Do you publish your fee's or not?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Ann Wright on June 7, 2011 at 5:55am

That is a very good point Carrell.

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Permalink Reply by PortaPocket (Kendra Kroll) on June 7, 2011 at 5:15am

at risk of being off topic, Deanna...I'd first offer that it might be best to ensure your website has no grammatical errors whether listing pricing or otherwise. That way the best "face" is maintained from the start. You know what is said about a first impression!  (here...the word fees does not have an apostrophe.  The use of 's indicates a possessive which is obviously not your intent.  Just trying to help :)

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Permalink Reply by Soiree Key West on June 7, 2011 at 5:15am

I don't post my fees on my website. I only list the details of the packages I offer. I believe listing the fees on the website will not draw in your prospective clients as they will see the fees and maybe move on to the next provider that will give them a lower rate. I always say, don't post as this will entice the potential couple to contact you to get further information and the price. At that time, you can begin your presentation and draw them in then ending with a final booking.

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Permalink Reply by DW on June 7, 2011 at 5:19am

Hi, does anyone have any opinions on whether bridal shops should display their prices? We're a wedding gown bridal shop, and we don't display our prices because it means people can easily compare one site to another to find the lowest price.

 

That doesn't account for the additional services we provide, but the brides don't see that in the price.

 

If we listed the prices, however, it would also better qualify the potential customer so we weren't necessarily the ones who are left with the process of explaining the market to them...

 

Thanks,

Dave

 

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Permalink Reply by SEAMS on June 7, 2011 at 5:31am

I think it's only fair to post them! My Custom Orders begin at $X., with many averaging at $Y.

It's honest business and saves the Bride and me wasted time designing something out of her budget.  When I didn't have the info on there, we had a few Brides freak out in the meeting over what their dream dress would cost and it was not a good scene for either of us.  She can get over the sticker shock in her own space, shop around and call me when she realizes that it's simply what Custom is going to cost or she can hit a Sample Sale.

Makes it easier for me to close the deal since she's 99% ready when she walks in my door :)

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Permalink Reply by Ann Wright on June 7, 2011 at 5:54am

Every wedding or event is unique.  You can always list pricing without getting to specific by using a phrase like “DOC starting at $....” or “Full service party planning starting at $...”.  This should let the potential client know that some pricing is up for negotiation or based on the number of guest or any other criteria that you set for you pricing.  We find that this works well and leaves (wiggle) room for negation.

We place our pricing in our brochure which we still deliver the old fashioned way, US Post.  We like the Bride and Groom to have somthing in their hands instead of loosing us somewhere on the web.

Ann

Events To Remember

Southfield, MI

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Permalink Reply by Honeymoon Islands on June 7, 2011 at 6:08am

I think it's a smart idea to have your package price list options posted this helps the client know your worth in advance.

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Permalink Reply by Martin Gammon on June 7, 2011 at 6:33am

I have decided that a guide to what they might pay is a good idea. For example, a phrase like: "Most of my clients spend at least £xxxx on their wedding photography although my packages start lower and there are discounts for midweek and off peak weddings". That way if the guide is way over their budget they won't call but if they were thinking of something closer they might. (Although I would not print prices in your brochure unless you are only going to print enough for a season.)

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Permalink Reply by Sheri Thomson on June 7, 2011 at 7:17am

When I first started my business, I did not post my rates and got a lot of price check calls. Since I still work fulltime, I found it easier and more beneficial (for me personally) to list my prices. I know, most people worry about being shopped,( I worried too) but with or without listing the price you will still be shopped, and not Just by customers, but other vendors. Make sure that what ever you decide, Remember it is more important that you can promote and sell yourself and your service in such a way so that your clients will want to go with you because of you and the price is secondary. If you are doing permanent ads like brocghures, it is a safer bet to use prices that say "starting at". That way if someone has older material on your business, you do not get boxed into a price that no longer reflects your experience and worth. Good Luck!

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Permalink Reply by Ann Wright on June 7, 2011 at 1:31pm

I agree with you Shari, this would be a good way to do things.

 

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Permalink Reply by Larry James on June 7, 2011 at 9:00am

As a Wedding Officiant, I do post my fees on my Website, however, my experience has been that most people don't take the time to look for the link to the fees.  The fee link is visible on every page but is usually overlooked.  I would rather they call and allow me to talk with them about the benefits of using my services. 

 

I live in Scottsdale, AZ and provide wedding services throughout the greater Phoenix area (the 5th largest Metro area in the US) and all of Arizona.  My fee varies depending upon the location of the venue.  I post my lowest fee on the fee page plus other fees for all of the numerous cities surrounding Phoenix and in AZ.  I also have an availability form that captures all the info I need to have a informative conversation with them (it does not address fees) that says:  

 

Because of the many details involved in planning, preparing and customizing my romantic wedding ceremony, a fee quote for your wedding is available ONLY after a no pressure, no obligation telephone consultation and after I have spoken with you about the numerous details of your wedding that may affect the fee.

 

Sometimes they call and sometimes they don't.  However, my calls increased significantly after I put the availability form up.  I agree that if they call and the first question is, "How much do you charge?' it's a toss-up as to whether I will book the wedding.

 

Celebrate Love!

Larry James

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Permalink Reply by Kristina Rios de Lumbreras on June 7, 2011 at 9:21am

We list a "packages beginning at X" on our website.  We tested for a few months taking it off and our sales dipped so we put it back, and some prospective clients also told us that when they see a website with no pricing they feel it's probably out of their league so they move on to another vendor. 

 

Our website mixes more upscale with more moderate menus/concepts and images and this seems to work for us to bring in the greatest mix of clients, both the upscale and those with more moderate budgets but that we can still work with fee-wise, to optimize our monthly business cash flow.

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