What percentage sign?

[akimartymar]

Well thanks everyone for the vote of confidence.

[ndsimm]

Having been in the same boat you are in now.....let me agree with the others...
Raise your prices!
You do some great work and to most brides, how long you've been doing this doesn't really matter - it's mainly a question they are told to ask
correct me if I'm wrong, but they are seeing the quality of your work at some point (online gallery, album presentation, etc.) so your expereice should be noted in the quality of your work
As I said, I had the same issue and raised my prices anyway and 2nd guessed myself when bookings dropped and started to take them back down, but I am getting inquiries and bookings for 08 and as my marketing improves, I'll be back on track with the higher prices

[JohnT]

Originally Posted by bondarnes

OK, back to the question. I would say that 50% is probably about average. That said I still think you are way too low on your prices for the quality of work you do. Five hours coverage, online proofing and 100 4X6 prints all for $650.00 is what is killing this industry. You should double your prices immediately.

I agree completely. Your work commands at least double that price.

[Gateruner]

I took a look at your prices and I agree with everyone here. Time to bump them. I took 4x6 off my pricing just because I hate to do them much less charge 2 bucks each.

As for your original question, all of my booking are WOM and thus far I have probably booked about 65% of the inquiries. My focus is coming into 08 as that has been my goal to really put the push on getting the bookings. I have yet to do a show and I suppose that is going to be my next step.

[akimartymar]

Let me make one thing clear about what I said also. Not everyone who inquires with me has signed, and I have had some who even said I cost too much (of course they people surely must be looking to spend the least amount of money possible on a wedding). I have simply managed to get all but 1 of the couples who have actually walked through my door to sign. And Scott, as far as 4x6s, why would you hate doing those? It's the only size that doesn't require cropping and therefor is the easiest to print.

[Dobick]

Originally Posted by akimartymar

In my market my rates as of now are a little less than normal, but I've only been doing this for 2 years. When I go up on my rates in January I will still be far from the most expensive photographer in town, but will be charging more than most.

This is off of the original question, but to the point of your response.

In looking at your work posted on your website, if you consistently put out that level of product, then there should not be any reason that you should not be amongst the top tier providers in your area, and should be charging accordingly. If you charge 4 times as much as you are charging now, and book 1/4 of the clients, you make the same amount of money, have more time to do what you love, as well as increase your level of individual customer service to the ones that do choose you.

Obviously, you are the one that has to make the decision as to what your market can bear as far as pricing is concerned, but what is the top priced wedding shooter in your area offering that you are not? And if they can command those prices, why can't you?