Im fairly new to this and im just wondering if i want to use a provider as a reference should i always e-mail them first. I am asking because i email one provider that a saw a week before for a reference, but she never answer me, so i just used her as a reference for another provider and it seem to work ok. I want to use her again and this other provider as a reference, so should i email her again, or only if its been more than a month since ive seen her. would it be rude to use a provider as a reference without asking them first, or is this common practice.
You might want to search the archives on this topic there are lots of discussions on this, but more to the point ...
You are asking many of the right questions. And from those considerations you can begin to appreciate why some (many?) providers might prefer their clients sign up for some of the verification/referral services (e.g., preferred411).
The ASPs can get LOTS of email/calls and the extra referral traffic doesn't help with that load. On the other hand the referrals are important. With the referral services all the client needs to do is point the ASP at the service to which they have referrals. The ASP's can then check (usually on-line 24-7-365). Client's can request their ASPs to provide them an OK on their referral service, which they can do once and quickly.
The bottom line is give the ASPs a break and look into whitelists and referral services that are utilized in your area.
that you always clear getting references before offering her name to another provider.
I've never met a provider who refused, but I am sure they appreciated being asked.
In this hobby, as in the rest of life, good manners go a very long way towards mutual enjoyment.