How do DJs address cancellations and refunds? It’s an increasing reality, especially in the COVID age.
“We book about 250 weddings a year. All deposits are non-refundable. There are 2 instances where deposits become refundable or transferable:
1. Pretty much anything COVID-related, we offered a refund or transfer of deposit. We retain a small fee to cover cc fees and processing.
2. We are able to book another wedding on their date. Then, we will refund the deposit and retain the same fee as above.
Any payments made outside of 60 days are refundable.
One last thing we do that may help – if ANY couple is willing to take the time to share their story and let us know what is going on, we always work with them. I’m sure we all have been through things in our life that made losing money sting a little harder than normal. So, we try to remember to be compassionate.” – Noah DeVoe
“No refunds on deposit/retainer but I do treat the cancelation like a gift card with an expiration date meaning the amount can be used towards an event within 2 years as long as I’m available. I’ll even allow for them to be able to use their funds towards an event for someone else they may know (as long as I didn’t turn down another potential client for that date) and they can work out the details of getting their money back from them if they don’t want to gift it.” – Ashley Gadson
“In this day and age if it’s a COVID situation that changes or cancels the wedding I refuud deposits. It’s not the Dad who is covering the wedding, it’s usually the braids and groom. So couples starting out and now your taking the deposit away because of a situation you & them have no control over…I give it back.” – Rodney Mack
“I try to be a reasonable as humanly possible. However, if I’m holding a date for someone and turning down other gigs, I’m not returnig a deposit. The deposit is to hold the date so I don’t work another gig. I can’t turn down other opportunites and return deposits. It makes no sense.
I did return deposits for gigs that were canceled due to the pandemic though.” – Ace Buchanan
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