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.

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-

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."

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.

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