Thread: mad at myself-didn't use a contract

I was approached by a relatively important woman in town to dance at a party. She didn't like my price, but agreed to it. I didn't use my contract because it was relatively short notice, I was lazy, but mostly because I felt I knew her (by reputation) so I didn't worry about it.


She cancelled today because she "can't afford" me. She left a message and I am pretty sure she is wanting me to call her back with a lower price, but I will not do that.

I'm just mad that I didn't do a contract. More than likely she would have dropped out then and I wouldn't have had the date booked. Or maybe I would have gotten 50%...,m::

It's the people you know who treat you the worst sometimes.

I got this last year and yes, it was from a friend! A flaky friend nevertheless, but never again do I go without using a contract.

I'm so sorry that happened. Sad that we have to always think to protect ourselves... but alas, we must.

She sent me an apology (sort of) email this morning. That was nice.
She'll probably tell everyone in town that I'm a witch, but this is what I replied to her. I know better than to do this, but it made me feel better!!!



Normally, I have my clients fill out contracts and require a 50% deposit, but since I knew of you, I didn't have you do it. You got lucky!
While I realize that $175 sounds high, it is actually much more than 20 minutes of my time considering the time it takes to get dressed, time to make a cd, not to mention $800 costumes and almost 2 decades of lessons and practice. On top of that, I have other performance engagements and I enjoy spending time with my family, too, so I price myself at what I feel I am worth while staying within the range of other performers. I am actually $50 less than the DC area dancers.
Enjoy your party!

You were honest. I think many of the GP do not fully appreciate all that goes into a 20 minute performance. You have now educated her for the future (you may have saved future dancers with her from having to explain the same).

Always use a contract!! No matter who they are. It is the one's you know who will usually screw you over at the last minute. Also it was good for you to inform her what all a 20 minute gig entails. Happy dancing!!

Oh no! I am so sorry dear. Thank you for the reminder of "use contract regardless". Can't wait to hear her response to your email.

(((((HUGS)))))

Don't beat yourself up about it. I think we all make an exception from time to time, but it just sucks when it bites us in the ass. There's been a couple of times I have foregone a deposit because of short notice (i.e., they have hired me the day before the even), and in one case it was literally the worst gig I've ever had. I just wanted to shoot myself for doing it, because I think if I had insisted that they get a PayPal account or overnight me a check, they'd have not booked me and I'd have been much better off.

I'm sorry to hear this happened to you Sandra.

I'm mad at myself for not using a contract a while back, but regarding a different issue.
I did my show and got my payment but there were pics taken of me by a pro photographer that night and the women that hired me doesn't want me to get the pics he took of me.. ,m::
She is a friend of a women who hired me several times and it was quite a last minute booking so I didn't bother to send her a contract. Lesson learned I guess..

B

now even sometimes I dont send contract, at least I require deposit.

I hardly ever use a contract / deposit.
I require contract if it involves other dancers, musicians, or if it's out of town.
If the client asks, then of course we'll do a contract - when I do contract I always take deposit, and vice versa.

But I never ever ever had a problem. Always got paid, right on time, the right amount. Have I just been lucky all this time?

edited to add: I don't even remember when was the last time when someone cancelled on me.

contracts are very very unusual here too, unless it's corporate business. but for a private party, people would find it very weird. i guess it's a cultural thing.

I've had several private parties who liked having a contract. When organising a large family celebration, it's hard to keep track of all the arangements like the caterer etc. A contract is an easy way to keep track of what you oth agreed upon.

For small private parties, people don't like the idea of a contract. Same reason that I don't use a contract if I dance at a local restaurant: they're had dancers for over 15 years without a contract and it aways worked well. Why should I start now?

I don't use a 'contract' I use an agreement. It still lays out all the rights and responsibilities of each party, but it's not as intimidating to most people. Legally, you could probably drive a truck through it, but it still helps.

{{{HUGS}}}

I am not at the level of pro yet but I envison using contracts. Like they say on People's Court, "get it in writing!" You don't really need one until you really did need one.

I always use a contract. Not because I don't trust anyone, but we all have such busy lives nowadays that it's nice to remember (for both client and dancer) where you are supposed to be, when, and what props/costumes to bring :-)

I require a contract you can even send it via email. if it is short notice. It does make the client feel like they are dealing with a professional cause face it there are a lot of dancers and i know when i did not do contract they would call me way too much asking if i remembered about the party. yeah and she would have not cancled if she did have you would have the deposit had and a relaxing night at home! probly good thing she cancled does not seam like a good person to work with

Originally Posted by SandraDances;30159=

Normally, I have my clients fill out contracts and require a 50% deposit, but since I knew of you, I didn't have you do it. You got lucky!
While I realize that $175 sounds high, it is actually much more than 20 minutes of my time considering the time it takes to get dressed, time to make a cd, not to mention $800 costumes and almost 2 decades of lessons and practice. On top of that, I have other performance engagements and I enjoy spending time with my family, too, so I price myself at what I feel I am worth while staying within the range of other performers. I am actually $50 less than the DC area dancers.
Enjoy your party!

thats what i need..i might do that to email him..as i performed for this guy and he hasnt paid me so i'm gona email him and hit him with all ive don till it led to the night...,m:: how mean is that unconsiderate..they think dancers are having fun and they dont have bills to pay ,m::

Im really sorry but i guess contract is really important after all ..

In my previous business, I noticed my marketing director never used the word 'contract' with our clients. I heard her say on the phone 'I'm going to send over a little form we use for billing, and once I have that back with your signature, I can reserve your ad space and lock in that low rate for you."

Maybe there's some variation of 'little form we use for billing' that could put a great spin on it?

Is there a way to have them fill out a form online that would be binding? Where they'd check a box stating they read & agreed to the terms?

Information sheet, agreement, And yes, this could probably be done as an on line form or as a locked e-mail where the client had to send it back to you with the word "Agreed" in the subject line.

I do tell clients that when their funds have been received and the signed agreement has been returned, I consider myself having been booked.

{{{HUGS}}}