I have
been fortunate to have attended quite a few functions and wedding celebrations
for close family members in a span of 3 months this year. From these events I
have drawn invaluable experience on how to and how not to deal with service
providers however, there is an area I would like to address and that is of
photo and video coverage personal.
Now for
all of you who live in Uganda and have been fortunate to throw birthday parties
or family events you know how difficult it is to handle service providers
regardless as to how big or small the event is.
Recently
at my cousins wedding, my sister and I were fortunate to serve as ushers and
reception coordinators as we were fairly acquainted with both sides of the
family. During this time I had the opportunity to interact with the days
photographers who were from a hip and very popular company. Much to my surprise
and disgust, they conducted themselves in a manner that left a lot to be
desired and that is putting it mildly as you can read in the conversation that
ensued at about dinner time.
Mature
male Photographer: “Madam we have not eaten,” he said boldly as the bride and
groom’s family members began to queue for food.
Me: “I beg your pardon!” I
quickly said in response hoping that my ears were playing tricks on me and I
had probably misheard them.
Younger
male photographer: “We need food.”
Me: “Really, speak to
the lady over there in a polka dot dress she will assist you,” I politely said
so that I could focus on getting the important family guests to their seats
with refreshments as some were still arriving late due to the Friday night
Kampala traffic.
I forgot
about this little tiff and went back to my duties only for the mature gentleman
to pull me aside 20 minutes while rubbing his stomach. I guess that was meant
to be a signal of sorts.
Me: “Yes!”
Mature
male Photographer: “Enjala!” he said with a straight face as the guests continued
to the serving areas.
Me: “Sebo, how do I serve you
before even half of my guests have even eaten?” I responded as politely as I
could.
Mature
male Photographer: “But I am also hungry,” he retorted.
Now, I
need to give you a history on this particular service provider. The management
of this service provider wanted 70% payment before even setting foot at the
hair salon or church which meant that he came late for the service. By service
time he had been fully paid but we on the other hand had not received the
service we had been promised. In other wards the kasuze katya, salon and
beginning of the church photographs had not been taken and they were also
pretty late for the reception. Now here this mature gentleman was hounding me
for food while none of his team was even taking photographs of my guests in
queue and he still had the audacity to pull a fast one on me.
A few
moments later as I went to take the first batch of guest to the dessert table
as this was a 3 course meal, I found this same photographer with a full plate
of an assortment of dessert which included cake, pastries and fruit. I could
not help thinking, by the time that you are late to a church service at 4 pm,
squeeze me for the largest percentage you can get for payment and arrive late
at the reception; the least you can do is eat before you come to work.
I decided
not to put this service providers name as I actually went to school with this
person but all I can say is the respect I once had for him is all but a memory
and I will not be recommending him to anyone else. If you own a company that
provides a service for any event train your staff on how to deal with customers
at events and feed them before they get on site.
I cannot
pay you for a service and then feed you at the event as well. Please try to be
serious.
