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Here at Clifton Photographic, we aim to be upfront about all terms and conditions surrounding our photo shoot experiences. However, there is one policy that sometimes causes confusion amongst our customers and so we have decided to dedicate this post to talking all about why studios take a Refundable Booking Deposit.
Why do photographers take a deposit before your session?
In order for your appointment to be the amazing experience you deserve, there's a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes before you even step through the door. The experience also gives you access to amazing photographic resources that truly make it a five star experience. Depending on the type of portrait experience you're visiting the studio for, each session requires a lot of preparation:
We reserve your chosen time in the state of the art photographic studio and the use of the specialist photographic equipment including cameras, lights, backdrops and photographic make up
Your deposit payment secures time with industry professionals who are assigned to your appointment including photographers, make up artists, image consultants and retouchers
Your deposit not only secures your time in the studio and with the professionals, it helps to keep the diary running smoothly for all customers.
Let's look at it from a different angle...
You're booking a hotel for your family's holiday. In higher end hotels, they will often ask for debit or credit card details in order to take an advance deposit. This is to cover the cost of the room and other fees like parking, pet charges and those tempting treats in the minibar. It shows that you're committed to the booking and gives the hotel confidence that their costs will be covered if you don't show up and the room lies empty for the night.
This is common practice across a lot of industries from hotels and restaurants to photographic studios.
When do you take the refundable deposit?
Here at Clifton Photographic every appointment made in our studios is subject to a fully refundable booking deposit payment. The payment is taken at the time of booking. Our advisors will find a date that suits you and talk you through the day so you know what to expect from us. They'll ensure you're happy with everything and give you the opportunity to ask any questions before processing the deposit payment.
How much will I have to pay?
The deposit varies depending on the experience you have as well as the day you're booking. Due to our weekend appointments being very sought after, the deposit is slightly higher than on a week day.
Family experience Weekday deposit from £39.99 Weekend deposit from £49.99
Makeover experience Weekday deposit from £39.99 Weekend deposit from £69.99
Themed experience deposit from £29.99
Femme Fatale experience deposit from £69.99
When will my deposit be refunded?
Your deposit will be refunded back onto your card once the experience has been completed. Some of our experiences require a return viewing appointment around a week after the photographic session. The deposit will be refunded after the viewing appointment.
Please note, if you place an order with us, you have the option to use the value of your deposit towards your order total. For example, if you place an order with the value of £60 and you paid £39.99 deposit, your order total will be reduced to £20.01.
Under what circumstances would I lose my deposit?
By paying the booking deposit, you are committing to your agreed appointment time and date. Appointments can be re-arranged with at least five working day's notice (we class working days as Monday - Friday 9am-6pm).
If you give late notice your deposit will be lost and you will be required to pay another to rebook. Customers are permitted to one rebook per voucher. Canceling completely will forfeit the deposit, so you do need to complete the experience to have it refunded.
If you have any questions we're here to answer them! Send us a message or give us a call on 0117 909 8985.
