Be ready so you don’t have to get ready
Now they want more of these…
Here We Go.
We are about to be knee-deep in wedding and event season, and this month I’m hearing the same challenge over and over - last-minute requests from their clients.
You know, couples and clients that ask for last-minute additions 24-48 hours before the event: an extra centerpiece, another table, an additional appetizer, pick-up or delivery, one more assistant, and one more hour. Sometimes, they ask for it when you're standing there in front of them!
You can do it, but you've already sent them a final invoice.
It feels too late and inconvenient—messy if we're going to be real—to get paid before you deliver or bill them and track down the money after the event.
First of all, it is never too late to get paid.
Full stop. They want it, and you can do it. They know you can do it, so get paid before you show up. That's the rule.
Stay ready so you don't have to get ready:
Come up with a standard operating procedure for last-minute services and put it in your contract. Is there an additional fee for the service? Are there certain things you won't be able to supply at the last minute? Let 'em know.
Make it a part of your final check-in - whether that's a week before or the day before. "This is what you're getting. Is there anything else you need or want? If so, here is what that will look like from here on out." If you have a CRM like Honeybook, Dubsado, or 17 Hats, you can automate this in an email or doc.
Create a new invoice template—If last-minute needs have become a thing in the past year, create an invoice template for it, one that you can pull up and send on-site. Honeybook's app allows you to attach the invoice to their project and immediately email or text the link. You can do this with any payment processing or CRM mobile site, too. Create the invoice NOW so you don't have to scramble for it.
More: Automating Wedding Week
Here is how I can help!
Honeybook Templates—Buy a Honeybook invoice template from me! I also have other templates on sale. Click the button below to check them out.
What else do you need to know to create a seamless client and profit management system for your creative business? Let’s talk! Schedule a free consultation here.
I’ll talk to you soon,
Liz Coopersmith
More:
