- Original Poster
- #1
Hello, I have an overseas customer who has cancelled a booking with me after signing a contract which states full payment will be due if they cancel at late notice (my contract goes into detail on this)
I have sent them an invoice for payment, minus the cost of goods I haven't yet supplied.
In the UK I know this is legally binding and if they fail to pay I can use the small claims court. The customer (an individual) is in Switzerland. They made a booking, signed my contract and paid a retainer. The full balance was due a week ago, this morning they sent a short sharp email saying they had cancelled and asking for the retainer back as well.
I have turned other people away for this date, and am now out of pocket if they don't pay.
This is what my contract says about payment and cancellations
Prices & payments
b) A non refundable booking retainer of £350 is required to secure the date. The balance is due in full no later than two weeks prior to the wedding date.
c) Dishonoured cheques will be charged at £30. Any costs associated with the recovery of any outstanding debts will be added to the account.
d) No services will take place until the payment is received in full. Should payment of the balance not be received by the specified date the photographer reserves the right to cancel the booking and levy the appropriate cancellation charges.
e) Cancellations must be made in writing and signed by the person who signed this contract. If cancellations are made within 12 weeks of the wedding the full amount owed under the contract will be due. Cancellations outside of 12 weeks of the wedding will result in the loss of the booking fee. If the cancellations turns out to be a postponement a new contract and
booking fee will be required for the new date.
What also concerns me is they paid the retainer by AMEX and might attempt a charge back, does anyone have any experience of charge backs with AMEX?
I have sent them an invoice for payment, minus the cost of goods I haven't yet supplied.
In the UK I know this is legally binding and if they fail to pay I can use the small claims court. The customer (an individual) is in Switzerland. They made a booking, signed my contract and paid a retainer. The full balance was due a week ago, this morning they sent a short sharp email saying they had cancelled and asking for the retainer back as well.
I have turned other people away for this date, and am now out of pocket if they don't pay.
This is what my contract says about payment and cancellations
Prices & payments
b) A non refundable booking retainer of £350 is required to secure the date. The balance is due in full no later than two weeks prior to the wedding date.
c) Dishonoured cheques will be charged at £30. Any costs associated with the recovery of any outstanding debts will be added to the account.
d) No services will take place until the payment is received in full. Should payment of the balance not be received by the specified date the photographer reserves the right to cancel the booking and levy the appropriate cancellation charges.
e) Cancellations must be made in writing and signed by the person who signed this contract. If cancellations are made within 12 weeks of the wedding the full amount owed under the contract will be due. Cancellations outside of 12 weeks of the wedding will result in the loss of the booking fee. If the cancellations turns out to be a postponement a new contract and
booking fee will be required for the new date.
What also concerns me is they paid the retainer by AMEX and might attempt a charge back, does anyone have any experience of charge backs with AMEX?
