by A wedding is a huge project that requires lots of planning. This is why you should carefully choose your wedding suppliers and vendors. Wedding vendors play a key role in executing your dream day and pull off your big day without a hitch.
If you’re looking to choose a professional and reliable wedding vendor, the first thing you should know is that there are two types of online wedding vendors. Here’s a brief overview of both:
a) An online vendor with a physical storefront
Some online vendors have an actual physical storefront where you can visit and make inquiries. The purpose of their online presence is to allow their customers to make orders from the convenience of their homes and have their package delivered to them. Nonetheless, you can walk into their physical stores, get a personal feel of their service delivery, and make purchases.
The drawback to this type of online vendor is that their offerings are usually pricey and the store may not be within driving distance.
b) An online vendor with no physical storefront
This type of online vendor deals exclusively online. Because they have no physical storefront, they have lower overheads and are able to offer affordable pricing.
While this type of online vendor offers total convenience, the drawback is that it is hard to establish trust since you can’t meet them one-on-one.
What to look for in an online wedding vendor
Overall, here are the traits you should look for:
Quality and selection
Determining the quality of the products or services of an online vendor can be hard but you can get an idea from the available photographs, screenshots, detailed spec lists, virtual tours, and any other information available.
Availability and delivery
Once you confirm that the products or services are top-notch, check the shipping rates and the estimated time of delivery. Some vendors don’t ship to a particular area/country, so be sure to check and ensure that there are no restrictions.
Physical address or mailing location
Reputable online vendors understand that people need a physical address or mailing location to believe that they’re legit, and they’re often willing to supply this information. If a vendor evades this request, look elsewhere.
Methods of contact:
While email is great, a better option is to be able to reach instantly get hold of their representatives. Most vendors provide a phone number that their customers can call and they also include a “live help” feature on their website.
Helpful suggestions or advice
While the criterion above is largely for complaints and inquiries, this point is about the possibility of receiving suggestions to guide you in making a decision that works for your situation.
Experience
Expectedly, you want to choose a vendor that has been in the business for a few years and that has worked with several clients in the past. Be sure to check out the testimonials and reviews of their services.
Free sample or trial options
Since you can’t handle any product of an online wedding vendor, ask if they’re willing to mail a sample to you so you can confirm that their products are exactly what you need.
Secure payment options
Since most online vendors process payments via their website, check if their site is secure and well protected. Alternatively, you can offer to mail a personal check or money order.
Conclusion
Dealing with an online vendor can be unsettling but following the guidelines above can help make sure you have a great shopping experience.
