Provisional Bookings

[Shaun]

Do you take provisional bookings?

No right or wrong answer here, just curious as to how others approach the question when potential clients ask you to provisionally book the date for them.

Personally, it's something I don't do. The only 'grace' period I allow is the short period of time between the booking forms being sent out and the the initial payment being received.

How do you approach the subject when a potential client ask you to provisionally reserve the date for them?

[Penfold42]

Show me the money.....:D

Deposit first please. :)

[Vectis]

As mentioned on another thread earlier today...

... I'll give enquirers first refusal for 7 days. If I get an enquiry for the same date in the meantime I'll call them first and ask them to take it or leave it.

Except for a few key dates, that is, when I want commitment there and then by way of an online deposit.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Do you take provisional bookings?



Regular clients only.

[spin mobile disco]

I allow up to a week for a provisional. However at the end if I have had no contact I just free the date back up.
Mind you if it a short notice date then this not possible.

[CRAZY K]

As mentioned on another thread earlier today...

... I'll give enquirers first refusal for 7 days. If I get an enquiry for the same date in the meantime I'll call them first and ask them to take it or leave it.

Except for a few key dates, that is, when I want commitment there and then by way of an online deposit.

Similar, first refusal basis for a stipulated length of time--say 7 days max--I have one now to be confirmed by the end of the week.

We deal with quite a few people who cant give an instant decision --like Schools with the dreaded committee--however some people like the power of saying--im deciding to book it so thats it-- f the Committee :D :D :D

If a serious alternative booking appears we contact immediately with a ---do you want it or dont you approach--

Only the 4th July or around Burns Night week would I refuse to take provisional bookings.

CRAZY K

[Tom]

I have had this a few time but I always tell the future client that if this date gets booked up before they book me then tuff luck.

[djsteve10]

Well until the Contract has arrived back to me and is signed and with a deposit I take most of my bookings as provisionals, Had quite a few where you send the contract out and they have not bothered to return it or awnser emails or telephone calls.

[nigelwright7557]

I always say the date isnt theirs until I get a deposit.

[Cheesey 1975]

I agree... I give them 7 days to sign and return contract and deposit or will release date again

[DazzyD]

I'm a little bit more generous as I give 10 days for the client to return the paperwork and deposit. This stems from spending 11 years as a postman so I know how easy it is for things to get delayed in the post. If nothing is received within 10 days of being sent out then the date is returned to "available". My booking system has a booking status field as everything is done automatically anyway.

I'm currently trialling a new (to us) booking process whereby all the paperwork is sent and received electronically. Also looking to take deposit payments online (possible PayPal) but this is not setup yet.

[rob1963]

... I'll give enquirers first refusal for 7 days. If I get an enquiry for the same date in the meantime I'll call them first and ask them to take it or leave it.

Exactly what I do.

[theoloyla]

Yeah I'll hold a date for a customer for a short while and if I get another offer I will ring them to say "iIts make your mind up time."

[Penfold42]

... I'll give enquirers first refusal for 7 days. If I get an enquiry for the same date in the meantime I'll call them first and ask them to take it or leave it.


Exactly what I do.


Yeah I'll hold a date for a customer for a short while and if I get another offer I will ring them to say "iIts make your mind up time."

I always think this is like strong arm tactics.......'I have another client wanting that date...do you want it mate?'

That's what it would look like to me....:)

[Vectis]

I always think this is like strong arm tactics.......'I have another client wanting that date...do you want it mate?'

That's what it would look like to me....:)

Well that's exactly what it is :D

I always tell people I'll hold the date for them for 7 days on a first refusal basis so it's no surprise when I do contact them. 99% of the time I'll get them to promise to post the forms back that day or go online and pay the booking fee.

[Penfold42]

Well that's exactly what it is :D
:lol:

I always tell people I'll hold the date for them for 7 days on a first refusal basis so it's no surprise when I do contact them. 99% of the time I'll get them to promise to post the forms back that day or go online and pay the booking fee.
I can see where your coming from...and I can see how it works...
Just something I don't do.

I once asked a B&G why did you book me....there reply was...'You didn't pester us.'

They do stand the risk if not getting back....but that's the name of the game.

:)

[Andy Westcott]

Depends on the month. If it's November then I'll hold out a while for them...

I hardly ever get this, but if it happens I point out that the booking is only confirmed once the agreement has been signed, but out of courtesy I'll mark it on the planner and if I get another enquiry for the same date I give them a ring and force a decision.