Almost every host has heard a story: the caterer who took the deposit and disappeared, the tent that never arrived, the photographer who delivered half the pictures. Most of these losses can be prevented with a few habits.
Red flags to take seriously
- Pressure to pay immediately to "secure the date" before you have seen anything in writing.
- A price far below every other quote with no clear explanation of what is included.
- No physical address, business name or references, only a phone number and photos that could belong to anyone.
- Payment requested to a personal number that does not match the business or person you have been dealing with.
- Vague answers about set-up times, staff numbers or what happens if it rains.
Habits that protect you
- Verify who you are dealing with. Ask for the registered business name, and check reviews and past work you can confirm with real clients.
- Get everything in writing. A written agreement should list the service, date, times, quantities, price, payment schedule and cancellation terms.
- Pay in stages. A deposit to book, then balances tied to dates or delivery. Avoid paying the full amount far in advance.
- Keep records. Save every payment confirmation and match it to the agreement.
- Never share your M-Pesa PIN or one-time codes with anyone, including people claiming to be from a service provider, a bank or Papohapo.
- Visit or video-call before you book large items such as venues, tents and décor.
What to do if something feels wrong
Pause before paying. Ask for the agreement in writing, call the business on a number you found independently, and talk to someone you trust. A genuine service provider will understand.
How Papohapo helps
On Papohapo, service providers can be verified after submitting their business details and documents, and you can see the Papohapo Verified badge when you compare them. Quotes become a service agreement that both sides review and sign on the platform, and every payment is tracked against that agreement.
Hire with confidence
Compare quotes from service providers, sign a written agreement and track every payment in one place.