Wedding Florist California

Wedding Florists serving Huntigton Beach sign up on Bestbiddy.com and place your bid on a new project posted by a bride looking for a florist for August 2010.

See her posting for more details.

http://www.bestbiddy.com/auction/Auction/APViewItem.asp?ID=228

$10 Starbucks Gift Card Giveaway When You Rate Your Service Provider on Bestbiddy.com

Starting April 20, 2010-July 20,2010, Best Biddy will be offering a $10 Starbucks gift card to consumers that hire and rate a professional selected using the BestBiddy.com platform.



http://www.bestbiddy.com/Starbucks.asp

5 Things You Don't Want to Do When Negotiating With Wedding Vendors

By: Linda Liu


Negotiation is truly an art and if done correctly can lead to a win-win situation between you and your wedding vendors where all parties feel positive with the outcome. If done poorly, you may be paying more for your wedding than you need to be or you may be saving money but receiving substandard service. Here are some tips to avoid the pitfalls of poor negotiation:


1. Don’t make a decision without comparison shopping

In order to negotiate from a position of strength you need to do your research. Know your requirements, your wish list, vendor availability and rates. Make sure you get multiple quotes based on the same criteria so that you can determine what sets the vendors apart and where you need to place your focus when it comes to negotiation.

2. Don’t succumb to pressure tactics

You may be at a bridal show and told that the deal is only good for the day or requested to sign an agreement immediately upon being in contact with a vendor to obtain a special promotion. These are pressure tactics to get you to commit on the spot and can result in regrets particularly since you don’t have the time to evaluate the offering objectively in a removed setting.

3. Don’t be overly aggressive, negative or confrontational


Being overly aggressive and or confrontational is counterproductive to the negotiation strategy and can be very off-putting to a wedding vendor. In this context if you get a good deal you will have lost the respect of the wedding vendor possibly resulting in substandard service.
Entering negotiation with a negative approach on the outcome can also set you up for failure. Typically if you don’t think you’re going to get something you probably won’t. If you ask: “You can’t give me a deal on that can you?” you are more inclined to get a negative response versus asking “What is your best deal?”


4. Don’t forget that relationship is central to negotiation

The best negotiators are those that can effectively build relationships. The key to building a relationship is understanding where the other party is coming from. As a negotiator you need to realize that both parties need to be heard and feel that they are gaining from the deal. Using language that brings both parties together suggesting shared ownership and teamwork is highly effective in establishing a willingness to make concessions. Don’t forget that you will need to be flexible as well to show that you are invested in the relationship.


5. Don’t focus only on cost

Many people mistakenly assume that the sole focus of negotiation is about bringing the cost down. While cost is certainly a factor in weddings don’t overlook exploring other avenues such as an increase in package offering, service time, number of dedicated staff and selection upgrades. The realization that you can negotiate an upgrade on a package might be even more enticing to than negotiating on the cost of the original offering so don’t overlook asking for more.




Linda Liu is managing partner of Bestbiddy.com, a North America-wide online bidding platform where consumers can comparison shop for and hire local wedding/event vendors home renovators and more.

Kitchen renovation Virginia

Kitchen renovation contractor job posted on bestbiddy.com. Bids requested by March 22, 2010. See posting link for more details:


http://www.bestbiddy.com/auction/Auction/APViewItem.asp?ID=164

How Involved is the Groom in Wedding Planning?

Want to find out what percentage of wedding planning grooms are involved in? Take the poll and see the results.


http://www.bestbiddy.com/newsletter-201003.asp

Reviews on Free Wedding Planning Tools

There are so many free wedding planning tools out there it can be confusing. Here are a few we thought were useful:

http://www.bestbiddy.com/newsletter-201003.asp

Interior Decorator, Vancouver

Interior Decorator Needed in Vancouver, BC.

