared for the actual event day.  Since we have built a trusting and strong relationship with a particular vendor, it makes it easier to address these challenges quickly and sometimes without stressing out the Client.
4. Integrity – Having a talented vendor, strong relationship, and knowing they are flexible leads to integrity.  We trust their word.  They will do what they said they would do.  They are honest about what can and can not be done, but are able to provide alternative solutions for the Client.
5. Excellent Service – They care about delivering the best service from beginning to end.  They are responsive to the planner and the client.  If they see something incorrect without hesitation they are willing to fix it.  They partner with us to be problem solvers and solution providers!

To those great vendors out there providing superb service and operating with a spirit of excellence, I THANK YOU!

Grateful and Appreciative!  Teamwork makes the Dreamwork!
Nishaka