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Super April 2020

How common is this? Deposit before contract?

Deactivated, on June 29, 2017 at 1:14 PM Posted in Planning 0 15

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I've fallen a bit behind in my planning and am trying to catch up. My top choices for caterer and DJ are still available. I'm in a small county, and they're both well known and reputable, and have great reviews. They're both asking for deposits to secure my date before signing a contract. The caterer only wants $100 which is fine, but the DJ wants 50% which it $700. I trust them as companies in the area, but I've seen on here that deposits shouldn't be asked for without a contract. I've asked both if there is a contract for us to review and sign before submitting deposits, but I'm just hesitant based off what I've read here. Have any of you had similar experiences? Is this common with smaller businesses, or in smaller towns?

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15 Comments

Latest activity by FutureMrsR, on June 29, 2017 at 2:16 PM

Super November 2018
SaraJ · on June 29, 2017 at 1:14 PM
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No way!
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Super December 2017
Jeanmarie · on June 29, 2017 at 1:15 PM
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My deposits were not submitted until after contract.
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VIP September 2017
Sunshine · on June 29, 2017 at 1:15 PM
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Definitely not.
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VIP April 2017
mrsmack · on June 29, 2017 at 1:16 PM
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That would be a huge red flag for me. For our DJ and photographer, we reviewed contracts in person and gave our deposit. With the caterer, most of our correspondence was over the phone, so I was e-mailed a copy of the contract before giving a deposit.
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Super August 2017
Kia9 · on June 29, 2017 at 1:16 PM
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I wouldn't pay anything without knowing that both of us were on the same page and having that documented.
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Super April 2020
Deactivated · on June 29, 2017 at 1:16 PM
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Thanks guys! I'll stick to my guns with seeing a contract first. It was just odd they both requested the deposits first so I thought I'd ask!
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Master May 2018
A.Magill.Since.May · on June 29, 2017 at 1:17 PM
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Signing of contract and paying the deposit usually happen at the same time, which means you receive the contract, read it, decide to accept the terms, then pay. Why anyone would pay a deposit for a service to be provided without knowing the terms of that service is beyond me.
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VIP September 2017
MrsVoegs17 · on June 29, 2017 at 1:18 PM
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Heck no. The contract should note your deposit amount and payment date!
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Super April 2020
Deactivated · on June 29, 2017 at 1:21 PM
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Thanks guys! The DJ just sent me one PHEW
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Super October 2018
Steph N. · on June 29, 2017 at 1:23 PM
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I definitely wouldn't pay anything before signing a contract.
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Master May 2017
VC · on June 29, 2017 at 1:25 PM
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I've seen is a few times bit we avoided those.
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Expert October 2017
Rena · on June 29, 2017 at 1:26 PM
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Same time or nope!
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Celia Milton · on June 29, 2017 at 1:26 PM
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No. You do not give anyone any money before you see and review the contract. End of story.
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Super October 2017
Anna · on June 29, 2017 at 1:26 PM
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Nope. What are their reasons that they want or require a deposit before a contract? It seems very unprofessional.
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VIP May 2018
FutureMrsR · on June 29, 2017 at 2:16 PM
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Signing a contract after paying the deposit kind of makes the contract obsolete, don't you think? You agreed without even reading it, so why bother having one at all?
Glad to hear your DJ sent you one!
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