Today you get a bonus wedding blog. I wish it were about a happier subject, but yesterday’s news article on the victimization of Boston-area brides and vendors (Phony Bridal Show Pitch Defrauds Thousands) triggered me to write this blog entry.
It is sickening to me that anyone would take advantage of small business owners and brides and grooms-to-be planning the happiest days of their lives. It is a sad reality that there are many people in the world who think nothing of taking advantage of hard-working people. Not a week goes by that I don’t personally receive an email from someone trying to manipulate money out of me. I am certain that many other wedding vendors would say the same thing.
So in an age where anyone can get an email address, a professional-looking website and a social networking account, how do we protect ourselves? Well, I don’t claim to be a consumer advocate, but I do have some suggestions as to how you can avoid being a victim.
- Pay with a credit card whenever you can. If something turns out to be a scam, you will be able to charge the fees back.
- Look for a company with brick and mortar backing, not just a website. Many wedding professionals work from home, but they have professional licenses, memberships to professional associations, and insurance. Ask to see proof of them.
- Wedding professionals live and die by their reputations. Don’t be afraid to ask around to see how your potential vendors measure up. Don’t rely on just negative feedback. If no one has heard of your potential vendor, that should be a red flag as well.
- Check with the Better Business Bureau to see how your potential vendor responds to complaints. In the emotional business of weddings, not everyone can make it through without a complaint, but it is important that the vendor responds to them.
- If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Didn’t your mother tell you that there is no such thing as a free lunch? Believe her!
I am happy to see that authorities are going to pursue the perpetrators of this scam. I hope they catch them. In the meantime, happily continue to plan your weddings, but keep your eyes out for unscrupulous people who want to separate you from your money.
If you have comments or questions about protecting yourself from wedding scams, please post for me here on the wedding blog or email me at susan(dot)southerland(at)pwg(dot)com. Also become a fan on Facebook by clicking here and follow me on Twitter by clicking here.
Your partner in perfect planning,
Susan
