Too Good To Be True?
Sitting at my computer, sipping coffee and enjoying a day to catch up I think of family members who woke up early, stood in line and tried to chase the Black Friday deals. Don’t get me wrong, I thought about doing it to chase the HDTV I want, but after weighing the benefit of a rare chance to sleep in to the possibility of the deal, I chose sleeping in.
The other day, I had lunch with my daughter and received a survey with the reward being an IPOD or maybe $1000. I took the time for the survey.
Why did I decide to do the survey, but have said no thanks to others promising a new car, even more money, a trip? Why did I sleep in yet my sister-in-law chased the deal?
Recently, I engaged other wedding professionals at a networking event in a discussion about this very topic. When we participate in bridal shows, normally we are asked if we would like to donate a gift or service. Discounts are encouraged. I normally run some type of special and many times a giveaway on my own. While some couples choose to enter the contests, the majority walk quickly past the booth at a show saying ‘no thanks’ without making eye contact or when seeking my service just do not care to enter…why? Many times a prize is won and despite our trying to contact the winner, the winner is elusive. Why?
Being a consumer who loves to save money and also a business owner who offers discounts, contests, giveaways the “psychology” of the choice is important to me. What makes us choose one deal, a specific contest or giveaway and pass on another?
Personally it comes down to trust, convenience, and is it too good to be true? I do have to admit, I hate to shop, but when I do I want customer service, product quality, and store/vendor reputation. I look for the discounts and coupons. If I am going to spend my money, why not save as much as I can?
Relating this to the wedding industry and especially now when our economy is struggling, my suggestion to couples is don’t pass on the savings. If you attend a show, enter the contests. If you are looking for a photographer or florist, don’t automatically pass over the ones who offer a holiday special. If you win a prize and it is a service or product you want/need for your wedding, take advantage of it. I could not believe the number of photographers who said I gave away an engagement session and it was never claimed. I was stunned. If I am a bride/groom, I am contacting the photographer! If there is no obligation and you only have a little time to lose why not? You get photos and who knows maybe you have just found the photographer for your wedding – what better way to see quality, personality. It is the old try it before you buy it premise! If you already have your photographer, ask if they can do a family portrait session at a later date? Can’t hurt to ask.
The same goes for discounts. If you have narrowed a vendor choice down to a few, you have met with them, you’ve checked their references, and all are comparable in price and service offerings, why not go for the discount?
As a planner, my suggestion, my advice to couples looking for the perfect venue, the best photographer for them, whatever they need is do your “homework”, check out the businesses, meet/talk with them and then take advantage of freebies, discounts and savings. Take that money, put it in the bank to start saving for your future together.