What to do about unhappy customer

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by Jsqrd34

Unfortunately I do not have a contract. I live in a small town and im not busy enough to go through all the contracts

Sorry, but no sympathy in this case.

[candleman]

Originally Posted by Jsqrd34

Unfortunately I do not have a contract. I live in a small town and im not busy enough to go through all the contracts, so I thought. I am thinking that this instance will require me to do so from now on.

always make them sign, even if you have written it yourself its better than nothing.

in NZ... a contract doesnt have to be written.. there are such things as "verbal" contracts.. and i'm pretty sure its in effect everywhere around the world.
obviously... for it to stand up in court you need witnesses.

but if you talked the conditions through, she agreed, all you need to do in that case is say "NO, thats not what we agreed to"
However, if she agreed and has susequently changed her mind and demanded something else.. then i do feel sorry for you.


BUT, if you didnt make it clear what she would get before you took the money.. well thats just silly.

what to do about it?
if she wasnt willing to budge on the matter and it couldnt be reasonably resolved,
i would have backed out and refunded whatever was necessary.. with exception of the engagement shoot.
so you did the right thing there IMHO.

[ill_noize]

You definitely did what I would have done in that same situation. All you have is your reputation for your next potential gig.

[Ottor]

Originally Posted by Jsqrd34

Unfortunately I do not have a contract. I live in a small town and im not busy enough to go through all the contracts, so I thought. I am thinking that this instance will require me to do so from now on.

You could live in a town with a population of 5, and if one of them wants your services, you could still run up against a misunderstanding without a contract... This is a case where "Size dznt' matter"...

r

[wri7913]

Get a contract. As others have said, size doesn't matter when it comes to spelling out the terms under which a job will be done. It's easy after you've done a few and ASMP web site has a handy little contract maker app. So now you really have no excuse to have a contract for a job.

If you are a working photographer, joining ASMP and PPA are really no-brainers. You get lot of discounts on stuff like Photoshop, car rentals, plane tickets, etc. You also get all the good info on stuff like contracting. If you run into an issue and need legal help, ASMP will help provide that as well.

[ReenaG]

I think walking away from it as fast as you can is the right decision. I wouldn't give her the files though, she can have what you gave her. As for refunding any money, I think I would charge for my time and any prints she received, etc. but anything beyond that I would refund just to get her off my back.

Since they are engagement photos she has time to have to them redone if she wants. Count yourself very lucky to escape now!

[Jim Bryant]

Originally Posted by wri7913

Get a contract. As others have said, size doesn't matter when it comes to spelling out the terms under which a job will be done. It's easy after you've done a few and ASMP web site has a handy little contract maker app. So now you really have no excuse to have a contract for a job.

If you are a working photographer, joining ASMP and PPA are really no-brainers. You get lot of discounts on stuff like Photoshop, car rentals, plane tickets, etc. You also get all the good info on stuff like contracting. If you run into an issue and need legal help, ASMP will help provide that as well.

Yup........I've been a member of ASMP since 1990 and NPPA since 1978. Good place to learning better business practices as well as getting discounts

[elkidogz]

Originally Posted by Jim Bryant

I have to agree with Russ as well on this one. Rule number 1. "Thou shall always have customers sign a contract."
And always get 1/2 payment up front.

/agree

need to have a contract, which is signed. Prior to photoshoot, so that Miss Bridezilla understands that to which you are obligated.