If you’re new to GigSalad, chances are, you’ve wondered if you’re doing this right. How do I reach this performer? Why haven’t I heard back from anyone? What do I do if my entertainer can’t make it? Our Customer Happiness Team takes calls each day from dozens of event planners and hosts working to put quote requests together in order to create the perfect event. If you’re an event host and you want to get the best quotes the first time, you need a plan. Here are a handful of tips from Customer Happiness to help you build a better quote request.
Do a little research first.
This is our beloved Shawn, optimist and singer extraordinaire.
Shawn: “Not understanding the average cost of a service is a common obstacle to getting a quick quote response. It helps to know what your budget is, and what you can expect to pay your performer. For example, a balloon twister typically asks for $75-$100 an hour, depending on how many kids and how many creations are expected. A top flight wedding or cover band can cost $3500-$5000 or higher. Remember, the members of GigSalad are out to make a living with their dream and passion. Don’t ever be afraid to pay a little more for security, talent, and professionalism.”
Be Specific.
Meet Whitney, the baby of the office, yet the only one who has an obsession for knitting.
Whitney: “On GigSalad, you’ll only get what you ask for. Quick responses come from our members when they know the details of your event. Taking the time to fill in all of the fields of the quote request form means the service provider can know exactly what to charge. Things like ZIP Code, time the services are needed, or how many children will be in attendance are all crucial details in getting what you want at the price you expect. Adding additional details like song requests, what character you want to appear, or the theme of the party will get you the most accurate quotes.”
Use the GigSalad booking agreement.
Kerri is our avid laugher and fun-lover. Her contagious positivity is something we all adore.
Kerri: “GigSalad exists to make any event a great one. Nothing ruins an event more than missed details. We provide the online quote and booking system to create an agreement between you and your vendor. Events that are booked using the GigSalad quoting and booking system have a 99% success rate. A booking agreement clarifies costs, services provided, expectations, and cancellation policy. It gets everyone on the same page to ensure a successful event for you and a paying gig for the performers. Our secure deposit system offers accountability and peace of mind for your financial investment.”
Request multiple vendors.
Introducing our newest addition to the family, Charlotte. Her tasks include “a little bit of everything.”
Charlotte: “GigSalad is a marketplace, designed to match the right performers and entertainers to the right event. At the end of your quote request, there is an option to choose to have your event details sent out to similar professionals. This a great tool to get the most competitive price.
Another event planner pro tip is to use the ‘Favorites’ list to request multiple specific acts for one event. Planning a carnival fundraiser for your school? You’ll need clowns, face painters, balloon twisters, and maybe even some stilt-walkers. Do a search for one category, select your favorites by clicking on the heart icon in each profile, search another category and do the same. When you complete the online form, your quote request will be sent out across multiple categories, reaching everything you need. As you accept the booking agreements, deselect the ‘Mark my event as booked’ box until you’ve gotten all the acts signed.”
At GigSalad, our motto is “Book Something Awesome!” Have you booked an exceptional entertainer from GigSalad? Tell us about it in the comments below!
Want to join the GigSalad community? Sign up to find and book your local event professionals!
Loves music, reading, and binge-watching TV and eating pizza with his wife. Has three amazing kids. Believes that life is about questions, not answers.