Every successful venue and event calls on the contributions of reliable and knowledgeable vendors. Choosing event suppliers is therefore a critical step in the process. But should venues and event organisers always opt for preferred suppliers? The short answer is yes, absolutely.
Sometimes you only get one chance to get things right and make a strong impression or close a sale, so it pays to eliminate the risk factor of an unknown or untrustworthy supplier as much as possible. Here are five key tips to keep in mind when choosing event suppliers.
1. GOOD SUPPLIERS KNOW WHAT YOU NEED
As a first step, you will need to brainstorm and then formalise what each individual vendor is going to provide on the day or over a designated period of time. In one instance it might be as simple as delivering a single piece of audio-visual equipment; in another, it might be a full team of people setting up the displays and interactive technologies for your entire venue. During these discussions, the more you can involve potential suppliers and their bright ideas, the better. They should be in the experts in their field. They may even have a stronger grasp of precisely what you need than you do. This is also an effective way to find out what a supplier can offer compared to competitors.
2. DO YOUR DUE DILIGENCE
Regardless of whether you select a renowned supplier of particular goods and services or a less established vendor with impressive initial customer support, it’s essential to do your due diligence. That means reading online reviews. It means talking to colleagues. It means asking around the industry for any insights on recent experiences with the company. A little bit of effort now could prove invaluable later.
3. EXPERIENCE COUNTS
When it comes to running a venue or planning an event, there really is no substitute for experience. Ideally, all the suppliers you work with will know what they’re doing because they’ve done it before. And, of course, done it well – preferably on countless occasions for similar clients in your industry. By requesting referrals and only engaging preferred suppliers with excellent credentials, you’ll be well on the way to a smooth operation with no nasty surprises.
4. TRUST IS EARNED
One of the big advantages of always choosing preferred suppliers is that you build trust over time and feel confident in their ability to get the job done in a timely, professional and cost-effective manner. And what if things go wrong? It’s reassuring to know you’ve aligned your business with a supplier that steps up under pressure and delivers solutions rather than making excuses.
5. SUPPORT SHOULD BE STANDARD
Even if a supplier appears to have all the bells and whistles to attract your business in the first place, what actually matters is the support you receive from start to finish. Just as a quality supplier will take an active role in advising you on how to prepare for an event and what equipment you need and don’t need, they should also be there to help you solve any hardware performance issues or other technology challenges along the way.
Need a reliable technology rental solution for your venue or event? Talk to Hire Intelligence today!
