Don’t Base Your Makeup Artist Search on “Reasonably Priced”
We’re always looking for a deal. While planning an event, finding those coveted discounts and cheaper vendors seems important. However, you are doing yourself a disservice by looking for reasonably priced vendors. It’s really not the best way to go about finding the best vendor, and for several different reasons.
What are those reasons, you wonder? Well, I’m glad you asked.
What Defines “Reasonable?”
Right off the bat, let’s start with the most basic. What’s reasonable to someone may be pricey to another. The concept of cheap and affordable is subjective and doesn’t have a clear definition. By asking for recommendations based on “reasonable pricing,” you’re opening yourself up to a mess of scattered responses.
Value Doesn’t Equal Experience
You know the saying “you get what you pay for,” right? That really applies when searching for a vendor for your wedding or party. A less costly makeup artist or hairstylist may save you money, but what experience do they have? Generally, if a vendor is charging less, it’s because they can’t justify a higher cost. If they can’t justify it, then their skillset isn’t where it needs to be for your event.
It Limits What You Really Want in a Vendor
Searching based solely on price cuts down on finding someone that fits what you really want. In the back of your head, it’s not just about cost. You know they need to be proficient in their craft, but that’s not what you’re asking for.
Do you know what else “reasonably priced” vendors don’t tend to have? The required licenses and insurance. By undercutting the competition, they’re likely making sacrifices elsewhere in their business. If they can’t skimp on the resources, then it’s the backend stuff that could affect you in the event of an issue.
Freebird Photography
Here’s What to Look For Instead
So, we’re throwing away the notion of looking for a reasonably priced vendor. What takes its place? You still need recommendations, but what can you ask or look for instead?
Experience
Maybe the highest on your list of things to look for is the experience. Have they worked a lot of gigs? Do they share a lot of their work on social media or their website? Were they professionally trained? Chances are, you won’t want a vendor that’s new to the field.
Community Leaders
Freebird Photography
Many vendors are known within the community for their trade. As part of your research, see if they’re active and engaging in their respective communities. The more they chime in or are present, the more confident they are in their work. With that confidence comes skillset to back it up.
Similar Tastes
Looking for a reasonably priced vendor may land you on some that are so far off the mark in terms of your style. You may need someone that can pull off a retro look but find that inexpensive vendors offer basic styles. Be sure to match the vendor to your style so you get what you’re looking for.
Now that you know what to ask, you’re a step closer to finding the vendor that best suits your needs. Keep your budget in mind while shopping, but don’t let “reasonable pricing” stand in the way of the look you’re going for.
p.s since I wrote this blog, another “reasonably priced” moment happened, click HERE and read on. Hire a professional!