Deposit for a portrait session?

[Michelle Allmon]

Hi all,
Lately I have been getting a ton of inquiries, a lot of bookings and all of the sudden, tons of cancellations on bookings. Or more like, I do a reminder the day before and they either don't respond (if I don't have their address!) or let me know they can't do it after all. These seem to be all people that committed to a date months ago. So I am thinking about having people put down a deposit before I'll hold a date, just like I would do for a wedding. It seems silly (to me) for such a small gig, but it is costing me money since I turn down other clients for that date/time. Do any of you currently do this? Did you get less bookings this way?
Michelle

[PeteQ]

I have begun to do it because I was experiencing the same thing you are. After discussing the session and agreeing on a date and time I usually require a deposit to hold the date. I have a grace period where they can cancel, but once they have written the check, most seem to put in on their calendars.

My reminders go out a week prior to the date as that is usually enough time for them to move around things if they need to in order to keep the date.

I have really begun to work harder at on-going communication and it has paid off. In touching base with my last portrait client I learned about two other families that were interested in a family sitting also. Those turned into not only portraits, but an add-on Christmas card session for both also! I typically send them an email with tips, etc about the upcoming session, just tidbits to let them know they are important to me. By the time I see them to shoot they are relaxed because I have been in touch with them several times before they get in front of the camera....

[Michelle Allmon]

Thanks, how much of a deposit do you have them put down? I am thinking only like $20-30 because I don't want to scare people off. But I do know that people will typically keep appts when there is money involved.

[atnlegacy]

Originally Posted by Michelle Allmon

Thanks, how much of a deposit do you have them put down? I am thinking only like $20-30 because I don't want to scare people off. But I do know that people will typically keep appts when there is money involved.

I'm starting out in this biz and am concerned about this too, so thanks for bringing it up. I understand what you are saying about not wanting to scare people off, but think of it this way -- the client will be paying for the entire session fee anyway, so asking for a portion of it as a deposit should not scare them off. It's like you're letting them pay the fee in "installments." And I think a 50% deposit is fair, but that is just my opinion. My family just had a photo session and we paid a 60% deposit. Good luck!

[Michelle Allmon]

That's cool, I'm just thinking people will be less likely to commit to a day (or even email me) if they have to put money down right away. But I guess the people who aren't serious are the ones that will be scared away, huh?

[atnlegacy]

Originally Posted by Michelle Allmon

But I guess the people who aren't serious are the ones that will be scared away, huh?

True that!

[bondarnes]

Our policy is "A session does not go on our calendar until the session fee is paid." Not a deposit, but the entire session fee. If people have to reschedule they are calling and I am fine with that. If they no show I still get paid for being there. Try to reserve a hotel room without paying for the first night. People are used to it and don't even mention it. When we are on the phone with them we simply say, "What credit card would you like to use to reserve your session time?"

[Digital Prophet]

Personally I have a very simple 50% non-refundable (except in an instance where I am unable to appear) deposit by credit card or cleared check policy. That's it.

When people give me a hassle over the matter I explain that this policy insures that nothing will interfere thier scheduled shoot. It lets me know that thier shoot is important to them and lets them know that I will not accept another booking. If they continue to him and hawe about it I let it go and say "Well, think about it and if you decide that you would like to schedule the shoot let me know." Because by that point I know three things:

1. They are cheap
2. They are going to be a problem client
3. They aren't that damn serious about having the session

None of which make me want to fall all over myself to do business with them. Especially the problem client part.

If they are rude about it, and sometimes they are, I simply tell them "I am very sorry that I have somehow offended you with my business policy. Maybe you should use a photographer you are more familiar with." I.E.: Screw you.

I just had a case like this last week. The woman was very snippy and cheap but wanted a Thanksgiving Day family portrait. When she FINALLY settled on a time she balked at the deposit policy. "What a trusting soul..." were the words in her email. So I gave her my polite go screw yourself schpeel and she changed her tune.

Sometimes you have to let people know you are a REAL business with REAL policies. Otherwise they figure "well I forgot about the photo thing, but she's just doing it as a hobby so she probably did too". Um, no.

Prophet out.

[LadyShutterBug]

you don't go on the calendar until i have your deposit. this si true for weddings as well as portrait sessions for me.

wedding deposits are a set amount.

portrait sessions, 1/2 due to secure the date (non-refundable, transferrable if they cancel within at least 24 hours before session), 1/2 due at time of sitting.

if they "forget" their check on the date of the sitting, i will still shoot but will not release pics until i get the rest. people with infants... and brides... sometimes have a lot of other things on their minds when coming for the session, so that isn't a big deal for me. i have never had someone who doesn't send me a check within the next 3 days.

[Michelle Allmon]

thank you everybody, i think i will do 1/2 down. that will probably be easier for people to budget anyway. i'm not worried about collecting the balance, once i show up and take pictures it's never been a problem for me, either. i just don't want people to flake out anymore!

[HotHolly]

For family sessions, we have a contract and require a deposit at the time the contract is signed. The remainder is due 10 days prior. The deposit is $140 and is nonrefundable, if they cancel. They can apply it toward another session, but they dont get a refund.

It seems to make clients more invested in their portraits, they are less likely to blow you off, and all that.

[bondarnes]

Originally Posted by Michelle Allmon

thank you everybody, i think i will do 1/2 down. that will probably be easier for people to budget anyway. i'm not worried about collecting the balance, once i show up and take pictures it's never been a problem for me, either. i just don't want people to flake out anymore!

If you are only half good then half deposit is appropriate. You don't get a hotel room for half. But even more important is MONEY SPENT IS MONEY FORGOTTEN. It has been my experience that your final order will be larger if you get the entire session fee when you book the session. And it's not your job to help your clients with their budget. It's your job to move their money from their pocket to yours.

[Wes]

Same thing here - I only hold a date for a client when they pay the sitting fee.

[Michelle Allmon]

If you are only half good then half deposit is appropriate. You don't get a hotel room for half. But even more important is MONEY SPENT IS MONEY FORGOTTEN. It has been my experience that your final order will be larger if you get the entire session fee when you book the session. And it's not your job to help your clients with their budget. It's your job to move their money from their pocket to yours.

Ahh, good point. I am swayed. :)

[LadyShutterBug]

If you are only half good then half deposit is appropriate.

i disagree with this. now-- i always give them the option to pay it all at once if they like ;)