It is your Business - Take Control!
Actually, it is very simple. When you set up your appointments, get a credit card and charge for the sitting fee right then and there. Let them know of your policy for last minute cancellations. If children are to be present during the shoot, you should let them know your policy on behavioral problems that can occur.
Give them pointers on how to have the best success with their children. For young kids, maybe a nap before they come and/or a promise of an adventure, where they are going to the toy store after, etc. For older children, let the kids know days ahead of time and how important the photos will be for the family now and especially in the future for memories to pass on. That they will need to be on their best behavior.
When a client does not give notice, I charge. Of course I will listen to the excuse and there are liberal exceptions were I will reduce or waive the fee (transfer the fee to a new appointment date within a specified time). But, if it is client that was raised with little or no manners, then I charge. Not worried about keeping that kind of client anyway, more trouble than they are worth and besides, my best work is with clients I like.
When clients bring in young children that are unruly, I will try to work the problems out with toys, stuffed animals, etc. But, if that does not work, then I will work with the parents to set up another appointment and discount the next sitting fee.
When the clients bring in older children that should know better, I am less understanding and usually will leave it in the hands of the parents to take care of the problem or they will have to come back. I will charge the sitting fee again and that usually gets the parents to act responsibly. Again, if they can not control their older kids, then that is usually the type of client I do not wish to work with.
So, to put it into a nutshell, parents should have control of their kids, if they don’t, then leave them at home.
Society has become very liberal with the way parents bring up their children. I believe that those children are not served well, that etiquette should be taught from the beginning of development and all through school.
JM
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