p.3 #1 · Phone call from father of bride about final payment
I kind of agree with Todd, it would have a been a great opportunity to understand what was bugging the FOB, but all the same I think just dealing with her, and having her deal with him is probably the road I would have taken. The FOB may be of "disturbed character", and therefore never satisfied. Engaging with him and adding that level of pressure to the gig is something I personally would try to avoid.
p.3 #2 · Phone call from father of bride about final payment
I would recommend any further communication with bride/dad is over email, in writing. And this is also why I only accept check/cash after the initial retainer.
p.3 #4 · Phone call from father of bride about final payment
Graceology wrote:
I emailed the bride last night and used a lot of the replies on here to correctly word my email and I received this emails 20 minutes later:
Hey Chris,
I know it's super late on the east coast but if you're up (i get the feeling you're a night owl) and want to chat, give me a call on my cell xxx-xxx-xxxx.
I'd really like to apologize over the phone for my father and ease your mind. Seth and I signed a contract with you, not my dad, and we will make good on it. We are so excited about working with you and really hope that this conversation you had today won't negatively skew your opinion of us or the beautiful wedding we are so excited about sharing with our family and friends.
Give me a call tonight or anytime tomorrow.
Warmly,
Lauren
So I feel that this situation is currently resolved. I explained to her that the final payment is due in the form of certified funds and a credit card for her final payment cannot be accepted. If anything else comes up over this I will let you guys know. Thanks for the great advice and counterpoints. Have a great weekend everyone!...Show more →
p.3 #7 · Phone call from father of bride about final payment
Graceology wrote:
really hope that this conversation you had today won't negatively skew your opinion of us or the beautiful wedding we are so excited about sharing with our family and friends
I wouldn't look forward to meeting the Dad, here. Probably couldn't help but be a little "cool" toward him at the wedding in reaction to the threat he made.
p.3 #9 · Phone call from father of bride about final payment
I wonder if he plans to eat the food and use the venue and see if he likes it before paying the final balance too. I hate it when corporate job parents try and bully us to 'protect' their children and especially when they use the 'I'm paying for it' angle. This is a big reason why I will only ever take payment from the bride or groom and only ever have either of their names on the contract.
Usually (as in this case) the bride or groom is well aware of their parent's craziness and the situation is easily resolved though
p.3 #11 · Phone call from father of bride about final payment
TRReichman wrote:
That's a fine stance to take. As far as I see it defensiveness and fear aren't great ways to earn trust and respect, which is essentially all we're selling prior to the event. I refuse to be afraid of my clients (or anyone else's). I've made a career out of turning situations like this into happy clients and incredibly lucrative referrals.
What the client is complaining about is almost never the root problem. If you divert from the complaint to trying to solve the root problem you earn respect and a cheerleader for life.
- trr
Being afraid has nothing to do with it. Explicit threats were made and with the contract the photographer had the power not the father who is being a prick. He should have been at the consult if he wanted to discuss contractual matters and make sure he can trust you. Now he's just being an asshole.
p.3 #12 · Phone call from father of bride about final payment
P.S. I recently had a father like this who wanted to pay final balance after images were delivered. I asked him what the underlying concerns were, offered referrals and even ended up conceding that he could pay after the wedding but before receiving images. He said it was a cultural thing and not negotiable. Tough shit dad, your daughter just lost the photographer she wanted.
p.3 #14 · Phone call from father of bride about final payment
TTLKurtis wrote:
Oh c'mon Todd. Some people are unreasonable and they can just plain suck it.
TRReichman wrote:
That's a fine stance to take. As far as I see it defensiveness and fear aren't great ways to earn trust and respect, which is essentially all we're selling prior to the event. I refuse to be afraid of my clients (or anyone else's). I've made a career out of turning situations like this into happy clients and incredibly lucrative referrals.
What the client is complaining about is almost never the root problem. If you divert from the complaint to trying to solve the root problem you earn respect and a cheerleader for life.
- trr
TTLKurtis wrote:
Being afraid has nothing to do with it. Explicit threats were made and with the contract the photographer had the power not the father who is being a prick. He should have been at the consult if he wanted to discuss contractual matters and make sure he can trust you. Now he's just being an asshole.
p.3 #15 · Phone call from father of bride about final payment
And a second email from the bride, this one unsolicited from me. The situation is 100% resolved and taken care of:
Hey Chris,
First, let me assure you that you will have a certified check 7 days prior. If that is what would make you feel comfortable, that is what we will do. Seth and I signed a contract with you and we are your clients so take solace in that.
My parents are planning our wedding however the photography is the one piece of the puzzle that Seth and I wanted (and still want) control over. We looked at so many options, talked to so many people, but out of everyone you were the standout. Your work does speak for itself and, as we've told you many times before, your professionalism was very important to Seth and me. We are both very upset that my father's conversation with you has in any way put doubt in your mind. He had no right to berate you for the contract or get involved with that piece at all because he didn't sign it. I'm truly sorry for that.
Seth and I know that you and Heather are 100% professional and we don't have one bit of worry.
p.3 #19 · Phone call from father of bride about final payment
I have been looking forward to this wedding since I booked it. She has been great through this. I actually thought I would receive a call from the dad explaining this after she called and let him have it today.
