WWYD: Vendor Relations

justbeachy20

Hi there-

I have a WWYD:I'll try and keep it brief. How do you address vendors who are taking more than a week to respond to e-mails, even after you have re-sent the message? How long are you waiting for vendor responses to questions?

Here's the backstory: I hired a photographer that lives about 2,000 miles away, since I'm having a destination wedding in Mexico (made more sense to hire a photographer from a lower COL).  I've already paid in full for her and her 2nd photographer, since they're doing the wedding for the cost of travel.  I know she purchased the tickets because she sent a reciept.
As the wedding approaches, I obvioulsy have questions. She initially sent an e-mail (forwarding me her travel invoice), to which I responded with a few questions. After a week, I never heard back.  I then re-sent an e-mail 3 days ago, and I'm continuing to wait. I want to let her know that I think responding in a reasonable amount of time is an expectation, but I don't want to go bridezilla on her.  I also don't want my discontent to affect her work--and I really love the work she does.

So what would you do? 

TIA--I'm not sure if "Etiquette" is the right place to post this, but I figured I'd ask anyway.

tenofcups4me

I'd call her. You can keep it casual -- "Hey photographer. Just calling to follow up. I sent you an email about a week ago and haven't heard back from you. Just wanted to make sure you got it since I have several questions I'm hoping to go over today. Can you please give me a call back at [number] today or shoot me off an email. Thanks!"

I'd keep it light in the first call, but probably get get significantly bitchier if I had to call again.

TheSaltyPeanut

Do you have a phone number?  Could you call?

Send her a certified letter if you haven't heard back from her in a couple of weeks.

angned

I would definitely call the person.  Have you dealt with everything through emails?  Seems like a purchase that large would have some sort of verbal communitcation.

justbeachy20

angned: Yes, since we live so far apart, I "interviewed" her over the phone.  So I do have a phone number, although I think she prefers e-mail (since her website only lists her e-mail--I got her phone number once I decided I wanted to talk to her more and asked for her cell number).
I'll give her a call--hopefully we can get on the same page.  She really young and new to wedding photography, but does amazing work. I'm guessing she just may need some more experience in how to run a business.
Thanks for your thoughts!