When Your Client Cancels AFTER You've Purchased Decorations For Their Event
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- Опубліковано 9 вер 2024
- Hey Guys! In this video, I shared an experience I had recently with a client that booked decorations and cancelled after I purchased custom backdrops for her event.
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Just a quick piece of advice…make sure the deposit is equal to or exceeds the cost of materials needed! That insures No loss if a client cancels as the deposit is non refundable anyway. And it doesn’t hurt to have something added to your inventory.
Thank you for that advice! 👏🏽
I went through this to a similar extent when the client canceled twice because of funds being tight.
I had already begun to order some of her items and when she had to cancel it was already past the return window. I was heated (that's an understatement) because my contract is very clear. She didn't ask for a refund of her deposit (she knew it's non-refundable and she acknowledged that). However, if the event didn't go through I would've been at a loss for the things I ordered with her deposit money and would have a hard time trying to use them for someone else because one of her colors was not that common. I told my assistant (who was also on the initial consultation call) that if she doesn't confirm this event is on like she says by a certain date I'm going to use my contract clause and I'M going to cancel.
My lesson from earlier this year was pay myself first. I had done so much design prep and planning that if the event was actually canceled I would've not been compensated for my time at all. I changed my contract language from ___% deposit to ____% retainer. *The retainer is my payment for services and a percentage of materials. The 2nd payment is due 60 days and final payment is still due 30 days before the event. Of course if it's a shorter window I adjust the payment and internal ordering schedule. AGAIN pay yourself first (my retainer fee is my payment plus a set percentage that I use to start buying supplies).
Thanks for sharing your experiences in the “life of an event decorator”. It’s so sad that you had to go through this Lonielle. And yet you’re still here encouraging us not to give up… you are truly authentic. God continued blessings 🤗🙏🏾
Thank you Twyla! God works everything for our good! We don’t have to give up when we have God on our side 🙌🏽
Yes, sue her! She signed a contract, contracts are legal and binding!!! I'm an event planner and everyone signs a contract and pays a NON REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT!
Exactly! The deposit is always non-refundable! 👏🏽
these are the types of clients i don't want...because if this was a wedding or funeral you paying before the event so i don't understand the difference in what you are asking....I get this a lot as a dj ...people just crazy.
Some people are just ridiculous. They want to pay you when they want to pay you. That’s not how business works…🤷🏽♀️
@@YesEventDecor exactly
Thank you 😊
The same day I watch this video I had a client cancel when I was about to setup.I told her I couldn't refund her.
The client reason for wanting out of the contract - How will I know you will show up - is totally a ruse. If you didn't show up for her event she is protect because she could have done a chargeback. Since she did a charge back to try and get her deposit back she knew how the system work.
EXACTLY!!!!! It was total nonsense.
She wanted to pay you on the day of to haggle your price…. You did the right thing.
@@prowlncougarpruitt2828 Thank you
@@prowlncougarpruitt2828 You are soooo right it was her that intended to not show up with the money after she has gotten the service.
She was trying to hustle you!!Yes! You did the right thing!
This definitely sounds like a small claims court case. I hope you get your money back. I used to freelance as a makeup artist and always had a contract and a deposit fee.
When I first started I always got the remainder on the event but once I started doing more weddings, I saw it was a problem. Like you said so much going on. Once I had to wait until after the ceremony to get paid the balance because everyone was running around etc which made me late for a next client.
Great video
Exactly! Who wants to be running around after the client on the day of the event asking them to pay you??? Not me.
Sounds like they were gonna find a reason not to pay the balance
Maybe! 🤷🏽♀️
Yesss, I had this happen to me a few times over time, and it became overwhelming and also discouraging, so I stopped doing it, and started doing treats, and even in doing that, people want something for nothing and they flaggg like they got it, and like you said just all talk
I’m sorry that this happened to you, leaving you discouraged. That’s why it’s so important to have a contract in place. I pray that the right customers find you. Customers that are actually willing to pay you. 🙏🏽
It's crazy. Business is Business. They pay even Party City before they take anything out of that store as well as other places. You Pay up front and then you get the service or your items. Don't play with me like that. Thanks and keep doing the awesome work you do.
