Need advice - Offer to accept or not

[amuandpri]

I have received an offer from a bridal company with an upcoming blog , to send some of my flowers and accessories for free to be used in their bridal show & photo shoots.

They say they will return the items in good condition - the actual orders will begin next year.
What do you think ? Has anybody accepted such offers, what are your experiences?

[Former_Member]

Hi Priya,

First of all, I love your accessories!! So pretty.

Second, have you done any research on the bridal company? Can you find them anywhere online? Do they have a phone number where you can speak with someone directly? Where and when is the bridal show? If they are 'up and coming' you need to weight how your shop will benefit with their limited exposure.

Third, ask yourself, do you need to send them? it looks like your shop is successful as it is! I would say, if you have a pair that you can spare and wouldn't really care either way if they were returned to you, then there isn't a loss. You wont be able to sell what was used in a photo shoot or show anyway.

I was recently asked to donate a couple items for a website and book launch. I researched the company, who is also up and coming but has SO much press already. I found their launch date and place, and after speaking with the founder, agreed to donate. Turns out they are also going to put me in their online shop and put my business cards in their goodie bags for press and celebs. It was so worth the research!!!!

Good luck! Hope that helps :)

[Former_Member]

Wonderful for you both !! Good luck and let us know how that turns out!

Susan

[sunshineandvodka]

great advice Morgan! Good luck Priya!

[amuandpri]

thanks Morgan :) Yes I will do some research on this & give it a try !

Thanks for the wishes Susan & Paulette !

[AnneLondezGlass]

From personal experience, even if they are legitimate and all it doesn't guarantee they will actually place any orders.

[amuandpri]

Yes Anne thats true, there is no guarantee .

I would like if they buy my items & then promote anyway & keep those for themselves. Hows that ?

[kidsstore]

Years ago I made custom wedding gowns and worked at a bridal shop. When we did the bridal shows, things got crazy. Most vendors are so busy at those shows setting up in a limited time, talking to customers, and trying to get out of there in a rush that they don't have the time or mental capacity to be extra careful with things. It isn't that they don't care, but bridal shows are a lot of work for a short period of time. Plus there are often thousands of people attending who are all trying to check everything out and get the attention of the vendors who stand out. If you have ever been to one, a bridal show can be a lot of fun, but it is a crazy time.

I guess my point is this; if you expect to get your items back in excellent condition, good luck. They could also get lost in the packing to go to the show and the taking down. Often it is so hectic when the show is done, things just get thrown into a box. It may not be that way in this case, but I would make sure that the promoter is willing to pay for any damaged or lost items if they haven't already purchased them. It is much better if they buy them so they can use them again. Also, that way they won't have to worry about something happening to them.

[amuandpri]

@Janie , thank you for the advice, Yes I will ask them to buy the flowers & keep them all, for the next shoot or so, anyway I won't be able to use them further ! Yes lost or damaged items, they should pay for.

Thank u so much :)

[wildwomanbeads]

Priya:

I think you've received some very sound advice from the folks above me and I'm not a bridal shop, so I won't pretend to know what to do here (although it looks like you're figuring it out very well). BUT I did want to tell you I love your shop, I think your items are very high quality, your photos are fabulous, and I can certainly understand why someone would want items from your shop in their photo shoots.

Congratulations, and I hope everything works out very well for you!

[CutenCraftyDesigns]

I would suggest you do some research on this company first. You don't want to be taken for a ride. Second, try to reach someone that works in that company, the owner if possible, and have a talk with them. Perhaps meet, if you can to discuss the idea further. Ask how many items did they want and what you will get out of it. Don't sign any papers unless you read it thoroughly or take them to your lawyer. These are just a few things you should consider before doing any business with anyone.

I hope this really works out for you and that it is legit. Congratulations and much success. :)

[amuandpri]

Thanks @Meridith for liking my store :) I think it is the love for my work which shows in my store .
@ Jackie Yes I am waiting for their response, It is in other state , so it won't be possible to go and check.
Thanks for the advice- of not signing any papers without consulting someone.
It is always possible to make mistakes in excitement !

[LetterLuxe]

I think Morgan said it best - great advice!

[Former_Member]

you should also ask to be sent a copy of the photos so you can use them in your shop.

[amuandpri]

thank u Hayley & Amanda :)
I am waiting for the company's response now !

[Former_Member]

I think your items are beautiful. That said, I would think of it as - how many items are the wanting? Then what is the total cost of raw materials/time for you? If it is minimal, think of it as a marketing fee and go for it! (But don't necessarily think you will get the items back and/or in good condition, things happen like Janie said, but if you do, just be pleasantly surprised)

[amuandpri]

Thanks Brie :) yes I have decided to take this opportunity