caroline_weiss Posted January 21, 2008 Share Posted January 21, 2008 Hi there, hope you guys can help me with this. I have started a wedding photography business last year and after doing some research I decided to ask for 50% of the chosen package as a deposit. My most expensive package is only ?1100, which here in Glasgow isn't that expensive, but now I've seen that couple's rather choose a different photographer to me because their deposit was only ?150. Now I got this dilemma, that on the one hand I think when you book your photographer you 'usually' pick them because you like their work the most and once you made up your mind on who to go for you stick with them, so to stick to my guns and keep the 50% deposit rule, or should I reduce it but then I worry that it's easier for people to drop out and I won't find another couple to cover the date and will make a greater loss. How do you guys work it? What works best in your experience? I look forward to reading your responses. Best, Caroline Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stephen_kinosh Posted January 21, 2008 Share Posted January 21, 2008 Ive have always asked for 50% up front and the balance 2 weeks before the wedding date. I have done 50% up forn and payments on the balance, schediled ot be paid in full 2 weeks before the wedding date. So far, no problems. Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jc5066 Posted January 21, 2008 Share Posted January 21, 2008 I don't do deposits. I do retainers. HUGE difference. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andre_t1 Posted January 21, 2008 Share Posted January 21, 2008 yes. RETAINER! $500 then remaining balance 30 days prior to wedding day Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
candice Posted January 21, 2008 Share Posted January 21, 2008 "retainer" huge legal difference than deposit. I do 250.00 if they are local, 250 plus travel fees if it is an "away" wedding. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_c.5 Posted January 21, 2008 Share Posted January 21, 2008 You have a business to run. It takes cash flow to do that. Half up front, NON-REFUNDABLE, spelled out in contract. The other half on the day of, or any time prior to the day of. Payments made the last week before the event must be tendered in such a way you can get the cheque cashed at a local bank, so you HAVE YOUR MONEY. That way, you have no collections issues. To me, anyone who gets by with charging so little up front has some serious spikes and gaps in their cash flow, which is not good for paying bills. And yes, RETAINER is the correct way to refer to the payments. It's not a deposit, and you're not going to hand it back to them if they get mad and break it off with each other. You can opt to offer them some other portrait services in lieu of doing the wedding, and can even allow them to transfer the fee forward for a 3 to 5 year period, during which time if they marry, you will apply the funds paid toward their new event. And, you can allow them to transfer it to another family member. And this is an important point when doing this...make SURE you know which side PAID the fee, so the other doesn't try to take advantage of it for themselves. This last bit, I don't put in writing...I make them the offer of transfer as a good faith gesture, in case of a breakup. It's good business, and makes you out to be a nice person, not a profiteer from people's misfortunes or mistakes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david_schilling___chicago_ Posted January 21, 2008 Share Posted January 21, 2008 I find that 25% deposit and the balance by the wedding day has worked out well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eric merrill Posted January 21, 2008 Share Posted January 21, 2008 Caroline: The customers who are going to base their photographer decision on the one with the cheapest retainer aren't my desired clients. Something to think about. :) Eric Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ferchu_d Posted January 21, 2008 Share Posted January 21, 2008 I just have done like 4 weddings.. but been very lucky with retainers.. 50% to reserve date.. and the other, half 2 weeks before the wedding date.. they all have paid the retainer on the spot or the following day! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeffrey_blake_adams Posted January 21, 2008 Share Posted January 21, 2008 my clients pay upfront in full. I do accept partial payment if imperative, with the bal paid no later than 30days prior to the wedding. Keep in mind I do sell the coverage and albums all inclusive. J artisticbride.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr.sandy_fisher Posted January 22, 2008 Share Posted January 22, 2008 I've always been lucky when it comes to getting my money I ask for 1/3 when they hire me 1/3 just before the wedding, and 1/3 (all in cash or cashier check)when they get there pictures back (no they do not get to see the pictures first).Always bring samples with you. Califdreamz photogrphy.................Sandman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craig_gillette Posted January 23, 2008 Share Posted January 23, 2008 Get local legal advice for structuring the payments and for the contract language to deal with contingencies, like late payments, changes of minds or hearts, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rebecca_seauve Posted January 28, 2008 Share Posted January 28, 2008 Sorry, what is the difference between a retainer and a deposit...We are fairly new to this as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richard_king2 Posted January 28, 2008 Share Posted January 28, 2008 we do 1/3 booking fee immediately, 1/3 3 months before, and 1/3 cleared 2 weeks before we are considering making the final payment 1 month Get a good contract NOTHING is refundable Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richard_king2 Posted January 28, 2008 Share Posted January 28, 2008 Rebecca A booking fee, or retainer is basically a payment for you to save that date for them. It is a NON REFUNDABLE payment A deposit is refundable I had a couple pull out a few months before a wedding - and they got no money back - fair - yes - because at short notice I will not rebook that specific date easily. In the specific case in hand, I had turned away a few brides for the same date That's why I stage the payments - they pay more as the date gets closer There is a second reason why you definatally don't want to do deposits WHO do you give the money to? the bride or the groom? - In the case Im thinking of, the bride and groom had split up acrimoniously... trust me - when you think about it, you are better off out of there Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
larry_moore Posted February 4, 2008 Share Posted February 4, 2008 We do 1/3 to sign the contract, 1/3 before the wedding, and 1/3 on delivery of the proofs. Have had people try to pay the last payment at time of delivery of the album. Said no. We are occassionally flexable in spacing the payment if the wedding is a distance away. Seems to work OK. Biggest problem is people not ordering there albums. Have about 22 which are over 1 year. Because people often take considerable time to order their albums it is important to keep a reserve fund to cover the costs. Otherwise you might find yourself in the fix that a surprising number of photographers do -- that is they become dependent on the next wedding to pay for the last. As a consequence they get in trouble with the law for nondelivery. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bakarichavanu Posted March 29, 2008 Share Posted March 29, 2008 I require a 1/3 to hold the date, another third before the wedding day, and the final third after my work is completed. Some clients pay in full before the wedding, while others like to spread it out. But getting a list a third or half to hold the date insures that they don't change their mind, and helps you have an income throughout the year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill_ashley2 Posted April 1, 2008 Share Posted April 1, 2008 Because people often take considerable time to order their albums it is important to keep a reserve fund to cover the costs. Otherwise you might find yourself in the fix that a surprising number of photographers do -- that is they become dependent on the next wedding to pay for the last. As a consequence they get in trouble with the law for nondelivery. RESPONSE: I have a clause in my contract that states that album orders not submitted within one year from the wedding are subject to a 20% upcharge. My costs rise after a year, so I'm just passing on my increases..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now