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Seasoned videographer Joel Peregrine offers some interesting insight on the subject of payment ethics in the business of Wedding and Event Videography. What prompted the commentary was an article last year in EventDV magazine arguing the position that videographers should be paid in full in advance of a wedding date, and long before the finished edit is delivered. The article was written by another long-time wedding videog, Kris Malandruccolo. She states:
What if the bride writes you a rubber check? She now has her finished product and your headaches are just starting. What if you hired a freelance editor? He’s expecting to get paid for the editing job that he just completed, yet you haven’t received final payment from this bride. Under no circumstances should you send out any version of the video before you have received payment in full. Make sure a check clears before the bride gets her DVDs.
In contrast, Joel suggests “I don’t believe it is acceptable to pay for services in advance which are carried out over a period of time”, and goes on to outline his concerns. Both articles were admittedly written some time ago, but I feel they remain relevant and a good point of discussion.
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For weddings I do a deposit of 1/2 the total cost and get paid the rest the day of the wedding. I have found that brides or whoever is paying just wants to write all the checks and have it be done with.
I also like to get paid before I finish, so that way all the responsibility for completing the transaction is on my shoulders. I don’t need to be distracted wondering if this person will pay or not. One the video is finished the transaction is done, thus keeping it simple.
I agree with Martin…as a business owner have to protect yourself. YOU have to prove to the customer during the sales process and during the wedding that you are trustworthy. You may not know the financial responsibility of the couple, and they could be prepared to throw you for a loop. If you hand over your fate to a couple such as Joel suggests, then be prepared for a long hassle in court and time on the phone if they don’t pay. Consumers have many rights to dispute a contract, one in which if paying by credit card, they can dispute that their product was not up to expectations. Therefore, I don’t see the need to wait for payment until after the video is delivered. Its dangerous and could be costly to your fiscal well being. Remember, it’s your business and there are plenty of clients out there. Its always important to me to follow up with the client in a survey and via phone to make sure they are completely satisfied. If not, I will attempt to remedy the situation or give a portion of their payment back with an apology. Don’t be surprised if “Joel” isn’t in business in 10 years or has massive amounts of debt from fighting deadbeat clients. Self confidence and pride in your work should be your motivation to please the customer, not payment after delivery. Common sense here…