What to do about vendors who won't give you estimates/pricing?

BUHBBYYEEE. I've had that and I reply "my FH and I have extremely busy schedules making it even busy for us to see each other. If we could limit our communication to telephone and email then that would be great" if they STILL don't give me anything then it's on to the next.

ALSO we met with a videographer via Skype yesterday bc he lives about an hour away from us. Ask if that is an option?

Thanks very much everyone for all the ideas and insight! And the clever ways you've worked with vendors! (what a great idea with skype!) I do get why some of them would want to meet, it's just not possible for the most part.

I think I'll try again with a couple and be as specific as possible, and if they still don't get me more information via e-mail or even phone I'll move on. And I'm giving extra stars to those who got me the information right off the bat. I'll probably end up using them anyway because I so appreciate their openness.

Thanks again everyone! This forum is fabulous.

Also have to add: I plan several events (conferences, award banquets) in my non-wedding life and never run into vendors who can't give me e-mail quotes! I feel like the wedding world is a different one completely... It's proving to be fun though

Hello,

I have been reading your responses and I feel maybe I can be of some help. As an officiant, my fees are straight forward and I give them out freely, in fact, they are posted on my web-site.

As a planner, however, I never give prices over the phone because it is impossible to do so. My fees range from $800 to over $10k depending on what a couple needs. Whenever a price is given, the couple then comes in for a meeting. Often times the couple goes much more into detail about what is needed and then make it seem like I used a low number to bring them in and pulled a bait and switch. Also my consultations are free as are most so anyone serious about services will set an appointment. This comes from our have to have it now world and unfortunately good vendors do not work that way. I will never give pricing over the phone because I have to sit with you and work up a quote to submit. Be wary of those who do as they tend to shoot low numbers just to get you in the door. A wedding is an investment of money and time on both the professional and the couple. I always recommend setting appointments with 3 planners. If in a bind for time or not local, a skype appointment is best. Email is ALWAYS a failure just like texting...you can never get a sense of the person and certainly cannot go into detail without many, many emails back and forth and that is why consultations are free.