See posting link for more details:
http://www.bestbiddy.com/auction/Auction/APViewItem.asp?ID=161

Wedding Hair & Makeup Fullerton California

Wedding Hair & Makeup Needed for Wedding in Fullerton California. Bids requested by March 10, 2010. See posting link for more information


http://www.bestbiddy.com/auction/Auction/APViewItem.asp?ID=158

Bar Mitzvah Entertainment Needed Toronto

Bar Mitzvah dj/entertainment needed in toronto for November 2010. Bids requested by March 8, 2010. See posting link below for more details.




http://www.bestbiddy.com/auction/Auction/APViewItem.asp?ID=154

Wedding cake job posting Toronto

Wedding cake needed in Toronto. Bids requested by February 24, 2010. See posting link for more details:

http://www.bestbiddy.com/auction/Auction/APViewItem.asp?ID=151

Event Photographer Vancouver, BC

Event photographer needed. Bids requested by February 24, 2010. See posting link for more details:


http://www.bestbiddy.com/auction/Auction/APViewItem.asp?ID=150

Bathroom Renovation Gallery

Looking for inspiration for your next bathroom renovation. View our photo gallery for inspiration.



http://www.bestbiddy.com/newsletter-201002.asp

Wedding Decorator, Toronto

Event decorator needed for wedding in June 2010. Bids requested by Feburary 19, 2010See posting link below for more details.


http://www.bestbiddy.com/auction/Auction/APViewItem.asp?ID=145

DJ Job Vancouver

DJ needed for event in Vancouver on March 6, 2010. Bids requested by February 11, 2010. See posting link for details:

http://www.bestbiddy.com/auction/Auction/APViewItem.asp?ID=144

Wedding Limo Job Toronto

Wedding Limo Needed for Wedding in September 2010. Bids requested by February 14, 2010. See posting link for more details:

http://www.bestbiddy.com/auction/Auction/APViewItem.asp?ID=141

Wedding caterer, Toronto

Wedding caterer needed in Toronto for June 26, 2010. Bids requested by February 8, 2010.

See posting link below:
http://www.bestbiddy.com/auction/Auction/APViewItem.asp?ID=140

Wedding photographer Toronto

Wedding photographer quote requested for wedding in Toronto in October 2010. Bids requested by February 13, 2010.


See posting link below.

http://www.bestbiddy.com/auction/Auction/APViewItem.asp?ID=138

Basement renovation, Richmond Hill

Basement renovation contractor quote requested for 700 sq basement renovation. Bids accepted until February 7, 2010.

See posting below:



http://www.bestbiddy.com/auction/Auction/APViewItem.asp?ID=137

Event Decorator, Bracebridge Ontario

Event Decorator quote request for cottage wedding in Bracebridge, Ontario. Bids accepted until February 7, 2010.

See link below for posting:

http://www.bestbiddy.com/auction/Auction/APViewItem.asp?ID=136

DJ job in Miami Florida

DJ required for birthday party (4hours). Bids accepted until January 23, 2010.



http://www.bestbiddy.com/auction/Auction/APViewItem.asp?ID=133

DJ job in Richmond, British Columbia

DJ needed for a wedding in Richmond BC. Bids accepted until January 20, 2010. To view the details and place your bid please see link below.

http://www.bestbiddy.com/auction/Auction/APViewItem.asp?ID=132

wedding photography job brampton

Open job for wedding photographers in Brampton for a wedding October 2, 2010. If interested create your business profile and place your bid (no fees). Bids must be placed by January 18, 2010. The posting link is below for more details:




http://www.bestbiddy.com/auction/Auction/APViewItem.asp?ID=131

Carpet cleaner needed Burnaby, BC

If you are a professional carpet cleaner in Burnaby you are welcome to bid on this project (no fees). See the posting link below for more information:


http://www.bestbiddy.com/auction/Auction/APViewItem.asp?ID=130

Wedding photographer, Niagara Falls

Wedding photographer needed for September 24, 2010 in Niagara Falls.

