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DPChallenge Forums >> Business of Photography >> Quick Question, need quick answer please
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07/26/2006 06:52:37 PM · #1
OK I just sent a contract out to a wedding client for her wedding photography. Her wedding is on Dec 9th. My husband and I are going on vacation the 4th thru the 8th. Due to the fact that weather in my area can be unpredictable to say the least I thought it best to be up front with her and told her that we were flying back from FL on that Friday in the early afternoon. She said that if the weather was too bad for me to get back, then 3/4 of the quests wouldn't be able to get there either and that they would have bigger problems. After looking over the contract she wants to know what happens if I get stranded...does she get the deposit back? I was thinking of telling her that if they still hold the wedding that day that yes I would give her the deposit back (less $50 for the engagement pictures). But if they have to postpone the wedding, they don't get their deposit back. Does this seem like an appropriate and reasonable answer?
07/26/2006 07:06:44 PM · #2
No experience here, but it sounds reasonable. The only thing that would stick for me (if I were the client) is if you kept the deposit due to a reschedule I would expect you to shoot the reschedule. Depending on other responsibilities you may have, that may not be possible. A better option may be to retain the option to shoot the reschedule (and thus keep the deposit) but should you not be able to shoot the reschedule a refund is in order.

Now, if the weather turns sour but you are able to make it back but their guests not able to make it in and they want to reschedule -- that would be a different matter entirely.

David
07/26/2006 07:07:17 PM · #3
If she postpones the wedding wouldn't she still want you to shoot it?

Basically if it's your fault I'd give her the deposit back, if it's her fault then don't. It all depends on who is actually canceling the deal.
07/26/2006 07:10:42 PM · #4
I'd say keep the option to shoot the reschedule. And I'm not sure if you're established or not, but whatever the deposit is might be worth the word of mouth advertising about how wonderful of a business person you are.

Just my thoughts...and I'm not a professional photographer, nor do I play one on TV, nor did I sleep at a Holiday Inn Express last night.
07/26/2006 08:05:48 PM · #5
Just my thoughts...and I'm not a professional photographer, nor do I play one on TV, nor did I sleep at a Holiday Inn Express last night

LOL :)

I think what I will tell her is that if I get stuck, but they still hold the wedding...she gets her deposit back. If the wedding gets rescheduled (for any reason) she dosen't get her deposit back, but I will shoot at the reschedule. It would be her responsibility to make sure that I am available on the reschedule day (aka not already booked). This kind of thing is one of the most difficult aspects of the business for me. I am flexible and very willing to work with people...but I want to make sure that I don't leave myself open to be taken advantage of.

Thanks for the opinions...they have been very helpful.
07/27/2006 10:29:58 AM · #6
Your contract should cover all options. or have someone else as a backup in case you can't make it.
Sure you can give their money back, but if they hold hte wedding without you they'll never have wedding pics, will they?

not that I have a plan either...I know people and would try like hell to get one to cover teh wedding, even if it meant i took a loss for the day. If all you need is a shooter in a pinch, $500 to $1000 should hire you some kind of competent help. Some 'wedding photography chains' pay $350 to shoot a wedding and most working pros laugh at that low a price. If you're charging less than that you're insane IMO - 8 hours of on site, plus 2 to 10 hours PP work, travel, overhead time (phone calls, meetings, etc).
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