Exactly. They knew they had to pay upfront. She just had an issue with paying me for some reason…🤷🏽♀️
Haters and rude people won't get far and God has your back so keep doing what you do and you're a blessing to so many others.
Mom said she’s a dentist! She should have been able to pay it for her daughter & get the money from her daughter later! This sounded suspicious!!!! Thanks for sharing!👍🏽🌻
It was very suspicious! I’m glad I followed my instincts.
Thank you for sharing, last year I had a situation where 2 days prior to a 72 birthday party and his grandson got killed, so they couldn’t go on with the party, I explained if they would have the party another time I will be pleased to do it on my free time and they will have to work with my schedule but the family decided not to have the party. I prayed about it and gave them half of the money back after I returned some of the items. Like you said as a business owner it’s up to you.
That’s so sad! 😢 I know that family was devastated. Good for you for showing them some mercy. 🙏🏽 That’s a tough situation.
It’s unfortunate that you had to go through this. One of my pet peeves in running a business. I use Honeybook for my client management system so everything can be under one umbrella. Correspondence, contracts, reports, etc.
Thank you. I use GoodShuffle Pro to manage my events.
WOW Lonielle, after Listening to this I have come to the conclusion that This must be on the List of Lessons that have to be Learned when Operating any Business. Some of the things I have learned have been VERY hard and Hurtful in some cases. I thought how could they do this to me. Those things have made me a Stronger Person, and have shown me that everybody needs a Contract , NO EXCEPTIONS. I have learned so much from you and I thank GOD for you sharing your experiences. So if I am WISE and take your advice, I will know how to handle a Client like that. Blessings to you ( Friend in my Head). I hope to meet you one day When I'm on that end Visiting Family.
👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 Everything makes us stronger. May God continue to bless you with the wisdom you need. 🙏🏽
Unfortunately I experienced this exact situation on last year. It was such a learned lesson for me. When you're a person of good character you will be tried. I'm believing we will still rise and shine. Evil intentions will not stop what we're (you) are created to excel in. May you be Encouraged akways❤️
Thank you! We will still rise and shine! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Thank you so much for sharing this experience Lonielle. I’m so sorry that happened to you. It sounds like they would have been a headache to work with and would have probably claimed to not like something in order to not have to pay the full amount.
You read my mind! I’m thinking the same thing!
Once again you’ve come through with something so exceptionally helpful. I’d love to know the conclusion to this. They sound sketchy and I feel like you may have been out even more money had this not happened the way it did. God protects his children. Your UA-cam channel is so helpful, sometimes it’s like you read my mind with questions on a decor business. ❤️
That is SO true! God does protect his children. It was frustrating to deal with but I know that God will work everything out. 🙏🏽🙌🏽
Wow , it seems like this is a learning industry. I’m going to start using a contract . Thanks for sharing good an not so good lessons . 😍😍😍 .
Yes, yes, and yes. I work for a rental company, and I’ve had to provide a copy of a signed contract to the credit card companies and the banks on several occasions. People will try you.
They do try you! Glad to see that you challenged their disputes. I was wondering if it was worth the time.
@@YesEventDecor Everytime we present signed contracts we’ve been paid.
@@itsme_d7841 Thank you for that! I’m about to send over my signed contract now.
OMgoodness...I had a similar situation except, because of several year's history with this client, I did accept payment upon arrival at the event. The client got a bit snippy and said, "I'm busy and will pay you later..you can trust me". Lesson learned and yes, up front or not at all for everyone since then. TFS your contract as well. Pray this works out in your favor. "Some people"!
Sometimes clients act like they’re doing us a favor by paying us before the event. They don’t realize all the money we spend upfront on their event.
You should have started removing the decorations. She would have paid you real quick!
I learned the hard way when I first started I would have clients pay their final deposit until I didn’t get paid until 3 days later after a event 🥴 Thank God I still got paid. Also for initial deposits if my clients get anything custom like backdrops with their name the full price of that item is included in their deposit because if they cancel I can’t do anything with it.
