Who's right when a clients payment doesn't go through?
So on Monday I try to process a clients second scheduled payment for a combination engagement (I've shot already) and wedding (in April) job. Mind you this was due in the contract on Friday, 2 weeks ago! I have tried processing a couple times prior to this with no success. The client is evading my calls too. Finally I get ahold of them on Monday and let her know I'm having difficulty processing payment that was scheduled. Which she knew, because I had sent emails prior (with no return from her). When I shared with her that I would need a secondary payment on hand, that I want to make sure we don't have further billing delays. She blows up at me and said: "I'm the client, you remember that".
Um, okay... now because her and her husband are not managing their finances correctly to cover their contracted expenses, I'm the bad guy? Are you kidding me? I wanted to rip her a new one and remind her that she is a client, just a delinquent one. WOW. But I bit my tongue. This doesn't compute to me, why blame others, just take responsibility for your actions. Okay, am I over reacting here? How would you feel?
"The quickest way to make money at photography is to sell your camera."
You are correct, just because they are a 'client' doesn't give them any right to be that way.
Nikon D700: 50mm, 14-24mm, 85mm, 105mm 70-200mm, 150-500mm (Sigma), SB-900
effron wrote: I never had patience with dead beats. I'd inform her she's an EX client....right before the wedding....you will get cheated on anyway....
My thoughts exactly. I would just let it ride until 3, or 4 days prior to the wedding, and ask for the payment with a late fee, if you have that in your contracts. If she gets huffy with the I am the client line, then I would say you were the client, have a nice life.
You know I just had an after thought on this. Maybe the little Bridezilla has found somebody cheaper, and is planning on dumping you as well. I would call again, and then state that unless the payment is made that you cannot shoot the wedding. Then you can gauge by her reaction as to whether that is true. Also it could possibly give you time to book someone else. Then I would contemplate going to small claims if there is enough money due to justify that.
As long as she refuses to meet her obligation you have no obligation to shoot any more for her. I would wait, like the others, for a few days before the wedding, if she give you any more grief, CANCEL HER A**
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