Deposit Before Contract

I wouldn't be comfortable with that. I'd rather look over the contract, and sign and give a deposit on the same day.

Those are beaaaaautiful !!!!

Is this done in person, or electronically? and what is the gap in time between deposit and contract?

I've only had one contract experience so far (our venue), and everything was done in person. We signed the contract, at the same time as giving the deposit. Is that not possible in this scenario?

NOPE NOPE NOPE

no contract- no money.

also why?

Did they explain WHY?

I only heard it once from a DJ to secure the date but that was it. Other than that, every deposit came with a contract at the same time. Actually, I paid the deposit AFTER signing the contract since it stipulated when I pay it.

Yeah, no. Contract first, then deposit, or all at the same time.

I would never put money down on something before having a signed contract from both parties...

Can you call them and see if they can put together some kind of contract before you put down the deposit? Also, does this place have any reviews?

@Missy This communication has all been via email.

No explanation at all. It's our policy she said.

Nope. I need to see the terms of the contract first. Most of the contracts I've signed first then give a deposit, most done the same time/day

Contract first then deposit.....I cannot think of any logical reason why they would need that. If they mailed you the contract and you signed and sent a check back that would be fine. Do not give any money until you have a contract in hand.

Don't do it! Will they even let you read the contract beforehand?

If you give them a deposit without a signed contract, then they don't have to give you anything or provide any service. You're just handing them free money!

I wouldn't feel comfortable with that either, especially if there was a large time gap between when you give the deposit and when you get the actual contract. If it's a matter of minutes and happens in-person, it might be okay.

Nope - don't do it.

I gave a deposit to every vendor to secure a date WITH A CONTRACT!

I say pass!

The only way this makes sense is if it is a refundable deposit. If it's refundable then if u see something in the contract you don't like you get your money back. But I still would be iffy on that bc refunds are difficult to get from some vendors. I say pass.

Yeah I would like to read the contract before. It's important to see how I can hold them responsible for anything such as no show etc. Also what if their item gets damaged or stolen. I want to know all the fine print before I give a penny. This is just so weird and unprofessional in my mind.

I put the deposit down on my venue without signing the contract, but only to hold the date and i had 24 hours to get a refund. I also had a copy of the contract with me though to sign give to them. We made an appointment to sign the contract the day after we put the deposit down. so it didn't faze me,I wanted to guarantee the date since 3 brides were asking about the same date the same day I was there.

Otherwise this would be a HUGE red flag for me.

That's super sketchy. I would avoid doing business with them if at all possible.

So I'll admit that I handed over a deposit without seeing a contract before... but it was $50 to save my date with my florist (after meeting in person) and I figured that if I lost $50, it wouldn't be the worst thing ever, so I didn't push it. The terms of my contract depending on what service I was requesting, and I hadn't quite nailed that down yet. If the deposit is relatively small and you can afford to take the gamble, then it might be alright, but you definitely need to treat it like a bit of a gamble.

Generally, my policy is that any company that does something shady involving their contract shouldn't be trusted, and you should go elsewhere.

Noting the amount of upset brides with shaky contract and deposit issues with their vendors, I would decline unless you did it same day, in person (which any legit vendor should be happy enough to do).

They are a total of $477 for rental, delivery/pickup and state taxes. They are asking $150 deposit first and will then send the contract agreement.