Subject: Re: How to handle future price increases?
Date: Tue, 08 Jul 2003 16:31:36 -0400
From: AeraDeco@aol.com

Hey there, Marcy :)

See, if you did more weddings, you'd have this issue come up a LOT more frequently! LOL

First of all, I'm not sure how other professionals handle this, but with me, there is a difference between reserving a service and finalizing one. I have my clients put down a security retainer (NOT deposit, because in Ohio, ALL deposits are refundable from what I've been told) and that holds their date. That does not, however, lock their prices in. It merely means I'm leaving a spot in my schedule to complete their job, thus they have reserved me. It's not finalized until they have chosen the precise decor items they want and signed the contract, obligating both of us to the event.

I have heard that some designers will not allow a client to put down a retainer / deposit unless they are willing to sign a contract at the same time. This does make things more difficult for the consumer considering it's such a ways off. To me, that seems like a good way to intimidate and possibly chase off a would-be client. From my experience, my retainer approach seems to be a bit more "user friendly", and we have never lost a customer to another decorator once they've put down their retainer, even if my prices increased.
   
Don't be surprised if someone that far out doesn't want to commit to a contract at this time. After all, a million things can happen between now and then. Just make sure they're completely aware that your prices may vary between now and the day of their event if they are not willing to sign your bottom line.

Just be honest and up front with them, and I'm sure everything will be fine. But again, make sure you give them the chance to sign the contract now to secure both their date AND the prices.

Good luck!

Steve Jones
Aeration Decorations
Cincinnati, Ohio
www.aeradeco.com