People wanting you to give them a "deal" on your work

[areinholz]

Im sure this has been posted on here before, but lately I've had people who are friends wanting free or reduced photography. This is my job, it's how I help support my family. I don't ask them to do me a favor when it comes to their job. How do you respond without coming across rude?

[danchez]

tell them exactly that, or refer them to a photographer that is in their price range.

[SCone]

"Normally I'd charge $3500... but since you're family, it'll only be $3250"

[Flea77]

Sure, as soon as you can get the bank to give me a "deal" on my car payments, and Exxon to give me a "deal" on my gas, and Entergy to give me a "deal" on my electricity, and get me a "deal" on my rent, and a "deal" on my water bill, and a "deal" from the grocery store, THEN I might give you a "deal" on your photography.

Allan

[Flores]

Ah, the infamous haggler. Nothing wrong with haggling at all. Esp if you price based on the idea that your going to 'allow' yourself to be negotiated down to what your happy with.

Our retail trained society has lost the art of fine tuning the value of goods and services with a good, honest haggling session.

[jkderby]

It is your business and job. It is how you make a living. No reduced price. I'm with Flea77.

[ChrisTX]

I have the opposite problem. I have friends wanting to pay me, but I don't think I'm worth anything, because I'm not a professional. They don't want me to do it for completely free.

[texkam]

I don't ask them to do me a favor when it comes to their job.

Tell them you're looking for someone to help you move and you could trade favors.

[Flores]

Originally Posted by ChrisTX

I have the opposite problem. I have friends wanting to pay me, but I don't think I'm worth anything, because I'm not a professional. They don't want me to do it for completely free.

+1 I'm in the same boat. I have had 3 friends just about demand I shoot their wedding. 'just tell us about how much it would be, so we can put it in the budget.'

I am not real enthused about it, to be honest. I have managed to tell 2 of them no, but one of them simply refuses to accept a no. So, I have to come up with 'a price'.

At least it's an outdoor wedding. At the ren-fest. I think I can get excited and creative with that :)

[brewercm]

Originally Posted by ChrisTX

I have the opposite problem. I have friends wanting to pay me, but I don't think I'm worth anything, because I'm not a professional. They don't want me to do it for completely free.

They've apparently seen your work and believe you are worth the money. Now it's just a matter of figuring out what the value is worth is to both of you.

For me it depends on the family/friend and how I approach it. I'd never charge my immediately family (parents, kids, most sibblings) other than what the prints cost me as long as I have the time. Same with a couple of good friends. Otherwise it's no different than winning the lottery and all the sudden you hear from every "family member/friend" you haven't talked to in years.


Just my .02

[Anthony Martinez]

Originally Posted by ChrisTX

I have the opposite problem. I have friends wanting to pay me, but I don't think I'm worth anything, because I'm not a professional. They don't want me to do it for completely free.

I've found myself in a similar situation recently, but it's somewhat more complicated because I did in fact make a living doing this a few short years ago when it was necessary. The need evaporated, and along with it the willingness to tolerate clients when a price is attached. Still, many approach me with projects or ideas they'd like to do and want to know what it would cost. Assuming it's a project or an idea in which I have some level of interest, I usually respond with 'whatever you think it's worth.' I then note that in the Republic of Anthony, the treasury accepts craft beer and good pizza as currency.

[zachary]

Originally Posted by SCone

"Normally I'd charge $3500... but since you're family, I'll need it in advance"

Fixed, for great justice

[Anthony Martinez]

Originally Posted by zachary

Fixed, for great justice

<like>

[ggeen]

Whenever one has a skill that is in demand, it seems as though someone wants a freebee or a deal. Doctors, lawyers, computer specialist, photographers. No one is immune.

I think that if you explain it to them just the way you did here; this is your job and how you support your family. Many times people do not even think about the implications of their request. I stopped providing free computer work. Well, OK, Mom still gets a freebee. Everyone else I refer to geeks on call and just explain that I do not have the time to work on their computer and that these nice folks over here can get it done quicker than I can get to it. Often a true statement.

[kimberley]

I have a friends and family price list and policie sheet I send out to them when they call or ask for pics...

Its hard the first time you do it but after that it becomes easier..

Family is "first" family does not include cousins whom Ive never meet :)
Friends are someone I would call if and emergency happened

If you dont make that list then I refere them to the website and tell them to look at the website for all my policies, pricing and images to make sure we are a good fit...

This is your job!! You are not a charity....