Contracts

[Party Picassos Facepainting]

In all my years, I have never done an official contract. I have sent invoices, but nothing else.
So I got questions for you:
• Where did you get the contract you use?
• Is it on your website or do you send one to your clients in the mail?
• Do you insist on a deposit, if so how much?
• How many hours prior do you allow cancellations?
Add any other info regarding this topic.
Thanks so much!

[Sherry]

When I was starting out I browsed the contracts listed on the Snazaroo FAQ page.  I took from those what I liked and added or re-worded things to my liking to come up with my contract.

I started out taking a deposit and made it non-refundable, so I wouldn't risk turning away other clients and losing money needlessly.  I changed that last year and quit requiring it.

1.  Because it was a hassle getting the deposit before the event.

2.  I felt bad about keeping their deposit if they canceled.

3.  People have rarely canceled on me.

I attach the contract and email it to the customer.  I require them to fill it out and get it back before I confirm the event.  This keeps me from turning away other clients.  Just like phone calls, I'll get customers saying they want to book me and then never return the contract (I call it a booking form).
I'll see if I can attach it to the post.