That is sooooo true! Good point. Any personalized items need to be included in the deposit. 👍🏽
Thank you for being so transparent! I too struggle with similar issues. I am grateful for your gold nuggets. May God continue to elevate you for His kingdom work because you do inspire, encourage and uplift me with your wisdom and knowledge. God bless you sister.
May the Lord continue to bless you too!! I’m praying that God sends you clients that don’t cancel their decorations! 🙏🏽
Girl I am going through something similar but worse we are a week away from the event & my clients/ family wanted to cancel after all the planning time and custom made items. Then have the nerve to talk about refunds.Please my advice also is even if they are your family make them sign contracts as well.
I’m sorry 😞. Yes, that’s the truth. Family, friends, coworkers….everyone needs to sign a contract.
I have had the same thing happen, but luckily my credit card processing company is fair…there is a dispute period of about 30 days in which I have the opportunity to substantiate the charge. They do take the money out of my account, but they don’t return it to the customer (unless I either don’t respond or don’t have acceptable proof that the charges were valid) I emailed a copy of the signed contract, and the dispute was settled in my favor..the money was deposited back into my account. Btw, I think you are amazing! I’m so thankful for all the information you share.
Hey thanks for the input that’s why I don’t accept credit cards periodt I know that one happened to me years ago!
Thank you for watching! I wish I could only accept debit cards or electronic cash transfers. But credit cards are more convenient for my clients. 🤷🏽♀️
I'm sorry this happened to you. Thank you for sharing your experiences.This is why I subscribe to your channel. You keep it real and honest! As always great tips and advice! Thanks Lonelle!
Thank you for subscribing! I’m glad these videos are helpful. I think it’s best to share the good and the bad. It’s not authentic when you only share the good experiences 🤷🏽♀️.
I have really missed your sit down and talk videos. That is awful but some clients will do this. This potential client may have wanted you to decorate then come back and say she did not like the decorations and not pay you after she received what she wanted. You are so right I don't do any event decorating without a contract in place and a non refundable fee before I purchase anything. Thanks for this video and sharing your tips with us I do most of them but a few of them I have to do. Have a blessed day!
Yeah, when clients start giving you a hard time about payment, that’s never good. We work too hard not to be paid for our services. A signed contract is a must.
Sorry that happened to you. This happened to me but at the time I did not have the contract signed. I just got happy and started ordering. I said well if they were asking all these questions, they were interested. She took my ideas and pictures and did it themselves. Lesson learned
Been there, done that too. Huge lesson learned. A conversation without a signed contract and deposit is just that…a conversation.
Wow sorry you had to go through that. People are very funny because I am pretty sure that if you went and did all of work and relied on her paying the day of or after the event - she would have come up with a reason not to pay you. I love easy clients that understand the value of your time and skill and pay on time with no problem. Yes document everything.
This was a good topic. Give a lot of informative info even for the clients and not just from the business standpoint
Thank you!
LEARNING A LOT I AM PLANNING TO START EVENTS DECOR
That’s great! 👏🏽👏🏽
Girl I am guilty of buying things before they give me full payment.. I need a contract and deposit 💵!!! Just started so learning as I go
Yup, girl we all make that mistake! 🤦🏽♀️
Love the email idea. I actually make a new email save folder fir each client and save all emails from them and vendors for that client in one folder with that clients name to make it easier to find an email pertaining to that client.
Yes!!! Love that idea. I need to do the same.
So sad, but this really happens
Yup! Happened to me! 🤦🏽♀️
Sorry that happened you! I definitely hope you get your money back. I don't understand why she thought you would bail out when you clearly gave her a contract that she signed. Just crazy!
It is crazy. She thought she had the right to just break a signed contract. 😕🤷🏽♀️
@@YesEventDecor I swear people never cease to amaze me.
