Unprofessional Corporate Experience
We try to support vendors for our team events, but our experience with "Paint the Town" was chaotic from start to finish. We booked a premium, full-service package for a team-building afternoon, but instead of relaxing, my team spent the entire time stressing, moving boxes, and cleaning up after the staff we hired.
We aren't trying to be difficult clients; we simply wanted the service we paid for. Instead, we faced a massive burden:
The setup was chaotic and late: For a group our size, the policy is a 40-80 minute setup window. The facilitator didn't show up until 1:33 PM for a 2:00 PM start. Her assistant didn't arrive until after the event started. We were left watching the clock, wondering if our event was even going to happen.
We had to manage their logistics: The assistant arrived late and without ID. Since we are in a secure office building, she couldn't get in. Instead of the vendor handling this, my team had to stop what they were doing, leave the event space, and go down to the lobby to retrieve her and haul up the supplies she was carrying.
Dismissive attitude: Mistakes happen, but the facilitator's attitude made it worse. She was dismissive about being late and shockingly unhelpful regarding her own assistant's supplies. At one point, when asked about the materials her assistant brought, she refused to help, telling us she "couldn't hang onto that." It felt like we were imposing on her, rather than the other way around.
My team did the physical labor: Because they were so behind, the setup wasn't done until 2:30 PM--30 minutes into our paid time. To save the event, my colleagues and I had to step in and physically unpack boxes, set up stations, and distribute materials. We paid for a full-service event but ended up doing the heavy lifting ourselves.
Contract issues: We paid extra for the "all new supplies" option so our team could keep their materials. Despite this, the facilitator packed up and took many of the paints and brushes back with her.
They walked out on the mess: Despite the event starting late due to their tardiness, the facilitator refused to stay a minute past 4:00 PM. She started aggressively cleaning up while people were still painting, then bolted out the door right at 4:00, leaving us to finish the cleanup and break down the boxes.
I cannot recommend this vendor. We paid for a fun, stress-free afternoon and instead received a chaotic experience where we had to work as the setup and cleanup crew.