Ask for a Better Deal

By now you may have come to know that I'm a Cater-Hater, focused on today's consumer (typically the party consumer) that struggles to make ends meet - which is most people in America today.

Haven't you wondered, especially since the economy tanked, why many caterers and event planners, for example, haven't offered you a better - if not great - deal? And, haven't you wondered... why haven't you bothered to ask?

Not asking for a better deal makes about as much sense as going to a restaurant that you know is out of business, expecting service.
No food. Nothing to eat.

Party industry trade publications feature articles with stories about saving money with titles like, "Saving Secrets" and "Dream Weddings on a Budget", that appear to cater more so to party professionals and seem to be less about catering to clients.

One article suggests that we tell our clients that they should cut back their guest lists - as if we should be the ones to squelch a hopeful brides dream.

Then, there are the "help consumers save money" articles that suggest that we tell you to save money by serving a lesser quality of beef, as if you don't already know to do that.

We're looking at record home foreclosures - and feel that the banks don't want to play fair. Most people feel like they're not doing their share to help the economy.

And, this... we don't like.

We're unemployed, on unemployment, or scared that we'll be laid off any day now. Yet, we continue to be offered the same 'ol regular prices for everything that we spend money on - and we act like sheep that don't know any better - because we're lined up, following each other to the financial slaughterhouse.

And, if we think about it... we don't like this either. Yet, we don't ask businesses that we buy from for a deal and we pay the going prices.

Time moved on. Economically and socially, time moved on past the season of traditional (catering and event planning, for example) pricing structures. A new horizon dawned, effecting every business sector deemed possible. We're all consumers on some level, and we should remember that fact and play fair.

Things have changed significantly and will never be the same again. And, the party industry (like many other industries) isn't effectively dealing with the fianancial needs of the consumer, and there needs to be an adjustment before more businesses close.

Other Related Posts:

Making Your Wedding Vendor Decisions
Court your caterer to get what you want
The Color Effect of Your Party
Who in the Hell Do Some Caterers and Event Planners Think They Are?
The Moroccan Theme Wedding Reception
The Price of Parties
Wedding and Party Professionals
Party Fashion: Style A to Cee
Wedding Time Line Basics
Preston Bailey: Design for Entertaining
Hiring an Event Planner 101
Tired of Caterers and Event Planners Budgeting Tips?
Get a Party Industry Professional to Cut You a Deal
What To Discuss With Your Catering Service Provider

Image source: TW Collins

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