Pixtus - Photography Forum, Photographers, Photo Tips

Rags · **Pricing -** 03-23-2010, 12:30 AM

I would love to hear your thoughts on a situation I am facing. To put things in perspective i'd like to say that I have just photographed 2 weddings but intend to photograph more.

A while ago I was asked by a bride & groom to be, to give them a breakdown of my prices. I did so and they contacted me today requesting that we meet because they did not like my pricing and wanted to have me and them come up with a customized price for their wedding.

I suspect that they want to pay less and request more services from me. My question is; should I tell them that my prices are fixed? Or should I go ahead and customize the wedding to their liking?

Tom · 03-23-2010, 01:03 AM

Make sure you price them well enough to make some money.

Remember that you have to pay taxes. Get a tax ID and charge sales tax. You will pay about 30% of the total in income tax. So if you charged 500, you are getting 350. Subtract out your expenses. Gas, time, batteries, prints, etc. Probably making just a couple dollars an hour after you process the pics and burn them to disc.

Read this:
http://www.stacyreeves.com/photographers-pricing-guide/

texkam · 03-23-2010, 01:03 AM

If you gave them a fair breakdown of your prices, smile and confidently tell them you think your pricing is fair for the quality of your work and if they agree, that you look forward to shooting their wedding. If it's a matter of customizing, fine, listen and re-quote making it worth your while. I would bet they're not talking to many if any one else and if they are low ball price shopping you probably don't want them as clients. IMHO.

PhotoDude79 · 03-23-2010, 01:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thomas Campbell

Make sure you price them well enough to make some money.

Remember that you have to pay taxes. Get a tax ID and charge sales tax. You will pay about 30% of the total in income tax. So if you charged 500, you are getting 350. Subtract out your expenses. Gas, time, batteries, prints, etc. Probably making just a couple dollars an hour after you process the pics and burn them to disc.

Read this:
Photographer’s Pricing Guide Dallas Wedding Photographer Stacy Reeves | Vintage Modern Wedding Photography

Best information... is right here. That guide help me out a lot.... well that and a accountant.

dmcantrell · 03-23-2010, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by texkam

If you gave them a fair breakdown of your prices, smile and confidently tell them you think your pricing is fair for the quality of your work and if they agree, that you look forward to shooting their wedding.

I like this advice. Be confident. Also, don't be afraid to force the "uncomfortable silence" during the verbal negotiation. Say your piece, then stop talking and make eye contact. The side that breaks the silence is usually the one that gives something up.

Redneck · 03-23-2010, 09:32 AM

I think if they contacted you to discuss business, they're already hooked. They must like your work and they consider your pricing to be at least "reasonable". No reason for adjustments. If they ask for more services, I would actually tell them that you need to charge extra for it.

Rags · 03-26-2010, 12:33 AM

Hi people, thank you for sharing with me your thoughts and links. I truly appreciate it.

HotHolly · 03-27-2010, 02:44 PM

We only have flat rate pricing for weddings - aka packages. Pricing is something that takes a LOT of time to come up with numbers that work and packages that sell. By breaking them apart, you loose. Packages are created to be a win win situation for the couple. If you offer a la carte pricing, imho, it should always be much higher than packages. And on weddings, I personally dont offer it at all at this point. We have two packages. Pick one.

PS - Your couple may just want clarification, but they may also be a bargain shopper. Many of the bridal sources are telling brides that no number is concrete and to ask for a bargain. From what Ive seen, the only ones who really do that are the ones that are going to be high maintenance clients. Its a little flag, as long as it isnt linked to some other issue (typo, unclear price list, meeting you, etc).

CaptainTom · 03-27-2010, 02:57 PM

Pretty much the same as what has been said.

Standard package price.....
Never break down the elements because then you will be in a price negotiation forever.
If they want something different you can offer to change out an album for a DVD, etc. but the price remains the same or goes up.
They are told to negotiate. That's fine as long as it lasts one question: " Can I get two albums for the price of one?" "NO you can't".

You can have a package of products that total up to a better deal than your ala carte products. Start putting together special packages for each client and you'll soon go crazy....

mike78628 · 03-27-2010, 07:33 PM

I appreciate hearing all the feedback on the topic. I ran into this before and did the ala carte pricing in addition to some basic packages. Ended up processing a lot more photos and frustrating myself.