Introduction to Leads

This article covers the following:
Definition
Notes
Notifications 

Definition

A Lead results when a User submits a Quote Request and indicates needing services for an upcoming event.  Each service requested (venue, catering, flowers, etc) is a Lead.  All local Vendors in the requested categories will receive an email alert that a new Lead is available for purchase.  

Notes

• If a User simply wants more information from a particular Vendor, they will send an instant chat message.  There is currently no charge for Chat.
• The Lead price varies somewhat by category and market, as our advertising costs also vary accordingly.  For example, it costs us more to reach people online who need a venue in Manhattan than it costs to reach someone needing invitations in upstate New York, where the population could be a fraction of the size.
• We limit the number of Vendors who can purchase a Lead to 5 vendors (or 10 venues). 
• Lead pricing is subject to change but you will always know the cost before you purchase a Lead. 
• Lead pricing is just $4.95 for most categories and markets in the US but in select c=markets and categories can range up to $14.95.
• Leads are purchased with Credits.
• You will be be prompted to purchase more Credits if you do not currently have enough to purchase a Lead.  Credits are purchased in advance in increments of $20, $50, $100, $250, $500 or $1000.  Bonus credits are available when $50 or more are purchased. Credits never expire.  Learn more about Credits here. 
• As soon as you purchase the Lead, you will be connected with that User through the site and can send them a message.  If you're both online, that chat will occur in real time.  The user is given the option of providing a phone and/or email address as well.
• A User can choose to block you from contacting them but their intention with a Quote is for Vendors to reach out to them.  You can also choose to block the User within the Chat function.  You can also choose to disconnect from them on the My Personal Connections page.
• If a User indicates needing any of the following categories of services, we give them further choices to be more specific in their needs.  We do not want you to purchase Leads that have little chance of converting into a sale.
  • Beauty and Health
  • Catering and Beverages
  • Entertainment
  • Favors and Gifts
  • Home Beautification
  • Invitations and Calligraphy
  • Music
  • Rentals and Party Supplies
  • Restaurants or Bars
  • Services for Newlyweds
  • Travel
  • Unique Services
  • Venues 

Notifications

• You will be notified via email if you have a new Lead to consider.  In that email you will see this information:
  
• You must have a profile in a category/market to be notified of a Lead.
• You will receive one email that contains all of the requested categories in which you have profiles. If you want to appear on the User's Quote page for a category, you need to purchase each relevant Lead (category) that the User is requesting for the event.  This will also allow the user to assign you a hire status for each category.  You will pay for no more than two categories even if you are in three or more categories requested.
• When you log in to the site, if you have any new Leads since signing in last, you will also see "New" indicators in your User Menu:
• See Leads Available for Purchase and Leads Purchased articles for further information.