Man I hate Clients that Procrastinate

I hope I'm not the only one this happens to....

I have two new clients both have signed a contract but neither has come up with the retainer fees....

Client 1: Out of towner never met face to face. She sent a signed copy of the contract to me and at the same time she had initiated an eCheck via PayPal... which was slated to clear then on the day that, that was to happen the status changed to Nov 5... then on the 30th it was canceled. I talked with paypal and they indicate that it may have been canceled by them due to the lack of ability to obtain funds.... Now the client says she will overnight the retainer to me but hasn't confirmed that she has done that....

Client 2: Another out of towner in college... askes all kinds of good questions before even asking for a contract... I worked with her suppling information and talking with her on the phone for a few weeks then finally we get to meet face to face... she asked about how to make the payment to me and wants my early bird special discount which required pre-payment for services in advance... I sent an email with all the details including type of checks I prefer and that it needed to be made out in my name instead of the company due to my inability to open a bank account in the company name (personal credit issues).... when she came to the meeting she was ready to sign had a check but guess what.... it was made out to the company name... well of course that does me no good I can't cash it. So she goes home promising to re-deposit the check and use her debit card online or send a new check... after numerous emails with links to my payment gateway she still has done nothing and this is since Saturday the 27th the day of our meeting... I've also left several VM with little response....

What do you guys think... in my mind if someone else comes along with money in hand I'll drop both like a bad habiit... but inquiries into services is at a stand still so really they are the only potential clients I have right now.


Update: As I was typeing this Client 1 emailed me saying she is going to overnight the check to me Friday and will email a tracking number to me when she does... crossing my fingers but not holding my breath...

I also hate those types of clients. Sometimes you have to just tell them that if you don't receive it by this date, it is no good. Usually gets them going.

I also hate those types of clients. Sometimes you have to just tell them that if you don't receive it by this date, it is no good. Usually gets them going.

I've thought about that but on the same token it may be enough to scare them to the next DJ in town... that's no good either.

also you could be stuck if you signed the contracts.

also you could be stuck if you signed the contracts.

Nah because they stipulate that the contract is not binding without the retainer fee...

Plus neiter have a copy of the contract with my signature, yet.

I sign and annotate retainer at the time it is in my hand.

I sign and annotate retainer at the time it is in my hand.

My contract reads:

To confirm this agreement: (1) Sign one copy of the Entertainment Agreement and return it to the Company at the above address along with the required non-refundable Retainer Fee. Retain a copy for your records; (2) The Entertainment Agreement and the non-refundable Retainer Fee must be recieved no later than ten business days from date of booking to guarantee services for your event, if your event date is less than ten days away then the full amount is due upon booking; (3) The balance of the Total Fees is due by no later than ten days prior to the event, if this condition is not met sutable arrangements must be made to continue the Agreement; (4) The Company is holding a tentative reservation until that date; (5) The Client signing this Agreement agrees that she/he is lawfully authorized to enter into this Agreement on behalf of his/her organization (if applicable); (7) This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and understanding between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.


I believe that covers just about everything....:sqrolleyes:

Tell me about it, Rob. That stuff irritates me to no end.

What do I think? I think you're doing the right thing by giving these folks the benefit of the doubt since bookings are a bit slower right now. Were the phone ringing with clients ready to book on the spot I'd stick to the company policy and book first come (confirmed payment), first served.

When I was DJing it was ten days from the time you had the contract. If I had not received the contract w/ payment by then, it was instantly voided and the date re-opened back up.

Now, it is not an issue for me, because the longer bands wait to pay, the longer their wait time for the tour to start is.

I was going to post a reply to this thread, but I think I'll wait a few more days.




.

I was going to post a reply to this thread, but I think I'll wait a few more days.




.

LOL hmmm apparently LOL wasn't long enough of a message....

What do you guys think... in my mind if someone else comes along with money in hand I'll drop both like a bad habiit... but inquiries into services is at a stand still so really they are the only potential clients I have right now.

Ding, ding, ding! We have a winner!

Rob, also, when you book another client don't forget to let these folks know that you are not available any longer and why.

I had one play the "send me a contract game" and she took her time getting it back to me with the contract signing fee on time. I reminded her with VM and EM. Nada. So another prospect comes along and books on the spot (e-mailed her a contract, she signed it and e-mailed it right back and paypaled me).

So, I let the first prospect know that I was not available anylonger but one of my other partners was. She interviews with him and plays the same game. He got booked as well.

This was softball and she only got two strikes. I had other partners available but they decided that they'd rather take a day off than deal with her.

