[butterflycaught2]

Hi everybody,

I'm new to this Forum, but not new to mental illness... I've been diagnosed with Borderline PD, depression and bipolar II. For those of you who work in retail or sales of any kind how do you deal with a bad sale. For example, I'm a photographer and on Tuesday I did a sale over $1700 Australian, the couple promises to pay the full amount from their computer at home via direct deposit, and then cancel their order in full via Facebook the next day.

I know **** happens and this is only an example. I know about statistics and that some zero sales have to happen to have the awesome high sales that come along as well.

Still, I take it personally. To me it means I've driven 2 hours minimum to do the photo shoot and sale (which by themselves take at least three hours), and not get a single cent for my time and travel. During the shoots I give everything and I sweat extra because of my high dose of antidepressants, which is demeaning to say the least.

Do others out here feel similarly? Why does it seem like such a personal thing when someone cancels their order for financial reasons?! "Normal" people seem to just take it in their strives that this happens, but for me it just brings me down so much, including terribly intense crying etc....

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[Auntie2014]

With this type of business you should have non refund deposit before you do a shoot to prevent the problem in future.

[HazelGirl]

Yes, definitely charge a base amount for your time and travel. And then have them pay more for the pictures you take.

[growlycat]

Do you set up contracts with your clients? Between jobs I was a freelance illustrator and no matter how well known my client, I always had them sign a service agreement then with every new project, I would send a project quote which the client then agrees to in writing/with a signature.

So sorry this happened to you! After something similar happened to me in college, I learned to write and use freelance documents.

[blur]

Have both a written contract and divide up your fee into 2 or 3 payments. One payment should always happen at the time of the first meeting (that would be the nonrefundable deposit), then have them pay the rest at the finish of the job. If the work goes on for a really long time then maybe add a 3rd payment somewhere in the middle of the job. Just always get a deposit up front and final payment at the time you hand over the files/prints preferably in person. Having all that spelled out in a written contract makes it easier for everyone and gives you protection too. So sorry you got taken advantage of by those folks.

[growlycat]

Blur has a good point. I ask for half up front, no exceptions.

Also, google what a "kill fee" is.

[growlycat]

The Graphic Artist's Guild has resources/free contract templates (includes photography)

I was a member early on in my career

[blur]

The graphic artists guild handbook is a fantastic resource even if it is probably geared for Americans. It is updated every few years. Maybe your library has a copy if it isn't available in your country.

A couple friends of mine have portrait and wedding photography businesses. I hear a lot about the trials and tribulations from one of them because he has somehow has learned to apply humor. It is hard to separate business from yourself but is just business.

I realize you have to work with what the market will bear but artists don't charge enough for their work. According to Chris Anderson in the makers the formula for any small business should be something like cost *2.5. That's from memory. Often people think that they need to double it and that is enough. That is enough for retailers because they price their merch different percentages over cost which then averages out to a decent profit margin. But as the only person in the business you can't afford that. You also have to account for things like destroyed film or bad prints. Advertising. Customers that don't pay their bills, etc. In addition with a higher profit margin you have the ability to negotiate a discount with good customers. Say ones that give you a large business or give you decent exposure in exchange. If you haven't recently I would start take a look at what others are charging to make sure you are in line and charging enough. And like the others said, get a deposit.

Also know there is an old but still popular scam with remote business. The buyer offers to pay more than the asking price in a cashiers check. Don't fall for it! Always get it in paypal or credit card.

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