Planners and Kick-Backs

I just can’t be PC about this topic. I can’t think of a good way to approach this, so I’ll just come right out and say it, DON’T PAY PLANNERS FOR REFERRALS. Why? It’s actually very simple. Wedding planners are hired by their client to find the best possible wedding vendors for their wedding day. Their client hires them and entrusts that the planner is going to provide the best in all areas; cakes, flowers, photography, music, etc. Many clients might be a little put off by the fact that on top of the fee they are paying their planner, you, and maybe every other vendor the couple is paying for, is throwing back money to the planner. Money the couple is paying you, a percentage is going back to the planner. So, they are not really paying you what they thing they are, and they are paying the planner way more than they know.

As a client, I would want to know this valuable piece of information. I could maybe excuse the kick-backs, and think to myself that I don’t really care what goes on between the vendors I hire, that’s their own deal. I wouldn’t be able to get past that, but let’s say that I could for a moment. What would really bother me is that the planner is not referring vendors based on their awesome service and products, but rather on their willingness to pay. This means, some crappy no-talent photographer is getting tons of business from a planner because they pay really well, let’s say 20% of the booking. They suck, they take lousy pictures, they are lazy and have bad customer service, but the planner doesn’t care because she’s getting paid. The client gets shafted. The client is trusting the planners experience and network of great vendors for referrals, and little do they know that really it’s all about how much kick-back they get from their vendors. Even if you are an astonishingly talented photographer with great customer service, you are only being referred due to your willingness to pay. That’s lame, man. I want people to refer me because I am awesome, not because I pay them to tell people that I am awesome.

This is nothing new. It’s been going on for a long time and manifests itself in many ways. But, it is wrong and I urge anyone reading this to not participate in that kind of crap. If a planner asks you for a kick-back, thank her for any referrals she can send your way, but let her know that you don’t pay for referrals.

On the other hand, it is OK to send flowers, chocolates, thank you cards, a bottle of wine, an iPod, or whatever else as a thank you. I typically will send thank you cards throughout the year, and then send a gift around the holidays. If they provide a lot of business, I’ll send a really nice gift as a thank you. They really appreciate it, it’s a nice gesture, and most importantly, it’s on my terms.

Cheers,

Jerry Frazier
Los Angeles Wedding Photographer
http://www.jerryfrazierphotography.com

Tags: Jerry Frazier Photography, Los Angeles Wedding Photography, Orange County Wedding Photography