What does she mean by "special needs"? You have special needs too, it's called a deposit.
 

Always do what you can to get your deposit in advance. If you don't then people will take advantage of you and not show up... That deposit helps the remember.

If you can't get someone to pay in advance then make sure you get it before the shoot starts. If you can't get it before you can go out on a limb and try to get it afterwards, but don't post any proofs until you have received payment.

It sucks to be a jerk about it but don't cater to people. You are running a business and you are entitled to what you ask for... People agree to those stipulations when they ask you for your services.
 

The deposit is to reserve the day for the shoot. If no deposit is made then I would keep the day open for other customers. If the day remains open do the shoot but ask for payment befor you start.
JFT
 

If a Deposit wasnt yet given, and it was a month ago, then i would just assume she isnt interested.. OR if i feel its nessasary, I would contact her and tell her the spot is still available, vise-versa. Personally if this person wanted her spot saved, she should have given a deposit. I Don't contact my Client's but in a case like this.. I would consider it. Hope i could help.
xo
 

thx everyone....my sister thinks I am coming on too strong, but I don't want to be walked all over.
 

I usually ask for 50% down to reserve their spot. If they dont give me the money I dont hold that day for them and if they show up I just simply say sorry but you never gave me the deposit to reserve the studio for you.
YOu got to be hard up on every person that comes in your studio or you will never get ahead because everyone will just walk over you. So take charge and demand your deposit.
 

My "sitting fee" is my deposit.

I charge a $50 fee when the customer books the shoot. That holds their appointment.
If they do not pay the $50 in advance, I do not hold the spot open. If another customer wants to book me at the same time, and they pay the deposit, they get the spot and the other client can either rebook, or go somewhere else.

If they don't pay, and the spot is still open, and I am available at that time, I will still shoot them, provided they pay the fee at the time of the shoot. I'm not going to let money go out the door if they have it and I am available.

The deposit holds their time. If they want to risk it and not pay it and hope I am available at the time we scheduled, that is on them. Either way, I don't mount the camera until the sitting fee is paid.
 

If you go to someone for services, do they deserve to receive their deposit up front from you? If you believe it's okay for them to expect as much from you, why would you not expect the same in return of people who seek your services.

Special needs should not be an issue unless there was some agreement that related to that issue. It can be tricky because some people with "special needs" don't want to be treated differently and others use it as a crutch. It's a tricky area to navigate, but if you defined the rule that no date was certain without the deposit then you have several options as others have identified.

Hope all works out.
 

When she says "special needs" is it that she has a "developmental disability"?
Having worked with the disabled for most of my life, I do know one thing, it can be difficult if someone else is managing your finances to make payments on a timely schedule.
I even remember specifically when working at this job one of the ladies I cared for wanted photos of her and her child, but first we had to get approval to spend the money, then the right person had to get the money etc. etc. If this it the type of "special need" we are talking about, I would be happy to assist you further, just let me know.
 

well, she has had a steady job for 17 years I've been told, but when it comes to "pampering" things, her money burns a hole in her pocket. I've also been told that when she gets paid the money goes to things that she wants first....I guess that is why I didn't get my deposit for a long time...I just don't know how to explain myself to her and others without being rude..cuz I don't want to do that, but I don't want to get walked on either....???
 

You cannot hold yourself responsible for the behavior of others. You are not responsible for the financial issues of others. You are responsible for yourself and your business. You are not rude if you stand your ground and ask for payment of your services or a reservation for your services. You are running a business. You cannot please everyone and if you try you will be unhappier with each effort as it will be futile. It is hard at first, but with each time you stand up for yourself and your business, you will gain more respect for yourself and from others. Good luck :)
 

That is EXACTLY why I started doing the NON REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT! Due to natures of this gettin screwed for years:) Now I am a business bitch, but I figure that I have suffered enuf;) Im special too!