Is this rude or just customer apathy?

[jdramirez]

So I get contacted earlier in the week to photograph a flag racing event. I don't have anything planned so I say yes. Saturday... check, time... check... they'll send me the details later about where. The event is weather dependent so I'm not writing IOU's at the strip club and they said they would know by Friday if they were going to cancel for weather.

The email doesn't come... I contact the secretary of the organization and she says, "It will come this afternoon." It didn't. I'm still doing my homework... google (learning where the event is and the types of events that are going to be held)... facebook (making sure this is a real organization and not a robbery)... Flickr (getting an idea of what images and what angles are compelling).

So today I touch base and I'm told they are deliberating on postponing, cancelling, or having the event at another venue. I request, "Keep me in the loop."

11:30p.m. as I write and I still haven't received word. I know it has been cancelled... they indicated so on their Facebook page... but am out really out of line expecting a call, text, email, etc. indicating that it was cancelled?

So does this happen to anyone else? Is it the customers who don't want to break bad news? I'm not that annoyed... I now have a weekend day free to do whatever I want... but I still can't help but be annoyed.

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

Re: Is this rude of just customer apathy?

I'd say its just plain rude, it is probably the result of someone who has overcommitted, but its still rude. Double your price next time.

 

[Jim Saunders]

Re: Is this rude of just customer apathy?

If they asked you to be there, you're well within your right to expect an e-mail at least.

Jim

 

[verysimplejason]

Re: Is this rude of just customer apathy?

Just consider this... If there's no confirmation, then just feel free to take other opportunities. I think that's standard among all business. Until there's a contract or a deal, your time is still yours. If unfortunately you have taken a deal before theirs, then it is still ethical and within your right to reject them but of course, if you have a colleague who can take over then it is also polite to give them his/her number.

 

[distant.star]

Re: Is this rude of just customer apathy?

.
I'd go there, take pictures and send them a bill.

 

[takesome1]

Re: Is this rude of just customer apathy?

I don't think it is either.

I know your time is important but so are others that are involved in the event.
Most likely in the rush to let everyone know you probably were overlooked. Not on purpose, just because of bad organizational skills on their part.

If this was a club event of some sort I could see it happen, I have been in several clubs and members always go away from an event thinking someone else is responsible.

If it bugs you send them a bill for show up time. They will get the idea and not forget the guy they hired next time.

 

[jdramirez]

Re: Is this rude of just customer apathy?

I'd say its just plain rude, it is probably the result of someone who has overcommitted, but its still rude. Double your price next time.

I thought I was more than reasonable with my price. Basically I said I would do a 5 hour job for $150 but if I received over $300 in order (prints or other crap you can throw a photo on) I'd waive the fee. So if I double that... it would be $300, but waived if I receive $600 in orders... I'd be ok with that too.

 

[jdramirez]

Re: Is this rude of just customer apathy?

If they asked you to be there, you're well within your right to expect an e-mail at least.

Jim

I was checking the weather... and there was .04 inches on Thursday... so I was I pretty optimistic... but I suppose the farm didn't really recover from the rain from the previous week.

 

[jdramirez]

Re: Is this rude of just customer apathy?

I don't think it is either.

I know your time is important but so are others that are involved in the event.
Most likely in the rush to let everyone know you probably were overlooked. Not on purpose, just because of bad organizational skills on their part.

If this was a club event of some sort I could see it happen, I have been in several clubs and members always go away from an event thinking someone else is responsible.

If it bugs you send them a bill for show up time. They will get the idea and not forget the guy they hired next time.

Yeah... but I think I would want the next guy they hire to be me... so I don't quite feel like burning bridges at the moment. I'll take a leak off a bridge... but not burn it to the ground.

 

[takesome1]

Re: Is this rude of just customer apathy?

I don't think it is either.

I know your time is important but so are others that are involved in the event.
Most likely in the rush to let everyone know you probably were overlooked. Not on purpose, just because of bad organizational skills on their part.

If this was a club event of some sort I could see it happen, I have been in several clubs and members always go away from an event thinking someone else is responsible.

If it bugs you send them a bill for show up time. They will get the idea and not forget the guy they hired next time.

Yeah... but I think I would want the next guy they hire to be me... so I don't quite feel like burning bridges at the moment. I'll take a leak off a bridge... but not burn it to the ground.

