Working with a small vendor list
Launch library · evergreen read
A small, well chosen vendor list is often more manageable and more reliable than a large one for a first time event organiser working with limited experience. Fewer relationships to coordinate means fewer points of potential failure on the day itself, and it is far easier to genuinely vet a small number of suppliers thoroughly.
Building relationships with vendors who have worked community or small events before, rather than exclusively larger commercial ones, tends to produce a smoother experience overall. These vendors are usually more familiar with the flexibility and modest budgets that smaller events genuinely require compared with large scale commercial bookings.
Confirming details in writing, even for vendors known personally through existing local networks, protects everyone involved from simple misunderstandings about timing, cost or exactly what is included in a quoted price. A short written confirmation, even a simple message, is worth the small extra effort every single time.