Thank you for sharing this experience! I have not had that happened, however, I've been getting a lot of people reaching out and once I prepare an invoice then the potential client ghosts me. Many people do not understand what goes into preparing for the quote. Going forward there will be a charge for a consultant
A lot of time can go into preparing a quote. It’s especially frustrating when people don’t even respond afterwards.
I'm so sorry you had to experience that issue. This is your business obviously they came looking for you after their research or what have you. Unfortunately it happens and thanks for the good advice to your viewers. It will workout in your favor! We can't try to figure out some people and your professionalism speaks volume.
Blessings to you Sis!
Thank you for your kind words. God is good because I ended up getting some of my money back. 🙌🏽 I just had to show my signed contract and communication to the credit card company.
Thank you for sharing! Great insight as I’m new to to this business and people think they can “get over”.
They will definitely try to! Definitely protect yourself and your business.
This video is gold. You have helped me immensely.
I’m glad this video was helpful! ☺️
That client is not trustworthy because just like she canceled because she wanted to make final payment after services Rendered. Imagine if you had allowed her to pay on the day of event she could have decided not to pay for whatever reason. This is why contracts are so important. Thanks for sharing
There is always the option to require a non-refundable security deposit. To compensate for a reservation spot taken, as well as the time to pre-purchase products. If the clients don't cancel it can apply towards the fees. Or the deposit gets kept if they decide to break the contract.
A week ago I was asked to do a graduation/ birthday party in an apartment living room, luckily all I bought was some balloons, she did not cancel me, I called her sister and she told me the party wad cancelled 😂, i shopped for a wedding, given some money so we could shop the things and colors I did not have, a week before the wedding me and my partner gave her a bridal shower, which she was two hours late to, that is when she told us the wedfing was off, she took all the gifts home, and then she said the all we bought was hers, we could return them and give her the money back are give her the supplies we bought, my lessons learnt , was not to say we need a deposit to buy da, da da, lol, thank you for all you do, lessons learned 🙏🏽🙏🏽🌹🌹👏👏
Wow!! Thanks for sharing your lesson. I like The part not to mention you've purchased supplies and they belong to them. Some people!!
Lesson learned!
been searching for this topic long time. im in the process of drafting my contract for customers
It’s a very important topic
Wow thank for sharing your experience with us. 😊
My pleasure 😊
Thanks for sharing. I had a client that waited to a week and a half before a event before signing the contract. I told them we may have to cancel our service than they decide to sign and sent the money. Never again, if it's not signed by the printed dates we will have to cancel. It's too stressful.
Yeah, that is stressful. If I don’t hear from the client by the deadline, I just cancel their quote.
Very well said! I’m so sorry that you had to go through that but you are handling it well ! I love your integral character! Love it!! I totally understand you on this one! Been there! Thank you again for this information! Very well said!
Thank you! I was really upset at first. But then I remembered the verse:
You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings - Psalm 23:5
God will use to the good and the bad to bless you. So I’ll be just fine. 🙏🏽
@@YesEventDecor Amen!! No need to retaliate- God fights our battles! indeed! Know that it’s already done!! Keep your eyes on the prize!! Now get ready for overflow and thank those who actually pushed you closer to you overflow!!!!
Sorry you had to deal with that situation I hope you get your money back. Thanks for sharing really appreciate the information.
Awww! Thank you!
Thank you so much for sharing… this is really good information for us small business owners just starting. I love your videos and ideas. So sorry you had this not so great experience. Keep doing what you do and know your great at it!!
Awww! Thank you Irene!
Wow .wow. I'm very sorry to hear that. some people are so unkind and unfair question why are you going to wait until that day to collect your money.why ?? They need to pay you all the money that you spend. thank you for sharing.
Exactly! People do not realize all of the money we spend on their event.
Thank you for these gems of wisdom. God bless you.🙏❤️
May God continue to bless you too!
I'm sorry this happened to you. and I wish you success in getting your money back. You are so sweet and helpful
Awww! Thank you ☺️
Very interesting
Thank you
Thank you for sharing ❤
No problem 😊
Great advice.Sorry you had to experience this .
