is it normal for vendors to ask for the deposit before they write up a contract and send it too you?

Never heard of that. Normally a deposit is due when you sign and return the contract. I would pay a dime until you have a contract in hand that you are comfortable with. That sounds incredibly shady.

What area are you in? That would help with recommendations.

Absolutely do NOT make payments without a contract. I paid the deposit to my photographer the same day I signed the contract, but we were sitting in her office, signed the contract FIRST, then processed payment.

This just seems shady. If PayPal won't allow you to pay this person, that would be a red flag for me. Two scenarios come to mind.

1. Enough people have filed complaints or submitted disputes that PayPal has frozen this person's account until all issues are resolved.

2. He gave you fake PayPal information knowing it wouldn't work so eventually he can say, "well since PayPal is having issues, just send me the money XXX way." That way you have to path to dispute charges or protection like you have with a trusted payment service.

Another red flag is the communication issue. If he's difficult to reach even before you pay him, imagine how out of touch he'll be all the time after. Run. Run far. As for suggestions, we need to know where you are located to help with that.

Do not give any vendor money until you have seen, read, and signed a contract with them.

Don't do anything without a contract. Tell him that you need the contract first and you'll return it signed with the deposit. The situation honestly sounds a little shady. I had a similar experience with someone I was considering using as my rental company. I do know a couple photographers who are based in TN, but I'm not sure what they charge. You could reach out to them. One is saralaneshoots.com and the other is woodyandpearl.com. I wish I had more recommendations for other photographers for you, but mine are mostly all in the Northeast. Good luck with everything. I hope it all works out.

Umm...

We did not pay any deposits (and were not asked to) to any vendors until contracts were presented, read, agreed upon and signed. I would not pay them anything until you've read and signed contracts if I were you because deposits are generally non-refundable.

As everyone has said, DO NOT pay anything without a contract. This sounds like a scam.

NO! DO NOT pay anything without a contract! Your gut reaction is correct!

Exactly what everyone else said.

Nope, nope, nope. Find someone else. This is a HUGE red flag!

Ya, no way. You should agree to a contract and read it carefully before giving them a deposit.

No. You need a contract first.

After a couple has agreed that they want to work with me, I send them a contract (email) and ask them to REALLY read it (so I know I have all the information correct) and send two copies back to me with their deposit, which is typically half the total fee. Then I sign them, put one back in the mail to them and everyone is set.

No, do not pay this vendor without a contract. With all of my vendors, I asked for a preliminary contract prior to payment. There is no reason a vendor should require deposit or payment before a contract is signed.

Run Far far away.

No contract = NO deposit.

I knew things was too good to be true he seemed very legit he had his logo shirt on, brought several albums for us to look at, he was going to be releasing the rights to our pictures, his website and reviews are great , everything was in order and for a good price. I was a little thrown off when he said that we have to pay some of the deposit first due to people asking to receive his contract and never fall through with booking and he takes the time to draw up the contract per client. He also stated that we didn't have to pay the full deposit just some of it (because connection that we all had) then he will send it over. Once he send it over I have to send the rest of the deposit back with the contract in order to hold my date. Thanks you all for your advice and I'm located in Atlanta Georgia.

That just makes no sense. A contract is really to protect both parties involved. And just because other people didn't sign and follow through with the contract is no reason to not give you one first. It's the cost of doing business. It happens all the time when people meet with a vendor and decide to go elsewhere. To not do the contract first is just bad business. At least you can get out before your money is invested.

You want to know what the contract says before you sign it or give him any money, especially since written contracts will usually supersede oral agreements. Just because he says he'll include this, that and the other thing basically doesn't mean shit if it's not in the contract.

If its time he is worried about, when drawing up your contract, the deposit you are giving him should be plenty of compensation for his time. No contract=no $

Also most vendors have a standard contract that they use, that is then personalized each time to your cost and services. So yes each contract will be slightly different based on rate and services booked, but he's not writing a brand new contract from scratch every time.