Professional bids required by January 22, 2010. For more details on the job please refer to the link below:

http://www.bestbiddy.com/auction/Auction/APViewItem.asp?ID=129

Wedding hair and makeup, Niagara Falls

Wedding Hair and makeup professional needed in Niagara falls for wedding
September 24, 2010

Bids by professionals required by January 22, 2010. To see more information click on the posting link below:


http://www.bestbiddy.com/auction/Auction/APViewItem.asp?ID=128

Wedding Musician Niagara Falls

Wedding musician needed for September 24, 2010 Niagara Falls, ON.

If interested, create your business profile and place your bid by January 22, 2010 on bestbiddy.com. To see the posting please click below:

http://www.bestbiddy.com/auction/Auction/APViewItem.asp?ID=127

Dog walker, Nanaimo

We have a posting for a dog walker needed Monday to Friday. Quote must be submitted by January 14, 2010.

To submit your quote create a business profile for your company and submit your bid on bestbiddy.com. There are no fees.

To see the project details click below:

http://www.bestbiddy.com/auction/Auction/APViewItem.asp?ID=126

Videographer Job Tacoma, Washington

Customer looking for a videographer to make a super 8 video of wedding in Feb.19, 2011 in Tacoma. Quotes requested by January 14, 2010.


To place a quote create your business profile on bestbiddy.com and place your bid. There are no fees.
View details of project:


http://www.bestbiddy.com/auction/Auction/APViewItem.asp?ID=125

Limo needed Calgary, Alberta

Limo needed for wedding July 31, 2010 in Calgary Alberta. Quotes needed by January 19,2010.

To quote for this job profile your company and place your bid (free) on bestbiddy.com. See details below:


http://www.bestbiddy.com/auction/Auction/APViewItem.asp?ID=124

Limo Needed Toronto, Ontario

Limo needed for a wedding on August 21, 2010 in Toronto, ON.


To quote for this project profile your company and place your bid (free) on bestbiddy.com. See project details below:

http://www.bestbiddy.com/auction/Auction/APViewItem.asp?ID=123

10 Wedding Saving Tips So You'll Have Money for the Ever After Part!

By: Linda Liu

When it comes to weddings many brides and grooms are moving away from lavish expenditures and are instead taking a more calculated approach to their big day. Here are some tips that will help you create an elegant wedding without breaking the bank:

1. Prioritize Your Needs:
Decide on the top three elements that are most important in defining your vision of a fabulous wedding and make them the investment priority (e.g. venue, photography and catering for example). Build them into your budget from the beginning, so you don’t lose your focus.

2. Time is Money:
Having an off-season wedding (November-April) on a day other than Saturday will most likely get you the best rates from your ceremony/reception venue and vendors. Remember it comes down to supply and demand. If there are fewer brides/grooms looking for services, vendors are much more accommodating when it comes to their fees.

3. One Spot:
Book a location that can accommodate your ceremony and reception to avoid multiple site fees and the cost of transportation between locations

4. It’s a Numbers Game:
Keeping your guest list down is a sure-fire way to keep your budget in order. One suggestion would be to trim young children from the guest list. While this may sound cruel, it will cut down expenses and can be a welcome treat for parents as well. Another suggestion for number-control is to address invitations to specific people. This will help avoid having additional guests arrive at the reception unexpectedly.

5. Food - Keep it Simple Without Looking Cheap:

Think of alternatives besides a plated dinner that will keep your wedding elegant yet save you money. A plated lunch reception will likely be better priced than dinner and will be more convenient for your guests to go from a morning ceremony directly to the reception. Another appealing option might be a cocktail style reception which, if done right, can be very elegant, offer great mingling opportunities for guests, and be budget friendly. However, make sure you avoid having a cash bar as this cheapens your event and can be insulting to your guests! Instead, to trim your alcohol costs you may choose to simplify the selection offered.

6. Fake the Cake:
You can have the multi-tiered cake without the expense by having a real top tier for cutting, with the remaining tier(s) for display only. Guests can be served sheet cake which is much more economical and easier to serve.