Thank you! I’m okay ☺️. God is good 🙏🏽🙌🏽.
That’s great information thanks for sharing.
Glad it was helpful!
This client had no attention on paying
Could be. You never know with people…🤷🏽♀️
Thank you for the advice❤
It’s my pleasure ☺️
Girl, get your money ! Thank you for your professionalism…😉
☺️☺️☺️ Love your comment!
Thank you for your insightful experience. Your info can be used in a lot of business matters
It’s my pleasure ☺️
Omg!!! I jus went thru this!!! Thank u Thank u Lonielle! Im not crazy...I took all the proper steps. Ooh this particular client got up under my skin.🙏 👼
Nope, you’re not crazy and you’re not alone!
En España tenemos un dicho 'ajo y agua' que lo utilizamos cuando queremos decir 'haberlo pensado antes de decirlo/hacerlo". A mi me hacen algo así y lo siento mucho, voy con todas. No tienes dinero para pagarme la decoración y encima quieres hacerme el chanchullo de quitarme el depósito, vale, ahora me quedo con tu depósito y encima te vas a tener que gastar el dinero en abogados/juicio. Con el pan de mi familia no se juega
👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Thank you for sharing
Thank you for watching!
Thanks for sharing. I love watching your channel, I have learned a lot from watching. Keep up the amazing work and always let the positive spirit win.
Thank you for watching! I’m glad my videos are helpful. God is good! 🙌🏽
Thanks for sharing! Just purchased your contract template!
Thank you for watching ☺️
These types of videos are sooooo helpful!!! Thank you
Yay!!! I’m happy to hear that! 🥰
Thank you so much for your transparency. I needed to hear this, and I will follow your advice.
I’m glad this video helped!
I love your channel so much! I’m still in the “hobby” stage but I love your willingness to share so much valuable information with us. These are things I wouldn’t think about because I expect the best from people, so I appreciate you sharing this experience. I’m always looking forward to your next video!
Thank you so much! Yeah, unfortunately you have to prepare for the worst and protect your business. I’m happy this video was helpful. ☺️
I’m so glad I found your channel. I just started my event planning and decor business. This helps me so much ❤ New Subbie 🎉
Thank you for subscribing! Congratulations on starting your business 👏🏽
Thanks for all the good advice- love your attitude ❤️
Thank you for watching!
Thanks for sharing your experience. This is very helpful
It’s my pleasure ☺️
Ugh! I hate this part of business..you can't trust everybody but I also refuse to let the bad apples change who I am. Payments directly into your biz act (from their credit cards or bank accts) might be 1 way to avoid this in the future-hope this is an option for you. I've had potential clients who have taken my idea's to another designer or done it themselves. No more buying materials until a deposit is paid and I remind them it is non refundable. I also learned the hard way not to do the ground work for them anymore. I would even help them source for locations for their event & then be ghosted afterwards. Now they sign the contract before I even use their deposit and it has to be within a set time frame otherwise they will forfeit their deposit - exceptions are trusted repeat clients, who still pay on time anyway. I wish you all the best in getting your money from them. Stay your firm, sweet helpful self. Blessings.🙏🏾
Exactly! Trusted repeat clients are given more leeway with payment. With new clients, you have to have a different process.
The ghosting is annoying. People just leave you hanging. That’s why my process is changing next year.
Very informative thanks for sharing, stand I love it the favor of God be with you through all of this.
Thank you! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Someone literally said to me last week... "I've never heard of paying before services are complete, we want to pay after" I said absolutely not. ..
Question: How do you have people sign? Do you send them a PDF and they have to use a program? How does that work?
I would’ve said sure but i won’t be showing up! 😀
Unbelievable…some people.
My clients sign the contract electronically via my inventory management system.
Thank goodness you had a contract! Can I ask how you send your contracts to clients/get signatures? Is there a company you use or a free way you do this?
I use GoodShuffle Pro (my inventory management system). The link is in the description if you want to sign up for a free demo.
Great advice! Thank you!
