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The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Tricky business » » How do you handle deposits? (0 Likes) Printer Friendly Version

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wally
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1834 Posts
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I average 4 /5 2hour parties every week, never ask for Deposits. cash at end of party, Must have only about 4 cheques this year, But the Dam snow and ice has it UK, just had 3 cancellations, never mind theres still lots to do.
magicguyri
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RI
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Quote:
On 2010-06-29 07:52, Scott Burton wrote:
I had a client meeting not too long ago where the client actually thanked me for requiring a deposit.

They had a performer the year before who didn't ask for a deposit and they were scared that he wasn't going to show up. The client said to me "He (the other performer) actually thought he was doing us a favour by not asking for a deposit but we were worried because there was no reason why he couldn't just book with someone else for more money".

Deposits (no other wordings) actually shows commitment from both sides and is a good thing for all.

I charge 50% but am considering 100% for certain times of the year.

For last minute bookings, it has been my policy for over 20 years to state: Payable in full upon arrival, in cash or money order. My feeling is, if their was little thought placed on the booking process (hence the last minute call), I need to protect myself. Wedding bands from what I understand ALWAYS get paid in full prior to engagement.
Countage
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Charlotte
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You can the use the word "Deposit". Just be sure to have a "cancelation fee".
Alan Munro
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Kentwood, Michigan, USA
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Quote:
On 2010-12-08 22:46, Countage wrote:
You can the use the word "Deposit". Just be sure to have a "cancelation fee".

Good luck on collecting a cancellation fee. I find it easier to get a 50% deposit. I also specify that the show doesn't go on my schedule until the deposit is received. There have been a couple of times where a client snatched a time slot from a prospect, because the prospect was waiting too long to send the deposit.
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KirkG
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Alan, I think you missed the point. Have a deposit and also in your contract the term cancellation fee that your deposit will be applied to. I still don't use the word deposit at all.
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