Final Payment Quandry

[Jim Casey]

Please realize I am NOT blaming Robb for my issue, but I wanted to let you know my experience

After the 2004 NAME convention, I decided to try Robb Smith's theory of taking the final payment on the day of my events.

I promised Robb I would do this for 90 days, but I decided that 90 days wasn't enough foraconclusive comparison.

I tried this for a year. Well...almost a year

I am ending this experiment 15 days early because neither of Robb's theories ever panned out for me:

I did not make ONE dollar in tips when people paid the day of (out of 11 weddings that did this)

Of the 11 weddings, 1 paid a week late, 4 bounced checks! The latest coming from my wedding last weekend.

UGH!!! I am out $599

[dkproductions]

This is exactly the reason I get final payment 30 days prior to the event which is also the day I meet with them for final preperations. I've had some people a little skeptical, but i've just had to assure them this is a legal binding contract. In some cases I'll make exceptions on final payment and give them an extended date, but if it's late, they pay a 30.00 late charge. Just like your banks and credit cards.....

[Jim Casey]

Whoa...forgot about this topic...

I collected the balance and late fees about 2 weeks later. It was a PITA for sure.

Welcome to DJ Source Online dkproductions

[Cap]

Jim : Had a similar problem with an hour's worth of OT payment. Now my contract says OT payment paid in full prior to its commencement. No pay, no play.

Here's an all new contract procedure for me. The first payment is due at contract signing (note not a deposit, not a retainer, not an entertainment or booking fee...it's the first payment), a second payment due at 180 days before and the last payment 45 days in advance. This payment structure is being offered interest free.

As they are booking the date (expressed) and my service (implied) to be provided during that date and time (expressed), that takes the "no services performed" out of the picture should a termination of service happen. They're booking the date not the service.

[a2zmobilemusic]

communication is very important. i schedule a meeting about 10 days prior to go over any changes and to arrange payment. if it is getting close to the wire (3-5 days) i send an email with a link to my payment page. you should make it very clear how and when you get paid. the cake people are paid. the food is paid for. why not you. conduct it as a business and people treat you with more respect. if paying the day of it must be cash. :dollar

[topdogs2x10]

Hi all,

For what its worth, I still collect a deposit to reserve the date.

Payment of the remaining balance due 10 days prior to the event.

Overtime is paid in advance, 1 hour minimums.

It works for me.

Al

[Pat Couture]

I still do 1/2 down retainer,with "the balance due on or before the day of the event". About 85% of my clients pay before.

I've had only 1 client's check bounce. It eventually cleared, but I was dinged the bank's charges. I didn't push the $20 reimbursement. (this was *before* my written-contract days).

So far, (knock on wood), no issues.

[djron1]

This is where I feel lucky. In the 18 years I've been doing this I have never had problems with payment. I've been paid on every job.

I just did a wedding last week where the father of the bride had paid through on line bill payment. The check never arrived, the bank never sent it. I did the wedding with my fingers crossed (It was one of those great weddings to) and had the check by Monday afternoon. This was the way my father ran 3 successfully businesses, he trusted people. I know it's not always the case and people do screw you sometimes but like I said I've been lucky.

I have been requesting final payment by the week of the wedding. I just tell them to make it easier on themselves send me a check a week or two before. This way they don't have to worry about it on such a busy day. I don't usually cash them until after the wedding anyway. I know bad business practice but it works for me. Besides if they screw me I will hunt them down and kill their dogs and cats. :banger

[Cap]

Ron : Most folks are really great, few deliberately try to ace the service out of their just recompense.

Your fear (or lack thereof) and ability to trust is also bankrolled by an outside income source.

Although being financially preapred for any such occurence, any interruption in my only sorce of income as well as expending ANY extra energy chasing after my justified pay is not fun and will not be tolerated kindly.

[djdonny]

For some time my policy has been:

Retainer: $250 non-refundable retainer to reserve the date.
Balance: due one month prior to your event.

I'll never look back.