Do caterers need to know that you are negotiating with others?

hgminor

I haven't signed a contract with anyone, and am in negotiation with two different caterers to find the best price ( I got to taste food for both during an open house at my venue).  Do I need to let them know at all that they aren't my guaranteed caterer?  

Sometimes they say things in emails like how happy they are to work with me, and I feel like, even though I haven't signed any contract, that they think it's a done deal.  Kinda feels like I'm cheating on each of them with the other.

Any thoughts?

GoodLuckBear14

Any business person knows that until there is a signed contract, you are not a guaranteed client.  They are signing off like this to put in in your head that this is the person you want to work with.

beachwed10

Until it's in writing they won't assume anything.

I wouldn't let them know until you have quotes and only then if you want to leverage one against the other.

hgminor

Good advice! I will definitely hold off on telling them. But really, I'm not good at this. I can't wait to get final pricing a and pick one for sure!

Andama08

Agree with PP. I never let them know because it isn't their business. Also they could be telling someone else the same thing.

MuppetOverlord

It's a sales technique to talk to you like you are their client and they've secured everything.  Don't feel bad.