Well per my contract verbiage I still have to give both clients until Next Friday which is 10 business days, but with the lack of communication I imagine that date will come and go.... the wife keeps badgering me to keep calling and leaving messages each day but if I do that then they just might continue the silences... it's maddening I tell ya!

First come, first served! My contract says that up front, and no date is a confirmed date without both the signed contract and retainer. If I don't have it back and someone else wants the date, they get one courtesy call/email to respond with contract and money or they run the risk of losing the date to another party, if I don't hear back in 48 hours they take their chances that I don't book the next person. I won't mess around...Next!

That's all well and good but when the phone isn't ringing off the hook and your not well established going onto the next client isn't an option.

Youre right Dougf.I agree with you.

Certain dates I will hold on longer. I do have a null and void date on my contracts. After the initial courtesy call when the contract is late, I might give another. Depending on how hot the date is. I have one that is for December of '08. I won't go nuts with that one if it is late. A call and then after the 10 days late, I will give another.

Prime dates a few reminders and then you snooze, you looze.

I have now implimented taking Credit cards so I hope this will help in getting retainers quicker.

Karl

exactly with doug. I don't want to be mean...and don't want to lose them, but if i don't get the fee within the 7 days, the date is not booked. If i have the date still open when they get it in, no problem.

When i get an agreement without the payment, they usually get an email like this:

Dear Sue,
Just wanted to let you know that I got the agreement in the mail. The only thing we need now to book your date is the initial payment and then your date is locked.
As soon as i get the payment, you'll get an email with the receipt and log in information for the website.
For your convenience, we accept all major credit cards, checks, and cash. We also have a monthly payment option. Feel free to call me with any questions.

that lets them know that the booking is not yet complete, but we are still planning on it.

I have now implimented taking Credit cards so I hope this will help in getting retainers quicker.

Karl


it will!

I use a merchant account via PayPal and can take major credit cards as well... I've given the link in several emails.... offered to do it for them over the phone...

The one that said she would overnight me a check still hasn't done this...

What do I have to do go to their house and take them by the mouse hand and point them in the right directions... Meanwhile I've had only one inquiry for one of their dates but since I give 10 days to get the money to me until I release a date I'm forked.

Grrrrrrrrrrr Client 2 wasn't just procrastinating she was checking out other DJs, this after she came to the meeting with a check albiet made out wrong, signed the contract and promised to send payment the next Monday....

Sorry I have been busy and haven't had a chance to do much with my
e-mail recently. I am trying to figure out what we are doing for DJ
for sure because my fiance's good friend from high school is also a DJ
and just told us that he really wants to do our reception. He is also
giving us a really good deal. As of right now I am not sure what is
going to happen. I do not want you to miss out on business, so if
someone else wants that date then please let them have it so that you
do not miss out on that. I will get this all figured out as soon as
possible. Sorry for all of the inconvenience.

To which I replied....

Thank you for your consideration in getting back to me on what was happening. It's nice when a friend is willing to do something nice for you. I hope you take a few things into consideration.

When you hired me you hired a professional who is not a guest but a provider of DJ entertainment. I will not be expecting to eat or partake in any alcoholic beverages nor do I need to take smoke breaks. You also hired a professional emcee, which means you can count on me to make the right announcements and presentations at the right time. You also have a professional sound system that will produce the highest quality in music reproduction available.

Please be assured that professionalism and attention to detail is what I am about. No request is too small or too large for me to accomodate. I know price can be an issue but it didn't seem so at the meeting after all you did have a check made out already in hand. You just hadn't read my email as to how to have it made out. I've since givin you a lot of alternatives the best of which is online payment which will show on your account as Total Impact DJs. I don't know what this friend is chargeing but if it is much less than what I'm charging I'd be concerned about the quality of what he is offering you.

Let me know your decision soon.

My guess is she's going to go with the friend.... nice. Why do they string you along like this... she had to have gotten my email with the details on how that check should have been made out. I wonder if this is just some ploy to get me to lower my rate.... well sorry honey they is what they is.:sqmad:

Greets, Rob.

From reading the client's response, I get the impression that she has no intention of taking your service seriously. Since you don't have a contract with this client, dismiss it and move on. You have better things to do, lol. :)

Greets, Rob.

From reading the client's response, I get the impression that she has no intention of taking your service seriously. Since you don't have a contract with this client, dismiss it and move on. You have better things to do, lol. :)

I wish I had better things to do... thing is right after I set the appointment to meet with her another person had chimed in about that date leaving only a name and phone number.... I called her and told her that currently the date appeared to be filled pending my meeting that Saturday... now I get the fun job of calling hope to talk to her and tell her well it looks like I'm available again.

