cancelling photographer?

megsw4

We just won a 7 hour photography package from Bellagala which is super exciting... however, we had already booked with that generic Studio Blue company because it was the cheapest we could find : /   Now we don't know what we should do.  I emailed Studio Blue but haven't heard back from them yet.  We've paid $450 of the $850 to them.  If I can't get all or even some of that money back should keep them and just have them come after Bellagala leaves through the end of the reception?  Or should we just cancel them completely and be out the money since all we have to pay is the $123 in taxes on the Bellagala package(worth $1695)?  That's still under $1000 we'd be paying in total which is a great deal considering Bellagala comes with a second shooter, cd with printing rights, all images edited, etc.

No idea what we should even say to Studio Blue that would convince them to refund us some of the money. 

SSaltzman87

You're definitely in a VERY unique situation.

I'd definitely let Studio Blue know of this, and if they don't give you your money back- you'll still be getting one heck of a deal. Or perhaps, they could work out some sort of deal with you.

trixie549

Do you have a contract with Studio Blue? What does it say about refunds and dates (i.e. you might be far enough out from your wedding to get a full refund)?

megsw4

Yes we have a contract and it sounds like we can't get out of it  But maybe we can convince them to work something out since it's over 150 days until our wedding and we booked them only 60ish days ago.

Here's what the contract says:

REFUNDS; CANCELLATIONS AND MODIFICATIONS

For orders that take place more than sixty (60) days before the wedding date, the total purchase price is refundable up to fourteen (14) days from the date you submit your order on our Site. Orders made sixty (60) or fewer days from the wedding date are non-refundable, regardless of any order cancellation by you.  All other payments for the Services are non-refundable, regardless of any order cancellation by you or any attempt to reschedule the Services. We reserve the right to cancel your order, which may include not providing photography services at your wedding, if any payment hereunder is delinquent.

Crossing my fingers that they make exceptions!!

Snacky1981

It can't hurt to call ASAP and let them know your situation. Was $450 the minimum retainer fee?

musicalsunlight

If you can't get your refund back, I'd say just cancel with them and go with Bellagala. That is still a great deal you are getting.

lemon912

It looks like they are launching some sort of photo booth soon. Maybe you can utilize them for that if they don't let you cancel completely? Or what about a day after session or anniversary session? Hopefully if they won't let you cancel, they'd thet you put that money towards something else. Good luck!

megsw4

I've emailed them twice with no answer so far, grr!  It was a $250 deposit plus the first payment of $150.41 so actually only $400 that we've paid.  I went on the website and deleted my credit card info so hopefully at the very least the other payments won't go through.  I'm making the fiance call them on Monday!

FutureMrsS13

good luck!!!

flower_lover

Another option you might offer them getting them 2-3 referrals and seeing if they would refund your deposit. Since your contract says the deposit is non-refundable, they are completely within their rights to refuse a refund. There are a lot of photographers out there looking for business, so I could see where it might be hard on them to give a refund.

SSaltzman87

I'd definitely give them a call on monday. Hopefully they'll be able to work out some sort of deal with you if they won't refund the deposit. 

megsw4

YAY!  I just got off the phone with Brandon at Studio Blue and we worked out a deal.  He couldn't refund what we had already paid but he did change it into an engagement session so we'll be paying $658 total for an engagement session and wedding photography (with 2 shooters) including cds of images and printing rights.  Not a bad deal considering we were going to pay $850 for just the wedding ones.  Can't wait to work with Studio Blue AND Bellagala!