wedding tomorrow.. no payment yet

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DJ Puma

New DJ
Sep 26, 2006
314
0
52
Just outside Gainesville Florida
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I havent run across this yet. I have come close once, but not this close. It was a last minute call for the wedding. They contacted me about 3 days and we signed a contract and got a retainer.

The bride had told me that the mom-in-law was paying the balance. I told her I would make an exception for this wedding and payment can be made as late as friday (today). I told her to contact me as to how she would like to pay. A check wont do.

No payment yet. I am about to call her and see whats up. I just hate these kinds of situations.

-Puma-

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I know, do you be the bad guy> Some will say show up and get cash before you set up...

but what do you say if you get there and someone says, oh Dad's got it and he'll be here after the ceeremony... do you set up and hope, or do you wait untill cash is in hand...

I set up, and it worked out, but I was ready for a problem... but it was cool...

good luck, let us know what happens
 
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I just called and got the voicemail. I left a nice message saying that all the songs have been checked and that I have them all and stuff like that. Then I mentioned that I had sent her an invoice for a paypal payment if she needed to pay by credit card.

I think it was a nice message, but I didnt get any closer to being payed.

-Puma-

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Waiting 3 days before your wedding day to secure a DJ is telling me that these people are not ready. I have never been in this situation. I never had to pack up my equipment up and leave the event. Good luck tomorrow.
 
Puma,

I would call early in the morning, leave a message to the tune of this...

"Ms. ******* I will need payment in Cash/Credit Card before I can set up for your wedding tommrow. Please contact me A.S.A.P. to make sure payment arrangements will be made. Once, again I cannot set up for your reception until payment is rendered."

Groovielou
 
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Well she called me back. We talked about her songs and I told her that I had everything set.

She asked me if there was anything else I needed and I reminded her that payment was due today. Then she tells me that she cant hear me and her phone is breaking up. She said she will have to call me tomorrow. Her wedding reception is tomorrow afternoon. I need to be at the event at 4pm.

I hope she calls me and sends me the payment in the morning.

-Puma-

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DJ Puma said:
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Well she called me back. We talked about her songs and I told her that I had everything set.

She asked me if there was anything else I needed and I reminded her that payment was due today. Then she tells me that she cant hear me and her phone is breaking up. She said she will have to call me tomorrow. Her wedding reception is tomorrow afternoon. I need to be at the event at 4pm.

I hope she calls me and sends me the payment in the morning.

-Puma-

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Click to expand...

That reminds me of the Verizon commercial, when the Mom tells her daughter to come home early from the Mall.
Puma if this chick does not make the payment in the AM, don't waste your time going.
 
You have got to be Kidding?!?

Puma, I think its time to disregard the pleasures. Be firm, direct, but polite. A confrontation tomorrow morning could set the tone for a very bad day.

If it comes down to it, show up at the hall, DO NOT... I repeat DO NOT setup without the balance in CASH. Unless you have one of those mobile credit card thing's, then accept credit card of course.

Remember, she is now insulting your intelligence Puma.

I have been through a similar scenario, during an 80's party, the client kept putting off paying me through the evening. The gig was scheduled to go until 2am. I was a sucker, setup, and played till about 10 and had to DEMAND my money or I was shutting down at 10:30. The client tried the... "well, you were not as good as the price we agreed upon, how about half?" etc. "Do I really have to leave and go to to the bank?"... YES I told him, the balance was due in 30min or the show ends.

I was finally able to get the contracted money from him.

Keep us updated.. I am dying to know how this ends...

Good Luck,
Groovielou
 
Even though my contract states that the balance is due two weeks prior, people out here on the West Coast just don't get it. They don't seem to take contracts seriously. More often than not, I get paid the day of and 50% of that time, it's at the end of the night. I am not going to ruin their party if I have a signed contract even if final payment hasn't been received. What I will do is take plenty of photos of everyone having a great time and a packed dance floor. That way, if I ever have to go after the money, I will have proof that I played and played well that night. It's a wedding, I don't think people want to screw you over on your wedding day. Karma is a bitch!
 
Good call Steve but as you know I have the same policy two weeks in advance or cash at the beginning of the event. 75% of the time I get it cash at the beginning of the event as planned and I coax the client into giving the MC an envelope along with the balance and my play list completed. 24% of the time I get the Check two weeks in advance. 1% of the time like last month I had injured my back and didnt get the balance at the beginning I was barely able to stand so I ended up asking prior to the couple leaving they said her father was taking care of the check. I contact Dad he hasnt any clue about it. However knew they were responsible for it. I waited while loading out for the Father to go to the bank teller while mom remained cleaning up. I have on one other occasion followed a father to the bank teller. I dont play late payment. Did it once and nearly killed the guy for screwing me over.
 
Did it once and nearly killed the guy for screwing me over.
Click to expand...