Thing is she came to the meeting with a check made out to the company when I clearly emailed her differently... and on top of that she said we want you and signed the contract and promised to send payment that Monday...

I know move on but jeez.... this is aggravating...

welcome to the fun part of the DJ business Rob

welcome to the fun part of the DJ business Rob

Believe me this isn't the first time....

Why the hell do people shine you on like this.... only to come back and say sorry I've changed my mind or give some bull**** reason why they changed their mind.... to me her response is probably just that bull ****....

We've had a number of potential clients who have strung us out due the the fact that we were giving them too much time to decide.

We started with 2 weeks, went down to 10 business days, down again to 5 business days and now we tell 'em that if we don't have the contract and money in hand within 48 hours we will consider that date open for any other inquiries.

They either make a decision or run the chance of us booking our services out from under them.

It is aggravating. People think they can dicker with used car salesmen and DJ companies. :(

Yeah I currently give 10 business days... I may have to re-think that.... it's always made sence in the hotel business but then again there is always business coming and going so it's not to much to give 10 days for a signed contract and or deposit...

I guess I'm too nice huh.... well to the phones I go.

It is aggravating. People think they can dicker with used car salesmen and DJ companies. :(

I'm not sure she's tryin to dicker since she doesn't mention this "great deal" she isn't exactly giving me an opening to say well I'll do it for $10 less or whatever....

I was already giving her a $200.00 discount if she paid in advace at booking... now if she don't come to her sences before I book the date it will be full price or nothing.

As AC DC said it best MONEY TALKS.

As AC DC said it best MONEY TALKS.

LOL and Bull**** walks.... hahaha

I know I shouldn't let it get me down but just when I thought business might start to take off for me I get an igit like this.... I've had plenty of inquiries but none were sereous enough to even come to the table and then when they do I get shined on like I mean nothing and any friend who say's he's a DJ comes along to bump me off....

I bet there is no friend just another DJ willing to undercut me just to do the job. Still I wonder why she didn't mention this great price.

You ever notice some of us rough around the collared type who rarely take much guff? We have been through the battle for a few days and survival has formed the weathered product which can come across Gruff on a good day. We have weathered many of these customers and kept on selling through the Feast and Famine roller coaster ride as a Mobile DJ.

You ever notice some of us rough around the collared type who rarely take much guff? We have been through the battle for a few days and survival has formed the weathered product which can come across Gruff on a good day. We have weathered many of these customers and kept on selling through the Feast and Famine roller coaster ride as a Mobile DJ.

Sorry I didn't mean my comment to sound like that the:

And bull**** walks hahaha was ment to be an extention of your previous comment... not a dig of any sort

But your right... it's just agravating thanks for letting me rant.

I've since revoked her ability to login to my client area for fear she just might take the survey just to screw with me plus why should she have access to my planners if she's going to go with another DJ let that schmuck figure things out for himself... bet he uses an iPod and a couple of powered speakers with a cheap mic, eats his ass off and gets drunk.... smokes all night, plays the wrong music and generally pisses people off.. this is my dream and my wish.

Thats the spirit but perhaps you can hope even though you got aced that a DJ sufficed for this event rather than making a bad name for the whole of us fighting in the trenches to preserve diginity for our trade.

Oh your right I really don't wish her wedding day to be ruined by a cut rate DJ but, it was a fun daydream....

And well it's not decided yet anyway.... sounds like price is what is teatering things... that's what gripes me the most is I don't really know what I'm actually up against...

I mean is he maybe just a hundred, fifty, twenty, or maybe just ten less than me or is he bottomfeeding?

I don't know the answer to that question. Probably never will.

Honestly, I wouldn't lose a moment's sleep over it. If prospects care about price only, they will get what they deserve. A misguided client can easily be sucked into a Jerry Springer situation. They'll start a bidding war between bottom dwellers. In the end, they get the lowest of the low.

You did what any professional service provider would do by warning this client of the pitfalls of price shopping.Take the high road and be glad that you're not the DJ at that sorry event. :D

On the upside... it has nothing to do with my abilities just her percieved value of DJs... In her mind anybody can DJ there's no talent involved all we do is press play and make a few announcements, right?

She needs to go back to my site and read a bit more... maybe even visit the link I put up on DIY weddings from the ADJA... she can then see just what may be instore...

Of course who knows this guy could be a member of this board and a very good DJ. In that case I guess she'd be lucky...

