tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6670428877876164366.post7017300984077435400..comments2024-03-07T17:59:41.304-08:00Comments on The Special Event Guru: Kickbacks, Referral Commissions, Finder's Fees, and BribesDoug Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05667284616118733979noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6670428877876164366.post-370405502329580822016-09-23T11:12:56.597-07:002016-09-23T11:12:56.597-07:00This is absolutely the most horrendous thing that ...This is absolutely the most horrendous thing that I have ever heard! I was sickened when I learned this sort of thing actually went on! I have been in the wedding planning industry for some time, and well...call me naive...it has NEVER occurred to me to take or pay a commission to anyone, nor would I EVER! I just recently read this and some other articles on this deplorable practice after a client asked me about a venue who they unfortunately learned (after the fact) was taking a 10% commission off both their caterer and the linen vendor. Appalled, I decided to do research on the topic. More painful to learn was the vast number of articles that spent more time pointing the finger at WEDDING & EVENT PLANNERS! Okay, I get that they may be mentioned among the lot of offenders, but it seems that most of this sort of behavior is placed squarely on the planners. I find it misleading and offensive. I know many honest wedding planners who also do not practice such behavior. I have always prided my work on the success of the event and the satisfaction of my client. I only recommend vendors that I know will do an outstanding job for my clients. How the entire event turns out is a direct reflection on me! If I wanted to be respected artist, who was renowned for my paintings, I certainly would have no claim or pride if I was painting by number and in between the lines! I completely agree that we as an industry must take steps to stop this practice of gouging the clients, and making decisions solely by how it much more it benefits the offender, and not the CLIENT! I went to bed last night thinking the same thing you mentioned about adding a code of conduct to my contracts. I feel that as an industry, we should utilize contract verbiage that not only weeds out those who create price hikes to their clients, but also holds legal merit sustainable in a court law that would require restitution of kickbacks, and commissions, should a client find that a vendor LIED about such practices. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com