Deposit

[Arella]

How much of a deposit do you have clients give you before events?

[Chrissy]

I depends on how much you charge I guess. I have a $75 non refundable holding deposit

[AniaR]

I actually go pretty low for my deposits. I know some mermaids go as far as half but I find that hard come budgeting time, and also it's hard to give back when there are those rare scenarios where you would refund someone. (I had a situation where a propane leak happened at a pool and we couldn't go, or I was the one who got sick and couldnt, stuff like that). I take my deposits via email money transfer or over the phone with a square reader. If I know the person, I may accept a check in the mail.

You can see my deposit rates here: http://halifaxmermaids.weebly.com/kids-parties.html Personally, I just prefer getting a bigger chunk of money at the party for my own money management. But, I do have some clients who like to pay in full up front.

[Arella]

My rate is pretty low to start I think I'm just going with half :P

[Arella]

I like the package idea though I may consider something similar :)

[AniaR]

I make more money and have better control by doing packages