When is It Time to Cut My Losses?

When is It Time to Cut My Losses?

December 15th, 2010 @ 12:50 pm by Mrs. Elephant
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I have held out hope for nearly 6 months, but I’m starting to think it’s probably time to move on.

As I’ve mentioned once or twice, we want to have steel drums at our wedding as a nod to my dad’s heritage. I was so excited when we started to put this surprise into action, but now I’m more upset than anything else.

I first contacted the steel drum player back in December of last year and everything was great. We spoke on the phone, he was quick to respond via email, and we even drove to his home studio to hear him play. I probably would have booked him that day, but Mama E was wise and suggested that we go and see him in action during one of his spring or summer gigs so we could see a performance that was not hindered by his sleeping fiancée in the next room (as it was when we went to his house).

As the months passed, he continued to contact me about his gigs which unfortunately did not work with my schedule.

Finally as June rolled around, I made the decision that I didn’t want to lose this vendor so I asked to have the contract sent to me. That was 6 months, 6 emails, 2 phone calls and 1 voice message ago. I gave him the benefit of the doubt because the summer was his busy season and he had his own wedding and honeymoon at the end of September. Every time I emailed for a follow up, he would apologize and say that he would get it out as soon as possible.

If this was any other vendor I would have dropped them long ago, but unfortunately there is not a huge pool of steel drummers in the Dallas area. I keep holding out hope that he will get back to me, but in the mean time I have done some additional research and found one other steel drum duo in the area. I know that the holidays are busy, but I’m crossing my fingers that this one will work out quickly and I can just drop the first vendor. I don’t want to write any “good riddance” emails until I have the 2nd vendor confirmed in writing.

Did you have any unresponsive vendors? How long would you give them before dropping them and continuing on your search?

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10 Responses to “When is It Time to Cut My Losses?”

Bee

Mrs. Yorkie (message) 1,291 posts, Bumble bee

Oh, that’s so disappointing! I had a similar situation with the vendor supplying the paper goods for our invitations. Unanswered e-mails, calls and messages, along with poor excuses left me with no other choice but to cut ties and look elsewhere three weeks after the blown deadline.

I think it’s totally reasonable for you to do the same. Wishing you luck with the new steel drum duo!

12/15/10 @ 1:13 pm (reply)

Member

pdescenza (message) 63 posts, Worker bee

Ugh! That is the worst! I met with a florist, designed our centerpieces, and three months later, we still haven’t heard back from him for a proposal or contract. Needless to say, we’ve moved on!

12/15/10 @ 1:40 pm (reply)

Member

ktisthatbees (message) 2,742 posts, Sugar bee

I’m so glad you were able to find another group who will hopefully be more responsive than the first. MIA vendors are the worst!

12/15/10 @ 2:16 pm (reply)

Member

Mustang (message) 60 posts, Worker bee

Oh no I’m sorry! I hope the second one works out for you!

12/15/10 @ 2:49 pm (reply)

Bee

Miss Elephant (message) 6,182 posts, Bee Keeper

Thanks everyone!!

It’s a real bummer, but the 2nd guy called last night so hopefully after the holidays we’ll get this booked!

12/15/10 @ 3:02 pm (reply)

Bee

Mrs. Glasses (message) 2,741 posts, Sugar bee

The holidays are a busy time but I always like to keep my options wide, wide open. Sounds like it’s time to start contacting other vendors and seeing if they are more willing to take your money

12/15/10 @ 8:00 pm (reply)

Guest

Kadye

Have you tried contacting your local university’s music department and seeing if the percussion professor can play them?

I work in the music department at the University I attend and while I don’t know if our percussion professor can play them, I know one of our music education professors can play the heck out of them! Just a thought. Good luck!

12/16/10 @ 5:12 pm (reply)

Bee

Miss Elephant (message) 6,182 posts, Bee Keeper

@Kadye: I didn’t think of that idea! If vendor #2 doesn’t work out I will definitely give the university a call. Might not hurt since it is known as a music school in North Texas.

12/16/10 @ 6:42 pm (reply)

Guest

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