Requesting Deposit

[sesincock]

HI all,
Still kind of new with the whole business thing and I have just started requesting a nonrefundable deposit when clients are booking sessions. I am finding that they are kick back about getting it to me- what is your best advice in following through with this?
I have found already that the clients are not getting a check to me for their requested date? Do I just say to them their date is off and now available to other clients? Or what if I don't book another client in the first time slot- do I still follow through with a shoot even without the deposit?
I'm so confused!
Susie

[heartseye]

If it is for a wedding then it is not booked until I have the deposit in my account since there are only so many weekends in the year..... Other events, I don't require deposits.

[joshranwest]

Its mandatory for the date to be reserved with me. Its in the contract. No deposit, no wedding. Simple. Tell them you are putting aside all other clients that day for them, the least they can do is show you they are serious financially.

[Unkl Buck]

Originally Posted by sesincock

HI all,
Still kind of new with the whole business thing and I have just started requesting a nonrefundable deposit when clients are booking sessions. I am finding that they are kick back about getting it to me- what is your best advice in following through with this?
I have found already that the clients are not getting a check to me for their requested date? Do I just say to them their date is off and now available to other clients? Or what if I don't book another client in the first time slot- do I still follow through with a shoot even without the deposit?
I'm so confused!
Susie

Susie,
a deposit is ALWAYS refundable. If you want to really, truly keep that said "deposit," change it to "retainer." A retainer is non-refundable, a deposit is refundable.

Is this regarding a regular portrait session or wedding? A big difference.

My policy is that the money reserves the time they want. I require $150 to book a session. If they do not pay, I do not schedule them. NOW, I might pencil it in and then call the day before to make sure they are still wanting to do the session and let them know they NEED to make a payment in order for me to show up. Most do.

If they do not pony up any money, chances are they are not serious about the photographs.

For those that do not pay, tell them nicely that the reason you request a retainer is two fold. One, you want to know if they are really serious about having pictures done. Two, you've got some money in hand for the time that you are spending with them, taking you away from someone else, or getting important stuff done otherwise.

BTW, my $150 reservation fee does apply toward their order, so really, it's more of like a down payment on their photos. It tells me whether they are really wanting me to photograph them or they are just wanting cheap pictures. If they are the latter, they don't bother with sending me any money. They go elsewhere. And I have yet to refund any of the $150. Orders are ALWAYS more than that. Much more.

[sesincock]

This is in fact for portraits- I will change the wording to retainer- thank you for that clarification. I don't set up contracts for my regular portrait sessions, and have only had a couple of flakey clients. Anyway, thanks for your insights, much appreciated!
Susie

[joshranwest]

deposit is refundable, retainer isnt