Davids BridalVendor Program

[abril1127]

Was wondering if anyone has had any experience with Davids Bridal Vendor Program.
They only allow one person per industry per location, so I would be the only LOCAL photographer. The "Preferred Vendor"
It sounds like a really good opportunity, among many other things, I can set up a table and chat with the brides on Saturdays (or select Saturdays not sure which)

Has anyone ever done this. Any words of wisdom?

[bondarnes]

http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum...ds-bridal.html
http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum...ds-bridal.html
http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum...went-well.html

[abril1127]

Thanks Don,
Are the feelings still the same as they were in 2007?

[abril1127]

Well I just looked and Bella does not cover my area. With Bella out of the picture...does this seem worth it.
$325 a month for 6 months
1 booth in the store, can hang out there on Saturdays (or special Saturdays not sure which) hang 3 pictures in the store plus an album and get a bride list with emails and such twice a month.

[pbyd]

April,
I like most studios I too have been offered this set up. I have found that most of the brides I talk to book their location and photographer long before they chose a wedding dress. Let us know if you do this and it works.
Wayne
Photography by Design

[toverman]

Might be worthwhile if it is in fact allowable for you to hang out at the store any Saturday you choose. If that's not the case, find out how many Saturdays the deal includes ... I'm guessing you'll get much more interest being able to interact face-to-face than merely having your photos on the wall.

[Tom]

I think you will do better putting that money towards becoming the exclusively referred photographer of churches and reception venues.

[abril1127]

That's interesting idea Thomas...not sure that people do that here.
I seriously need to figure out something to knock myself into this business! After talking to a couple other photogs yesterday it became too obvious how out of the limelight I am.

[ronocnikral]

try a bridal show. i was just talking with another photographer the other day about how the cost of a bridal show <= magazine ad and <the knot and <just about every other scheme out there.

we've relocated our business and had "success" using bridal shows. meaning, we are just about at our limit for weddings this year. which means...price increase!

[abril1127]

I've heard so many bad things about the bridal shows. Most say that brides only go there to get free stuff.
The only one I know that did good at last years bridal show was only charging $900 for a wedding with a CD of images.
Our bridal show is this Sunday. I found out about it too late but even then I'm not sure I would of done it. There are already 8-10 photogs attending. I think there is only 40 booths so that's a pretty high percentage of photogs.

[HotHolly]

Originally Posted by abril1127

I've heard so many bad things about the bridal shows. Most say that brides only go there to get free stuff.
The only one I know that did good at last years bridal show was only charging $900 for a wedding with a CD of images.
Our bridal show is this Sunday. I found out about it too late but even then I'm not sure I would of done it. There are already 8-10 photogs attending. I think there is only 40 booths so that's a pretty high percentage of photogs.

There are always a lot of photogs at bridal shows. You have to make sure you have your niche and thats that. Also pay attention to the type of bridal show. Ones that cater to more affluent clientele will attract a higher class of client. The other side of that is selling. You cant just show up and wave at people. Its rare that that will help you book people.

As for Davids...they are still partnered with Bella. They also attract the bargain bride. If thats not your client, you still are paying money for the wrong demo. That is aside from all the other issues mentioned on the other threads...which still exist.

You are better off pairing with local bridal shops and wedding planners. And there are multiple types of people who purchase photography - those who think its an artistic field, and those who think its a necessity. If you aim at both groups, you typically loose both groups. One wants a photog that can capture their soul. The other type wants a photog that can shoot their event so they have some snapshots. Attempting to appeal to both usually repels both. Look over what your marketing plan is and check it for that.

[ronocnikral]

hmmm...well, here's a bridal show story to add to your stories. we are very poor promoters and marketers of ourselves. we book 4-5 weddings/show. and we charge a lot more than $900. of course, some call the show we do a cattle call, but it works for us. we're not every bride's photographer and some brides aren't a fit for us.

at the end of day, you'll have to eventually find something to do whether it is not shooting weddings, doing ads, doing shows, working with davids, doing it for free etc. my advice works for us, it may not work for others.

[ronocnikral]

another thought...holly is absolutely correct about wedding planners and other vendors. but that is easier said than done in a lot of places.

[rant]
something to chew on, and again this is our way of doing things, if your bride orders an album, how many do you end up buying? we usually get more than 1.
[/rant]

[mike_sax]

Just my $.02 worth. I tried this just this past Apr-Oct. They supposedly gave me a bargain reduced rate as a trial period, only $300/mo instead of the $450/mo they claimed it was worth.

I received the bi-weekly listing of brides who registered, sent out an email to introduce myself along with our package listing and a sample of a bridal I did. In return I received at least a 10% non-deliverable of emails, and maybe another 1-2 responses saying "Thank you but we already have a photographer" but nothing else. In fact, it wasn't until my last week of the 6 month contract did I actually book my one and only wedding from these referrals. And then that one I had actually emailed with no response but when she was picking up her dress she happened to mention that she didn't have a photographer and they told her about me.

All in all I spent nearly $3K for a single wedding booked. Not a good return in my estimation.

Hope this sheds a little light on your subject.