From: "Inflated Impressions" <inflatedimpressions@prodigy.net>
To: <balloondeco@balloonhq.com>
Subject: Handling situations
Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2001 12:58:11 -0700

Hi,


          Tim McConeghy, Lord of Latex. I need to offer another perspective
on this issue. WE have clients who request that WE handle ALL the details of
their event. They ask us to locate entertainment, design decor and provide a
caterer or bar etc. We in turn BILL them for the added convenience of not
dealing with the other companies and all the piddly issues that come up with
any event. Sometimes a last minute need arises, rather than adjust the
entire bill we have the provider bill at an increased rate and pay us a
dividend out of that amount. We explain it to our customer at the outset
that any additional contractors will be paying us a feeor we will be billing
to provide for our efforts in the arrangement.
          We are often booked by other agencies or event coordinators in the
same way, billing to provide a return to the agent, or providing numbers
with the knowledge that they will be increased prior to being presented to
the customer.
          Notice in paragraph 2 that it is no longer OUR customer, it is THE
AGENTS customer. My job is to provide a service for my customer THE AGENT.
It is not my job to inform THE AGENTS's customer of any moral dilemmas I
face as a result of working for the agent. I guess what I want to say is
that if you don't wish to work for the caterer, the person who hired or
attempted to hire you, then don't. Whatever you choose to do, (these words
are strong) don't risk liable or slander to relieve your conscience simply
excuse yourself from the dealings and move on.
          I completely understand the position you were in. I agree that the
caterer in this case was probably misleading THEIR client. I also feel that
there could be negative repercussions to the actions taken in this
circumstance.
          The purpose of this post is to offer counterpoint to discussion
that has been markedly one sided and not to slight or dismiss the validity
of the concerns expressed in the original post. I applaud the descision to
distance your company from an unsavory relationship. I hope to make others
aware of the possibility, under the right circumstances, to secure long term
relationships with other companies through referral fee type business.
          Always inform your clients and respect other peoples clients. Then
I won't be the only one to say your the best balloon artist in your socks.


Tim McConeghy CBA
LORD OF LATEX
Inflated Impressions LLC
Tempe, AZ