As consumers, in the good ole U.S. of A, we like to compare prices. We will compare things like gas and groceries down to the cent if we are tight on money...and even if we aren't. We love to get a good deal (and sometimes brag about it!).
It can be so frustrating when you are searching for a service, which you expect to spend hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on, and you aren't able to find any sort of pricing online. Many services, not just wedding vendors, want you to call and talk to them so that they can sell you on their services and their value.
As I started to grow my business in the wedding industry, I couldn't understand why people would or wouldn't post prices on their websites for potential clients to see. As I spoke with many vendors, watched many webinars, and searched tons of service based business websites, I have come up with a few reasons why vendors may or may not list their prices on their website. This might help you answer the question you are asking youself...why can't I find prices???
First, we will cover why vendors DON'T list their prices...
1. They Want You To Inquire
A lot of wedding vendors offer more than what you think, and that is factored into their prices. They want to send you their investment guide or brochure so that you can look over everything that is included and decide if it is the right fit for you. A lot of vendors offer an unforgettable experience rather than just the product or service you exepct.
2. They Want To Get To Know You Better
No, vendors don't just want your money! Wedding vendors want to talk to you and get to know your story. They want to make connections with you to create an unforgettable experience and recommend specific aspects of their services that they think would be best for you.
Now, we will cover why vendors DO list their prices...
1. They Want You to Know if you Can Afford It
This might sound very blunt, but STOP ASKING SERVICE BASED BUSINESSES TO LOWER THEIR PRICES! Wedding vendors might choose to list their packages and starting prices on their website because they want you to know before inquiring a minimum amount that you will be spending with them.
If a vendor is a little out of your price range, you can still shoot them a message and ask them to recommend someone to you that may be within or closer to the price range you are looking for. Vendors often can recommend others in their field that they know and trust.
2. They Want You to Know the Average Cost
Some vendors will opt to list what the average couple spends with them. This will give you a better idea of how much you will actually spend rather than a starting cost. Usually the starting cost is the base package, and usually couples want more than that.
A few tips when searching for wedding vendors online:
Be willing to talk on the phone or over video chat.
Be aware of extemely low starting prices if you are looking for a big package (they may be for intimate wedding packages or a la carte items).
Always, always, ALWAYS answer vendors you inquire with. Never ghost them!
Do you enjoy talking on the phone with vendors to get the right package & price for you, or would you prefer to see everything including price upfront on a vendor's website? Let me know in the comments below!