Skip to main content
ARE YOU A VENDOR?

Post content has been hidden

To unblock this content, please click here

Rebecca
Just Said Yes April 2022

Photographer took money early

Rebecca, on November 21, 2021 at 9:57 PM Posted in Planning 0 10
Saved
Reply
Hey all. I have some wedding planning drama already and I could use some advice.


So I'm getting married April 2022. I found a photographer I wanted to book, talked to her on the phone and she sent over a contract. The contract stated that the payment would be done in two increments. First one due the day of booking and the second one due March 2nd. However, on November 12th, I got an email that stated that the second payment came out of my account automatically. First of all, I didn't set up auto pay and it came out like 4 months early.
I messaged her to see what happened and she's blaming the system that the payments go through. I was heated about it at first because she didn't follow her own contract but friends of mine have told me ro be careful with losing a photographer 4 months before my wedding. She offered to refund the second payment but reminded me that I would still have to pay the other half in March. I didn't want to go through the trouble of a refund so I kind of just let it go. Of course letting it go is easier said than done. What should I do? If I cancel her services, I won't get any money back. I'm also afraid I won't find a photographer quick enough to replace her.

10 Comments

Latest activity by Lisa, on November 22, 2021 at 8:29 AM
  • Nisha
    Expert May 2022
    Nisha ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    I would just stay in contact with her at this point if you don't want the refund. Did you check her reviews? Anything shady?

    • Reply
  • Michelle
    Rockstar December 2022
    Michelle Online ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    If she isn’t taking responsibility for her actions and is blaming others or technology that likely doesn’t screw up the way she is implying, I would take action by contacting the consumer reports advocates at your local news stations. They often are able to help people get money back that was taken after you have made an effort yourself to resolve the issue. Only if the advocates are unable to help you, contact a small claims lawyer. In the meantime, find a different, more ethical photographer.
    • Reply
  • Candace
    Super March 2022
    Candace ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    Why didn't you take the refund that she offered? It's not really a hassle on anyone. Since she told you what happened and offered the refund of the payment, I wouldn't be that concerned. But I would take the refund and inform her that you do not give permission to take payment automatically again. You will make payment when it is due.
    • Reply
  • Stacey
    Super May 2021
    Stacey ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    Tell her you’re like to proceed with the refund option, and that you are happy to make payment in full in March as originally planned. You owe her no explanation, but if you are having trouble finding that courage just tell her a payment of this size was not contemplated in your budget this early.

    • Reply
  • mrswinteriscoming
    VIP December 2021
    mrswinteriscoming ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    View Quoted Comment

    I personally would avoid doing this and escalating this so far at this stage in time as there is nothing to actually suggest that it was anything more than an error or a technical glitch.

    If she has offered you a refund and you are not comfortable with her retaining the overpaid funds, then simply tell her you've changed your mind and would like the refund and that you will ensure the second instalment is paid in March as it is intended to be paid.

    If she refuses, then you have a problem on your hands and should escalate accordingly.

    • Reply
  • Danielle
    Just Said Yes December 2022
    Danielle ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    Congratulations!! ❤️❤️
    • Reply
  • Cece
    Rockstar October 2023
    Cece ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    View Quoted Comment
    Completely agree. I wouldn’t needlessly escalate this to this extent. I do a TON of online business, and I have had funds come out at incorrect times, in incorrect amounts, the same transaction get duplicated, etc. more times than I can count. It happens. Technology isn’t perfect and mistakes happen. The fact that she immediately offered to refund the money would be enough reason for me to give her the benefit of the doubt. Escalating things after she offered a refund is unwarranted and unsubstantiated… and would likely end with you out a photographer for your wedding!
    • Reply
  • Jacks
    Rockstar November 2054
    Jacks ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    I would go ahead and say you've rethought it and would like a refund for the duplicate payment. She's already offered so hopefully all will be well.

    • Reply
  • KYLIE
    Super May 2019
    KYLIE ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    View Quoted Comment
    This is so OTT. Yes, OP, this is annoying and could have had bad consequences—but it doesn’t seem like it did? It’s much easier to go through life not assuming people are out to screw you over, and give her the benefit of the doubt this first time.
    And while I can imagine your frustration, being heated will rarely get you what you want. And trust me, you do ot want bad vibes with your photographer on your wedding day. I’d reply again saying that actually you would appreciate the refund and will of course pay the balance when it’s due in March.
    • Reply
  • Lisa
    Rockstar July 2022
    Lisa ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    View Quoted Comment
    I agree with this! It sounds like it was unintentional and she's willing to make things right. I wouldn't escalate anything right now. I would just contact her, tell her you'd like the refund she offered, and that you will make the payment by the due date in March.
    • Reply

You voted for . Add a comment 👇

×

Related articles

11 Reasons a Professional Wedding Photographer Is an Absolute Must
Photography & Video 11 Reasons a Professional Wedding Photographer Is an... Think you can DIY your wedding photos? Think again. Here's why you really,...
9 Quirky Tricks Wedding Photographers Use to Capture Amazing Photos
Photography & Video 9 Quirky Tricks Wedding Photographers Use to Capture Amazing... Some of these photographer-approved secrets may surprise you.
7 Steps to Hiring a Destination Wedding Photographer
Photography & Video 7 Steps to Hiring a Destination Wedding Photographer Find the right pro to capture your wedding day.
Read more articles
WeddingWire celebrates love ...and so does everyone on our site! Learn more

Groups

Show more

WeddingWire article topics