I seem to deliver a lot of wedding cakes to this one event space who has a "preferred" vendors list. I am not on it.

I was thinking about asking them to put me on their list - is this how its done? Would they want a % of the business?

Does anyone have a situation like this?

bump in the rump

I would just ask them what their requirements are. Could be they are getting a special price from these people, or maybe there is a fee to be added. Either way, it might help to be on there, since they would recommend you. But if you already deliver there a lot, maybe you don't need to be "preferred".

Definitely ask what the requirements are. Some places charge you an "access fee" to be on their preferred list, plus they can require info on file, such as a food license copy and proof of liability insurance. Photographers are a great source! A bride usually books her church, her reception site and her photographer....in that order. If you can get in with the photographers, you have a good chance of getting some good referrals.

I usually try to talk to the photographer and ask them to get a good shot of the cake because I may want to buy a copy for my website. I take their card and tell them I will be contacting them. Some photographers have just given me the photo as long as I credit them with the work on my website. Their pics are WAY better than the ones I take!

Always always do the card exchange with the other vendors.

Those are great suggestions....thanks!

I do cakes for several special events vendors. Two of the places require liability insurace . Two others tack on an additional 15% to the customer. I get my price from the vendor and they get theres from the customer. The vendor calls me for the order or if it is complicated they will have me contact the customer. I also have wedding coordinators that will call and describe the cake they want, I give them a price, they collect and then pay me according to my contractual agreements.

So what words do you say to these different vendors, without sounding desperate?