How Do You Go About References And Testimonials.
Business By squarepair Updated 7 Aug 2007 , 1:26pm by indydebi
So I had a bride ask for references from other weddings I have done. So I was wondering how does everyone go about these? Do you ask bride's if you can use them as references? I kind of hate the idea of sending people to bug them. Also, I would like to put comments I have gotten from customers on my website. DH doesn't think we need to ask them if we just use first names. What do you all think??
Thanks!!
Kristin
I haven't done this with brides but in my full time job I have. Do you have a bride that you really enjoyed working with and gave you great reviews? I would call her and ask her if you can use her as a reference until you have more customer comments on your website.
As for your website just verify with everyone that it would be ok to put their comments on your web page. Let them know that you will only have their first name listed. Most people wont' care but some people would so it is always better to ask.
I was also told by someone who works in this field that any testimonials you put on your website or in your brochure, you must be able to produce the original that you rec'd from the client, if requested. This is to show that you aren't making up your own kudos!
Since putting the comments on the website, the requests for references has dropped dramatically! I've only had 2 requests in the past year and both were from couples who were planning a very large reception .... so when you're planning on spending that kind of money, I certainly understand wanting to talk to previous clients directly.
When I receive a very nice thank you note/letter, I always email them with a thank-you for the nice note, and ask them if I can use it on my website. No one has ever turned me down.
Also..... once I started posting the comments on the website, I also started receiving more thank you notes from clients! Coincidence? I think not! 
Previously I have sent a feedback form in the mail and put a disclaimer at the bottom stating that amy or all of the comments made on the form could possibly be used on my website.
I do not get many to ask this because 100% of my clients are referrals. But I do get alot of thank you cards, I have them posted in my shop and they are certainly welcome to read them. Reputation is critical, and a job well done will get you more jobs in return. If someone sends you a nice card or letter why not have an album of references that a bride can go through. If they wish to call one of your clients, I would explain to them that because of privacy issues you cannot give out their phone number without their permission. Everyone understands about privacy. You then can place a call and get permission from you client to give out their phone number.
You then can place a call and get permission from you client to give out their phone number.
It's better to have that permission already in place, so you can hand over a list of references when requested. Saying, "Uh, I'll have to get back to you on that" may be a turnoff to some people.
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