Getting your office, home, or studio completely kitted out with the newest Audio and Visual tech can be exciting. Finding the right AV company to source the job to, not so much.
If you’re not an expert on AV equipment or haven’t dealt with these kinds of companies in the past, then you’ll probably have loads of questions. When you are browsing around for the perfect company to give the job to, ask them the following important questions:
- Can You Explain the Costs on the Quote to Me?
If you haven’t dealt with AV terminology before, then chances are there will be a few things on the quote that you don’t understand. Don’t just take the company’s word for it. When the equipment is going to be installed in your space, then you need to know and understand all the aspects.
Not only will this question give you clarity, it will also give you a chance to do an inventory check once the installation has been done. Making sure that you’re getting what you’re paying for is important.
- Can We Cut Some Costs?
Especially if you’re hosting a one-time event, it’s worthwhile to ask the vendor whether you’ll be able to save some money. Perhaps you can opt for a corded mic instead of an expensive cordless one. Even cut on some labor costs or alternative paying methods. There’s always a cheaper option.
Learn more about cutting costs for an event here: https://20bedfordway.com/news/cutting-event-costs/
- Will I be Assigned a Specific Project Manager?
Usually for big jobs, clients will be assigned a specific PM or Technical Director. You are going to deal with this person quite a lot, so it’s important that you insist on meeting them before signing any contracts.
This person will have to answer all your questions, be able to solve or adapt any unforeseen problems, and act as a middleman between you and the rest of the AV team.
- What Past Projects Have You Done?
Knowing that the AV company you want to hire has a great track record adds to their credibility. There’s no shame in asking about previous projects they’ve completed. This is a great indication of the quality of their work.
Feel free to ask for example photos and even browse review sites to check their recommendations from past clients. A well-established AV company will have a decent portfolio set up for potential clients to look at.
- Are there any Exciting Trends you Can Recommend?
Experienced and passionate AV companies will definitely be in the know-how when it comes to everything digital. They should be able to suggest 21st-century solutions that create a buzz at your event.
If you’re organizing a big event or want to upgrade your meeting room, then you can consider incorporating modern technologies. Read this to learn more about audio-visual trends in 2020 for events.
- Can You Visit the Venue Before we Sign the Contract?
You need to make sure that the company in question will be able to work with your venue. If they’re going to have to lay out cables and install screens or projectors, they need to have a clear idea of what the area looks like.
Doing a walkthrough of the venue might also mean added costs to the original quote. This will be a great time to also ask if they have any better suggestions than what you originally discussed over the phone.
- How Much Time Will You Need for Setup or Installation?
Some companies don’t have really big teams and therefore need a bit more time. When you are hosting a big event, you have to take into consideration the size of the team they will be bringing for setup and teardown afterwards. This will have an effect on the time you have to allocate to certain projects.
Choosing the right Vancouver AV Company will make a big difference in the success of your event or room upgrade. Being upfront about any uncertainties and expectations will ensure the success of the project.
Ask the right questions in order for the company to make the necessary preparations and make you feel at ease for the project ahead.
