cancel photographer help!

stacey-roo

i booked a photographer to do my wedding 3 months ago,the package was £195 with £20 petrol charge as he is a houir away i have payed £200 off so far. i have not signed anything or been told that the deposit is non refundable and now iv had to cancel the wedding due to my relationship breakdown and the photographer is now telling me it is non refundable. am i able to get my money back?

Moosk

Depending on the specific circumstances, you should be able to get some - but possibly not all of your deposit back.

This post will be useful: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/42873192#Comment_42873192

stacey-roo

he said trading standards have told him different to what they have told me. they have told me i can get it back under the distance selling regulations 2000. as i haven't had any cancellation information i have 3 months and 7 days from 1 day after booking with him to cancel. is this true?

gadgeteer_2

Hmm, there are several issues here. It's not really black & white.

1. There's no contract so technically you have 3 months & 7 days
2. Sounds like he's not a professional given the lack of contract and the price. So he's probably doing this cash in hand so therefore his response now probably won't be professional either.
3. If he's said the deposit is non-refundable, how much was it? Total price was £195+20. You've paid £200. What was the deposit? Surely not all £200 was the deposit?
4. Now he has your money it's going to be painful and possibly costly to claim it back legally.
5. It's not really the photographer's fault your relationship has ended. I've also had to explain to customers that their deposit and money paid to date is non-refundable due to the fact i've had to turn other customers away for their date. In effect losing money myself. But the difference is that I always get a contract signed.

Not sure if it helps but hope it does.

Maysie

I know someone who cancelled the wedding they asked for some family photos instead which the photographer was happy to do. Is that something that could work for you?