From: "Events by Misty" <events@paulbunyan.net>
To: <BalloonDiva@aol.com>, <balloondeco@balloonhq.com>
Subject: Re: Giving ideas
Date: Fri, 15 Jun 2001 16:31:21 -0500

Hey!

Trust your instinct-give them a full estimate, and if they can afford it,
they will book you-if not, they won't!  One way I compensate for those that
take up alot of time-we all know the ones-is in the actual estimate. I also
charge a $100 non-refundable deposit due at the initial consult, or when
they receive my estimate.  I ask their budget, then I give them an estimate
for what they can do for it.  Just a warning about these types, however, is
that you will be having them calling you daily, weekly, until the wedding.
Ask yourself how much you need that decor job!  I tend to do "favors" too
much for people, and its fine if you decide to do it, but not okay if they
are demanding that you do it.  Also, I wouldn't compromise your work's
perception of value by doing cheepies.  Its a tough spot to be in, but the
best thing to do is trust your own instincts-and my guess is you already
know your answer!!! :)
Good luck in your decision!
Misty

----- Original Message -----
To: <balloondeco@balloonhq.com>
Cc: <balloondeco@balloonhq.com>
Sent: Wednesday, June 13, 2001 8:26 AM
Subject: Giving ideasdeas


> Hey all
> I had a consult with a prospective bride last week that has her grandma
> helping her out instead of mom.   Budget is about $200- $250.
> The grandma went out and bought tons..and I mean TONS of silk flowers and
> vases right after Christmas.   With these she made HUGE floral
arrangments.
> At this consultation she kept asking me how I would elaborate on what she
had
> made. Honestly, I didn't care for what she had made and feel that the
> granddaughter was more like "Whatever Grandma" .  The bride isn't even
having
> a head table, just a cake and punch reception.
> Then the grandma took this one candle and asked me. "Ok..so if you were
going
> to put balloons on this..what would you do?"  I gave her some vague ideas
but
> it just got me that she hadn't even hired me yet!
> Then...she mentioned the fact about where should the tables go. I mentione
d
> getting the proposal to her and then we would figure out a graph and get
the
> tables set up in a good way.
> She calls the day after the consult and asks to make sure I get that graph
in
> the mail with the proposal so she knows where to put the tables.  I side
> stepped the comment and told her that the proposal will be in the mail in
a
> few days and we can do some more figuring after she gets that.
> Is it just me or is she wanting me to do a lot more than the $250 worth?
> And again last night, I met with a bride and her mom, they brought over a
> rather large hurricane type candle holder, presented it to me and asked
> "Ok..what would you do to this?"   When they do this, I do try to present
the
> difficult things such as double bubbles, sparklets, different things.
> Any other ways to handle these sorts?
> Lydia, MI
>