Collections or Small Claims Court

Andrew Waite · February 9th, 2009, 02:57 PM

I have been burnt too many times... That is why we take final payment two weeks before the wedding. It hasn't been a problem... our clients are totally cool with it, the last thing I want to do is be asking a bride for money on her wedding day.. awkward!

Tim Harjo · February 9th, 2009, 03:15 PM

Requiring payoff 2- 4 weeks before the wedding date is pretty much industry standard for the wedding business. Honestly, I don't think having brides pay after their wedding is going to net you any more business. Sure they will take it if offered. But if that's the only way a bride will take the deal, then it's probably not a safe bet that they will have the money to pay you off 2 months after the big day.

Lukas Siewior · February 9th, 2009, 10:03 PM

I'm just getting burnt as we speak.

I had old contracts where most of the payment was required after the wedding. This couple (last contract like this) decided to tell me that they waited too long (6 mos) for their dvd and they won't pay full price. After long battle over emails I convinced them that the solution can be always solved in court, and the money they pay for the whole deal is a bargain already. They agreed with me, but it doesn't make me happy at all.

Don Bloom · February 10th, 2009, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim Harjo

Requiring payoff 2- 4 weeks before the wedding date is pretty much industry standard for the wedding business. Honestly, I don't think having brides pay after their wedding is going to net you any more business. Sure they will take it if offered. But if that's the only way a bride will take the deal, then it's probably not a safe bet that they will have the money to pay you off 2 months after the big day.

Absolutely 100% agree. AAMOF, IMO if you wait until after in todays economy, you stand a real good chance of being burned bad. I know a couple of guys it's already happened too.
While there are some here who business model is based on finalpayment after the wedding most wedding professionals (read any vendor IE, video, photo, DJ/band, caterer) require payment up front at least 7 to 10 days before the wedding and I agree, delaying payment is not going to garner any business worth having.
But what do I know. I'm just a video-O-grapher
Don

February 9th, 2009, 02:57 PM	#16
Andrew Waite Major Player Join Date: May 2007 Location: Bakersfield, CA Posts: 307	I have been burnt too many times... That is why we take final payment two weeks before the wedding. It hasn't been a problem... our clients are totally cool with it, the last thing I want to do is be asking a bride for money on her wedding day.. awkward! __________________ http://www.higherdefinitionmedia.com RED One #6135 "Spartacus"

February 9th, 2009, 03:15 PM	#17
Tim Harjo Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Sacramento, California Posts: 195	Requiring payoff 2- 4 weeks before the wedding date is pretty much industry standard for the wedding business. Honestly, I don't think having brides pay after their wedding is going to net you any more business. Sure they will take it if offered. But if that's the only way a bride will take the deal, then it's probably not a safe bet that they will have the money to pay you off 2 months after the big day.

February 9th, 2009, 10:03 PM	#18
Lukas Siewior Major Player Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Lyndhurst, NJ, USA Posts: 408	I'm just getting burnt as we speak. I had old contracts where most of the payment was required after the wedding. This couple (last contract like this) decided to tell me that they waited too long (6 mos) for their dvd and they won't pay full price. After long battle over emails I convinced them that the solution can be always solved in court, and the money they pay for the whole deal is a bargain already. They agreed with me, but it doesn't make me happy at all.