Deposits

[reginanewsum]

In the past, I had never required a deposit for a booked gig, but last year I had over 9 gigs that canceled at the last minute, half of those gigs I had accually drove there and was told they had to cansel at the last moment and forgot to call me! This year I decided to require a $50 DEPOSIT. I also have been explaining to the clients on the phone why I went to deposits, so far no problems with any booked gigs scheduled for this year, I just have them send me there deposit in the mail, or some have just dropped it off at my home. Seems to be working, just gotta keep track of there balance owed now. Anyone have the same type of problems with canceling?

[sealmom]

Hi Gina,
I had a similar problem... but just once.  After I had a gig cancelled on me after I had arrived (I'd even had to drive to an other town to boot! - Not a happy camper!).  I immediately instituted a non-refundable $25 deposit that does not apply to the cost of the gig.  That $25 is just to get you on my books and you don't get on my books until I receive the check.  I have had no further problems with gigs canceling.  If any one questions why the deposit... I just tell them I have had jobs cancel on me after I had passed up other business and no one has any problem with it.  In fact they usually say "Oh... I understand".   I know $25 doesn't sound like a lot... but my area of the country is VERY tight with their money... and our general charges are much less than your area.  I feel it is just enough to get their attention.  I like your $50 better... but I think I would loose business at that rate.

[Skidzz]

Hmmmm.... I had several cancel at the last minute last year too... Maybe I should institute a deposit clause.

[Jhayded]

Hi Gina,
I had a similar problem... but just once.  After I had a gig cancelled on me after I had arrived (I'd even had to drive to an other town to boot! - Not a happy camper!).  I immediately instituted a non-refundable $25 deposit that does not apply to the cost of the gig.  That $25 is just to get you on my books and you don't get on my books until I receive the check.  I have had no further problems with gigs canceling.  If any one questions why the deposit... I just tell them I have had jobs cancel on me after I had passed up other business and no one has any problem with it.  In fact they usually say "Oh... I understand".   I know $25 doesn't sound like a lot... but my area of the country is VERY tight with their money... and our general charges are much less than your area.  I feel it is just enough to get their attention.  I like your $50 better... but I think I would loose business at that rate.

I've always required a 50% retainer (I don't call it a deposit because the word, even when accompanied by "no refundable" implies that getting it back is an option) and I make it clear that their date isn't held beyond 10 days  without it. I've never had a problem and cancellations aren't a problem for me. I would lose business if I didn't apply the retainer to the balance however as people here don't like 'add on" fees. The price I quote is the price they pay and they pay me half up front just for me to show up and the other half when I arrive. Many here would easily walk away from $25 to avioid having to pay the rest.

[LillyW]

I also do a $50 non-refundable deposit.  I should call it a booking fee, since that is LEGALLY non-refundable, but I have been too lazy to fix it.

I don't explain myself as to why I get require deposits.  What I do ALWAYS say is:  "As soon as I have your deposit and the contract, I will block my calendar for you."  I do not explain why.  It is implied that if you want ME, you need to take action, because I am BUSY and BOOKED all the time.  (I may only have one gig that month, but they don't need to know that!). The truth is, I usually am booked every weekend at least once. A great weekend will have 3 - 6 bookings.  So, I can't hold a date that is not FIRM.  See http://www.funfacepainting.com/prices1.html

I also use PayPal's Virtual Terminal as my way to process credit cards.  I used to have an actual merchant account and all, but this was WAY cheaper and lots easier.  https://www.paypal.com/us/mrb/pal=L9S5VHCDCM9MW

- Lilly Walters, 909-398-1228
Face and Pregnant Belly Painting in Claremont, La Verne, Upland, Pomona, and Big Bear Lake, http://www.funfacepainting.com
Books and Face Painting Classes http://www.funfacepainting.com/book.html