Thread: What do I do about a client who won't pay the deposit?

I am booked for a birthday party in a few weeks. The client said she would pay me the 50% deposit that I require no problem. I sent her an invoice via paypal, and never got anything. I called the next week to ask if we were still on for the party and she said yes, her computer broke and she hasn't been able to check her email. She will have her brother pay me.

Well, it's been nearly a week again, and time is getting close. She requested that I dance to 2 specific songs, which aren't in my regular repertoire, so I will need to put in extra effort for the gig. But, I dont want to waste my time. I want a deposit in case something happens and they need to cancel (birthday girl gets sick, other emergency, who knows).

Do I call again and ask about the deposit at the risk of seeming like a diva? or should I just say that I will require payment upon arrival instead of after the performance, to make sure I'll get the full amount (she also asked if I could go any lower for the gig. I said no).

Suggestions?

I would probably let her know that if I had not received the deposit amount within a certain a amount of time, that she would lose her booking time. I don't consider it diva behavior to expect people to uphold their end of a contracted gig. If she didn't send the deposit within that amount of time, I would cancel her booking and only allow her to rebook if she paid in full in advance.

I agree with Mahsati <cynicism alert> Sounds like this client is full of excuses but little substance- Raises a red flag definitely . I have a feeling if you do perform you will hear: "oh, by the way we can't afford to pay you right now, the party cost too much, can you wait? " Or because your "dancing had <some "flaw" in it>, we are taking $X off."

People who are honest, serious and above board don't give excuses, they give money for services contracted or they back out with apologies and regrets early enough that it won't impact on a business (and that is what you are, a business person). The Client just sounds like a person I know who will go in for manicures, etc., and at the end when it is time to pay up she tells them she doesn't have any money (she walks in KNOWING that, but since the amounts are so low, it isn't worth going after her for fraudulent practices). They call her work trying to get paid, and she doesn't understand *why* they are upset. She just figures for her - it should be free.

To answer, No, you won't be a diva, just a business person who is smart. Give a deadline, and if it is not met, too bad, too sad (although if they do cough up for 50%, I would brace for not getting the rest. Like I say, cynicism alert...)

Since she does seem to be hem-hawing, I would ask for the full amount. Because, if it's getting pretty close to the event, she should have the money to pay you in full if that's her intent when you get there. May as well save yourself some trouble.

Insist firmly but kindly for the deposit and walk away if you don't get it within your specified timeframe. Also insist on getting the balance upfront before you perform that day, and don't dance until you get it.

I agree completely with everyone else. Her behaviour sounds a bit questionable--like she can't or doesn't want to pay the agreed amount. I would do one of two things:

1) Kindly remind her that you must have a deposite to continue to hold her booking. Give her a firm date and stick to it. If she does not pay you by then, walk away, it's not worth it. It's certainly not worth it to get all dressed up and find out that she is only planning on paying you fraction of what was agreed upon.

If she is willing to pay the deposite, I wouldn't go through paypal, I'd want to see her in person so that I can get the depsoit and get her to sign a contract for the final payment. If she kicks up a fuss, walk away, again it's not worth it. This sort of person needs to know that she is legally obligated to pay you for the work you do.

OR

2) I would let her know that because it is too close to the event, you will need the full amount before the performance day. She can pay viv paypal or in person but it must be paid the day before--not the day of.


We love dance but business is business. Make sure she realises that you are a business woman, not a hobbiest or just some woman who does this for fun. She needs to take your business seriously and for that to happen you must take profit seriously.

Sorry for being all ranty :D I've just had some issues with being too nice in the past. You learn VERY fast. It only takes one "Oh, I thought we agreed on $***. I've only brough $*** with me...can I pay you the rest later?" to get you set straight. Just don't be afraid to walk away.

"This is the final reminder that I have not yet received the deposit for my performance at your event. If the deposit has not been received by X date, I will no longer be able to hold the date open for you. If you choose to re-book, I will require pre-payment of the full amount of $xvz. Thank you!"

Sounds like she wants something for nothing!!!

I agree with above. I think if you don't get full amount before you perform,she's going to stiff you.

Stand your ground,politely and professionally.

Alternatively, she may be a scatterbrained ditz.

So very business-like reminders would also be appropriate in that situation!

Hope it gets cleared up.

