Eleven questions to ask before you book any vendor

Almost every dispute we mediate traces back to something that was never asked before the contract was signed. None of these questions are confrontational — a good professional will have answers ready, and the ones who do not are telling you something.

Before the quote

• What exactly is included at this price, and what is billed separately?
• How many events do you take on the same day?
• Who will actually be on site — you, or a member of your team?
• What happens if you are ill on the day?

Before signing

• What is the cancellation policy, in both directions?
• When is the balance due, and what happens if the event is postponed?
• What do you need from my venue — power, access time, setup space?
• How far in advance do you need final numbers and details?

Before the day

• Who is my point of contact on the day itself?
• What is your contingency if the weather turns?
• What time will you arrive, and when will you strike?

Write the answers down and attach them to the contract. Half of what goes wrong at events is not malice — it is two people who each assumed the other had it covered.