Am I crazy?

[thatsridiculous]

Is it out of the normal to expect payment for a print order before its placed?

I have a client that is upset that I am not placing the order as soon as they tell me what they want, but waiting to be paid first. I sent an online invoice for the amount due and the invoice has a link right to Google Checkout for payment processing. They are sending a check, which is fine, but I can't/won't float their order until it gets here - especially when I offered a credit card payment option.

They're now worried they won't have time to frame before the wedding, which is not my responsibility, when you schedule a Bridal less than 30 days before the wedding and don't tell me you're expecting them to be edited in a week so you can order canvas products.

I just wanted to know if I'm out on a limb by myself here or if it makes sense to get paid before you place an order. I don't want to be rude to my clients, and I even gave them a small discount for the trouble. I feel bad but am bewildered that this is even an issue.

[lyncca]

Well, I state that I won't do orders until the payment is received, but in the case of my wedding couples, I'm a little more flexible, seeing as I will have the big item (their wedding pictures) and they won't receive those until everything is paid in full.

I guess it also depends on how much money I would be out for the print too.

[Tom]

Pretty standard to be paid up front on portrait stuff, but I don't sweat it on wedding couples. I can always keep their pics until they pay, so I know I will get paid.

You should have a clause in your contract that says you do not deliver until paid in full.

[thatsridiculous]

I believe they were under the impression somehow that the full payment on the wedding was due in order for the print order to be placed, instead of just the amount of the print order. That's cleared up and everybody's happy again. Sheesh! I like communicating electronically for obvious reasons, but nothing beats talking on the phone when it comes to understanding people.

[thatsridiculous]

Originally Posted by Thomas Campbell

Pretty standard to be paid up front on portrait stuff, but I don't sweat it on wedding couples. I can always keep their pics until they pay, so I know I will get paid.

You should have a clause in your contract that says you do not deliver until paid in full.

Oh I do. I guess I just haven't worked much with clients that are used to the half-now, half@pickup or pay@pick up policies of larger, more established studios. My sad little business checking account doesn't have the muscles to operate like that yet :)

[groovyone]

Originally Posted by thatsridiculous

I like communicating electronically for obvious reasons, but nothing beats talking on the phone when it comes to understanding people.

Very wise words!

[bthompson]

I booked a wedding a month beforehand (groom was deploying), shot the bridals like 10 days before and had them edited in time for them to order a large print. I made them a priority because it was necessary.

[Tom]

Originally Posted by bthompson

I booked a wedding a month beforehand (groom was deploying), shot the bridals like 10 days before and had them edited in time for them to order a large print. I made them a priority because it was necessary.

I charge extra if they want a rush job. I'm happy to make it a priority.

[BenE]

Originally Posted by thatsridiculous

=====I like communicating electronically for obvious reasons, but nothing beats talking on the phone when it comes to understanding people.

Phone? What? Nawww.. just text or send them a little blurb on Face book or twitter.

Sorry....

.....edit... No offense intended. I have said before when people depend on anything other than face to face, or phone conversations, especially in business matters, there is always a chance of a misunderstanding.