I know, I did this to myself :(

[mrsjason]

Not that anyone really cares, but I just need somewhere to have a feelings dump.

I have a photography business that I am in the process of starting up and I knew from the very beginning I should operate with a contract. But I thought, ehh, it won't be a big deal if I don't have on initially and eventually I will put something together and use that. Well, I have never put one together.

Two weeks ago I had a person cancel on me for a Sunday. Last week I had someone cancel on Sunday too. This week I had someone cancel on Saturday AND Sunday. WTF? They have all be last minute cancellations so I haven't been able to fill those spots due to the short notice.

Ugh. Nor do I charge a deposit.

Looks like I am going to have to start using a contract with a non refundable deposit. It's super annoying when people cancel last minute. I could totally fill their spots with enough notice (I am booked up from now until mid-Decebmer) and with their cancellations my bank account is suffering. My business bank account, not my personal bank account.........I have yet to pay myself.

I am super bummed with all these cancellations. For once in my life I have a job that I actually want to work and I totally look forward to my sessions and editing them.

Boo I think I will spend my day shopping instead.

[babybchbum]

Bummer. I would get a contract and deposit going from this point forward.

[moonstone523]

Yes, put a contract and deposit in place... but will you let me still be last minute about photos while you are in town with no idea of a due date?!?

[aegis2005]

Very frustrating. Grrrh ...

[mrsshawanab]

I'm sorry Kathy, that is so rude. Things come up in life but they could have at least tried to reschedule. I just read a facebook post from one of my photographer friends that had a NO SHOW for a photo shoot today.. they did not even call! People just have no respect for others' time. Anyway, I say you should definitely have a contract and at least a 50% deposit. You can always have something in your contract that says the client can reschedule if the date is available for the photographer or something and the deposit will be transferable, but not refundable. You can easily get pre-made contracts online.

[surfbetty530]

Definitely agree with Shawna.... I also wouldn't reschedule the client that cancelled two days in a row. They can suck it! Ha.

[jen812]

That's shitty. I guess this will be the motivation you need to get that contract in place. You're better off anyway. People are crazy & its always good to have agreements in writing.

Way to go for being so booked up!

[tashaandsage]

That really sucks, Kathy. Especially since you love what you do and are eager to do what you do it (and do such a fabulous job at it, I might add.) I'm sorry you've had so many cancellations!

[AAM2012]

While you should do a deposit and contract I also recommend posting last minute cancelations on a twitter and FB page at a discount. I know a chiro office that does this for last minute chiro, massage therapy and acupuncture cancelations. That way she still makes some money rather than nothing.