Easy Come, Easy Go

Julie Deane · 09-16-2006, 02:56 PM

I thought I had two commissions coming up, but before we ever got to contract signing, they backed out. Turns out the mom wanted the portraits now, but the dad wants to hold off.

I've emailed, suggesting charcoal now, oils later.

I'd love to hear stories from you about how you deal with clients that need to back out, at least temporarily.

Julie Deane · 09-17-2006, 01:50 PM

No stories from anyone? Oh, well.

The good news is that the lady called back after all, really does want the portraits, just later on.

I'm suggesting that she "lock in" the present price with a 20% down payment and a signed contract to spell out the details. I made it clear that my oil prices are going up considerably after the new year, so this would be in her best interests.

For this 20%, I would go ahead take the photos, and give her the two charcoals that were part of the original deal (studies in preparation for the oils).

Her 20% will be partially refundable if she or husband decide that they can't go through with the contract after all. 10% will cover the photo session and charcoal drawings, and they could have a refund of the other 10%. So, for them, little risk. For me, current market prices on two charcoal drawings and the promise of a little money down the road.

Mike McCarty · 09-17-2006, 02:42 PM

Hey Julie,

Sounds like a pretty reasonable deal for them. I wish I had a red eyed cent (as my Dad used to say) for every person that was soooo excited about getting their portrait done.

Rarely a day goes by when I don't give out a half dozen business cards, and yet the business always end up coming from the oddest places when you least expect it. You do what you can with what you got.

Michele Rushworth · 09-17-2006, 03:24 PM

It's not uncommon in professional portraiture to have a 40 to 50% deposit upon contract signing. For some artists the money is non- refundable as soon as it's paid. With other artists the deposit becomes non-refundable after the first sitting or after the photos are taken, whichever comes first.

Julie Deane · 09-17-2006, 05:50 PM

Thanks for the feedback, Mike and Michele.

I will get more of a deposit before actually painting, Michele. 50 percent sounds reasonable.

Richard Bingham · 09-17-2006, 07:45 PM

I write a contract which provides for payment by thirds. One third upon acceptance of the terms, (which outlines the intended scope of the work, and provides for change-orders) one third at the "half-way" point (I get to decide that) and the final third upon the client's acceptance of the finished piece. As far as expressions of interest that back down, one way to clear the room is ask for their money! On the other hand, I think my acceptance rate is phenomenal - I've been extremely lucky! So far, I "close" with one in ten. Truly, while many may enthuse over the idea on impulse, most "cool down" after they think it over, and you don't want those folks anyway.