A Step Above Events and Design

29/07/2024

05/10/2022

04/03/2021

A customer asked me how much I would charge to decorate a venue?

My reply: $1500+ all depends
Her reply: WOW, just a couple tables, backdrop, balloons, centerpieces, etc? Why so much?
My reply: Well, this estimate also includes for the non productive factors.
She questioned: What is nonproductive factors?"
My reply: Just the usually things like taxes, insurance, rent, gas etc.
I asked: How much do you think it should cost?
She responded: Around $800 at the most... It's just tablecloths, balloons, panels,flowers and a fairly simple job right?
I calmly said: Okay ma'am, for $800 I invite you to do it yourself.
She said: But.... I don't know how to.
I replied: Okay, for $800 I'll teach you. So besides saving you $700, you'll get the knowledge for the next time.

It seemed right to her and she agreed.

I continued: To get started you will need tools, ladders, steamer, backdrop frame kits, airpump etc...
She said: But I don't have all this type of equipment and I can't afford to buy all of these things just for a One time Event.
I offered: Okay then, for an additional $200 I'll rent my equipment to you.

Okay, she says.

I replied: So on Tuesday I will be available to start teaching you.
She said: But I can't on Tuesday I only have time today.
I said: I'm sorry ma'am, but Tuesday is the only day this week that I will be available to teach and rent you my equipment. The rest of the week is already scheduled for other customers.
She was frustated: That means I gotta rearrange my schedule and sacrifice my whole Tuesday?!
I said: That is correct ma'am!
I will also provide you with a list of all the materials you will need to go to the store and shop online and the Balloon Distributer to purchase for this job.
Also, loading of the van for your job will take place Tuesday morning around 6am. After the project is complete, all equipment and tools need to be prep, washed and reloaded back onto the van.
She asked in disbelief: At 6am???
Nope! Way too early for me! So much work just to do decorate!
You know what, I've been doing some serious thinking and I've decided that it would be best if you just went ahead and did the job for me. $1500 seems fair now and I'd rather it be done right by true professionals.

The moral of the story for any buyer:

When you hire a professional to do a job, you're not only paying for the labor and material being used. It also includes:

Knowledge
Experience
Tools
Services
Punctuality
Accountability
Professionalism
Accuracy
Guarantee
Sacrifices
Safety and security

No one can denigrate other people's work by judging prices.

Only by knowing all the elements necessary to complete a certain project can you estimate the true cost.

Copy and Share this everywhere to support Event Planners, Event Stylists, Event Designers and Entrepreneurs of all types.

Specializing in creating , planning and design for your special event. We also plan intimate dinners

22/02/2021

Champagne Walls , now available!

20/11/2020

(Sharing )

Long post ahead!!

I’ve seen this more than once so I’m sharing it with you, hope it helps!

A bride asked me how much it cost to do her wedding flowers.....
I answered her: $1500
She said: So expensive!!
I asked: How much do you think it would cost you?
She answers me: “$800 maximum... That's a pretty simple job right?”
- For $800 I invite you to do it yourself.
- But.... I don't know how to.
- For $800 I'll teach you how to. So besides saving you $700, you'll get the knowledge.
- It seemed right to her and she agreed.
- But to get started: you need tools: A Cooler, scissors, bolt cutters, buckets, preservative, etc...
- But I don't have all the equipment and I can't afford to buy all of these for one job.
- Well then for another $300 more I'll rent my stuff to you so you can do it.
- Okay, she says.
- Okay! Tuesday I'll be waiting for you to start. The fresh flowers start arriving and need to be processed.
- But I can't on Tuesday I only have time today.
- I'm sorry, but the flowers have a specific window to arrive to maintain maximum freshness. Tuesday is that day. I will teach you and rent you my stuff. I’m busy the other days with other customers.
- Okay! That means I'm going to have to sacrifice my Tuesday, and stop what I’m doing to get ready for my wedding.
- I forgot. To do the job yourself, you also have to pay for the nonproductive factors.
- What is that?"
- Space rental, tax, business license, security, insurance, gas etc. That’s another $400
- Oh no! To complete these tasks, I'm going to spend more money and waste a lot of time! Do you have them?
- Yes. But then there’s the van. Van loading is done the morning of your wedding. You'll have to come by 6am to start loading. Don't forget to be on time to avoid traffic jams! Do you have a van? If you don’t have one, you can rent mine for $200
- WHAT?! At 6am.... the morning of what’s supposed to be the happiest day of my life?!?! I have to get my hair, makeup, and pictures done and now I have to worry about getting the flowers to the venue???
- You know, I've been thinking ......

Bottom line - You are getting charged for my knowledge, time and material plus the convenience of not having to worry about all the above. I don’t intent to become rich doing a job I love but I do expect to be compensated and be able to make a living off of it !.

28/10/2020

We can custom design backdrops, custom mask , t shirts , party favors , signs and more .

14/10/2020

We can custom design backdrops, custom mask , t shirts , party favors , signs and more .

15/02/2020

Thankful !! We survived another successful Valentine's. As a team , every hand played a part . Thank you for allowing us to treat your special love yesterday.

Specializing in creating , planning and design for your special event. We also plan intimate dinners