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SWPhotoImaging
1st of April 2007 (Sun), 22:33
YES!
In case any of you have considered verbal agreements for anything, FORGET IT!

I have displayed and sold my matted and framed work in several commercial establishments for more than a few years.

I have always managed these agreements by "verbal agreement" with no problem. Most business owners are pretty trustworthy and reliable in thi area. But, it only takes one to make you realize where you have failed to properly protect yourself.

I will no longer do business this way. One business owner has shown me the error of my ways.

I have displayed and sold matted and framed images from this cafe for over two years. Recently, my works have been disappearing from the walls, but no payment has been forthcoming. When I talk to the cafe owner about it, he always says he's going to send me a check "next week".

I now have 8 works that have vanished from the walls at this establishment, with a combined wholesale value ($$ due to me) of $1100. The oldest sale/disappearance was Feb 11th, 2007, and I haven't been paid for this as of April 2.

Do not, under any circumstances, put your work up for sale without a clearly defined agreement that spells out how long after a sale you will be compensated.

I can no longer afford to fill the blank spots on this cafe's walls, since I am basically giving away my work, my frames, my matting, etc., and the cafe owner is reaping the benefit of living off the "float" from selling my property and not paying me.

Be forewarned. Every agreement should be in writing.

rhys
1st of April 2007 (Sun), 23:36
Thanks for the warning. I wonder whether that cafe is going down the plughole?

ssim
1st of April 2007 (Sun), 23:58
Good advice. If you are going to treat your photography like a business you should always put everything into writing. You don't necessarily need a fancy contract all the time. I have gone to small claims court with a "letter of understanding" between the customer and myself and easily got my money. Even when dealing with friends this is important. They may look at you sideways but it is better to error on the side of safety.

PhotosGuy
2nd of April 2007 (Mon), 12:08
My cousin's wife has a gift shop & I gave her a few small prints to see if they would sell. That was the last I heard of them.
Bonus: Now I don't have to talk to her! http://photo.klein-jensen.dk/smilies/rotfl2.gif