Should I refund.

If a grand is going to make or break you have MUCH bigger problems than a refund. I got 3 jobs outta a little kindness.

While money is nice no good will come of keeping any of the money. Goto the bank tomorrow, draw up a money order and give them the money back.

I've had the situation before. And I agree with most of the people here. I would give the money back. Did you have any serious expense concerning that shoot? If yes you could argue that you want to deduct that money from the 1000$.

Waiting for the check to clear is a must.

Out of curiosity, ... is it even possible to get a Pro to shoot a wedding for less than 1000$ ?

I vote for giving 100% back. In addition to the fact that the wedding is still far off, the bride notified as right away, and no photographic service was rendered other than the preliminary discussion and paperwor, the bride and groom have enough things to worry and stress about for the next three months.

If I were looking for a professional photographer and heard about this, I wouldn't think "there's a sucker I can take advantage of, regardless of what the contract says"--instead, your good gesture would be a huge plus in my books.

Everyone keeps suggesting to refund all of the money by waiting for the check to clear. How about you write VOID on it and mail it back?

Stocky-- he took the check to the bank already.
I voted to give 100% back. I lost one wedding this year because the groom died in a car accident. The mother of the bride called me and said that she understood I did not have to give anything back but if I could reimburse anything it would be appreciated.
I did a little checking first to make sure the story was legit---then mailed a check with a sympathy card.
I am in this business to bring a creative and valuable service to people while making a profit. For me it is more about doing what is right than what will make me more money.
It is never wrong to do what is right.

Stocky wrote in post #5709775
Everyone keeps suggesting to refund all of the money by waiting for the check to clear. How about you write VOID on it and mail it back?

Because it's pretty hard to void a check that's already been cashed. If I could do that, I'd write myself checks for $5000 every week, cash them and then void them.

It's pretty interesting how the voting trend has been going.

Right at the start the votes were in favor of giving back 50%. But as time went on - and I believe sometime yesterday - 100% refund generosity pulled ahead. Quite interesting.

Honestly, its pretty easy to tell someone else to give money back. I really think that the OP should give back 100%, toss in an additional $500 for their trouble, then shoot the wedding and do the pictures for free too..........

I still say, stick to the contract, the bride knew what she was signing when she signed it............ Its a good lesson in life...

Mark H

I say give it all back !

Please do the right thing. Give the money back. Don't ad insult to injury, it's just wrong and when you do - do the right thing you will feel good about it and it does come back to you in some positive way.

A couple of other options. Maybe come to an arrangement about if you book another wedding for that day (then you have no loss of income), or if they still are getting married then and still need a photographer if they are then changing to a smaller scaled down version maybe you could change to a lower cost package and then refund the difference.

But if you are gonna just give them 50% back, then I would suggest giving them some type of service for the remaining 50%. Not because you have to but because its a good thing to do, and then they won't feel they got nothing out of the money they did spend. If they get something out of it, they are probably less likely to get upset and that is a good thing.

OdiN1701 wrote in post #5695303
BEFORE YOU GIVE BACK ANY MONEY!

Wait for that check to clear the bank. I would give it at least 10 business days. The last thing you want is to return the cash only for their check to bounce and then you're out $1000.

That's a very good point. There are scammers who earn their living pulling stunts with checks like this.

Folks, don't expect any more commentary from the OP..... check his status.

I am a give it all back guy...I want people to WANT me to shoot their wedding. HOWEVER, great points are made for having a contract. I bet she is not getting a cheaper dress, or returning it, less guests? Diferent venue? Selling house? What if someone gets a better job before the wedding or even after, can you say, well your new job pays $20,000 more a year, I am going to need an extra $200 to shoot your wedding now.
Im a fair guy, and I would ask you to refund what the contract says I deserve, and would not expect a cent more.
THIS IS TOUGH!!!!!
And I think everyone here would have a better feel if we met the person.