Should I refund deposit?

Last month I booked a wedding for June 6, 2009.... I requested a deposit to book the date (which they gave me a cheque for / I deposited the cheque into my account 2 days ago) today I received the following email:

Hi
I am just emailing you to let you know that the *** *** & *** *** wedding for June 6, 2009 has been cancelled and that we will no longer require your services.
Thank you

should I refund deposit? although I did tell them that the deposit was non-refundable at the time; as I just started out I don't use contracts as of yet. (I know....I know..... bad not to have one.....:o)...

Should I contact the bride or groom or just let it go?

If you clearly stated that the deposit was non-refundable you would be within your rights to keep the deposit.
Being that it is almost a year away and you will probably be able to fill the date a good Pr move might be to offer a partial or full refund as a good will gesture.
If it had been closer to the actual date keeping it would be the thing to do.
Their e-mail did not request a refund so you may want to wait and see if they contact you for the refund.

If it was clearly stated that the deposit was non refundable why would you ? use a contract next time

blondine wrote in post #6070776
Hi
I am just emailing you to let you know that the *** *** & *** *** wedding for June 6, 2009 has been cancelled and that we will no longer require your services.
Thank you

Doesn't sound like they are even asking for the deposit to be returned. Is there more to the e-mail?

tomd wrote in post #6070848
Doesn't sound like they are even asking for the deposit to be returned. Is there more to the e-mail?

NO..... that was the whole email... but I'm some-what a softy + the bride was going to be the first one to get married from her group of friends... and she may recommend me to them once they start getting married...

If it were closer to the weeding, I would have doubts about refunding the deposit. Perhaps I would refund the deposit if I could get the date filled up with someone else. At this point however, I would most definitely refund the deposit. It may get other business. Word does spread around when a good gesture is followed.

blondine wrote in post #6070776
Last month I booked a wedding for June 6, 2009.... I requested a deposit to book the date (which they gave me a cheque for / I deposited the cheque into my account 2 days ago) today I received the following email:

Hi
I am just emailing you to let you know that the *** *** & *** *** wedding for June 6, 2009 has been cancelled and that we will no longer require your services.
Thank you

should I refund deposit? although I did tell them that the deposit was non-refundable at the time; as I just started out I don't use contracts as of yet. (I know....I know..... bad not to have one.....:o)...

Should I contact the bride or groom or just let it go?

Believe it or not this sounds like a CHECK scam to me!
Heard stories like this where a client gives a phony check....then cancels or whatever you send them a refund (cash or real check from your account)
Their check is bogus and the bank won't find out for a week but you refund them and off they go!
Be careful!

If you have a no refund clause then use it!
Time Is MONEY!

wait a few weeks for the check to clear if you really want to refund

If you're worried about it, I would keep the money and maybe offer them a free portrait session or something maybe, with prints extra. That way you won't feel guilty for keeping the money and they won't be completely out either.

Just keep it unless asked for, in which you'll verify the funds are cleared with the bank.

Obviously wait for it to clear before doing anything. Refund the money if you fill date.

I would atleast refund 50%, I mean they are giving you ten months notice. I'm sure they will appreciate it and will book if it's rescheduled or they will remember you for their next marriage

Fade2 wrote in post #6071486
Believe it or not this sounds like a CHECK scam to me!
Heard stories like this where a client gives a phony check....then cancels or whatever you send them a refund (cash or real check from your account)
Their check is bogus and the bank won't find out for a week but you refund them and off they go!
Be careful!

If you have a no refund clause then use it!
Time Is MONEY!

Scam is the first thing I thought of.

How much was the deposit? I really doubt the check was good so if you refund it, you are going to be basically giving away the cash.

I'm sure he will await the check to clear before he even thinks about giving any sort of refund back.......RIGHT?

Kittygraphix wrote in post #6072606
I'm sure he will await the check to clear before he even thinks about giving any sort of refund back.......RIGHT?

Part of the scam is giving the check and letting it clear!
But a week or so later the bank finds it's a fake or dummy account,
they're doing it with cashier and certified checks also!
Just be careful when accepting checks.
I know not all people are running scams
But still be careful!