1.  Yes, you should always ask first.

2.  Only if the provider is OK with phone numbers.  Most prefer email.

3.  Yes, email is always better than phone if you are not sure.

Hi--
I am not new to the hobby, but having been only sporadically involved the last few years, as my regulars either retire, move on etc., I've running into situations where I need to provide references.

Since this is the first time I'm attempting to do this, I have a few questions regarding protocol:

1) Is it customary to ask the providers FIRST if it's okay to use them as a reference?

2) Should I give out phone numbers? Or...

3) I have some providers that only contact through email, are email addresses acceptable?

I am in the Los Angeles area, so I realize the protocol might be different in other parts of the country.
Thanks in advance for your suggestions & advice

-- Modified on 2/11/2014 4:47:00 AM

-- Modified on 2/11/2014 4:48:04 AM

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Thanks for such a great response Michelle

ps: I was not aware hobbyists were allowed on the provider board--or perhaps my wording makes it appear I might be a provider

Thanks to both you & CurlyW -- good info

1) if she asked for references from you to see you and/or if she states she is reference friendly on website or ad, you should be safe to assume she is reference friendly but its better safe than sorry ... I suggest you ask when you meet her in person if she minds ... I often to the initiative and let my clients know that they can use me as a reference especially if they only had a couple of them. Also I've had some clients email me first before they give out my info and that's nice if we haven't discussed it before or if its been a long time since I've seen them.  However, too many emails can take up too much time so if she says yes once then you should be good for future as long as its not more than 6 months since the last reference or meeting.

2) if her number is on her website or ads then you should be safe but best to give as much contact info as you can such as number, email address, ter #, P411 link .... As long as these are easily located on her website and ad.

3) if email is what she states that she prefers then yes but also as I stated in #2 as much info as you can especially ter and p411 links ... I research those who ask for references before I give any info on my clients unless I know the provider .... I actually prefer reference requests via ter or p411 so I can verify them in 2 seconds.

Long story short... Yes make sure it's okay however you do that, check with her website or her personally to find out the best method of contact, and always include as much information as you know she would be comfortable with to the new provider so that she has more than one way to get ahold of your reference.

just as providers are NOT allowed on the Reviewers Only board.  However, it would not surprise me if there were some of each that infiltrated the other's board in some way.

As far as your questions are concerned, I agree that you should ask first, don't give out phone number w/o asking, and emails are acceptable esp if that's all that is available.

Swim

because many will not answer a message from another lady...  for all they know, it could be your SO or her PI trying to catch you or get information.

Thanks for clearing that up, Michelle

And it's always nice to meet people/providers from other parts of the U.S.-- your website gives me yet another compelling reason to want to visit D.C.

Take care!