How much % do you ask upfront?

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cordellwillis
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p.2 #1 · How much % do you ask upfront?

ChrisDM wrote:

I can see your motto is not "Keep it Simple"...

Chris M
www.imagineimagery.com

Actually it is simpler than most. As I stated, these are what the percentages happen to work out to be. The client gets the EXACT DOLLAR figure to pay and when to pay it. NOT a percent figure. I think me keeping track of a percent or giving the client a percent is not necessary. No need for anyone to do quick math cuz it's all flat out there in DOLLARS due.

Oct 06, 2008 at 03:49 AM

Italo Campilii
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p.2 #2 · How much % do you ask upfront?

ChrisDM wrote:
cordellwillis wrote:
Below are the percentages of my total packages, but my figures are spelled out and based on dollars. These just happen to be what the percents come out to. It insures that a substantial amount of money is paid up front and I'm pretty much paid in full for services before the wedding. The balance is pretty much material cost with a small bonus if I do my part and keep cost in line.

Smallest package
75% at booking
50% of balance 30 days before
50% (balance) when they see the online proofs

Mid package
50% at booking
57% of balance 30 days before
43% (balance) when they see the online proofs

Highest package
35% at booking
53% of balance 30 days before
47% (balance) when they see the online proofs

I can see your motto is not "Keep it Simple"... :)

Chris M
www.imagineimagery.com

LOL! Man you're complicated..

Oct 06, 2008 at 09:08 AM

Italo Campilii
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p.2 #3 · How much % do you ask upfront?

50% upfront + 50% 14 days before wedding.

Oct 06, 2008 at 09:09 AM

NikonAndy
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p.2 #4 · How much % do you ask upfront?

50% with contract, 50% 30 days prior to wedding

Oct 06, 2008 at 11:15 AM

Mike Mahoney
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p.2 #5 · How much % do you ask upfront?

I just put a kettle outside my studio door and ask them to give whatever they feel appropriate.

But this is after a 6 hour consult where I really make a great connection with the couples so I trust them.

Oct 06, 2008 at 01:12 PM

Italo Campilii
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p.2 #6 · How much % do you ask upfront?

Mike Mahoney wrote:
I just put a kettle outside my studio door and ask them to give whatever they feel appropriate.

But this is after a 6 hour consult where I really make a great connection with the couples so I trust them.

Is that working out for your? In terms of bringing more clients to sign up? Any turndowns or client regrets Mike?

______________________
:: Italo ::
www.galaxyimage.com

Oct 06, 2008 at 01:16 PM

PhotoDude79
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p.2 #7 · How much % do you ask upfront?

Fitty....

Oct 06, 2008 at 01:18 PM

Andrew Welsh
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p.2 #8 · How much % do you ask upfront?

$750 no matter what contract

Balance 15 days prior

Oct 06, 2008 at 06:20 PM

Cheri S
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p.2 #9 · How much % do you ask upfront?

$500
the rest 30 days out

Oct 06, 2008 at 06:28 PM

GraemePitman
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p.2 #10 · How much % do you ask upfront?

50%

Oct 06, 2008 at 06:32 PM

Ivo Kwee
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p.2 #11 · How much % do you ask upfront?

Do clients actually cancel? I wonder what percentage. If that happens, do you really keep all that $500?

Oct 06, 2008 at 06:44 PM

deepbluejh
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p.2 #12 · How much % do you ask upfront?

I've only had one client cancel, and yes I did keep the deposit. I did tell the girl, though, that if she ever needed a wedding photographer in the future, I would discount her package by the previous deposit amount.

Oct 06, 2008 at 07:50 PM

jasont
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p.2 #13 · How much % do you ask upfront?

I do 1/3 of the total after tax to reserve the date and the remaining balance 1 week before the wedding day.

Oct 06, 2008 at 09:14 PM

europedreamer
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p.2 #14 · How much % do you ask upfront?

50%

Oct 06, 2008 at 10:15 PM

Seth Tower
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p.2 #15 · How much % do you ask upfront?

1/3 at contract signing.

Oct 07, 2008 at 04:16 PM

Chris Cooke
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p.2 #16 · How much % do you ask upfront?

liza wrote:
50% with the final balance due 30 days prior to the wedding.
+1

Oct 07, 2008 at 04:17 PM

ChrisDM
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p.2 #17 · How much % do you ask upfront?

Ivo Kwee wrote:
Do clients actually cancel? I wonder what percentage. If that happens, do you really keep all that $500?

I've had a cancel, and my policy is this: The deposit is non-refundable. But if I do happen to be able to book that date with another client, and get a deposit from the second client, then I will refund the original bride's deposit.

Chris M
www.imagineimagery.com

Oct 07, 2008 at 04:53 PM

mcarr
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p.2 #18 · How much % do you ask upfront?

$400 for all packages to hold the date, balance two weeks prior. I like to feel like I'm getting paid when the wedding date comes around.

Oct 07, 2008 at 05:50 PM

Gary Harfield
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p.2 #19 · How much % do you ask upfront?

I should edit my post but I figured I would just add mine again: But I did not go into detail last time.

500 to book, the balance is then split into two payments
90 days prior
14 days prior

Oct 07, 2008 at 06:35 PM

sidewazzz388
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p.2 #20 · How much % do you ask upfront?

RedWhiteandRed wrote:
$500. No matter the size of the contract.

werd

Oct 07, 2008 at 07:57 PM

Ray Soemarsono
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p.2 #21 · How much % do you ask upfront?

50% with balance due 30 days prior to the wedding date.

Oct 07, 2008 at 09:41 PM

asimsoofi
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p.2 #22 · How much % do you ask upfront?

A poll would have been cleaner

Make it worth your while: 50% retainer, 50% due 30 days prior.

When you have 4-8 inquiries for the same date, every date becomes more valuable. Replacing it in case of cancellation results in loss of income.

/asim

Oct 08, 2008 at 02:53 PM

ShaneEngelking
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p.2 #23 · How much % do you ask upfront?

Half to book the date, the other half 2 weeks prior.

Oct 08, 2008 at 11:17 PM

Marcel VanEerd
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p.2 #24 · How much % do you ask upfront?

25% at time of signing the contract, 50% on or before 3 months prior to the wedding, 25% upon delivery. If contract is signed within 3 months of wedding, 75% is applicable.

Oct 09, 2008 at 01:12 AM

mauriceramirez
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p.2 #25 · How much % do you ask upfront?

1500 at booking. balance due 30 days before wedding.

Oct 09, 2008 at 02:10 AM


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