First come, first served?

Ok, so this year I find I've doubled the number of early enquiries and have had 2 or even 3 enquiries for the same date. I used to be able to give the first person who enquired first right of refusal when it came to bookings as it wasn't really an issue.
Now I'm having to go with the first person who pays the deposit and signs the contract gets the booking.

What do you guys do?

How do you phrase it to people that they need to decide quickly without appearing "pushy"?

Any advice here is gratefully received.

i tell them until i receive a deposit the date is not reserved.

I agree with jbstudios till the deposit is in my hand the date is still open.

Same, date is open until a deposit AND contract is received. I tell people I don't write down inquiries in my diary so I wouldn't necessarily remember if there was more than one enquiry for the same date.

Same for me. Although, if I really got along w/a couple, and I know they liked me, then I will let them know that someone else has contacted me for that date.

so when you meet people what do you give them to take away? A rates & packages list? A contract to look over (my friend does this but I don't like that idea)? Anything? Nothing?

Do you follow up after the meeting? I send a little "nice to have met you..." email the next day and find that works really well in generating a speedy response.

If they call, i send out a brochure & a contract. In my contract it says they have 30 days to have it signed and returned, but i tell them until i have a deposit the date will remain open.

kiwinvan wrote in post #2457581
so when you meet people what do you give them to take away? A rates & packages list? A contract to look over (my friend does this but I don't like that idea)? Anything? Nothing?

Do you follow up after the meeting? I send a little "nice to have met you..." email the next day and find that works really well in generating a speedy response.

I give them a package list (which is also on my website), and a contract if they want one, seem interested, or ask a lot of questions that could be answered if they read it. I give it to them if it feels natural. I send a "it was nice meeting with you the other day, please feel free to let me know if you have any other questions" e-mail. It's a good way to get a response.

Agree with most of the above, however, I have developed a strong dislike for the word "deposit". I know that some people use it only out of habit, but it is a term that needs to be erradicated from our vocabulary.

Use the term "Reservation Fee" or something similar, there is a very large difference in the terms when you are stuck talking to a Judge.

This happens occasionally, and I do the same thing that Tim said. I always mention to a bride/couple that I will not hold the date until I receive a signed contract and booking fee. The only exception is if a couple says they're sending a copy in the mail, then I let them know that I will "pencil them in" and give them a few days for the contract & fee to arrive. Otherwise, it's first come (with signed contract and paid fee) first served.

Aside, I agree with Harry on the "deposit". I have taken that word out of my vocabulary completely when discussing photog business with clients.

As most have stated above....a date is not reserved until I have money and a signed contract in hand. I make this clear to any potential clients.

Help me out here . . . what is the downside to the term "deposit"??

Harry Settle wrote in post #2457847
Agree with most of the above, however, I have developed a strong dislike for the word "deposit". I know that some people use it only out of habit, but it is a term that needs to be erradicated from our vocabulary.

Use the term "Reservation Fee" or something similar, there is a very large difference in the terms when you are stuck talking to a Judge.

Retainer + Contract = Booking

No other equation in my business.

Show me the $$$$!!!

My confirmed bookings are predicated upon receipt of a "booking fee" which is applied toward the total "creative fee".

Yup, money talks. Anyone who's done weddings a while knows that brides can be a super flaky bunch. Some tell you "for sure we'll book" and then you never hear from them again. We'll get you a cheque by friday at the latest and three weeks go by.

So yeah, nothing should be set until you got the retainer and signed agreement.