Have you had a client flake on you for a scheduled photo shoot?

7 years 7 months ago #494328 by Vahrenkamp
A client of mine who has paid for a portrait session on the beach has flaked on me for the 2nd time.  The first time she claimed she double booked her schedule.  Today she just said, "I'm sorry, I just forgot.  Let's reschedule for next week".  

Ok, I'm not sure how to approach this.  Both times, I drove to location and waiting.  AND waited.  Both times, I called her to see what was going on.  Both times I ended up leaving a message and not getting a call back till nearly 2 hours after scheduled meeting.

Now I only stuck around till for about 30 minutes each time.  She has fully paid for the shoot.  I would like to see how others might deal with this?  


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7 years 7 months ago #494391 by effron
If it was me, I'd reschedule and then hang her up.
I have no patience for that stuff....

Why so serious?
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7 years 7 months ago #494415 by msmith55
I suppose that depends on how your contract is worded. Is there language about you being stood up and what the resulting action will be?


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7 years 7 months ago #494438 by icepics
Oh 30 min. max. Photographers that I know who do this, have it in the contract. Allow 15-30 minutes wait. Client usually loses the deposit. Etc., etc. 

Figure out your procedures and policies and make it available to clients so you can refer them back to the info. on your site (such as, remember where it says____? etc.).

Sharon
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7 years 7 months ago #494442 by icepics
And I've worked with people and kids and families for years and years and you never know what you might be dealing with. Try to cover all bases the best you can with your procedures and guidelines for clients (and still somebody might come up with a new one! lol but be as prepared as you can for cancellations etc.).

Sharon
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7 years 7 months ago #494557 by Don Granger
What does your contract state for no shows?  


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7 years 7 months ago #494627 by Vahrenkamp
My contract states that I get to keep the deposit.  However this person paid 100% up front.  


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7 years 6 months ago #494972 by Tyler Otis

icepics wrote: Oh 30 min. max. Photographers that I know who do this, have it in the contract. Allow 15-30 minutes wait. Client usually loses the deposit. Etc., etc. 

Figure out your procedures and policies and make it available to clients so you can refer them back to the info. on your site (such as, remember where it says____? etc.).


Seems like a good way to approach it.


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7 years 6 months ago #495043 by Ontherocks
After the 2nd time, I would kick them to the curb and kept the deposit.  Bad client IMO. 


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7 years 6 months ago #495100 by Tim Dordeck
What was the reason she gave you for missing the meeting the 2nd time? 


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7 years 6 months ago #495172 by albinpix
I would follow up to see exactly why the client flaked - if you'd still like to work with them, it very possible that you could reschedule again. Or if you'd prefer, let them go. Either way, I wouldn't return the deposit. I've never been in that situation myself, but I think the ball is in your court.


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7 years 6 months ago #495194 by Conner
Nope, I wouldn't tolerate that at all.  


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7 years 6 months ago #495275 by cabbot
Hey, at least you got paid upfront. Not that that excuses your client from being a flake...


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