I hope my reply doesn't seem to harsh what do you guys think about the reply I gave her.

Rob, if it's any help I concur with your response.

I agree ~ anyone can press a Play button. To the prospects who think managing a DJ show is easy, I'd like to have 'em stand before our Pio CMX-5000 and show me how easy it is, lol. Go ahead. Feel free to show me that you can push the Play button and manage a reception party for the next four hours. I'll stand backstage and watch.

Oh, you'll have several requests tonight. Show me where they are in the CD case. Show me that you can get a request in with 30 seconds left. No, we don't use no laptop. You've gotta find the CDs in the case.

While they're at it, they can look down at the rack stack and tell me what all those knobs and buttons are for. There's a lot of processing there. Real easy, ain't it... :rolleyes:

But I digress. Business is business after all. Here's the rules. This is how we do business. If you wish to book us for your forthcoming date, we need a signed performance agreement and retainer fee by X date. Full payment is required by Y date. If we don't have it on time, the contract is void and the date is open to the next customer in line. You signed it. You agreed with the terms. If you haven't signed anything, you are not our client. It really is that simple.

We do not "pencil in" calendar dates. Available dates are first come, first served. That's the way it is.

Then it's out of your hands. If a prospect wants to try to play DJ A against DJ B, it's on them. They'll keep sinking lower until they end up with the lowest of the low. That's not your problem.

I had one of "those" prospects a few years ago for a NYE show. Went to meet, provided all the paperwork etc. Prospect said if we did a good job she'd book us for her wedding in January. Didn't hear from her so I called. She said "another DJ" had quoted $15.00 less. I replied "Well, I wish you the best with it" and that was all of that.

A month or so later she called again looking for a wedding DJ. The one she booked had bailed at the last moment. I recognized her voice on the phone and quoted an outrageous rate that I knew she wouldn't pay. That was all of that.

Wolfie don't let anyone dick him around. I'm too old for that nonsense. If ya want a show, pony up the dough.

In God we trust. Everyone else pays cash. :)

Hi Rob,

I agree totally, being in business for yourself can be quite aggravating at times. When ever this type of thing happens just chalk it up to lesson learned. I would definately shorten the reply time of your contract and deposit to 48 hours. Don't hold a date that is penciled in, ever. In my info pack, as well as on the phone I let them know, to hold your date all that is needed is a deposit of bla bla and a signed contract. I would have made one email or phone call letting them know the deposit was incorrect and we needed to correct it immediately for their date to be held. Give them two days and move on.

Rob, I did this myself in the beginning, penciled in. I learned the hard way also. I once passed two potential clients for a "penciled in" and ended up with nothing. Lesson learned, hindsight is always 20 20 but it is only a mistake if you don't learn from it.

As far as your email goes. Once she didn't correct the check she had no intention in hiring you. This is what I usually say in similar situations.

Dear _______,

Thank you for letting me know. I hope your wedding is very successful and I wish you both many years of happiness.

Thank you,

___________

I know it is hard in the beginning. Try to let this go and set up appointments with other wedding professionals in your area. It will happen for you, just keep on trying.

rob,
there is no way of knowing why she has picked(or is considering) another company. Coud be price....but could be lots of things. Some people actually think that having someone they know DJ would be better because that person "knows" them and "knows" their guests....but we all know how that can turn out.

As happened to you, sometimes you can meet with someone and then have someone else call the next day looking for that date. I don't want to scare or lie to people, but I let them know that is a possibility, because it is. When they say "we need to think it over", and I believe they are really leaning towards doing it, i'll say, "I understand, what I can do is hold the date at no obligation until tomorrow, that way you 2 can go home and talk it over". I give them the agreement, write in big bold letters"held until xx/xx" and give it to them and explain that i would need it either faxed or emailed back and a credit card tomorrow. When they ask if they could mail it, I tell them, "You could, but i cannot promise that the date would still be available by the time the mail arrives."

Ok lesson learned and thanks for all the advice....

Here's what I did to change my contract first at the top or start of the terms and conditions I put:

Payments can be made by Cash, Check, or Credit/Debit Card.

