What would you do?

[akimartymar]

I had a couple come in about 1 1/2 - 2 months ago about doing their wedding. They said they would get back with me in a few days and would probably be using me. Well I didn't hear from them for a few weeks and finally he called and said they were going with me and would be returning the contract with deposit. I again never saw or heard anything for a couple of weeks. Then this past Saturday she calls and says the want to come over and sign the contract and pay me in full on Sunday. I tell her that is fine but to call before coming. I get home Sunday about 1pm and there is a message on my machine from 11am saying that she is at my house but I'm not home, please call. I call back and leave a message. He finally calls today about 8pm. The one thing I haven't mentioned is that the wedding is Oct. 21...less than 2 weeks away. This couple has been nothing but excuse after excuse. I think tomorrow I'm gonna call back and just tell them sorry but I can't do it and I have planned something else. What would you guys do in this situation?

[ShaneKislack]

I don't understand the problem. I mean, besides being ding dongs, they haven't cost you anything your set you back in any way have they? To me, "call before you come" is just as unprofessional as them not calling. Why not set an appointment so there is no confusion? Some people are just like that...big dummies. They didn't skip meetings during those weeks did they? Besides they have lots on their plate right now.

What would I do? Make sure I got the contract and money and then step up to the plate and do it. I'd set up an appointment to mutually read over the contract and collect the money. Then all you have to do is show up and shoot. Sounds like an easy gig since they obviously have low expectations, given their own behaviour.

[Clayton Wallace]

Hmmm...I see your point. Numerous flags raised. They seem pretty flaky, but some people are just that way. I'm really not sure what I'd do in that circumstance. I suspect I'd do it if I reallly didn't have any prior commitments, as long as they pay in full in advance and sign a crystal clear contract and know exactly what they are gettiing (and not getting).

Sometimes people aren't very skilled in 'normal' communications and even have different social expectations/backgrounds. When I moved to Alaska, I had to get used to a whole different concept of 'on-time'. There just wasn't an exact starting time with many people.

Of course I'm generally pretty flexible with my clients. If you're getting a seriously bad vibe, no shame in bailing in that situation.

[akimartymar]

Well Shane, the problem is that I'm just not getting the right feeling about this couple. The last excuse was the contract got wet so they need another. Sounds kinda like "my dog ate my homework" to me. As far as telling her to call before she came, she said she didn't know what time they would be able to make it. And to just show up at someone's how on Sunday at 11am???? Shouldn't it click that some people may be at church at that time? Which also leads me to wondering if the really came to my house or just left that on the machine when they got no answer. It just seems like one thing after another. i just have a fear of the wedding being the same way. I mean, who the hell waits until less than 2 weeks before the wedding to hire the photographer when they've been planning this thing for months? And the worst thing about it is the supposedly have a wedding planner.

[Clayton Wallace]

It sure sounds strange...

[ShaneKislack]

Well, either way you're going to have to take control of the situation. For your sanity if nothing else. Maybe you could set appointments and tell them you're going to charge them $50 everytime they miss an appointment. Pretty soon they'll have priced you out of their budget anyway ;)

The thing I've learned my short time in business is that people will treat you they way that you allow them to. When I started out, I wanted to be friends with all of my clients. Make them feel like we're buddies and it's a partnership. What did I get? Late people, all the time. Unprepared people all the time. Over critical people all of the time. They felt that I wouldn't care if they were 45 minutes late because we're buddies! The fact that she was going to show up at your house out of the blue gives me the impression that she thinks your relationship is casual and you are her buddy doing her a favor. Whether or not you meant to give that impression is neither here nor there, but you're going to have to nip it in the bud.