Vendor asking for vendor we hired

Hmm I had the same thing happen with a florist, I told her who I chose over her though, And why. because she asked. (Not as discreet as yours) but I figure it would help her. E.g. if she didn't give me a deadline to book her, I would have considered her. Since she put a deadline on it, ("book it by x and y to get this cheaper rate etc) I didn't appreciate it bc i felt rushed so didn't pick her. I told her in a professional manner and she understood and moved on.

I don't think I would want you to share. I'd rather you share my name to friends, family, coworkers, WW brides, etc... Not to someone asking just so they can stalk me to find out who they are competing against.. ...

If you want to help her make improvements, give her positive/negative feedback on her services.. Not someone else name. A name will not help her create a better business... Her skills is what will gain more customers.

That's strange, I never received that. I would think she would be aware of her competition just based off of...well the internet, and being exposed to the industry.

I'm not sure I would share it, but that's just odd. I don't know.

I would think vendors are aware of their competition. When my sister was establishing herself as an event coordinator, she researched coordinators in the area to understand what was options and pricing was available, how they ran their business, etc.

It sounds like she just wants to know who she lost to. I would only say I chose "another vendor" based on [insert reason] (e.g. price, portfolio, options).

No way. That is totally unprofessional of her to even ask. I know everyone in my area, I know where they usually work, what they charge and what they do. Don't tell her anything.

@Kathryn, in many, many cases, we have to give you a deadline because we have multiple calls for a day and getting to a 'no' is more productive than telling everyone else we don't know if we're open.

Do not share anything.

Thanks for the quick feedback! I agree not to share. This is just the MUA - it is two friends that run separate businesses and one does hair and the other makeup. This is what I said back:

Hi Cindy,

I would prefer not to share who I hired specifically. The main reason that I did go with the other vendor is I was looking for one contract for hair and makeup, not hiring those services separately. Hope that helps and good luck with your business!

I wouldn't share anything --thats really strange. All they needed to know is you weren't using them and that should have been the end of it.

We had a wedding officiant that kinda did that. He was very rude when we told him we were going with someone else. He asked a name.

We didn't give him the name, but he went on a rant about how he is the best in the area, and we are making a huge mistake not choosing him.

I think that response was just right!

I'd tell them to get over themselves...I don't need to explain why didn't choose someone...that vendor sounds petty and entitled

I received that question from a bridal store I didn't buy my dress from. Because I cancelled my appointment since I found it at prior bridal store.

ETA: I didn't tell her because I thought she was being pushy.

One photographer I was considering asked what made me go with another photographer when I informed him we would be going with someone else, but he definitely didn't ask WHO I ended up going with....

I wouldn't feel comfortable answering that question.

I was gonna comment but you beat me to it!

I think your response is perfect and professional on your end. I don't think I would have shared any other information.

Now, that's inappropriate. You were right not to share that, it's none of her concern.

You dodged an amateur bullet. No professional would ever go there. It's unthinkable to ask. It says, "whose FB page do I need to watch for client interaction so that I contact her clients with a better offer".

We have been the victim of this, and I swear, it happens. The professional response (if you even told her you were hiring someone else), would be, "Dear Cindy, Thank you so much for advising us that you have found a professional who is a better match for your needs. We so appreciate the fact that you gave us the opportunity to submit a quotation. If, in the future, you feel we can more appropriately meet your needs, we would be delighted to meet with you." That would leave you feeling a lot better than "Who won?", right?

Everyone pays their dues when entering this extremely competitive industry. You stick with it, you give a lot, and you earn your reputation. You do not ask your clients about your competition.

I do not think I would share. Just seems like you are condoning her to creep on the other artist and compete.