Following on from Wizards post in this forum where somebody is going to cancel their DJ (who hasn't been in contact with her and is now on holiday), what are your terms for cancelling?

Nobody has ever questioned mine which are :-

am I reasonable stating 100% if cancelled within a month of the gig?

Jim

Yes.

But deposits are refundable.

Initial/advance payments are not.

Maybe I'm a bit thick but what is the difference ?

Jim

deposits are not refundable unless client rebooks.

all functions are to be paid in full 30 days prior to event. if you cancel after 30 days, nothing is refunded.

100% within a month is reasonable. Mine is the same. However I would look at the circumstances.

I dont believe from my other post that the woman has had a contact as such, just an e-mail saying he is going to turn up. ( but I could be wrong so dont want to say anything against the Dj in question)


However I would never just issue a contract via e-mail ... It is always via post with a signed copy returned.

If you are serious about this business it is the only way.

Agreed. I would look at the circumstances, but would normally seek full payment if cancelled at short notice

Quote Wizard:
"However I would never just issue a contract via e-mail ... It is always via post with a signed copy returned.
If you are serious about this business it is the only way."

I agree.

My cancellation terms?
If a client books, and I have asked for a reservation fee, (which I don't always do), then this is non-refundable in the event of a cancellation;

I only insist on 50% of the full fee if the booking is cancelled within 24 hours of the start time of the gig. I don't think anyone could consider this unfair!

I may be looking at changing this, but at the moment I'm not getting cancelled gigs (except one which was cancelled months ahead) so see no immediate need to change.

I've never had one cancelled yet either.
If I did get cancelled and managed to fill the date I wouldn't press for the fee, just keep the deposit.

Jim

The difference is a deposit is just that and is refundable ( EU law thing from memory ) whereas an initial payment is a part of the whole and not refundable.

Unfortunately I've mislaid the source of this information.

Very recently changed mine. Used to be no cancellation fee, but if a client cancels within 14 days of the event, 50% of the remaining fee is to be paid.