Can I call and just ask about available dates without making an appointment over the phone? I just need an idea of what is available on what dates. Then I want to talk to FH so we can set up dates and times to visit.
Will they be put off if my only inquiry over the phone is availability and I don't make an appointment to view right then?
Also, will some places give price ranges over the phone?
MJDoc12
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Re: silly question about calling catering halls....
i did research on 60+ halls on the phone & e-mail before i went out to visits. some places were happy to give out prices on the phone & availability, while others weren't quite soo willing.
also--i found that many places were happy to tell me prices thru e-mail. it never hurts to try!
Kara and Todd
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Re: silly question about calling catering halls....
Thanks! I just don't know the protocol and want to be prepared for any reactions!
PreshusSmurf
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Re: silly question about calling catering halls....
I think you can call and tell them that you are starting your search and wanted to get some information, and tell them you will call back to schedule an appointment.
They'll probably tell you if they're booked on the days you're interested in. And I think most places gave us an idea of how much $$ and what their minimum for the day of the week is.
They don't want to waste their time meeting with you either ... if they're not available when you want, or if they're out of the price range you're looking for.
CASJLL
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Re: silly question about calling catering halls....
never hurts to try!
PreshusSmurf
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Re: silly question about calling catering halls....
I found and bumped the post with prices for halls in 07.
Re: silly question about calling catering halls....
I called about 20 places before making appointments. They told me price ranges, and their availability, but from my experience, they won't hold the date for you just from a phone call. We had dates in minds and after making appointments actually planned our wedding for 6 months later than what we had our hearts set on.
Kara and Todd
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Re: silly question about calling catering halls....
I don't expect anyone to hold any dates for us. I'm just curious as to availability for next summer since time is an issue.
SeptBride70
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Re: silly question about calling catering halls....
I was able to get them to give me ANY information I wanted over the phone just by telling them that I had specific needs and to set up an appointment, go down there, waste their time and mine just to find out that they don't have the only date I want available or to find out that they are fifty dollars a person over my budget, etc was ridiculous... Once I said it like that all of a sudden halls that NEVER give out that kind of information gave it to me very quickly.
I mean, it's a business and there is no reason for me to go ALL the way there and have them waste over an hour on me just to sit down and see that it is way out of my price range or couldn't accomodate all my guests. So, if you explain this to them-- then you should be able to get them to give you a price over the phone.
Kara and Todd
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Re: silly question about calling catering halls....
Posted by STBMrsDaniRella
I was able to get them to give me ANY information I wanted over the phone just by telling them that I had specific needs and to set up an appointment, go down there, waste their time and mine just to find out that they don't have the only date I want available or to find out that they are fifty dollars a person over my budget, etc was ridiculous... Once I said it like that all of a sudden halls that NEVER give out that kind of information gave it to me very quickly.
I mean, it's a business and there is no reason for me to go ALL the way there and have them waste over an hour on me just to sit down and see that it is way out of my price range or couldn't accomodate all my guests. So, if you explain this to them-- then you should be able to get them to give you a price over the phone.
Thank you!
This is exactly my reasoning for calling ahead of time, too... Great advice!
Re: silly question about calling catering halls....
Posted by MJDoc12
i did research on 60+ halls on the phone & e-mail before i went out to visits. some places were happy to give out prices on the phone & availability, while others weren't quite soo willing.
also--i found that many places were happy to tell me prices thru e-mail. it never hurts to try!
