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

This is the text that I received today from him (Checking back with you guys about your contract.....is everything ok?) I sent this back (I still haven't created a new account to pay the deposit through PayPal I've tried once more to try and get into my old account because it has my payment information I haven't had the time to create a new one but I will soon. Have you sent the contract yet if so we haven't received it...) this is his response ( No I haven't. The requested payment holds your date while we finalize the paperwork. I think I can do a credit card by phone if that's easier.)

Yea I think I'm going to steer clear with this one thanks so much everyone.

If you're still interested in him, I would just respond and say "I am not comfortable putting down a deposit until I see the complete terms of the contract. Please send us a copy of it so that I can review and return it with the deposit."

It really seems like he's trying to create artificial pressure on you by mentioning that you have to pay to hold the date while you do the paperwork---how long does it really take to do the contract? Most of my vendors emailed me the contract, I looked at it, discussed it with DH/my parents and sent it back within a few days.. it's not like you're talking about holding your date for months here.

I send two contracts, one I signed, the other for them to send back with payment, and a self addressed postage paid envelope.

That's what I'm use to vendors send me the contracts and I review them then send it back to them.

Don't do it! I did in trusting that I would see a contract and never id. she backed out and never wanted to pay my deposit back! thanks to paypal I received every dime back! boom!

Absolutely Not! No contract no money.....You have to agree with terms first before sending money anyway.

One vendor told me that I could send the check for the deposit to such and such address but she would be sending me the contract that evening via email. I told her, that I do not send money until I get a contract signed first. I mentioned that if I get the contract by that evening I can look over it, sign it and then send payment with the contract at the same time to the such and such address that was provided. Which I did....I also had that envelop mailed with USPS certified and with tracking information to cover my butt.

If I were in your situation...I would just find another vendor...that one your planning on going with sounds really Shady.

Normally the rule is unfortunately, if it sounds to good to be true, it probably isn't.

With our caterer, we had to send a deposit check with 4 (or so) days after receiving the contract, otherwise it would have been invalid. If he's worried about people bailing, he should implement something like that in his contract, but right now he seems shady. Especially with credit card over the phone. I would never ever give my info over the phone to anybody.

Yea I'm very iffy about that I never let my personal information out like that....

He wants money BEFORE you sign a contract? No way.

You need the contract first.

When a couple says they want to hire me I either email the contract for electronic signature or I print it out and go over it with them. I ask them to really read it and make sure they understand everything fully and the retainer is due at the same time.

My photographer just asked us to send the deposit by check when we sent back the signed contract (which is waiting for FH to buy more printer ink so it can be printed...)

If you're looking for another photographer, google photographers in your area and see what they have to offer. A lot of photographers include engagement shoots and albums in their packages - if it's more than you want to spend, you can ask about eliminating those. If anyone doesn't have their prices/packages listed, send them an email detailing what you want (hours of coverage, printed album and/or CD with images, etc.) and go ahead and let them know your budget.

Sounds like a scam