Well you got a free day tomorrow. Just show up at their place tomorrow and see what happens

Have all your gear on of course ready to go to work.
When they tell you it was cancelled thank them and say you are glad, you will be able to go to your daughters first birthday party at noon.

I would get some free guilt trip entertainment at least.

 

[The Mad Kiwi]

Rude, certainly, but understandable. I've got friends who put on running events and when everything goes pear shaped the photographer is the last thing on their mind. So fire them a nice email to touch base and let them know you'd still love to do their next event. Never burn bridges with clients, never spit the dummy, be calm and understanding. It's easier to keep clients than find new ones. If you need a rant here's the place.

 

[jdramirez]

Re: Is this rude of just customer apathy?

I don't think it is either.

I know your time is important but so are others that are involved in the event.
Most likely in the rush to let everyone know you probably were overlooked. Not on purpose, just because of bad organizational skills on their part.

If this was a club event of some sort I could see it happen, I have been in several clubs and members always go away from an event thinking someone else is responsible.

If it bugs you send them a bill for show up time. They will get the idea and not forget the guy they hired next time.

Yeah... but I think I would want the next guy they hire to be me... so I don't quite feel like burning bridges at the moment. I'll take a leak off a bridge... but not burn it to the ground.

Well you got a free day tomorrow. Just show up at their place tomorrow and see what happens

Have all your gear on of course ready to go to work.
When they tell you it was cancelled thank them and say you are glad, you will be able to go to your daughters first birthday party at noon.

I would get some free guilt trip entertainment at least.

It is on a farm... so when I show up... there might only be pigs and cows to greet me. But I might get a free fresh bacon breakfast out of the deal.

But I already took the high road. I sent a message saying that I saw it was cancelled and I hope next year I can work some magic for them... or something lame like that. Damn high road has very thin air, so it makes it hard to be snarky.

 

[Jim Saunders]

I had the impression that this one was pro bono; If it's a paid job and they don't tell you it's off then they can pay up. That said if you value the client then being a little proactive is a decision to make, I'd probably do the same.

Jim

 

[scottkinfw]

They are rude, and inconsiderate of your time. They should compensate you, but good luck with that. Next time, get a non-refundable retainer. That way, they can be rude, and you can take your hurt feelings all the way to that strip club you mentioned.

Scott

So I get contacted earlier in the week to photograph a flag racing event. I don't have anything planned so I say yes. Saturday... check, time... check... they'll send me the details later about where. The event is weather dependent so I'm not writing IOU's at the strip club and they said they would know by Friday if they were going to cancel for weather.

The email doesn't come... I contact the secretary of the organization and she says, "It will come this afternoon." It didn't. I'm still doing my homework... google (learning where the event is and the types of events that are going to be held)... facebook (making sure this is a real organization and not a robbery)... Flickr (getting an idea of what images and what angles are compelling).

So today I touch base and I'm told they are deliberating on postponing, cancelling, or having the event at another venue. I request, "Keep me in the loop."

11:30p.m. as I write and I still haven't received word. I know it has been cancelled... they indicated so on their Facebook page... but am out really out of line expecting a call, text, email, etc. indicating that it was cancelled?

So does this happen to anyone else? Is it the customers who don't want to break bad news? I'm not that annoyed... I now have a weekend day free to do whatever I want... but I still can't help but be annoyed.

 

[jdramirez]

Rude, certainly, but understandable. I've got friends who put on running events and when everything goes pear shaped the photographer is the last thing on their mind. So fire them a nice email to touch base and let them know you'd still love to do their next event. Never burn bridges with clients, never spit the dummy, be calm and understanding. It's easier to keep clients than find new ones. If you need a rant here's the place.

Good advice. Actually what I was really hoping for was that there would be 85ish people/families at the event (estimate) and I would basically make 85 contacts for events like this, or sports, or dance recitals... all that crap. And then those 85 people know 10+ families each... and while I know it wouldn't lead to 850 job 935 jobs... it might lead to 10 additional.

I refuse to do wedding and birthdays... but I kinda like being there for a 5 year old at bat in a baseball game. The money is really just a bonus to doing something I enjoy.

 

[takesome1]

Re: Is this rude of just customer apathy?

I don't think it is either.

I know your time is important but so are others that are involved in the event.
Most likely in the rush to let everyone know you probably were overlooked. Not on purpose, just because of bad organizational skills on their part.

