What years are you booking?

[shphoto]

I have a potential client for 2012 and 2013. This seems like a long time to have a client booked, especially when my prices will change between now and then. I am wondering what the rest of you would do in this situation and how far in advance do you book clients?

Thanks in advance for your advice.

[resehop]

I book usually no more then a year and a half out.... There is alot that changes that far in advance. It is really a personal opinion and what you are comfortable booking. With the economy the way it is, I find that people are planning more in advance so they have more time to pay for the things they want.

[HotHolly]

That's kinda far out for a regular photog - maybe if you are David Jay its normal. Anyway, you can book them if you want, but I think its kinda odd. Brides arent even shopping seriously for gowns with those wedding dates. If you want to book them, rate your prices based on the date and year and get the signed contract and deposit. Right now, I am seeing a lot of engagements fall apart.

[shphoto]

Thanks Sherese and Holly. This client is actually planning her daughter's quinceanera, if that makes a difference.

[toverman]

What, do they want to finish high school first or something?

[Daniel W.]

From the client's point of view, it's not a bad move. Lock in rates and whatnot before anything (as far as economics) goes haywire, or if she pays now, just in case she is sure that she will have someone to capture the memories already paid.

(From a financial standpoint, the latter is not bright but I've seen people insist on paying me in advance because they want to be sure they have me. I usually turn it down, I'm a "pay me when I show up for the actual gig" kind of guy, don't really believe in deposits because I haven't reached a point where I'm losing major flow unless it's a large profit event or I'm not comfortable with the client. Right now I'm losing bookings because of the SAT and AP tests )

[toverman]

Originally Posted by Daniel W.

I'm a "pay me when I show up for the actual gig" kind of guy, don't really believe in deposits because I haven't reached a point where I'm losing major flow unless it's a large profit event or I'm not comfortable with the client.

I'm guessing that means you don't shoot weddings. That's a case when getting paid in advance is a standard and something I'd recommend to anyone. Maybe not four or five years in advance, but well in advance of an actual ceremony. At a minimum, a contract for any type of pro work is a must so that there's something to point to that says "you owe me money," but you might already do that.

Back to the OP, my wife and I had a six-month engagement (after dating for just about a year and being friends for about 18 months). We couldn't have waited any longer, so engagements that go past a year kind of make me wonder if people actually want to get married or are more concerned with the wedding.

[ilove2eatcake]

That's a bit far out. Maybe you can have them pay a retainer just to hold their date. By 2012 and 2013 your prices will change, that's a guarantee.

[ESHernandez]

Hey Shawna,

I shoot alot of Quinceaneras and like Margaret said, I have them pay a retainer to lock down the day. Contract is signed when they pay the retainer. Balance is due two weeks before the day.

Let me know if you need help with assembling a contract.

I will tell you, Quinceaneras are difficult sometimes because of all the drama from the 15 yo and her Mom and Grandmothers, and so forth. Recently I shot at a Fort Worth Catholic Church where up to the last minute the girls dress had not been APPROVED by the Priest and so it threw a huge wrench in the entire event. People crying, screaming. I'd never seen a Priest so scared.. It was really quite entertaining..

But it seems that your clients are thinking way ahead which is a pretty good sign. Probably going to be a very large event. I've seen some Quinceaneras that would easily dwarf a normal wedding in size and in cost..