How to cancel a client meeting

[tresorph]

Have you ever been on a phone call, and after you hang up let it all soak in and say - what did I get myself into?

Yea, that just happened. The bride sounds like she'd be trouble for me. She was basically aghast that I didn't have a studio. I told her that as a on-location photographer I do not have a studio storefront. I have one in my home - but I'm not really about taking clients there. She said, ALL of the photogs she's met with had one.

This is where I should have ended the convo, saying something along the lines that maybe we arn't a good fit. But I didn't. Other things were said, and now I'm feeling like I got punched in the gut.

What do I say to call back and cancel. I don't want to waste her time or mine.

Anyone else gone through this?

[utdbear]

Two ways to handle this....

If you are OK with telling the "white lie"

Thank you for your inquiry, unfortunately the date your wedding falls on is no longer available. Thank you for the opportunity to earn your business.

If you're not OK(this is the route I would take):

Thank you for your inquiry for my services. Unfortunately due to the tension that was on our phone call, I have decided that pursuing my services would be not be in the best interests of your needs for your most special day. I thank you again for the opportunity and please do not hesitate to email me if you have any questions.

That way you leave the door open just in case it was a misunderstanding.

[tresorph]

thanks Barry that helps me tremendously.

[HeatherLou]

Michaelle, I would meet with her anyway. Some people do NOT have any phone skills, and come across as nasty or short on the phone. My husband is that way. I would rather keep the promise of a meeting and decided then if I want the job. I wouldn't want to miss out on a great client who sucks on the phone!

If you really want out of the meeting, be honest and say after thinking about the conversation, I think I may not be the right photog for you. Address her concerns about you not having a studio, and give her the choice if she still wants to meet.

[photonewb]

Originally Posted by Heatherlou

Michaelle, I would meet with her anyway. Some people do NOT have any phone skills, and come across as nasty or short on the phone. My husband is that way. I would rather keep the promise of a meeting and decided then if I want the job. I wouldn't want to miss out on a great client who sucks on the phone!

If you really want out of the meeting, be honest and say after thinking about the conversation, I think I may not be the right photog for you. Address her concerns about you not having a studio, and give her the choice if she still wants to meet.

I'm a horrible phone person...especially when it comes to work. I don't want chit chat, I want business and I want to get it settled.

[tresorph]

Hmm maybe this is true of this bride. I went back and re-read her emails and it didn't 'sound' that way at all. I even mentioned that we should schedule to meet wherever it was most convenient to her... so we shall see. I had a funky meeting Monday so my ego is down in the dumps - so I'm still deciding.

[trac76002]

Trust your instincts! They won't let you down!

[CaptainTom]

I think it would be poor form to call or email her and cancel your meeting.
Even if you have a bad feeling about her now, you might change your mind after getting together. If at your meeting you still have a bad feeling, just tell her that a photographer and a wedding client must be a perfect match in order to get the best possible results and you see that you aren't a good match together. She may just get really pissed off, or she may understand.
This advice works well between hookers and clients as well...

[Mindy H]

Originally Posted by CaptainTom

This advice works well between hookers and clients as well...

The advice here never ceases to crack me up!

[ChristopherCoy]

Originally Posted by CaptainTom

This advice works well between hookers and clients as well...

How well CAN a hooker and client fit together in just 10 short minutes and an around the block drive? I mean, that just doesn't sound comfortable...

[toverman]

You never know ... the day you talked to her, she might have been having a bad day, too. I'd give her a chance in person.

[d2creative]

Originally Posted by ChristopherCoy

How well CAN a hooker and client fit together

That depends on the parties involved.

[brad]

Back on topic ...

I like to listen to the little voices. They are good to me. If they are warning you off of a particular client after a phone conversation, take note of them. Still meet with her, because all that costs you is a little bit of time... but if they voices are still telling you to run the other way after you meet face to face.. then by all means, you should.

Oh.. and don't call yourself a "on-location photographer" .. that's French for "I'm not doing this gig seriously." You are a wedding photographer and you operate out of your home office. Even if that home office is a desk in the back of the TV room, it is still your office.

[tresorph]

Yep - I'm still going Thursday, I figure if she was put off by it that much then she would have said nevermind. I'll come back and tell you guys if she had 3 eyes or something. lol.

And Brad, thanks for the heads up on the lingo. I guess I need to be more assertive that yes, this is my profession - and this is how I run it, take it or leave it. Currently I'm working more hours on the photog desk than the acctg desk anyhow. And in a strange twist of fate - a great studio property just popped up on the radar that I may cohort with another photog on.

[Angelo]

Michaelle, help her find another photographer that will fit her needs.
Trust your instincts.