Do you publish your fee's or not?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Karen Cheney "Flair 4 Words" on September 24, 2010 at 5:28am

Hello Deanna,
I understand your dilemma. I used to leave the cost for services out of my advertising campaigns, but I found that I received more inquiries when I listed them. The positive aspect of listing your service fees is that your prospective clients are more serious about securing your services. Emphasize the unique benefits that you can provide your clients, and any other attributes that set you apart from your competition.

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Permalink Reply by Terry Plank on September 24, 2010 at 9:09am

I've never done it, but it would be interesting to do a test over time to see which approach yields more responses. Since my officiant services don't have the same kind of variables that some other wedding vendors might have I like having "pre-qualified" potential couples who know what to expect regarding fees since I price by ceremony location and state that what all the areas cost. I also have the fees in my email response to inquiries.

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Permalink Reply by Christine Dyer on September 24, 2010 at 9:30am

You may want to check out a previous blog post of mine titled: Helpful Tips & Psychology for Pricing Wedding Services. At the bottom of the blog, there is also a ton of comments from other vendors on this very same topic.

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Permalink Reply by Glenn S. Ferguson on September 27, 2010 at 7:36am

Christine, I don't think your referenced post answered the question.
I prefer to leave the pricing for the consultation but would really like to know if seeing the price listed is a draw. So I think I am going to test this.

But my feeling is that it should not be included in marketing material like brochure unless those brochures are for a specific campaign. As it can becomes confusing if you have to make price changes and your clients are relying on outdated prices....

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Permalink Reply by Maglente on June 7, 2011 at 3:23pm

I agree

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Permalink Reply by Smokey Joe Entertainment on September 25, 2010 at 1:22pm

We generally don't list our fees. We find it's better to discuss that in person and over the phone. Fees will vary depending on circumstance and at first glance, a fee may seem high for someone who doesn't realize the time, preparation and planning that goes into a service.

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Permalink Reply by L Parker Photography on September 26, 2010 at 5:04am

I have never done it either, all of my prices are custom to fit the couple. This lets me talk to them about products and talk about their wedding gettng to know them, then I give a quote and go from there. So far so good!!

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Permalink Reply by Destine 2 Design on September 26, 2010 at 7:22am

Always publish at least a starting price even if your item is custom made. I try to start with a price range, advising perspective clients that it can start at this range and increase. You can see how I list them: http://www.destine2design.com/wedding-invitations/

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Permalink Reply by Heather Sweet on March 3, 2012 at 5:21am

I agree. I always put prices from ....... you may need that flexibility especially with bespoke items which vary in design like mine, and as mentioned here it's confusing when someone refers to an older brochure when prices have changed. I state: prices from ......  on literature just as a rough guide, specific prices given along side any pictures of an item on my site (easily changed) and/or when contacted directly by clients

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Permalink Reply by Dave Austin on September 27, 2010 at 9:54am

This is an ongoing debate which does not apply equally to all businesses. Some businesses or services are familliar to potential clients - they have used them or similar services previously, and have an expectation of what they will be charged and what they will receive in return. However, here at Moonlight Mobile Music, we've learned that when it comes to DJ's, the vast majority of those who contact us have NEVER hired a DJ previously and have absolutely no idea of what to shop for or how much it will cost. To many, a DJ is a DJ - just some guy who shows up and plays some music. I'm sure that each of you reading this forum clearly understand there are professionals, and then, there are others. I understand that when I hire a professional florist, caterer, planner or coordinator, I'm going to pay more for their expertise and experience, and by the same token, expect more of them. In my profession, there are people who will readily DJ a wedding for as little as $150 (that's four hours on-site, set up, break down, travel, etc.) The client who hires these "bottom feeders" (as they are called in the industry) has little or no recourse when there's a problem. Truthfully, at that price, why should one complain? They got about what they paid for.
I spend a lot of time and money for memberships in professional organizations, attending professional seminars and educational programs, professional-grade equipment, etc. It's not things I have to do, but I do it because I care about the product and service my clients receive from me - and because I deeply care about how clients feel about Moonlight Mobile Music when all is said and done
Our challenge as professionals is to make every effort to educate our potential clients. Seize every opportunity to speak before civic clubs, church groups - anyone who will take the time to hear us. Let them know that your product or service is different, better or meets their need. Spell out the difference between you, as a professional, and your competition. Let them know that you are in business and that you want their business. If we don't toot or own horn, no one's going to toot is for us.
Just this morning I received a call from a bride-to-be and her first words were, "How much do you charge?" (How much do I charge for what?) I talked with her for a few moments and determined that mom had put her on the phone to get some prices for a DJ for this young lady's upcoming wedding. It was obvious that price was the sole consideration, so I spent some time giving her some things to look for when hiring a DJ. I concluded by suggesting that she, her mom, fiance, and I have a personal meeting to determine if were were right for each other. Although she agreed that it was a good idea, experience tells me that it will likely never happen. Mom will probably lead her back around to price for the reasons mentioned above.
I do not advertise prices, although they can be found on my website. Price is often the only consideration going through a potential client's mind, and I simply don't sell price. If someone cannot or will not meet my price, I'm probably not the right person for them in any case. I want my customers to uderstand what they are getting when they ask me and Moonlight Mobile Music to be at their wedding, reunion, prom, etc. They will get a professional with years of experience, someone who will be involved with their event planning, who will play music or provide entertainment which will fit the audience, someone will will dress and conduct themselves as a professional, etc. One thing they will not get is a "bottom feeder".

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Permalink Reply by Digital Memories Video on June 7, 2011 at 6:42am

Dave, you are right on spot!!  Many Brides actually don't know how much care and effort goes into the service they have have requested for their special day.  We are a professional video company specializing in weddings and events.  Many don't realize that after the filming there's another weeks worth (or more) of editing involved in taking the raw footage and transforming it into a breathtaking wedding "movie".  We currently don't list our prices on the website for reasons listed throughout this blog, but I think I might list a "starting at" price in the future and see if that makes a difference.

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Permalink Reply by Classy Transportation, LLC on September 28, 2010 at 4:56am

I have always found that an OPEN person is an HONEST person. Classy Transportation is one of only two limousine companies in the area that publish prices. We do this so a customer understands the product and services they are getting at a fair price. Most of my business is weddings and about 30% of that are referrals from other weddings, so these people know each other and will find out if I charged more for one wedding than the other for basically the same service. Keep in mind a customer may want something special and they understand that will cost more. But a competitive starting price will always get you noticed. Once you have built your reputation, price is not such a issue anymore. Customers know who you are and the quality of your service and the price you charge for that service and they are willing to pay it.

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