Make checks payable to: ________________________
Pay online at: www.mypayment.site.com (note: not a real link)

Then at the bottom near the signature is the requirments for return and payment and final payment of the contract which now reads:

To confirm this agreement: (1) Sign one copy of the Entertainment Agreement and return it to the Company at the above address along with the required non-refundable Retainer Fee. Retain a copy for your records; (2) The Entertainment Agreement and the non-refundable Retainer Fee must be recieved no later than two business days from date of booking to guarantee services for your event, if your event date is less than thirty days away then the full amount is due upon booking; (3) The balance of the Total Fees is due by no later than thirty days prior to the event, if this condition is not met sutable arrangements must be made to continue the Agreement; (4) The Company is holding a tentative reservation until that date; (5) The Client signing this Agreement agrees that she/he is lawfully authorized to enter into this Agreement on behalf of his/her organization (if applicable); (7) This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and understanding between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.

Client 1 still hasn't done as promised and hasn't overnighted or contacted me since promising to try to overnight a check to me...

So I emailed her and told her she has a deadline of this friday or her date could come into jeopardy of not being available. I hope that's enough to either push her to **** or get off the pot.

Well that got a quick response she claims that she hasn't been able to get to a bank to get a cashier's check for me due to a co-worker being out... likely story but at least I got a quick response to my email'd deadline.

If your prospects are considering other DJs, you may not be doing enough to sell yourself. Have you read in sales books? It sounds like your counting on your website to do most of the selling. That's just my observation.

If your prospects are considering other DJs, you may not be doing enough to sell yourself. Have you read in sales books? It sounds like your counting on your website to do most of the selling. That's just my observation.


Oh they were sold but due to them not reading my email that gave them an out plus I give way too much time to get contracts and retainer fees back to me...

I've been in the hotel business for years... and yes I have read sales books up the wazu.... selling isn't the problem... flaky clients are.

Well client 1 one still hasn't sent the contract but has emailed today saying she is sending it today... on the upside she and her sister have at least used my site to make music requests so I honestly think it's just a matter of having the money in her account.... I think she has been short on funds and that may in all likelyhood caused her to delay payment.

With no new communication from Client 2 her deadline is fast approaching so I'm guessing she's going with the "friend that's a DJ"... good luck.

It sounds like your counting on your website to do most of the selling. That's just my observation.

Sorry I didn't address this portion of your post....

Yeah, of course I use my website as a selling tool. It's a starting point and what generally draws people in initially. It's what I do after they've called, emailed a question, or got an online quote that makes the sale or not.

I don't know how long you've been in the biz but for people like me who are just starting out (2 yrs giging, 3 yrs officially) word of mouth isn't there yet. Advertising outside of Free sites on the web and a website is out of the question because budgets generally wont allow for advertising in such things as trade magazines or paid search engines. Even the click through google ads are out of the question because there is no guarantee that the click throughs which you have to pay for will result in even a lead, much less a booking.

So ya, my website is a selling point. But, not the only one.

To confirm this agreement: (1) Sign one copy of the Entertainment Agreement and return it to the Company at the above address along with the required non-refundable Retainer Fee. Retain a copy for your records;

Rob - Am I reading this correctly to assume that you are sending out a contract that has been signed by you? (You ask for the client to sign and return ONE copy to you. That tells me that you have signed TWO copies, and just need their completed copy returned.)

If so, you may want to re-think that. That would make it far too easy for a client to change the terms of the contract. Since your signature appears on the altered contract, it will be considered a valid contract by most courts... Just my 2 cents, and I could be mis-reading this clause in you contract! :sqwink:

Rob - Am I reading this correctly to assume that you are sending out a contract that has been signed by you? (You ask for the client to sign and return ONE copy to you. That tells me that you have signed TWO copies, and just need their completed copy returned.)

If so, you may want to re-think that. That would make it far too easy for a client to change the terms of the contract. Since your signature appears on the altered contract, it will be considered a valid contract by most courts... Just my 2 cents, and I could be mis-reading this clause in you contract! :sqwink:

"Sign one copy and return it to...." means I've sent two copies or gave them two copies one for them and one to return to me signed.

Also read the last statement: (7) This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and understanding between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.

If a client should try to alter a contract that I've signed without my consent it would be rejected... and if they were to try and alter a contract after the fact and take me to court over something the court would reject it since I'd have an original and by the fact that any hand made changes to any contract must be initialed by both parties to be valid.... so no I'm not worried if someone tries to alter a contract into their favor because it wouldn't hold up in court anyway.

I dont sign anything until the retainer fee is in my hand.

I dont sign anything until the retainer fee is in my hand.

Same here but for the sake of his question lets assume I did...

Even if so if there were a handwritten change made to a contract that is pre-printed with no lines for additional information and no place for initials any handwritten changes by me or by the client without both parties initialling the change wouldn't stand up in court, period.

But, no most of the time when I'm sending out a contract it's via email. I've only mailed a contract once. Most times it's done in person so they usually are already ready to sign and pay anyway.

