Random vent...

[BWDPhoto]

Sorry, but I had to vent this afternoon - I've been bombarded in the last month with last minute '08 seniors wanting their pictures done - which is fine - love the business. I tell each of them - because I'm such a nice person, I'll rush their online gallery and have them up (i say within a week, but it's been to where I can post in about 48 hours). I explain in detail the ordering process, time it typically takes to get stuff back and returned to them (usually say allow 1-2 weeks AFTER you order to get everything back)

Now in the last month - i've had a ton of kiddos take their pix, and now - within just WEEKS of graduation - they're thinking 'hummm, you know i never did order those pictures, better do that before i sent out grad announcements'. or 'Humm, you know, i remember my photog's website having samples of custom grad announcements, better order those soon (which takes about 5 days b/c a different lab does them and shipping time is longer) i had about 10 place picture orders last thursday/friday nights - my lab typically takes about 2-3 bus. days to get the orders back (not including weekends) and i bet i've had over 15 text messages in the last HOUR (all from the kids)! I had a girl who placed her order LAST NIGHT who just texted to see if her stuff was in! Today, I certainly knew when school got out all over the county and surrounding area!

and of course, i'm hustling just as quick as i can - but i can't help it when clients procrastinate. i posted and sent stuff to current clients back in feb. that the order deadline was march 31 to guarantee delivery before graduation - but only a few thought i was serious i guess. i vent like this every year - but i have yet to figure out a way to beat the procrastination rush in late april.

[ndsimm]

First of all, congrats on the extra business!
you might want to include a "rush charge" on the last minute orders and let them know in advance that the closer to graduation they order, the more it will be....

[BWDPhoto]

i'm going to have to do something.

i've also been contemplating (in this age of ungodly high gas prices) charging up front for the session fees. i've had 3 in the last month that no showed me. i work on locations only and confirmed the week of and again the day before - this weekend even confirmed the morning OF and they still no showed me. i could have a) used the time for another client or b) slept in - like in the case of saturday morning.

how many of you charge up front for the session fee and how do you handle that? I know a lot of other photogs are starting to do this, but i've been holding back....

[ndsimm]

I get a contract and a session fee up front...ALWAYS
if they pay something (even if it's just $50.00) they then to take it seriously.....

[happytogether]

I have been having the same problem with last minute grads. UGH!!!

[kimberley]

bwd...

do you charge a session fee and if so do you make them prepay it? I found before I made them pay for the SF up front I had more cancellations, now its rare, usually now its for sick kiddos and make it high enough that its worth them not cancelling....

[kimberley]

oh and I fogot to add....Im doing this alot...after thought posts....hehe...

I have 3 seniors this week alone and Im sorry you wait last minute not my fault, they wanna rush em they have to go somewhere else, now I will rush orders, but never proofs, its not fair to my other clients, my opion, but I would be ticked as a client to know my proofs were pushed back because a kid was waiting till the last minute....

[toverman]

Originally Posted by ndsimm

I get a contract and a session fee up front...ALWAYS
if they pay something (even if it's just $50.00) they then to take it seriously.....

Me, too. I always require a nonrefundable retainer and make sure the client KNOWS they're not getting it back, even if they cancel.

[HotHolly]

I require the session fee up front. Its nonrefundable. I take their credit card info over the phone to hold the date. Then we fax papers back and forth (contract and the CC auth form). Some of them are surprised that they have to pay up front, but swing into step if you act like its standard. For us it is. Im not wasting my time driving to the middle of a field and then have a no show. I do allow for reschedules if someone is sick, but they cant leave me hanging. A call has to come in BEFORE the shoot otherwise the session fee is spent. No one has left me waiting for a very long time. Im a stickler for keeping clients in line. They tend to act nicer and behave better when they have clear parameters.