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Have you seen this little gem from The Knot today?

post #1 of 28
5/16/12 at 4:54pm
Thread Starter 
The article is actually from a few years ago, but they posted it to their Facebook page today:

http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/planning-a-wedding/articles/wedding-vendor-negotiatiing-101.aspx?MsdVisit=1

I don't even know what to say anymore....SO glad I have never given them a dime for advertising! thumbsdown.gif
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post #2 of 28
5/16/12 at 5:04pm
Makes sense from the consumer's perspective, I don't see it as offensive.
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post #3 of 28
5/16/12 at 5:15pm
Oh honestly, how insulting can they get? I like some of the comments given at the bottom of that article.
To find "THE RECIPE LINKS ARE HERE" thread, click on "Forums", then "Recipes" and it's the first sticky. Latest updates are on (the bottom of) page 10 here: http://cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopic-625803-135.html
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To find "THE RECIPE LINKS ARE HERE" thread, click on "Forums", then "Recipes" and it's the first sticky. Latest updates are on (the bottom of) page 10 here: http://cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopic-625803-135.html
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post #4 of 28
5/17/12 at 6:22am
I don't mind someone looking for a deal, but that article was just stupid, as are the vendors that defend it and even more so the Knot, who needs advertising from the vendors it says to do the "good cop, back cop" routine too.
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post #5 of 28
5/17/12 at 7:00am
Thread Starter 
Yeah, I think my favorite part was when they tell the bride to "practice at a flea market" for negotiating with her wedding vendors. Really?!? icon_rolleyes.gif
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post #6 of 28
5/17/12 at 7:30am
The article isn't really wrong if we just look at how many threads and posts just on CC show that the industry does negotiate.

I always make a package deal based on the amount spent over the initial budget.
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post #7 of 28
5/17/12 at 7:40am
Quote:
Originally Posted by LoveMeSomeCake615

Yeah, I think my favorite part was when they tell the bride to "practice at a flea market" for negotiating with her wedding vendors. Really?!? icon_rolleyes.gif


Yes, really. Learning how to effectively negotiate is a very useful skill as both a consumer and a business owner.
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post #8 of 28
5/17/12 at 8:04am
The article in itself is not the problem - - it's basically the same advice we would give our children. The problem lies with the bride who takes it too far and thinks she's entitled to get something for nothing, and has an attitude to boot.
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post #9 of 28
5/17/12 at 8:34am
I agree with jgifford. Most businesses (large and small) in America offer discounts in some form or another. The article isn't stating to go for deep deep cuts, just offering advice in getting the most for their money.
Ranae
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post #10 of 28
5/17/12 at 10:30am
I'm all for getting discounts on whatever possible, but I'm not even interested in working with people that will sit in front of me with a stink eye and act like the cake is just "one more damned thing they have to buy". Ugh.
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post #11 of 28
5/17/12 at 10:43am
Quote:
Originally Posted by AZCouture

I'm all for getting discounts on whatever possible, but I'm not even interested in working with people that will sit in front of me with a stink eye and act like the cake is just "one more damned thing they have to buy". Ugh.



I agree, but that's not what the article advised. It suggested that the bride ask "politely" if there are any discounts or package deals available. Apparently reading comprehension is not taught in schools anymore; some brides will take that suggestion as a license to make demands and expect the moon to be handed to them on a silver platter.
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post #12 of 28
5/17/12 at 10:46am
How about the reference to being indifferent? That's what I'm talking about. I have no interest in that. My clients don't act like that. And I wouldn't work with someone who did. That makes for a hostile atmosphere and general discomfort all around.
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post #13 of 28
5/17/12 at 10:47am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jgifford

Quote:
Originally Posted by AZCouture

I'm all for getting discounts on whatever possible, but I'm not even interested in working with people that will sit in front of me with a stink eye and act like the cake is just "one more damned thing they have to buy". Ugh.



I agree, but that's not what the article advised. It suggested that the bride ask "politely" if there are any discounts or package deals available. Apparently reading comprehension is not taught in schools anymore; some brides will take that suggestion as a license to make demands and expect the moon to be handed to them on a silver platter.



Yep! Just like Mrs. "I don't think you understand, I want a 6 foot tall wedding cake icon_eek.gif and I DON'T want to pay for it." icon_confused.gif OOOOOOYYYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEEE icon_rolleyes.gif
To find "THE RECIPE LINKS ARE HERE" thread, click on "Forums", then "Recipes" and it's the first sticky. Latest updates are on (the bottom of) page 10 here: http://cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopic-625803-135.html
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To find "THE RECIPE LINKS ARE HERE" thread, click on "Forums", then "Recipes" and it's the first sticky. Latest updates are on (the bottom of) page 10 here: http://cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopic-625803-135.html
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post #14 of 28
5/17/12 at 10:48am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jgifford

I agree, but that's not what the article advised. It suggested that the bride ask "politely" if there are any discounts or package deals available. Apparently reading comprehension is not taught in schools anymore; some brides will take that suggestion as a license to make demands and expect the moon to be handed to them on a silver platter.



This:


Adopt a friendly but firm demeanor
There's no harm in politely asking for a deal. If vendors are excited to work with you, they may be more willing to come up with creative solutions.


Be indifferent
You need the vendor to believe that if he or she won't meet your offer you will walk away. Consider collaborating with your fiance to employ the old good-cop-bad-cop routine

That part.
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post #15 of 28
5/17/12 at 10:54am
Quote:
Originally Posted by AZCouture

How about the reference to being indifferent? That's what I'm talking about. I have no interest in that. My clients don't act like that. And I wouldn't work with someone who did. That makes for a hostile atmosphere and general discomfort all around.



Here's your answer - we're all perfectly free to decline to work with any customer. Actually, I do agree that maybe The Knot went a little too far with their advice. But I don't believe it warrants going into orbit like so many appear to be doing.
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