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Master April 2012

Negotiating with vendors- who has done it, and how did you do it?

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krisalicious, on January 24, 2012 at 11:21 PM

I know we talk about negotiating with vendors here and there, but I thought it would be helpful if we all shared our success stories of actually doing so. I have a recent success story- I got quotes from 3 companies for a 4 hour trolley rental. There was only one company that had solid positive...

I know we talk about negotiating with vendors here and there, but I thought it would be helpful if we all shared our success stories of actually doing so.

I have a recent success story- I got quotes from 3 companies for a 4 hour trolley rental. There was only one company that had solid positive reviews, and of course they were the most expensive. I politely forwarded that sales associate a copy of the lowest quote I had received from a competing company, and I explained honestly that I wanted to book with them instead based on their solid reviews, but I needed to be budget-conscious and asked if they could match the competitor's price. THEY DID. No questions asked. I was totally shocked.

It's amazing what you can do when you just ask. Anybody else have advice or success stories to share when it comes to negotiating with vendors?

Vendors- would love your input re: what makes you more likely to negotiate, and what makes you run for the hills.

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28 Comments

Master September 2012
Heather · on January 25, 2012 at 7:50 PM
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I am a bit of a haggler and a sneakster, so with one of our vendors i went into the meeting saying "this is how much i need to spend", they tried to talk me into to something more and said that they couldnt give me what i wanted for that price so i simply said "ok i know another vendor that will" (i didnt) and as FH and i were getting up to leave, they gave me the deal iv always been like this lol
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Devoted June 2013
Mrs.Shilling · on January 25, 2012 at 8:14 PM
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The photographer I could not negotiate with...but I'm ok with that. It's more than what we wanted to pay but her pictures are phenomenal and after its all said and done...those pictures are the only thing we will have left of that day.
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Stacy Alberto · on January 25, 2012 at 9:59 PM
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I agree with @Stephanie about letting us know your budget to create a tailored package.
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Celia Milton · on January 25, 2012 at 11:22 PM
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A true professional charges what they charge because it is their logical fee; I know that this is the way that I've priced my services. It is all based on the time involved. If your wedding is in two weeks, yes, my price is going to be less, but it's less because we simply will not have the time to meet for hours, edit several times, and talk/skype as often as couples that I book for a year out.

I think the best strategy here is to decide what is really meaningful to you, like the photography or the venue or (smile, smile) a great officiant, see who would be the best choice for you and then talk to them. You may not be able to negotiate rates for their top package, but they may be able to offer you a different amount of coverage/different menu/less personalized ceremony for a lower rate. Or they may not, and then it's up to you to decide whether this is the pro that you HAVE to have to make your day.
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Super October 2013
coffeeandtea1 · on January 25, 2012 at 11:30 PM
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For me, it's not so much a matter of a good deal, but rather good *value*.

For example, I was deciding on who I wanted to do my wedding stationary. I chose my vendor first, then asked if they could work with within my budget. Stationary is a subjective matter where, to me, someone's amazing design is worth much more than someone else's (in my eyes) average design. Same can be said for photographers, florists, dj's, etc...

For something like Trolley Rentals, there's not as much subjective reasoning - maybe customer service, trolley size, available colors, cleanliness, etc. At any rate, I'd go with the service that had the best customer service, with a *competitive* price. If they had great customer service and were overpriced, I would say no.

Bottom line, value. I go for the best service/product with most reasonable price.
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John Ung · on January 25, 2012 at 11:38 PM
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Regarding photography,,, if you found someone work you really love,,, it doesn't hurt to ask for some discount, most of the time you will get it

But be sure to return a favor by giving that hard working photographer a big tips....
Example::: regular price... $3500... You got it down to $3000
After the wedding, if you are above happy, you can surprise that photographer with a $500-$1,000 tips

I love it when brides knows the different between quality and quantity. I work with any bride with reasonable photography budget and reasonable expectation.
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Super August 2012
Erin · on January 25, 2012 at 11:51 PM
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Some venders gave us a discount just because we were able to pay in full. I got 100$ off my DJ just because we paid it in full upon signing the contract which makes things easier for me as well. I did ask my photographer if he did this and he said not normally but offered us 50$ off if we wanted to pay in full all because i asked. I am not one to negotiate but if they offer i will take it!
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