Can my event planning company’s preferred vendor list be sold?

A buyer who sees your vendor list sees a map of florists, caterers, rental companies and venues you trust. That is useful, but the value sits in the history behind each name: how reliably they deliver, how they treat clients and how they price for you. Be careful with pricing details. Vendors may have given you rates in confidence, and sharing them with a buyer before they are committed could damage the trust you spent years building.

Document that history. For each vendor, note what you use them for, how long you have worked together and anything a new planner should know. Be honest about weak points as well. A buyer who finds out later will remember it.

Check your agreements. Some vendors may have arrangements with you, such as referral fees, exclusivity or shared marketing. Ask your lawyer which of these can move to a buyer and which need the vendor’s consent. Then plan introductions. A joint call or an event where the buyer shadows you is more persuasive than a spreadsheet. Vendors who like the new owner will keep working with them, and those who do not will say so early, which lets you adjust before closing and plan your first month.

Key takeaways

• Share the list along with notes on how each vendor performs.
• Check referral or exclusive arrangements before passing names on.
• Introduce the buyer to key vendors in person.