From: TutBalloon@cs.com
Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2001 19:46:56 EST
Subject: caterers, event planners etc.
To: balloondeco@balloonhq.com

Hi,
We are also hired by event planners, destination companies, caterers etc. 
This makes them our clients. Often when we go into an event we tell the 
client that we are with Action Events - not Tuthill's Balloon Emporium. 
Action Event has sold the job for us and they are a service company just like 
we are. They mark up our work as a fee for booking our decor - after all - 
they came to see us, put together the theme, looked at designs, suggested 
color, took a proto type to their client, arranged delivery and setup time 
and paid us! Whew!  They are entitled to make the profit they need to make 
their business grow! 
We occasionally have their stickers that we attach to the bottom of a weight 
-- very discreetly. I'm not about to kill the goose that lays the golden egg. 
These folks bring us a lot of business. The business they bring us is really 
great because they sell our work and they have a lot of knowledge as to what 
will work in the venue and I find they spend more money and I spend less time 
with them than someone off the street who has no idea of what they want!
We do not change our prices for them. They know what they need to succeed. 
The event company knows if their client is Hi or Low Maintenance. We feel 
their client could have come directly to us but chose to use an event 
planner. Just as I could use a general contractor to build my house or handle 
all the subs myself!!!
Last Words - are there slimy folks I'd choose not to do business with - 
ABSOLUTELY trust your instincts!
Enough said!
Meg Tuthill CBA
Tuthill's Balloon Emporium
Minneapolis, MN USA