Interesting article on creative professions and speculative job offers

[Joe_Lorenzini]

Originally Posted by ShaneKislack

Is it taking work away from cardmakers? Is that the question?

I'm pretty sure if it was, Hallmark would have Rob whacked.

[Joe_Lorenzini]

Originally Posted by zepp

...Remember, it’s very hard to convince a client of your worth after you have been giving them a product for next to nothing or nothing at all.

I think you nailed it! and I think more times than not, that this is the real issue.

Sure wish I had your talent for elegant thought.

_/oe

[ShaneKislack]

Originally Posted by zepp

One might very well submit a photo for free or at a reduced price to get their foot in the door with guaranteed benefits down the line.

I have not heard of these guaranteed benefits you speak of. Where can they be found?

Actually, Leslie Burns Del'Aqua has a great comeback for anyone that throws that at you. You say, "that's a great idea. But how about this. I'll charge you regular price for this one and give you the discount on the next one?" See how many go for that.

Either way, that's different than Spec.

[zach-e2]

i dig that article. thanks for the post!

[CallMeAl]

I've seen this from both sides. I've looked/asked for someone interested in designing a logo for me and I've also learned the hard way that people don't want to buy photos once they've gotten them for free.

As for the neurosurgeon, etc argument...there are a billion amateur neurosurgeons out there performing surgery for free because they like it. Plus, people expect a certain level of expertise with a surgeon. I run into a lot of people whose idea of great photos are taken with a cell phone and they are happy with that.

I've seen many good (not great) photographers shoot for free or very little, just because they like it and want to "make a sale." Even if it's at cost! For most people, anyone with a professional looking camera is a good photographer. That's where we have to separate ourselves from the average Joes with a new DSLR---myslef included.

Craig

[zepp]

Originally Posted by ShaneKislack

I have not heard of these guaranteed benefits you speak of. Where can they be found?

Actually, Leslie Burns Del'Aqua has a great comeback for anyone that throws that at you. You say, "that's a great idea. But how about this. I'll charge you regular price for this one and give you the discount on the next one?" See how many go for that.

Either way, that's different than Spec.

This isn't something I practice. I was expanding on Joe's question which in itself is not spec related: "But if you were starting out, why wouldn't you submit a photo for free to some of those publications in order to post references like that?" My reply of "guaranteed benefits" down the road was merely a preamble to the more important point I was trying to make, that being, educate your client from the beginning of your worth.

A much better approach is like you state. Discount upon quantity of work. Example - I'll do 11 like shoots with the 12th one free if thats what it takes to close the deal.

Every situation is different in business. Just don't short change yourself at the beginning if your intentions are to do this for a living.

[PeteQ]

Originally Posted by zepp

One might invoice the client as normal and then extend a discount to balance the amount due to nothing. In doing this you would be showing the client, in writing, the normal cost of doing business.

Remember, it’s very hard to convince a client of your worth after you have been giving them a product for next to nothing or nothing at all.

This is a great example and one that I use occasionally. Case in point. I have a two day shoot next week where the client asked about doing an on site simple slideshow of some candids I am taking throughout the event and have it played during the closing luncheon. No big deal, about 10 minutes worth of work for me. I tell them that I will throw it as a thank you to the client. Now when I invoiced the event (sent it prior with the contract) I did show the cost of that slideshow and then a discount of 100%. To them, it was a nice freebie and for me, I got to be a nice guy. For me, it's a no brainer, as they immediately saw the "value " I was giving to them as a way of saying thank you. Yes I gave away a small bit of product, but it was in conjuntion with large sale AND more importantly, they got to see the price tag so there is an intrinsic cost registered in their minds.