Apologies for goin' off topic. I'd like to post a thought on client alterations to the service agreement if I may:

Sometimes, parts of the basic boilerplate will not apply to some shows. We've had this happen with municipal-sponsored gigs in the past. In these cases, we'll work with the sponsors to reach a mutual agreement that is satisfactory to both parties. Then we'll print out the finished copy, git it all signed and get that out of the way.

Please, do not let a pen-and-ink-altered agreement fly, even if the paragraphs that are crossed out or altered are initialed and dated by both parties. That stuff is sloppy and subject to interpretation should it come to that.

Hey mods can this topic be split?

Move the stuff about contracts to a new topic "Contractual Agreements" under Growing Your Business and leave the stuff about my lazy clients here.

[QUOTE=jokerswild;109974Yeah, of course I use my website as a selling tool. It's a starting point and what generally draws people in initially. It's what I do after they've called, emailed a question, or got an online quote that makes the sale or not.

I don't know how long you've been in the biz but for people like me who are just starting out (2 yrs giging, 3 yrs officially) word of mouth isn't there yet. Advertising outside of Free sites on the web and a website is out of the question because budgets generally wont allow for advertising in such things as trade magazines or paid search engines. Even the click through google ads are out of the question because there is no guarantee that the click throughs which you have to pay for will result in even a lead, much less a booking.

So ya, my website is a selling point. But, not the only one.[/QUOTE]

Same here Rob, just finishing my 3rd year as a DJ. I don't have a website, but I agree that it's a good marketing strategy. I don't really need one because I work with an agent. The way the agency works is to make the sale over the phone. The agent will ask the client a lot of questions and set them up with the DJ that will be best for their situation. The agreement is the client will send the retainer with the signed contract. The contract is sent to me afterward and I sign and return it to the agent. The retainer is the agent's fee, I get paid the rest at the gig.

I'm lucky I don't have to do much selling. I have my name listed in the yellow pages and I think it resulted in one gig. Tire kickers going thru the list of DJs are the only calls. But I read motivational and sales books just in case I have to become the salesman in the future. I appears you're learning the biz at a fast rate. It takes a few years to get the WOM and referrals. Until then, you're going to have those flaky clients.

Almost 10 years in the hotel business has given me a lot of insight into the business world in general... but I am learning much as it relates directly to the DJ biz...

I feel if I ever stop learning or have learned all there is to learn then I should hang the headphones up and go on to something else.

you shall have a long and proseprous career my friend as your mindset is correct. 35+ yrs and just getting started.

Well Client 1 finally came through with her deposit today... I just don't understand why she couldn't do it online... it would have saved her the 17.00 it cost to overnight a check to me.

Client 2 still nothing so I've sent the following:

I know that you have been debating hiring my company or the friend. If you wish to continue with the agreement that we entered into you need to make a payment today. If payment is not received by the end of today I will have to assume you wish to discontinue the agreement and consider the agreement null and void. If this happens, and you still wish to hire our servics a new agreement will have to be drawn up with new terms to be agreed upon, for which immediate payment would be required at booking.

To make an immediate payment follow this link:

I'm not expecting a response at all though, especially if she holds true to how she's been dealing with the situation. So I'm available June 14th now....:sqbiggrin:

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

Got the deposit check and it bounced....

I just recieved notice from my bank that the check you sent me was returned NSF. I'm sure that this is a simple oversight that can be taken care of quickly. Here is the detail from my account showing the returned check and the associated bank fee. I will need you to either login and send a payment via credit card or overnight a Certified Check, Cashiers Check or Money Order. Unfortunately because of this I will not be able to accept a personal check. Please take care of this as soon as possible because this puts your event in jeopardy.


11-19-2007 FEE / NSF-ARMED FORCES BANK BY "Client Name" UNKN TLR CB SHARE DRAFT CHARGEBACK FEE $10.00 10.00



11-19-2007 FEE / NSF-ARMED FORCES BANK BY "Client Name" UNKN TLR RETURN DEPOSIT - NSF CHARGEBACK $225.00 225.00

Rob - I'm sorry to hear that... I hope she comes through with the CC payment.


...And Happy Thanksgiving!

I wonder what "UNKN TLR" means. I have a sneeking suspicion that it means the account is unknown possible closed...

The odd part is the last name on the check doesn't match the name of the client. Now this is her second marriage so maybe the name on the check was her old married name...

Lots of unknowns on this one.

I can tell you this I wont be accepting anymore personal checks from her... and maybe none from anyone else.