I would put things to her in a positive way, while still going for what you want: I'd try one last call to say "this is just a courtesy call to let you know that I've had another request for a gig at the same time. As you know, your booking has not been confirmed as I haven't received your booking deposit. But I'd hate for you to miss out, so I thought I'd give you a call to see if you'd like to pay your deposit to confirm your booking now." then I'd say I'll hold the other customer off until this time tomorrow.

By the way, I usually tell prospective clients that I don't pencil in bookings, but confirm bookings once a deposit has been received. I say it's because of the volume of enquiries I handle I do offer to take their details and try to give them a courtesy text if another enquiry comes in over the next two days. That gives them enough time to get themselves organized if they're serious.

The gigs that I have had problems with were the ones that I didn't get a deposit for.

No deposit? No dance.

Just a word to the wise: next time make sure you have a contract. If she signs the contract and you're not paid, unfortunately if necessary, legal action could be taken (i'm not saying thats why you have a contract but it protects you from people that want like the above have said "something for nothing")

I had a similar situation with a wedding planner. She couldn't get her bride to commit. So you don't sign my contract, you don't give me a deposit: I don't dance period. I booked another gig and unfortunately not only did the wedding planner make herself look bad to her client, but I won't be recommending this woman to my friends or others.

Remember this is business, people who think they can yank dancers around because they feel some sort of entitlement need to be put in there place: make one last courtesy call and then alert her that you are no longer available.

I agree- my bookings are only provisional until a deposit's been received. I'd be ringing her with a slightly concerned "is the gig still going ahead? Just, I've had a last-minute enquiry and obviously if you haven't confirmed I'll have to go with the definite booking..."
If it doesn't persuade her to cough up straight away, then you just don't want the gig! I once played a wedding, back when I was young and green, where the groom (who'd been stomping around yelling at everybody all morning and made the photographer cry- happiest day of your life etc?") came out with "£120? We haven't got any money...would you take £70? I'll have to borrow it from the guests...."
I *did* get paid, and in full. However I was embarassed, almost felt like I was begging, like I should feel guilty for even asking to be paid- oh the poor groom, having to have a whip-round to pay the selfish mercenary piper... but seeing as I was an impoverished student and come on, I'd paid for the damn petrol to get me there at least, I stood around inconveniently, with a pointed smile. That's what happens when they get sticky about paying... 100% up front, unless you WANT to dance for free!

50% nonrefundable deposit to secure the booking is usually a good vendor policy. Any florist or caterer would do the same. Dance artist must set business boundaries too. I doubt her band or DJ would show up without a deposit and signed contract.

Well, I called the woman today. She said immediately "oh hi! I'm going to pay you in 30 minutes. I just got my computer fixed and turned it on. I will call you later to make sure you've gotten it."

I said, "okay great, i was just making sure we were still on.."

so of course, 3 hours later I still don't have the payment. I will give her a few more days....

thanks for your input everyone!

I'm pretty laid back. If we agreed upon an deposit and she isn't sending it, I'd probably just mention that until I get the deposit, the time isn't held, meaning if somebody calls and wants to book me, then I'll go with the first booking that will gets me the deposit. If she wants to risk my not being available at the last minute, that would be on her.

In my opinion: Since she new you required and deposit and was fine with it and had plenty of time to pay it, I would tell her something like " I have not yet received your deposite. Without it, your date is not officially booked. I will not be able to perform at your event without a deposit. Please contact me with any questions." Then it is all on her. Call and/or email.

I always require a SIGNED contract and non refundable deposit. There has been times where it was a last minute gig, less than a week and sometimes I had people pay the deposit via paypal, and other times (if if was a business that I know was good for the money) I would let them pay the day of the event.

But she seems flaky. Whatever you do, I would not go there and perform first. If you do go, make sure you get your money first.

Good luck.

she paid the deposit! hooray!

That's a start- but in your sparkly shoes I'd be making absolutely sure she's paid the balance before the gig, just to make sure that's not all you're paid.
Good luck and enjoy though! :)

I'm glad she paid for the deposit. I'm hoping she also paid the remaining balance too. I like everyone's advice. It is important to have a written agreement and do not rely on verbal agreements. A contract is your only recourse and it can ensure you that you at least get paid for your time and effort. And a down payment establishes trust in the transaction for you and the client :)

My 2 cents - don't perform until you've received the balance in full. Normal people do not require multiple reminders to pay a deposit. She sounds super sketchy. As others have said, no florist, band , or caterer would tolerate that behavior without full payment up front. You deserve the same.