How to Find a Reliable and Suitable Vendor in Singapore

Your event is coming up, and you’re drowning in a sea of options—so many vendors, so many promises, and yet, how do you find one that truly delivers? As someone in the industry, let me share my insider tips on choosing the right vendor for your occasion!

Carousell: A Hidden Gem or a Gamble?

Ah yes, the good old Carousell—where you feel like you've struck gold with budget-friendly vendors boasting big guarantees and attractive rates. But before you dive in, here’s what you should watch out for:

1️⃣ Are the works original or copied from the internet? Many vendors on Carousell operate more like agencies—they take bookings and assign jobs to freelancers they know, without guaranteeing quality. Always check their online portfolio! The best place? Instagram. If the business owner is also an artist, you can be more confident in their standards.

2️⃣ Freelancer vs. Established Company If you’re looking for a very specific service, booking an individual freelancer is often the best bet. Unlike agencies, freelancers manage their own bookings, ensuring quality control. Again, check their socials—it’s the real goldmine for their latest work!

3️⃣ Confirm who’s coming to your event What they show you might not be what you get! Always ask for the actual artist’s portfolio and their name to avoid last-minute surprises.

Google: The Safe & Traditional Route

Searching on Google is one of the safest ways to find vendors, especially since only established companies with strong SEO appear at the top (meaning they’ve been around for a while and know the industry well).

🔹 Pricing: Slightly higher than freelancers, as part of the cost covers operations and admin work. But rest assured, they deliver.

 🔹 Specialization matters: Some companies claim to offer everything, but is it really better to book from a jack-of-all-trades vendor? If you’re after bouncy castles, book a rental specialist. If you want premium face painting, look for a face art expert. This ensures you get the best quality for what you need.

Instagram: The Hidden Goldmine

Portfolios don’t lie. If you want niche artists specializing in a specific field, Instagram is your best friend.

🔍 Use hashtags like #facepaintingsg, #balloonsg, or #eventssg to find hidden gems. 👀 Stalk who they follow—you might just uncover similar vendors and compare their quality. A little detective work goes a long way!

Word of Mouth: Trust the People Who’ve Been There

If you have friends or colleagues who often host events, ask them for recommendations. They’ve already done the trial-and-error, so you don’t have to!

Final Thoughts

Finding the right vendor isn’t just about affordability—it’s about quality, reliability, and making sure they match your event’s needs. Do your research, ask the right questions, and don’t hesitate to check their portfolios before booking.