Free download · Any event
Free Vendor Comparison and Contact Tracker
The cheapest quote is often the one that leaves out delivery, setup or a damage waiver. This tracker puts every vendor, payment and contract in one place and scores quotes on what they actually include.
What's inside
Everything in the kit
- 16 vendor categories prefilled, from venue to photo booth
- Quote, deposit, balance and due dates with automatic totals
- Contract signed and certificate of insurance checkboxes
- Status dropdown from researching to paid in full
- Compare tab: score three quotes on 10 questions that matter
Files you get
- ExcelVendor Tracker (Excel)Vendors tab plus a quote comparison scorecard
- CSVVendor Tracker (CSV)Plain columns for any tool
Read next
Guides that go with this download
- Chicago High-Rise Party: Freight Elevator, COI and Loading DockHow to plan rentals for a Chicago condo or high-rise party, from freight elevator reservations and certificates of insurance to loading dock rules.
- Church Hall and Community Center Event Planning GuidePlan an event in a church hall or community center, with rental rules, kitchen use, alcohol policy, setup time, equipment and cost tips for the Chicago area.
- DJ vs Band: Cost and How to Choose for Your Chicago EventCompare DJ vs band cost and choice for Chicago-area events, including rough price ranges, space needs, power, flexibility and what to ask before booking.
- Event Photographer Cost and Hiring Guide for ChicagoWhat an event photographer costs in Chicago, how to hire one, what to put in the contract and how to plan shots, with rough price ranges and questions to ask.
- How to Choose a Corporate Event Venue in Chicago: 7 ChecksHow to choose a corporate event venue in Chicago: capacity, location, parking, load-in, included furniture and the questions to ask before you sign a contract.
- How to Choose a Wedding Venue in Chicago: 12 QuestionsA practical guide to choosing a wedding venue in Chicago and the suburbs, with what to ask on a tour, what to compare, and what a bare room means for rentals.
- How to Hire Event Vendors: Vetting, Quotes and ContractsLearn how to find, compare and hire event vendors, with the questions to ask, red flags to watch for and contract terms to get in writing before you pay.
- Restaurant Private Room vs Full Venue: Which Is RightCompare a restaurant private room vs a full venue for your event, covering cost structure, guest count, food control, decor freedom, timing and noise.
- Types of Event Venues in Chicago Compared: How to ChooseCompare types of event venues in Chicago, from banquet halls and lofts to park pavilions and restaurants, with what each includes and what to ask first.
Questions
About the Vendor Comparison and Contact Tracker
How many quotes should I get for each vendor?
Two or three is enough for most categories. More than that slows you down without changing the decision much. Use the compare tab to score them on terms, not just the total.
What should every vendor quote include?
Exact items and quantities, delivery and pickup windows, setup, the damage or breakage policy, cancellation and weather terms, deposit dates and insurance. The scorecard lists all ten.
Is the vendor tracker really free?
Yes. Enter your email and the download links appear right away, with no account needed. You can unsubscribe from planning emails at any time.
Will the spreadsheets work in Google Sheets or Numbers?
Yes. The Excel files open in Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets (File, then Import) and Apple Numbers, and the formulas keep working. CSV versions are there for any tool that prefers plain columns.
Can I share it with my partner, family or committee?
Yes. Print it, forward it or upload it to a shared drive. It is free for personal and nonprofit planning use.
More free downloads
