Do you publish your fee's or not?

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Permalink Reply by Desert Light Weddings on June 7, 2011 at 3:35pm

This has been a topic of debate here (photographer and planner in the household), but I decided to put my package prices on my site and here is why...when I am shopping for something and also when I am researching for my customers if there is not a price listed, I move on.  If you are a vendor I know or have worked with before, then I will ask for updated pricing, but if I don't know a business and no prices I just go on to another one.

 

Robbie

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Permalink Reply by Kelli Noel Crannell on June 7, 2011 at 4:06pm

I specialize in Day of coordination and I do list my price for that particular pacakge.  I also have various "extras" that they can add and build their own package and those fees are based on number of people, location and date.

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Permalink Reply by Rachel Wattson Photography on June 7, 2011 at 5:47pm

Starting price is the way to go.  If a client knows what your lowest package is they know if you are even in their ball park budget.  Pitch first then give them a full price list.  Some are willing to bend their budget once they see what you can do and how great you are.

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Permalink Reply by Marvin de Guzman on June 7, 2011 at 5:57pm

In our experience, we tried it before only to find no phone calls afterwards after they saw the price list.  Even with a follow up.  But we still keep trying.

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Permalink Reply by Rachel Wattson Photography on June 9, 2011 at 4:45pm

Being a photographer is tough because there is always someone who will undercut you or worse just give them a disc when the day is done!  I am finding that to be the biggest struggle.  Everyone wants the digital images so they can "print it themselves"  Then they go to Costco, get it done on substandard paper with a substandard printer and... need I go on??  When you follow up try to offer a "bonus" to a couple who is on the fence.  Like a free 30 minute engagement session, a $75.00 print credit, a CD of all images ready for the web (branded/watermarked of course) so they can post on FB and twitter, or a bonus hour if they book 7 hours with you (if you charge hourly).  Keep trying!

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Permalink Reply by Marvin de Guzman on June 10, 2011 at 4:10am

Hi Rachel!  Its a rough industry specially digital cameras are within reach to consumer. Yes this is probably another topic but would you agree if you setup a pricing list that they can build themselves, would it be more appealing?  Part of they have control solution?

 

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Permalink Reply by Rachel Wattson Photography on June 11, 2011 at 7:40am

If you give a customer TOO many choices they become overwhelmed.  Couples do want guidance and they want a starting point.  I have found if you create 3-4 packages and then give them the choice to add to it or trade out what they would rather have works best.

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Permalink Reply by Carol J. Merletti on June 7, 2011 at 6:00pm

I agree with Melissa. I get more clients because I do have a FEES link on my website. The biggest complaint that I receive from clients is that they viewed the websites of other wedding officiants and left the site once they did not see the fees posted. Lots of them have told me that when they called, they were quoted two-three-four times the prices that Justices in Massachusetts are allowed to charge. It is shocking when I hear what they quote them.

 

In Massachusetts, fees for a Justice of the Peace are set by the Governor's office. Many couples getting married do not know this, and many Justices of the Peace do not share this information with couples. I personally do not agree with this. In fact, one Justice asked me to remove it from my website, and I point blank said no.

 

I am bombarded with requests from clients for my services, so much so that I have to recommend other officiants to them because I am already booked. Having many clients is more important to me than charging high fees, and not having as many clients.

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Permalink Reply by A Bridal World on June 8, 2011 at 3:21am

For some bridal businesses it is important to put prices, and for some it's not. I know when I was a bride it was important for websites to have plenty of information about their services, the more pictures the better, and prices were always a plus. It was also important to me to Google for reviews of a company to see what others thought of them. As a vendor in the bridal gown industry, we are constantly being bombarded with the price question, especially from girls who only shop by price. That's all we hear from both brides and wedding professionals - post your prices. We have found that having prices on our website is not so helpful when selling our products; in fact, many manufacturer's have started to crack down on anyone posting prices for their products, including the internet discounters. So for us the answer was to put a range of what our products cost. This way the brides have a general idea of what to expect when they come to our shop. We have found this has worked best for us. Remember, when the girls hear or see a price, the first thing they think is that they have to find the lowest price possible. If you choose to list prices, then this is where you have to emphasize the value of your product, why you're different from your competitors, and why it costs what it does.

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Permalink Reply by Janis Flagg on June 8, 2011 at 4:28am

Just a side note.  It's good to remember that often brides will ask about pricing simply because they don't know what else to ask or where to begin a conversation.  I think that really want to know what you can do for them by solving their problems or answering other questions about the whole process.  It's how you make them feel as much or more than anything.  A good website will entice them to you.

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Permalink Reply by Robert Bonham - Wedding DJ/MC on June 8, 2011 at 5:00am

Excellent point Janis. A from - to price range is what I find works best. Often I find they want more than the cheapest package once we meet. The key is to get the meeting.

 

Robert Bonham

Professional DJ & MC

Music De-Lite

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Permalink Reply by Ron R. Porras on June 9, 2011 at 6:07am

As a wedding officiant in San Diego my leads also turned quickly to qualified leads the minute I listed my prices. I found an interesting pricing idea from one of my competitor's who offers a discount price if he does not have to meet with the client in person. This is helpful for the budget minded couple and a plus to keep our costs down considering the price of gas today. I try to encourage my couples for a video chat via Skype. As an officiant, what I do is basically the same from couple to couple, so why should the price change depending on the venue and the amount of guests? Rev. Ron of San Diego

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