Selecting A Supplier for Your Next Event

Choosing the Right Supplier for Your Event

Why is selecting the RIGHT supplier important to your next event?

It makes no difference what type of event product, service, or resource you are searching for—one of the most puzzling questions most inexperienced event planners are confronted with is how to select a supplier to host an event.

You can spend endless hours on Google and calling numerous prospective suppliers asking for a quote, ask friends/business associates, or even the event facility who they have used. Or you can talk to Fun-Tastic Promotions.

The event business is very fragmented, and pricing is a variable that can range from simple to ridiculous. Some event companies specialize in one specific area like inflatables or casino parties.

Other companies offer a broader variety of services across multiple event categories such as casino parties, inflatables, team building, company picnics, game shows, and arcade game rentals.

One of the biggest mistakes inexperienced event planners make is relying solely on price. They fail to recognize that not all event entertainment companies are created alike, nor do they have the same capabilities and quality of assets.

Another mistake is assuming that if they see something on a company’s website, that company owns that activity or equipment. A company may advertise equipment they subcontract through another provider.

While price is important, it should not be the only criterion used when selecting a supplier.

In the event business, it is difficult to see and touch the items the supplier is providing unless you have attended a previous event they hosted.

Lower prices may reflect inferior quality in service, staff/dealers, and equipment. The lowest price is not always the best value for the money. Reliability and quality should remain priorities.

Other Factors to Consider

• Does the supplier have liability and workman’s compensation insurance?
• Is the supplier providing photos of the items included in their proposal?
• Does the supplier return your messages and provide proposals in a timely manner?
• Is the supplier communicating regularly or do you need to follow up repeatedly?
• Have they demonstrated expertise and offered suggestions or alternatives?
• Do they provide references to validate quality and reliability?
• How long have they been in business?
• Do they have a business license?
• Do they own all items included in the proposal instead of subcontracting?
• Do they have a physical office where equipment can be inspected?
• Do staff/dealers work exclusively for their company?
• Will the person planning the event also be on-site during the event?

One last note: trust and reputation are two crucial factors.

You do not want to select a supplier based solely on the lowest price and then be embarrassed in front of your boss or customers because their equipment is old or poorly maintained.

The event will be remembered—let us hope for the right reasons.

About Fun-Tastic Promotions

Fun-Tastic Promotions has been providing event entertainment programs to corporate clients, social events, and colleges/universities throughout the Southeast for over 25 years.

Services include:

• Casino Programs
• Arcade Game Rentals
• Team Building Events
• Company Family Day Picnics
• Game Shows
• Carnivals & Interactive Rides
• Inflatables

Call our representatives today:
(770) 420-0624

Let us help you with the planning and details of your next event. You will not be disappointed!