You have asked three vendors for a price and received three different messages. One is a single figure. One is a long list. One says "call me". How do you compare them?
The answer is to ask every vendor the same questions, then line up the answers side by side. This guide shows you how.
Step 1: Write one brief
Before you contact anyone, write a short brief you can send to every vendor:
- Event type, date, start and end times
- Place or area
- Number of guests
- What you need, and what you do not
- Any must have items
- Your deadline for replies
The same brief means you are comparing like with like.
Step 2: Ask for the quote in writing
A message or an email is fine. Ask each vendor to include:
- The total price, and the price of each part
- How many hours, people or items it covers
- What is included and what is not
- Transport or travel cost
- The cost of an extra hour or extra item
- When the deposit and the balance are due
- What happens if you change the date or cancel
- How long the quote is valid
- When you will receive the finished work
Step 3: Put the quotes side by side
Here is an example to show why totals alone mislead. These figures are made up to show the method. They are not real prices.
| Quote A | Quote B | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ₦300,000 | ₦340,000 |
| Hours covered | 6 | 8 |
| Edited photos | 150 | 300 |
| Transport | Not included, add ₦40,000 | Included |
| Delivery | 3 weeks | 4 weeks |
| Real total | ₦340,000 | ₦340,000 |
| Cost per hour | about ₦56,667 | ₦42,500 |
| Cost per edited photo | about ₦2,267 | about ₦1,133 |
Quote A looked ₦40,000 cheaper. Once transport is added, the two cost the same, and Quote B gives more hours and more photos. If your event only runs for five hours, Quote A may be all you need. The best quote is the one that fits your event, not the one with the lowest number.
Step 4: Ask kind follow up questions
If something is missing, ask. "Does this include transport?" is a normal question. A good vendor will be glad to explain. If a vendor will not put anything in writing, take note of that.
Step 5: Check the vendor
Look at past work. Ask for examples that match what you want. In the SkillConnect app, a Verified badge means the vendor has completed identity checks and filled in their profile. It does not guarantee the quality of their work, so still look at the portfolio.
Step 6: Negotiate with respect
It is fine to ask whether the price can change. A better question than "Can you do it for less?" is "What could we change to bring the price down?" That might mean fewer hours, a smaller package or a different delivery date. Thank every vendor for their time, even the ones you do not choose.
Step 7: Confirm the final price in writing
Once you choose, ask the vendor to confirm the final price, what is included and the payment dates in one message. Keep it. Then let the other vendors know politely that you have made a choice.
Step 8: Record it
In the free SkillConnect planner you can enter each quote, choose the one you want your budget to use, and then record the price you finally agree. The planner keeps the old quotes in your history. Payments you record are your own notes. The planner does not take payments.
