Vendor Due Diligence Guide

1. Verify Business Credentials

Before engaging a vendor, always verify:

• Business Registration: Check if they're registered with Companies House
• Insurance: Request proof of public liability insurance (minimum £5 million recommended)
• Professional Memberships: Verify membership in relevant trade associations
• Trading History: How long have they been in business?

2. Request References

A reputable vendor should be able to provide:

• Contact details for recent clients (minimum 2-3 references)
• Portfolio of previous work
• Reviews from independent platforms
• Social media presence with client testimonials

3. Review Contracts Carefully

Before signing any contract:

• Ensure all services and deliverables are clearly itemised
• Check cancellation and refund policies
• Verify payment terms and deposit amounts
• Look for liability and dispute resolution clauses
• Consider having a solicitor review large contracts

4. Payment Protection

Protect yourself financially:

• Use Protected Payment Methods: Pay by credit card (Section 75 protection) or use escrow services
• Avoid Large Upfront Payments: Typical deposits are 25-50%, not 100%
• Get Everything in Writing: Never rely on verbal agreements
• Keep All Receipts: Maintain a paper trail of all transactions

5. Meet in Person

When possible:

• Arrange a face-to-face meeting or video call
• Visit their business premises if applicable
• For venues: conduct site visits during the day and evening
• For caterers: request a tasting session

6. Red Flags to Watch For

7. Insurance Recommendations

Consider taking out:

• Wedding Insurance: Covers cancellation, postponement, and vendor no-shows
• Venue Insurance: Many venues require this as a condition of hire
• Gift Insurance: If receiving significant monetary gifts

8. If Something Goes Wrong

If you experience issues with a vendor:

1. Document everything (emails, photos, receipts)
2. Attempt to resolve directly with the vendor first
3. If paid by credit card, contact your card provider about Section 75 claims
4. Report to relevant trade associations
5. Consider Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) services
6. As a last resort, seek legal advice

9. Report Issues to Nikahly

If you experience problems with a vendor found through Nikahly, please report it to us at support@nikahly.co.uk. While we cannot mediate disputes, we can investigate and potentially remove problematic vendors from our platform.