Question for LIW - Vendor Selection

What is the vendor selection process like here on LIW? How does one become a member and what type of filters are used?

Do you investigate complaints and revoke advertising if deemed appropriate?

Just curious - Thank you.

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Posted by september2004

What is the vendor selection process like here on LIW? How does one become a member and what type of filters are used?

Do you investigate complaints and revoke advertising if deemed appropriate?

Just curious - Thank you.

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that's a great question, however, as nice as that would be, I DOUBT there is any..

I think it is like any other advertising, you have to pay for it. Other than that I do not think there is a screening process.

Bridget

oh yeah, you pay to advertize here..

$$$$$$$$

Very good idea, and it makes total sense. Let the experience tell the story of the vendor - ALL THE EXPERIENCES, both good and bad.

On another note, as far as 'screening' potential (or existing vendors), there SHOULD be some investigating done, in order to provide the brides on here with only the best vendor selections - in every aspect of the word. As well, the vendors should be 'reviewed/investigated' each time they are up for renewal. I'm SURE that would weed out the good and the problematic. It would protect the site as well.

But, that's common sense...

I thought they had one called 'Vendor Rating'.........no?

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Posted by NYCHICK

I thought they had one called 'Vendor Rating'.........no?

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YEAH, AND NO ONE USES IT..

THere should be a thread somehow or something anchored on the top of this forum which is easily accessible..

I understand the vendor rating, but quite honestly there is only positive things written. If you write a neqative experience-it seems no-where to be found.
There is a average rating though.

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Posted by Kra5hnburn

There are some brides on here that post that a vendor 'rubbed' them the wrong way when they met them so they went with someone else. Fine, your personalities didn't click. But that doesn't mean other peoples won't or that their work isn't any good.

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You're right, people's opinions shouldn't sway anyone. Brides should meet with someone and form their own opinions but I don't see anything wrong with relaying how a meeting went. The boards are for venting as much as they are for praising.

I do however find it misleading for B2B to be a cheerleader for their vendors without ever having USED them yet. One bride on here was a cheerleader for a vendor BEFORE SHE EVEN MET HIM.

Just took a look at the vendor rating, and that thing is dreadfully useless. They don't even list ALL the florists. How in the world are you going to compare if you are only seeing 3 florists. I think they need to list them all and have a percentage next to the names. They should link it to the Bride review board.

eta - i think LIweddings removing a vendor is unnecesary. People post their FIRST hand experience and that should suffice, people are left to make up their own mind.

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Posted by minniebride14

Very good idea, and it makes total sense. Let the experience tell the story of the vendor - ALL THE EXPERIENCES, both good and bad.

On another note, as far as 'screening' potential (or existing vendors), there SHOULD be some investigating done, in order to provide the brides on here with only the best vendor selections - in every aspect of the word. As well, the vendors should be 'reviewed/investigated' each time they are up for renewal. I'm SURE that would weed out the good and the problematic. It would protect the site as well.

But, that's common sense...

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I don't think that should have to be done. What one thinks is a reputable vendor, another person may not. I think that any vendor that pays, should be allowed to advertise. And it should be up to the individual person to decide if they are the best vendor for their needs.

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Posted by deedee

on another note, is it ok for a vendor to pose as a 'newbie' to plug their business? That happens way more often then anyone can think.

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yes but how can anyone prevent that, and who on earth is taking advice from a 'newbie',

I would guess the vendors must agree to a term of service agreement (not posting on the BHB boards, no bad mouthing competitors, etc) and pay a fee to become an official vendor at LIW.

Unless the vendor violated these terms, I don't see any reason to remove them as an official vendor.

IMO, that is like a bride that causes trouble on the board should be banned for being annoying or argumentative.

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Posted by ChristineC68
Unless the vendor violated these terms, I don't see any reason to remove them as an official vendor.

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what about a proven track record of unprofessional behavior or 'poor service'? I am not sure how the BBB works, but if vendors have complaints against them there, shouldn't there be some type of policy regarding that here? i.e. if they are questionable with the BBB, they won't be listed here, something like that?

i don't know, just asking questions and looking for clarification...

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Posted by september2004

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Posted by ChristineC68
Unless the vendor violated these terms, I don't see any reason to remove them as an official vendor.

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what about a proven track record of unprofessional behavior or 'poor service'? I am not sure how the BBB works, but if vendors have complaints against them there, shouldn't there be some type of policy regarding that here? i.e. if they are questionable with the BBB, they won't be listed here, something like that?

i don't know, just asking questions and looking for clarification...

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What about all the happy customers they have? There must be some or they would go out of business.

There are dozens of companies that have a gazillion BBB complaints against them and people still go there - look at furniture stores. They have to be the worst offenders out there.

I don't think there is any screening process (probably - can you afford $XXX for the ad?)

I don't really think it's their responsibility to screen the vendors who advertise here though. How would they do it? You can't go by one bride's complaint and no vendor is perfect so I doubt that even the best vendors here haven't had a few complaints and that some brides would want them off.

I do, however, think it is biased and misleading to allow postive posts for these vendors and remove all negative posts. The posts become suplements to ads since anything less than glowing is removed if a vendor complains.

It takes new brides a long time to realize this. They see negative posts for non advertisers and think they are getting a balanced review of every vendor. Then they notice that vendors who advertise only get good reviews and obviously select those vendors. It's a great deal for the vendors!!!
I'm not saying some of the vendors who advertise on here aren't great - just that we don't really get the real story after selective editing.

I have asked about the vendor review section but never got an answer.

I think it would be great if we could even put a numerical rating (1-5) across a few categories (customer service, end product delivery, value, etc) I know these are all subjective but aren't we on here for others opinions??? I think this is a dream though - vendors would never allow it. The current system works too well for vendors. It's just not ideal for us brides.

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Posted by ChristineC68

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Posted by september2004

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Posted by ChristineC68
Unless the vendor violated these terms, I don't see any reason to remove them as an official vendor.

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what about a proven track record of unprofessional behavior or 'poor service'? I am not sure how the BBB works, but if vendors have complaints against them there, shouldn't there be some type of policy regarding that here? i.e. if they are questionable with the BBB, they won't be listed here, something like that?

i don't know, just asking questions and looking for clarification...

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What about all the happy customers they have? There must be some or they would go out of business.

There are dozens of companies that have a gazillion BBB complaints against them and people still go there - look at furniture stores. They have to be the worst offenders out there.

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well, someone can set the bar and if it's low it's low. of course not everyone is going to be happy all the time, vendors are human too. however, if there is a proven track record here of poor service, i personally would like to know some type of filter exists and be informed as to how vendors are selected and rated.

just want to 'know the rules'

a bride will have her access taken away if she stirs up too much trouble, no?