Contracts, Deposits, and Dates, Oh My!

I have been asked before about contracts and deposits and what to do if your client changes their date or backs out of an agreement, etc.

Well, my first answer is have a plan! Have a plan for everything--if you (or a loved one) gets sick, if they change the date, if they change their date, if they get sick, etc. And a plan is no good, if you don't have it in WRITING!! A Contract is necessary to keep your business running and to be sure you and your client are on the same page.

Professional organizations like PPA or WPPI give examples of contracts and releases, so check with them!

Deposits: A higher deposit gives to a more professional appearance and motivates your client to be committed to you and that date. They will be less likely to change dates on you so that you won't be out a bunch of jobs that could have been booked on the date(s) you reserved for them. It's important that they understand that you need to be compensated for reserving a date, because it is unlikely that you will be able to book other jobs if they back out last minute.

The legal stuff isn't always the most fun, but it is SOOOOO important. So do your homework, have a plan, and write it down.