Burn me once shame on you, burn me twice shame on me.

Rob - I wonder if "UNKN TLR" is posibly "unknown teller?" At any rate, I've a couple of checks bounce in he past. While it sucks, I get paid far enough in advance of the event that it has never put my getting paid in question. It DOES mean that that particular client gets to go to cash or money order for payment.

In the long run, though, I would never stop taking personal checks. It's the way too many people do business.

Keep us informed. I'm curious to see how it all truns out!

Rob - I wonder if "UNKN TLR" is posibly "unknown teller?" At any rate, I've a couple of checks bounce in he past. While it sucks, I get paid far enough in advance of the event that it has never put my getting paid in question. It DOES mean that that particular client gets to go to cash or money order for payment.

In the long run, though, I would never stop taking personal checks. It's the way too many people do business.

Keep us informed. I'm curious to see how it all truns out!

ya I think that is what UNKN TLR means just a term used when a transaction was completed automatically...

Ya I think not taking personal checks from anyone even new clients would be a knee jerk reaction at this point.... but for her your right cash or guaranteed checks or credit cards only now.

Sent that email just before Thanksgiving and still no response so I'm a wonderin bout her.... of course she could have gone away for the weekend with no computer... so she may not even know yet. Heck she might not even have gotten notice from her bank yet that it bounced... could be an honest mistake who knows...

All I know is it's my fault for not depositing and waiting for it to clear... before spending it.

Finally got a response...

I'm sorry Rob I'm am currently out of town haven't been able to veiw my mail nor messages. I will send this once I return home. Again I apologize.

At least she finally responded... but, why does it have to wait until she gets home and when exactly will that be? I mean the least she could have done as give me a ballpart estimate of when she'd be taking care of this... as stated I'm left hanging out to dry with no payment and no indication of when said payment will be sent. Totally unfair to me. If she's got an internet connection she has a way to send money instantly through my payment gateway... I get it almost the second she hits the accept button, go button or whatever it is.

I did reply and told her as much but if she insists on sending a check it has to be a certified check or money order. No personal checks.

I'll be honest if someone else has cash in their hot little hand for her date I'm takin it... even if she says her payment is on the way... I'll just return it to her oh in a week or two or three just depends on when I make it to my mail box... sheesh!

Man, what to do, what to do?

I contacted this client via the phone on Monday and she said she'd be sending out a certified check this week.... well it's Friday and still nothing... I'm really wondering about this bride...

I know she's gotta be getting sick of me trying to collect on the contract... but, why give me the run around all the time like this.

I sent an email asking if she'd sent the paymen and how it was sent... and I asked that if it hadn't been sent when would it be sent... plus I once again gave her a link to pay online instantly.

I tell ya folks if some other bride comes along I don't care if the check comes that day, if the new client signs and hands me the money she's done.

Man, what to do, what to do?Rob,

This is entirely your decision to make. In my opinion, you've given this client every opportunity to make good on her offer. In return, she has stalled and jacked you around. Not what I'd call a successful business relationship, lol.

It's up to you... but if I was in your shoes, I'd tell her the timeframe for closing the contract had passed. My company is no longer available for the date in question.

Sorry 'bout yer luck.

In God we trust. Everyone else pays cash. :D

I may give her until Monday's mail service but after that... I can't keep chaseing her... as of right now all I'm out is my time and $10.00... Heck my contract stipulated 10 days to return with retainer fee... and she failed that from the start. Then sent a rubber check... that bounced from here to Timbucktwo.

I believe you are right I have givin ample opportunity to get this off the ground.

One thing is for sure I'm kinda glad for both the situations mentioned in this thread. One, I've re-wrote a portion of my contract to require payment and a signed contract within 48 hours of the initial meeting or from the request for contract in the case of long distance clients.

Second lesson, don't spend the money out of a personal check until the dang thing clears the bank. (10 days is a good rule of thumb here)

If I don't see anything by Monday I will wish her good luck and a happy life. I have other fish to fry.

Well I stuck it out there and gave her the altimatum....

I've sent numerous emails trying to obtain the required retainer from you but have not recieved much of a response. Are you still in need of my services or have you decided to go another direction?

Since you have not complied with the contractial agreement in returning the prescribed retainer payment along with a signed contract within the 10 day limit, I regretfully have to inform you that I can no longer turn down potential business. This will be effective as of Friday, 12/14/07 after that date I will no longer be able to guarantee the availability of our services for your event and a new contract will have to be drawn and agreed upon.