7. Flower Smarts:
Buy in season flowers wholesale and get a florist to do the arrangements as this will save you the markup fees on the flowers. You can also use the same flowers in the ceremony and reception sites or split the cost with a couple marrying directly before or after you at the same ceremony location.

8. Save On Your Wedding Dress:
Look at online classifieds, e-Bay etc. and find the perfect designer dress at a discount price. Buy it a size bigger and you can always have a tailor make the final adjustments for you. You will still look like a million bucks! No one will know and you can pocket the rest!



9. Network with Professionals and other couples:
Use forums to network with other brides/grooms and professionals. Keep an eye out for professionals that are serving weddings in your venue on the same day to see if you can get added savings. Find brides that are getting married on the same day and see if there’s an interest in cost sharing (decoration rentals)

10. Get Wedding Vendors Bidding Competitively:
Nothing gets you a better deal than a little friendly competition between vendors. Post your wedding service needs using sites such as bestbiddy.com (photographers, DJs, caterers, musicians etc.) and receive competitive bids quickly, anonymously and for free. It’s a great tool for those wanting a great deal without having to feel like they are haggling with vendors and jeopardizing a service relationship. Compare your offers and the professionals, accept your bid and schedule your service all online!

Announcing Winner for Maid Service Contest (valued at $200)

*** Congratulations to our Contest Winner ***
ROBERT LUGOSSY - Oakville, Ontario

http://forum.bestbiddy.com/forum/default.aspx?g=posts&m=168

Fitness Trends and Tips for 2010

By: Linda Liu

A tighter budget and an increasing lack of time will change the way people will be working out in 2010 and forcing professional trainers to come up with more cost-effective programs.

According to a recent poll of fitness professionals conducted by the American Council on Exercise (ACE) the focus in 2010 will be on maximizing impact and minimizing costs. Below are some tips on achieving your resolution on a budget.



Take a Calculated Approach to Cost, Time and Efficiency:

•With many people working longer hours because of increased demands at work mobile personal trainers (at home or at your office during your lunch break) will save you the travel time, give you individual attention and can be more cost-effective when all factors are taken into account

•Boot-camp style workouts as well as circuit training made an impact in 2009 and are expected to continue to be a growing trend in 2010 where high impact is coupled with minimal time input

•Quality trainers that have professional credentials are becoming increasingly important and are more likely to be up to date on latest techniques

•Technology will become more present in the fitness sphere. Tracking applications and on-the-go applications bringing mobile fitness through iPhone for example will be a growing trend for those looking for added convenience and monitoring capabilities


Look for Budget Friendly Options at the Gym and at Home:

•Find out if your gym is offering specific programs that take your budget into account. Many gyms will be altering programming and training to better serve cost-conscious clients according to ACE so this is the time to ask

•Shop smart for qualified mobile fitness professionals-get competitive bids using free services such as bestbiddy.com and ensure you are getting the best value. Once you decide on a personal trainer for example, opt for fewer higher quality visits where your trainer can develop tailored programs for your body type using cost-effective equipment (e.g. training balls, bands). You can then rotate between these programs to maintain your fitness goals at home in between visits.


Add Variety through Exergaming:

•Studies conducted by ACE on exergaming systems such as Nintendo’s Wii Fit and Wii Sports show that while not optimal fitness systems, they do provide some fitness benefits and can be a great way for those looking for variety and
shared family activity

Cleaning Services Nanaimo, British Columbia

Regular weekly house cleaner needed in Nanaimo, British Columbia. Bids accepted until January 17,2010.

View details:

http://www.bestbiddy.com/auction/Auction/APViewItem.asp?ID=122

Burnaby Bathroom Renovation Contractor

Burnaby Bathroom Renovation Contractor Needed. Last day for bids January 3, 2010. See link below for details:

http://www.bestbiddy.com/auction/Auction/APViewItem.asp?ID=121