Thank you for watching! ☺️
This happened to me too
Now you know you’re not alone ☺️
Excellent information. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for watching ☺️
Thank you so much for sharing!!!
Thank you for watching!
Thank you
Thank you for watching!
Well done! And thank you 😊
Thank you for watching!
This is very informative! In a contract do you give any stipulation that the client has a time frame to cancel before the deposit is not refundable?
Hi Robin! You can stipulate that in your contract if you want to. My deposit in non-refundable, period.
Very helpful. Thank you .
Thank you for watching!
For a wedding u say? The bride to be sounds messy and that wedding not gonna last. Thanks for sharing ur story.
Oh my goodness I can’t believe how people behave sometimes, and 100% feel like they are in the right for doing so. 🤦🏻♀️
So I just saw you’re doing that live insurance session tonight. I would love that but I have Bible study at that exact time. Will there be an option to purchase and watch a recording later and maybe ask you a few questions if we have them?
Hi there! Thank you for watching! Yes, the insurance session will be available for purchase next week. If you have any questions, I’ll provide my agent’s information so you can ask him directly.
Oh wait, you have that contract.. Nope, you sign. You cancel, you loose it... Makes sense to me!!
Just like they order from random sellers online, how do they know they will ship their order. They had no leg to stand on. They sound like scammers trying to pay the day of then never pay.
They're used to the family setting up events and not professional event planners.
Yeah, this is a concern. I'm a softie...ugh
Just make sure you have a contract and you’ll be fine! I have templates available on my website. Here’s the link - www.yeseventdecor.com/resources.
Challenge the dispute with the bank.
Definitely!
If you give someone a quote should everything be included in that quote?
Hey! I answered that question in this video - ua-cam.com/video/T4l-MZ14bsY/v-deo.html.
Why is the deposit non refundable? I need to know because I’m in the process of creating a contract.
It happened to me,
I’m sorry that it happened to you too 😔
I have a question, do have a grace period in which the client can cancel without losing deposit? For me, in my contract I give up to 7 days.
No, I don’t have a grace period.
@@YesEventDecorhello
You didn't have a contract with her mother and I probably would have ended the call.
☺️☺️ You’re right. I didn’t have a contract with her mother…
Hey!!! Lovely lady!! How are you? 👋👋👋👋👋🥰🥰🥰🥰 I've seen this several times lol but I was considering purchasing your contract template. Is this editable? As always, thanks for all you do🤗💞🙏
Heyyyyyyy!!!! I hope you’re enjoying your weekend. Yes, the contract is provided in a document that can be edited.
@@YesEventDecor Great!!! Thanks for the response. Enjoying my bed this weekend. Had surgery and I've been resting. Much needed lol🥰🙏🤗 hope yours has been wonderful so far!!
This situation makes you want to only except cash only deposits 🙄.
I have thought about that too! But I don’t like carry cash on me. 🤷🏽♀️
If I was you I would take cash deposit and the remainder of the money would go into business account. So that way they can’t use there card to get the money back
👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 That’s a good idea!!!!!
Shift happens!!!
☺️☺️
hi this was very helpful to me thanks so much for always sharing,,, most times people share the good expereances but realy the bloopers . many blessings to you, my question is ... when you do a purchace like that from the downpaymen and you even used from your business account , after the event is the items belong in your invantory , or can the client clame it ? sceams like a silly questions but i see even if a customer has absoluty no need for something after the event they think its theres and i also see some customers dont even care they like just take everything 'party was the bom' lol so what are your toughts on this ? ty
Thank you! You can decide that for your business. For my events, clients only keep the personalized items.
@@YesEventDecor thank you
What about Honeybook?
I’ve never used Honeybook
She might have been planning to rip you off and try to get the decorations for a huge discount because of "problems" with the decor.
It's sad that people would attempt to take advantage of you and your business. Amex shouldn't have a problem siding in your favor once they see she sign the contract.
Never entertain the thought of shutting down your business/dream because of someone. You stop when you've had enough.
Exactly Bree!!! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
She will try to pull a fast one over another event decorator.