HELP!!!

rachelehenry

We hired a videographer for our Aug 18 wedding and cannot get in touch with him.  We are 16 days away and I am panicking.  The contract we signed says if we cancel him within 30 days we owe the entire balance of the contract, however, we want to fire him because we don't trust him.  Does anyone out there know what the legal consequences are for firing a vendor before the wedding?  Anything about contracts with this stipulation?  

Also anyone know a wedding videographer who would be available in Central PA???

Thank you!

Wzz

how far is his office/studio from where you live or work?

rachelehenry

I believe he works out of his home, but it is at least 2 hours from us.  He moved after I booked him.

Wzz

if i were you, i would try and make the trip, leaving voicemails and sending emails. save all of your documentation that you are trying to contact him.

i can't really believe he just up and disappeared, but it's not like it never happened before.

good luck. i am sorry i don't have better advice, just make sure you keep a paper trail that you did your due diligence to contact him if you go the route of firing him.

rachelehenry

Thanks for responding Wzz.  I am just a total mess over this.  I can't believe someone would be so irresponsible.  Amazingly enough I found him on facebook and he has plenty of time to post on there and be responsive.  I have a bad feeling about this...

Anyone out there with contract expertise??

MinM

Don't sign contracts with people you meet on FB.

rachelehenry

I met him in person

*Barbie*

based on the contract, you will owe him the entire balance of the contract since you are within the 30 day window. i am not a lawyer, but this seems like a pretty cut and dry solution based on the information you have given us. 

why do you suddenly not trust him? if it's because you called him yesterday and he hasn't responded yet, then you're being ridiculous. if it's that you've been trying to contact him regularly for months with no response, then i don't understand why you wouldn't have cancelled before the 30 day window was up. 

Zzilla is right - you need to track your interactions with him (or attempts to contact with no response.)

have you paid any kind of retainer/deposit? 

IMHO, a videographer is a waste of money - I think I would just let it go, see if he shows and fulfills his end of the contract. if he does, great. if not, then you could take him to small claims court for breach of contract to get back the deposit (and court costs). Have a friend or relative tape the ceremony as a backup.