If this was a club event of some sort I could see it happen, I have been in several clubs and members always go away from an event thinking someone else is responsible.

If it bugs you send them a bill for show up time. They will get the idea and not forget the guy they hired next time.

Yeah... but I think I would want the next guy they hire to be me... so I don't quite feel like burning bridges at the moment. I'll take a leak off a bridge... but not burn it to the ground.

Well you got a free day tomorrow. Just show up at their place tomorrow and see what happens

Have all your gear on of course ready to go to work.
When they tell you it was cancelled thank them and say you are glad, you will be able to go to your daughters first birthday party at noon.

I would get some free guilt trip entertainment at least.

It is on a farm... so when I show up... there might only be pigs and cows to greet me. But I might get a free fresh bacon breakfast out of the deal.

But I already took the high road. I sent a message saying that I saw it was cancelled and I hope next year I can work some magic for them... or something lame like that. Damn high road has very thin air, so it makes it hard to be snarky.

Nah ...you did the right thing. Actually I think it is what I would have done. I couldn't have held a straight face for the guilt trip.

You can worry about the money and what not and it is short term.
BUT
In the end the high road gets you to the top, always take it.

 

[jdramirez]

They are rude, and inconsiderate of your time. They should compensate you, but good luck with that. Next time, get a non-refundable retainer. That way, they can be rude, and you can take your hurt feelings all the way to that strip club you mentioned.

Scott

So I get contacted earlier in the week to photograph a flag racing event. I don't have anything planned so I say yes. Saturday... check, time... check... they'll send me the details later about where. The event is weather dependent so I'm not writing IOU's at the strip club and they said they would know by Friday if they were going to cancel for weather.

The email doesn't come... I contact the secretary of the organization and she says, "It will come this afternoon." It didn't. I'm still doing my homework... google (learning where the event is and the types of events that are going to be held)... facebook (making sure this is a real organization and not a robbery)... Flickr (getting an idea of what images and what angles are compelling).

So today I touch base and I'm told they are deliberating on postponing, cancelling, or having the event at another venue. I request, "Keep me in the loop."

11:30p.m. as I write and I still haven't received word. I know it has been cancelled... they indicated so on their Facebook page... but am out really out of line expecting a call, text, email, etc. indicating that it was cancelled?

So does this happen to anyone else? Is it the customers who don't want to break bad news? I'm not that annoyed... I now have a weekend day free to do whatever I want... but I still can't help but be annoyed.

How much are lap dances now a days? About 15 years ago, they were $20... but with inflation, I imagine they have to be around $30. If it is still $20 and you get the really awful buffet, that's a good deal.

 

[jdramirez]

Re: Is this rude of just customer apathy?

Nah ...you did the right thing. Actually I think it is what I would have done. I couldn't have held a straight face for the guilt trip.

You can worry about the money and what not and it is short term.
BUT
In the end the high road gets you to the top, always take it.

I was excited for a few days and that cumulative excitement was greater than the disappointment I have that I'm not going to be doing it. So I think I walk away ahead. And I made an effort to learn about that style of photography that I would be using at the event... and even though it won't be used today... it will be down the road... probably.

 

[Nishi Drew]

Yeah it's rude and very unprofessional on their part, but at least you didn't instead get the message "we decided to hire someone that's cheaper, and would do a lot more for us than you"...
At least I was notified though, and not have to find out on my own what really happened

 

[Rienzphotoz]

Definitely rude, but unfortunately this does happen on occasion ... I know a few pro photographers who've had to face similar situations ... I'm not a pro but I do a lot of photo/video shoots for my company (free of charge) and when I reach the site (which is a 1.5 hour, one way drive) I find out that they have decided against mast raising of the rig (or some other rig activity that I was supposed to cover), but no one bothers to inform me, despite reminding them several times to keep me in the loop. But I do understand that organizing any event (especailly cancelling them) involves a lot of stress and coordinating with many people/organizations/companies etc, and a photographer is probably one of the last people in their mind to call and cancel ... I guess this is a problem faced by many self-employed people. If these races provide continued income in the long run, I suppose you could use this to your advantage by reminding the organizer that you did not charge them the last time for wasting your time etc and you might have a long term business relationship and the organizer is less likely to go to another photographer.