To make an instant payment follow this link: www . xxxxxxx. com this payment must be equal to the required retainer payment plus the additional NSF fee, $235.00 or equal to the total due of $710.00

**Bump**

After all of this, why would you even want the business from this person?

Not worth it. If it took this much trouble to get the retainer, how much trouble do you think you are going to have getting paid the balance and how they are going to be while planning the event.

I personally would just say "Sorry, I am no longer available to do your event"

My exact thoughts but at the proding of my wife she suggested I at least give the altimatum...

I draw the line in the dirt and see if she crosses it....

As far as planning she's been on the ball with that part...

If she manages to send at least the retainer I will set a set of deadlines for the remaining balance...

This is something I think may need to be addressed in future renditions of my contract as well.

Well tomorrow is D-day... and still not so much as a yip or yowl... i'm guessin she's run out of excuses... or is simply ignoring my emails... either way she's gonna have to find another DJ....

I mean how many chances do I need to give... how many times do I need to email and call? Look when this thread started.... that's how long I've been waiting for her to get on the ball and pay... enough is enough.

What y'all say?

Sometimes you just have to walk/run away and chalk it up to experience.

As much as I want to book events, I wouldn't have put up with what you have.

Just my opinion.

If it were me, I'd send her elsewhere. She can't even send a check for the deposit, what's going to happen when she screws up the balance payment, doesn't get you the names or songlist until the day of?

Not to be pessimistic, but I can definitely see this girl doing those things.

If it were me, I'd send her elsewhere. She can't even send a check for the deposit, what's going to happen when she screws up the balance payment, doesn't get you the names or songlist until the day of?

Not to be pessimistic, but I can definitely see this girl doing those things.

Oh getting information about her event has been no problem she used my online planners very well.... it's the money side she has a problem with...

I mean first she uses PayPal eCheck and PayPal canceled the transaction... probably due to problem with the account numbers... altho paypay doesn't say why... but it was cancelled by paypal and not her.

Fine I get in touch with her and she overnights a check to me... written on a bank from another state with what I can only assume is her previously maried sir-name... but she signed with the name she gave me on the contract... well of course the check bounces

I contact her both by email and phone she assures me she's gonna send a check this week...

Well the week comes and goes and nothing I send several emails no response finally last Monday I email her and tell her send payment or lose your dates... of course worded better then that.

It's now Saturday and no response at all...

So yeah she can go elsewhere as far as I'm concerned unless she pays in full before someone else books that will be the new term. Plus she wont get access to my planners again or a contract signed from me until payment clears and it will have to be certified, money order or credit card only.

http://www.shoeline.com/ecpublic/020/images/items/CDH9304.jpg

good idea Jay... any suggestions as to where to place the boot?

My final email to this client.... I seriously doubt she will even respond to this:

As much as it pains me to send this email I must. Since you have not been able to meet the terms of our agreement I have no choice but to cancel it and allow other potential clients to book.

If however, you still want to book us the terms of the agreement will change. You will need to sign a new contract and payment of the entire fee will be due at booking of $710.00. You will be required to pay this via the online payment gateway for instant payment or by certified check. The longer you delay the higher the chance that another client will book us.

Since you haven't responded to any of my other emails I'm assumeing that you have moved on to another DJ if that is the case I wish you good luck and an enjoyable event.

My final email to this client.... I seriously doubt she will even respond to this

I seriously doubt she will respond in a positive manner, if at all, Rob. It's a lost cause. :)

I seriously doubt she will respond in a positive manner, if at all, Rob. It's a lost cause. :)

No doubt about that... if anything I might get that angry phone call... "What do you mean you cancelled... I thought we had a contract,... blah, blah, blah"

At least I made my stand clear... and unquestionable. She was given ample opportunity to complete her side of the obligation as far as a retainer payment was concerned and she failed.

There is no way she can say I broke the contract when 30 days after the 10 day do or die date and still she hasn't met one of the intial terms of the contract itself she's at fault, not me.

1. I would not have let them have access to the planner till money was in hand.
2. I would have moved on long before now.
3. Even if you are not booked, to this one you now are. Run, Forrest, Run!

1. I would not have let them have access to the planner till money was in hand.
2. I would have moved on long before now.
3. Even if you are not booked, to this one you now are. Run, Forrest, Run!

1 I only gave access to the planners becaus she did an eCheck via Paypal which in my mind at the time was a guaranteed payment. That assumption was my mistake.

2. Agreed, lesson learned

3. Maybe in her mind but not on paper and that's what counts...

I'm glad that this topic is here... I've learned a lot from my own experience and hope that others have too.