why do we get paid upfront as an industry before the wedding? i mean its great we do.. i understand the pros for it and also why the customer may not understand it.
i have a client who i really like, shot their wedding, i have also used their services them for my business and they mentioned they dont get paid up front 100% for their services. and i dont pay for things up either in other things. i thought this was a really good point.
the only thing i have heard against not getting paid in full is that they can complain and say its not up to par and not pay the balance etc.... but while this may or may not be justified dont we owe them some customer service to make them happy...
I ask that the balance be paid "on or before the wedding day".
In seventeen years, I can recall only one protest. We worked it out; they paid the initial deposit, then half of the balance on the wedding day, and half upon delivery of their album.
Everything else related to the wedding is paid in advance, so why would the photography be any different? When an artist is commissioned to create a piece, he is often paid up front. I will not claim to be an artist, but the parallel isn't a stretch.
Mostly, I ask to be paid in advance of doing the work because I prefer it that way. If a future client were to strongly protest this, I would (again) consider negotiating with them, as I don't consider it an unreasonable argument. But as long as clients are willing to pay for the service in advance, I (and other photographers) will continue to ask.
White Balance so easy, even our 5 year old can do it.- Melissa Strickland
Michael, it depends upon the services rendered. There is no set standard.
For my business consulting, it is paid monthly, after certain milestones are met, or upon completion of the consulting. But once the contract is set, my clients are unlikely to suddenly cancel. So this model works.
For the wedding business, there is much greater uncertainty. The wedding itself might be canceled. Or, there might be buyer's remorse and the wedding party might try to find a cheaper alternative at the last moment. Perhaps the wedding party believes that Uncle George with his prosumer camera is good enough. So the photographer needs to capture significant payment upfront to "cement the deal" and allow her or him to set aside time for the wedding.
With greater uncertainty of the transaction, the greater the need for payment upfront. The less uncertainty of the transaction, the lesser need for payment up front.
Also, other many other services create something tangible, something you can attach a lien. For example, if a carpenter builds a house and you don't pay her, then you unlikely to be living in your house for long. If the wedding couple refuses to pay the wedding photographer, they don't get the professional quality photos. While regrettable, it doesn't adverse their lifestyle or ability to earn an income.
I'm old school and I have always had a policy of 1/3 total contract at booking, 1/3 one week prior and final when they pick up DVD or proofs. I've found that each region of the country has their own 'norms'. In our area, the clergy, the florist, the caterer, etc. all work the same way I do and that makes life just a whole lot easier. Yes, the caterer gets a big wad of cash after the meal in our area. I do not want any monetary transactions on the wedding day - ever. That bothers me a lot.
Personally, I feel no need to get more than 1/3 to hold the date and if they change their mind, I also don't feel guilty in keeping that amount. Keeping 100% of the package for not working is over the top in my view. I also feel the need to be 'hungry' on the wedding day and if I was paid 100% in advance I think it would take some 'edge' off my work. Just me and what others do is up to them.
One last thought, you should always consult a lawyer and check that your contract and deposits meet local, state/provincial and federal laws. What you read on the internet in worthless.
White Balance so easy, even our 5 year old can do it.- Melissa Strickland
I like to get paid on the day of, with the provision that if there's a cancelation, and I can't rebook the date, then I'll bill you for 50%. One thing's for sure, you don't hand over the pics without being paid first.
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