Understanding the Triangle Behind Every Good Decision
There’s a simple truth that crops up in almost every situation, whether you’re buying something or working on a project. From tailored suits to kitchen renovations, or producing a live event, the same principle applies. It’s known as the Project Triangle, and once you’ve seen it, you can’t unsee it.
Here’s an alternative explanation:
https://blog.hptbydts.com/project-management-triangle-time-cost-quality
It goes like this:
1. Fast – You want it done quickly
2. Cheap – You want to spend as little as possible
3. Good – You want a high-quality result
Here’s the catch, you can only have two of these three options.
You’ve Already Seen This in Real Life
This isn’t just about big projects, it’s how the world works.
A bespoke suit, made to a high standard, delivered within a week for a bargain price? Not going to happen.
A luxury kitchen installed fast and under budget? One of those three elements will have to give.
And when it comes to events, the same logic applies. A high-impact show that looks great, runs flawlessly, and doesn’t cost much? That triangle starts to stretch in uncomfortable directions.
It’s not negativity, it’s simply how time, money, and quality interact.
The Triangle in Event Production
In our world, we see the triangle play out on a regular basis.
Most clients understandably want high production values, quick turnarounds, and reasonable budgets. We get it. But pushing for all three at once almost always leads to a compromise somewhere.
Here’s how the combinations usually work:
Fast + Cheap = Basic
You’ll get something functional, but without the high-end finishes. Expect off-the-shelf solutions, minimal design time, and a simpler result overall.
Fast + Good = Expensive
Quality under pressure is possible, but it comes with a price. More crew, longer hours, faster logistics, and premium services all add up.
Cheap + Good = Slow
If the budget is tight but you still want strong results, you’ll need to allow time. Time to plan thoroughly, source economically, and work around availability.
It’s not about saying something can’t be done, it’s about being realistic early on and making smart choices. A brilliant outcome is still within reach, but you’ll need to decide where to focus your priorities and expectations.
Comparing Quotes
When gathering quotes, it helps to understand that not everything can be captured in a list of items, and not all suppliers are offering the same thing.
Yes, most clients have a budget and need to make savings where possible. That’s entirely fair. But this is where open communication is essential.
If you tell a supplier what you want to spend, they can suggest a solution that works within those limits. Asking them to quote without any context often leads to misalignment and a waste of everyone’s time. It’s a bit like spinning a roulette wheel and hoping the result lands exactly on your number.
You wouldn’t go into a car dealership and not tell the dealer how much you wanted to spend on a car. You’d give them your budget and tell them the features you’d like.
So, do the same with your suppliers. They’ll help you maximise your budget and acheive the best outcome.
While suppliers aim to be competitive on equipment rental and services, comparing itemised quotes is seldom an equal comparison, especially when service and quality levels are major factors between different suppliers.
This isn’t about pointing fingers, it’s simply a reminder that not everything worth having fits neatly into a spreadsheet. The real difference often lies in the knowledge, the care, and the overall quality, the things you don’t always see on a quote.
