A day of not-so-happy firsts

Well today I had my first wedding cancelled it was scheduled for late December and won't be easy to replace.

And if that was not enough I also had my first call looking for a date I already had booked.

I knew these days would come, but not both at once.
Mike

hmmm, I'm actually never upset when one cancels. I get a break and I keep the retainer! bonus! As for dates you are already booked, get friendly with some other local photogs and send them these brides. Usually, they'll send some back to you when the same thing happens to them. It is invaluable to have local professional friends!

picturecrazy wrote in post #4058228
hmmm, I'm actually never upset when one cancels. I get a break and I keep the retainer! bonus! As for dates you are already booked, get friendly with some other local photogs and send them these brides. Usually, they'll send some back to you when the same thing happens to them. It is invaluable to have local professional friends!

yeah me and my shooting partner did that a few weeks ago. we are booked for 2nd Aug next year and got another "potential client" who was really interested in booking us on the same date.

although we dont know the photographer personally (yet) we still sent the bride to him and asked the bride politely if they could mention that we recommended him. as Llyod says, hopefully they will return the favour when it happens to them.

I've only come across so far one day that seemed popular... Booked one and then cancelled it.. then booked the day again and have had 2 enquiries since for the same day! Its not all that significant - 12th Jan?

Did you get a retainer? Hope you fill it.

picturecrazy wrote in post #4058228
hmmm, I'm actually never upset when one cancels. I get a break and I keep the retainer! bonus!

I had a few weddings get canceled last year, and I enjoyed the paid day off!

picturecrazy wrote in post #4058228
It is invaluable to have local professional friends!

So true .. for a lot of reasons.

jjmucker wrote in post #4058282
2nd Aug next year

Too weird !! .. that’s the exact date I got the second call on today!!

Kai wrote in post #4058339
Did you get a retainer? Hope you fill it.

I did get a retainer and the date is Dec 30, 2007 so not I’m likely to rebook at this point. I just can’t see my keeping the retainer .. she is just a student and paid for this herself and her reason is a valid one.

I’ll put my trust in Karma and give her back the retainer.
Mike

mmahoney wrote in post #4058573
I did get a retainer and the date is Dec 30, 2007 so not I’m likely to rebook at this point. I just can’t see my keeping the retainer .. she is just a student and paid for this herself and her reason is a valid one.

I’ll put my trust in Karma and give her back the retainer.
Mike

We did the same for our first cancellation (15th Dec this year) we returned the deposit minus an admin fee, it seemed the right thing to do.

mmahoney wrote in post #4058573
I did get a retainer and the date is Dec 30, 2007 so not I’m likely to rebook at this point. I just can’t see my keeping the retainer .. she is just a student and paid for this herself and her reason is a valid one.

I’ll put my trust in Karma and give her back the retainer.
Mike

No, no, no, no. Don't give back the retainer. You said this is the FIRST time this has happened to you? Believe me, it WILL happen again. Are you going to give EACH couple that cancels their retainer back, then?? I know it's difficult to keep it, I really really do, I know you desperately want to "be nice," but it's not fair to you, and it's especially not fair to current/future clients if you pick and choose who you give into. You called it a retainer, you should stick by that. EVERYONE has a good and valid reason, but you're running a business, and hopefully a FAIR business. Offer to do another shoot for her, or to put it towards a future date, but definitely do not give it back. Did I mention I didn't think it was fair to give the retainer back? LOL

jessiper wrote in post #4059221
Did I mention I didn't think it was fair to give the retainer back?

I think maybe I remember you saying something about it

You're right of course and it's no point having that in my contract unless I stick to it.

But just this one time and then I'll quit .. promise.
Mike

It is good that there are people who want you to be their photographer. That means you are doing great and your business is going. It is hard to get the business started (like for myself I'm still learning).