Do you see a pattern? Red flags?

[Howard Barlow]

Yea I know, She works next door to me I have done numerous portrait work with the office through her. This is why I made the exception. Guess it finally caught up to me...

I allowed them to purchase an add-on product (that was only available with the purchase of a large print) b/c it was needed ASAP. I almost said no, and made them wait, but they had been so nice. So I allowed them to order it at the really cheap add on price without the main product purchase. (I know, just shoot me. I never learn)...

Does anyone see a repeating pattern here? We see these types of posts on a regular basis.

In most cases, as highlighted in red, the poster admits they knew they were making a mistake the whole time they were making it.

OK, pay attention, folks, look at me, listen....

IF YOU MAKE AN EXCEPTION TO YOUR POLICIES, IT WILL BITE YOU.

I know, I know, it can be difficult to say no. However, try it, you'll like it. It gets easier, as you develop the 'nerve' to run you business, rather than caving to the client's attempts to run it.

If you feel uncomfortable now, and worry about offending a client, just think how it will be after the fact. Once the exception is made, you and the client are in the mire. You will, inevitably, make them mad by trying to get them to be responsible. As Holly said, they lady admitted ducking her. It DOES NOT get better.

Sorry, but business is business. It is better to send someone away before you start, even if they are unhappy about it, than end up in a big battle, where you both come out ready to kill the other.

As I have said before, are you running a business, or a ministry? Either is fine, but make the decision. NOW.

BTW, this is not aimed at Holly or Mike, personally, just a general observation.

[HotHolly]

I'll be the 1st to admit I'm stupid. I make this mistake about every 11 months or so. I also call it - 'being nice.' I show compassion to some poor schmuck who pleads they deserve it...and they dont.

And people wonder why Im so hard-assed in my policies. HELLO?!?! When Im not that kinda stuff happens.

I have another shop and we HAVE to stick to written contracts and such. Many people expect you to be lenient b/c you are a mom & pop shop. They dont get that the policies are in place to protect them too.

If you have no policies, make some and write them down. And then dont fall for the sob stories and the big Bambi eyes.

[blazinphotography]

I agree holly.

Howard; I do not take offense to this, never again will I do this. What a learning expirience

[srwatters]

How about simply chalking it up to experience and not broadcasting the fact that you made a mistake? A bit cavalier on my part, but I never understood what was gained from the 'poor me' stories...

[HotHolly]

OK, they arent really 'poor me' stories. In my post I was checking to make sure it wasnt me who was off-base. Sometimes I wonder if Ive lost touch with reality, so I ask what the rest of you are doing.

I talk to photogs and bridal shop owners all day. My perspective is shifted toward the biz owner, obviously. Anyway, when one is frustrated so badly that they cannot see straight...I find it VERY helpful to disengage from the situation and ask others if they think Im being a schmuck. I know some of you on here will gladly tell me.

Another thing...the posts where Ive got bitten in the butt - there are other people who I did make exceptions for and they are die-hard loyal clients because of it. Its when you choose the WRONG ONES that you end up with the client from hell.

[Tom]

Originally Posted by srwatters

How about simply chalking it up to experience and not broadcasting the fact that you made a mistake? A bit cavalier on my part, but I never understood what was gained from the 'poor me' stories...

I left prophotogs because that seems to be 95% of the posts that weren't people patting each other on the back.

[ADP Photography]

"No one can make you feel inferior without your permission." Eleanor Roosevelt

"No one can take advantage of you without your permission." Jennifer Shannon (I'm sure others have said it before me)

One of the biggest lessons I have had to teach myself is that my time and talent have worth. When I discount my pricing to "help someone out", I am not just reducing my profits, I am discounting my worth in the clients eyes.

So you have to ask yourself... what are you worth? (Think NET not GROSS... taxes, health & business insurances, rent, commission, assitant fees, babysitting cost, equipment upgrades, gotta have that new L lens, travel expenses, association fees, electricity and all those other overhead costs right down to the cup of coffee you buy your client.)

[srwatters]

My comment was not pointed at anyone in particular. And not even so much on this forum or photography forums in general. I see it all over the Internet from car forums to audio to who know what.

"Better to keep your mouth closed and be thought a fool than to open it and remove all doubt"

Can't find an individual to attribute that quote to, but my dad said it a few times...

[ADP Photography]

Originally Posted by srwatters

My comment was not pointed at anyone in particular. And not even so much on this forum or photography forums in general. I see it all over the Internet from car forums to audio to who know what.

"Better to keep your mouth closed and be thought a fool than to open it and remove all doubt"

Can't find an individual to attribute that quote to, but my dad said it a few times...

I had a whole bunch of teachers tell me that growing up... I wonder why?!

[ggeen]

Originally Posted by srwatters

My comment was not pointed at anyone in particular. And not even so much on this forum or photography forums in general. I see it all over the Internet from car forums to audio to who know what.

"Better to keep your mouth closed and be thought a fool than to open it and remove all doubt"

Can't find an individual to attribute that quote to, but my dad said it a few times...

Mark Twain.

Also, "you will never regret your silences" -Plato

[srwatters]

Originally Posted by ggeen

Mark Twain.

Well that is somewhat in question (at least according to a couple of sites I browsed.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/in...2182838AABluIO

&

http://ask.yahoo.com/20010115.html

I tend to agree... YMMV

[Jeff Lane]

Holly the Hottie makes an interesting observation:

Another thing...the posts where Ive got bitten in the butt - there are other people who I did make exceptions for and they are die-hard loyal clients because of it. Its when you choose the WRONG ONES that you end up with the client from hell.

I have a problem being a "nice guy" [nee "sap"] myself. I'm way to easy giving unnecessary exceptions to clients, or throwing in too many discounts for no good reason, or just not billing for stuff I work hard at when the outcome (through no fault of my own) is less than ideal. That's a terrible strategy for anyone in any business wanting to make a living, especially for a lawyer (whose outcomes are absolutely dependent on lots of things outside the lawyer's control, including but not limited to the client's own actions or omissions).

One thing I've done to try to impose some discipline on myself is to make my usual "exceptions" into formal policies, state those policies up front, and then post notes everywhere to remind myself not to be a sap.

Maybe that would help here, too. Sit down and write yourself a narrative about all the times you've given an exception and it turned out well, and all those that turned out badly. Look for a pattern, then "institutionalize" the exceptions that are most likely to turn good clients into ardent, loyal fans, and then find a way to remind yourself to make all the other exceptions strictly forbidden.

Good luck, all