I've been known to get rough with a few that don't get their bus checks in on time...:sqlaugh:

Jon, you seriously almost murdered someone because of a late payment? Please tell me your exaggerating a bit here...

These stories above are perfect examples of why to GET PAID WAY IN ADVANCE! (if at all possible, of course) In Puma's situation, its an uncomfortable no-win.

90% of my events are paid two weeks in advance. 10% day of, BEFORE load in. Its all in the contract, black and white.

Its much more difficult to collect after services are rendered. Yea, you may have a contract, but you most likely never recover what it takes to collect if you need to go through the court system. Time, fees, attorney cost... etc..Its just not worth it. Assert yourself professionally, and most of the time the client knows you mean business.

Groovielou
 
maestro said:
Even though my contract states that the balance is due two weeks prior, people out here on the West Coast just don't get it. They don't seem to take contracts seriously. More often than not, I get paid the day of and 50% of that time, it's at the end of the night. I am not going to ruin their party if I have a signed contract even if final payment hasn't been received. What I will do is take plenty of photos of everyone having a great time and a packed dance floor. That way, if I ever have to go after the money, I will have proof that I played and played well that night. It's a wedding, I don't think people want to screw you over on your wedding day. Karma is a bitch!
Click to expand...

I take the same approach. I am about to post a thread on the Bolded part of your statement though Steve
 
Lou I can say he didnt like the results of my Collection procedure and he pretty much had his ass kicked this was many moons ago Im a older kinder fool these days and no he still had a strong pulse.
 
IMO, you don't have an issue until the reception.

Any job I ever had my whole life paid me after I did my job. I expect nothing else now.
I always suggest that someone have a check for me at the hall. Most often, the check comes in the mail before hand, but I don't like it.

It also helps me track my income better. A highlighted day on the calendar means it's a pay day. I don't want to spend or deposit money I haven't earned yet.
 
Request Line Productions said:
IMO, you don't have an issue until the reception.

Any job I ever had my whole life paid me after I did my job. I expect nothing else now.
I always suggest that someone have a check for me at the hall. Most often, the check comes in the mail before hand, but I don't like it.

It also helps me track my income better. A highlighted day on the calendar means it's a pay day. I don't want to spend or deposit money I haven't earned yet.
Click to expand...

Actually recieving payment for services or goods prior to delivery is one of the more basic accounting concepts. Don't think of the event as payday but just the delivery of services/goods.

For example: If you goto ABC Warehouse to buy that 60" Widescreen rear projection TV do they deliver that to your home first and then get payment or do you pay for it in the store go home and play the waiting game for the delivery guy? You pay your money and wait for delivery...

DJ service is no different. If ABC Warehouse wont load up until paid why should we?

Better example: Lawn Care services expect to be paid upfront monthly for services as well. Some do anyway.

Get my point?
 
jokerswild said:
Actually recieving payment for services or goods prior to delivery is one of the more basic accounting concepts. Don't think of the event as payday but just the delivery of services/goods.

For example: If you goto ABC Warehouse to buy that 60" Widescreen rear projection TV do they deliver that to your home first and then get payment or do you pay for it in the store go home and play the waiting game for the delivery guy? You pay your money and wait for delivery...

DJ service is no different. If ABC Warehouse wont load up until paid why should we?

Better example: Lawn Care services expect to be paid upfront monthly for services as well. Some do anyway.

Get my point?
Click to expand...

You're comparing apples and oranges. You've already seen the TV and do you really want to put yourself in line with a lawn care service?

This is a unique service. It's a one shot, not to be duplicated event. You can't possibly know for sure what you're getting until you get it.

A retainer and a binding contract and you're covered.

I'm not against anyone doing it differently. I just think the fact is that you're not screwed until you're screwed. If you haven't performed, you're not stiffed yet.

When there's no check at the hall, then we'll talk.
 
Request Line Productions said:
You're comparing apples and oranges. You've already seen the TV and do you really want to put yourself in line with a lawn care service?

This is a unique service. It's a one shot, not to be duplicated event. You can't possibly know for sure what you're getting until you get it.

A retainer and a binding contract and you're covered.

I'm not against anyone doing it differently. I just think the fact is that you're not screwed until you're screwed. If you haven't performed, you're not stiffed yet.

When there's no check at the hall, then we'll talk.
Click to expand...


I agree with what you are saying, even though I am from the "get paid first school". However, ya gotta admit this one has a few big red flags flying high. "You're breaking up...I can't hear you..." give me a break!
 
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well my contract states payment is due 10 days before the event. But this girl just contacted me 5 days ago so I made an exception. It clearly states that payment was due on November 9th.

Its 10am now and no call yet. She was having a party last night at her house. She could of easily got on her house phone and called me instead of using the old I cant hear you thing.

I'll wait a little while longer and I am calling again. If I need to I will go to the hall and wait for payment, but I will not setup.

-Puma-

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