How to tactfully set boundary with customer

Diane diGino · November 20th, 2008, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lorinda Norton

Are you serious? There are reasons for not refunding money to a client, but a change of heart is not one of them. That would be about the same as stealing, in my book.

Huh???? Change of heart? Who's talking about a change of heart?

If you tell a client what is required, get a deposit, and they don't follow through...

I know I've lost deposits I've made in the past because I didn't meet a deadline or some requirement in some way. Nothing I could do to get that deposit back because it was non-refundable. In this case, if Kell states her terms (such as client must send pictures via FedEx by a certain date, yadda yadda) and they don't, well... ya snooze ya lose.

That's why they call it non-refundable. Then the onus is on the client. I mean, hey, if you buy a non-refundable airline ticket, you know you better get your butt to the airport. They do not refund tickets to people who don't get to the airport in time.

Greg Boston · November 20th, 2008, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kell Smith

either in a public place or when someone is with me.

The 'someone with you' is what I was going to suggest. I'd even take it up a notch and have a guy friend if you are currently unattached, accompany you to the meeting. That makes you look 'unavailable' and secure all at the same time.

-gb-

Lorinda Norton · November 21st, 2008, 02:45 AM

Diane, this is my understanding of the problem:

Kell was talking about refunding the guy's deposit because she had a change of heart (my words) about shooting the interview. The "change of heart" concerns her safety--her reluctance about working with him.

The reason she couldn't refund the deposit is that she had to use it.

Kell would be the one not honoring the contract if she kept the deposit but didn't do the job. It had nothing to do with the client "following through."

Jason Robinson · November 21st, 2008, 06:14 PM

refund and thank you but no thank you.

I don't work with drunks anywhere near my cameras if I can help it. at wedding receptions I keep an eagle eye on my gear and if things start getting to out of control (they haven't yet) I'll bag it and take off. that is i my contract too.

this just seems like a real hassle.

another option is ask for a buttload of money and take out a gear insurance policy that would be paid entirely by the increased fee you ask. after all it is this client that is endangering your gear.

Shaun Roemich · November 22nd, 2008, 06:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason Robinson

after all it is this client that is endangering your gear.

I'd be more concerning with the potential and perceived danger to one's person. Insured or not, one can always buy more gear...

November 21st, 2008, 02:45 AM	#18
Lorinda Norton Wrangler Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Southwest Idaho, USA Posts: 3,066	Diane, this is my understanding of the problem: Kell was talking about refunding the guy's deposit because she had a change of heart (my words) about shooting the interview. The "change of heart" concerns her safety--her reluctance about working with him. The reason she couldn't refund the deposit is that she had to use it. Kell would be the one not honoring the contract if she kept the deposit but didn't do the job. It had nothing to do with the client "following through." __________________ Lorinda

November 21st, 2008, 06:14 PM	#19
Jason Robinson Trustee Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Boise, Idaho Posts: 1,997	refund and thank you but no thank you. I don't work with drunks anywhere near my cameras if I can help it. at wedding receptions I keep an eagle eye on my gear and if things start getting to out of control (they haven't yet) I'll bag it and take off. that is i my contract too. this just seems like a real hassle. another option is ask for a buttload of money and take out a gear insurance policy that would be paid entirely by the increased fee you ask. after all it is this client that is endangering your gear.