Forced to be a business person....

I am not business minded and have not really had to run my business as a business until lately.... which I SUCK at. But I am managing.

So, I have not really been a stickler for deposits. I don't have contracts and will not use them. But I did add something to my Contact/Rates page on my website today that deals with deposits. I did this because I finally got burned. I have a full schedule on Saturday with Little League Opening Day in my area, Cinco de Mayo at my restaurant gig, and a birthday party. I turned down 3 parties. This morning i get a call for the one birthday party i did keep and it has been canceled. What really burns my buns is that the caller ID showed the number and yet the woman said her "friend" had scheduled a birthday party with me this Sat. and needs to cancel it.... Are you kidding me? Hiding behind the "friend" clause is so childish... just come out and say you need to cancel. Learned my lesson, though.

Anyway, I would love your input as to what I added on my website...take a look if you'd like and give me your opinion.

it looks fine to me... 50% is more than I charge for a deposit, but I know many people on here use that amount, so whatever you are comfortable with. The hard part is sticking to it... no deposit, no entertainer... period.

Do you think I should only ask for a 35% deposit? I really don't know what is best or what turns customers off. Some people have actually sent me the whole fee in advance!

50% is easy, air and reasonable.

I thought that 50% would keep it real for clients... they invest that and they won't cancel...

I charge 50% OR $150 whichever is the lesser.

I take deposits on birthday parties at third party venues, I don't bother if they are private residences (cash payment only on the day of!). New corporate clients I require $150 up front and will accept cheques for the balance on the day of. I have a few long time clients that I don't require a deposit from.

I ALWAYS require the signed agreement back, and if a deposit is required it has to be included.

I charge 50% for all private parties including household birthday parties and either 50% or $100, whichever is great for corporate events. In addition, the contract has to be returned. I've never had client balk at this. I accept paypal, cash, or credit cards over the phone (using Square), for the deposit for private parties. I will also accept checks from corporations/universities since they often have to go through their accounts payable department.