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DPChallenge Forums >> Business of Photography >> "Be My Guest"
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Showing posts 26 - 50 of 63, (reverse)
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 05/09/2007 11:43:41 AM · #26
Originally posted by idnic:


Got some good tips here and offline, so reworked the card for a more elegant look with emphasis on the image. Better?

I like it, the only thing i don't like(this is just a personal preference of mine) is the embossing, I've just never been a fan of it.
 05/09/2007 11:46:53 AM · #27
I think I prefer the original back; the newly left-justified text is kind of awkward. Do keep the new "magnetic strip," though.

I agree with making the image bigger, but the layout is kind of wonky. Maybe ditch the "$199 value" bit and make the image slightly smaller - it seems to be crowding out everything else.

One other small suggestion, now that you're revamping it - change the color of the "Be My Guest" and date/sig box to match the tone of the image.
 05/09/2007 12:04:01 PM · #28
Sara - I don't think so, but I will look at the wording to see if I can be more specific..

Hann - got ya on chat ;)

Noise - Thanks, I like it 'cause it matches my logo. lol

Larry - good point, I'd chosen that color because it matched the other photo, I'll keep playing with it.


05/09/2007 12:40:21 PM · #29


Okay.... final version.... I think. :D
 05/09/2007 01:24:51 PM · #30
the back reads to me that they get a complimentary sitting and an 8 x 10 and $199 of other stuff.

It should read this entitles you to a sitting and an 8x10 valued at $199. or words to that effect

(sorry its still hard to type)

Message edited by author 2007-05-09 13:25:23.
 05/09/2007 01:29:28 PM · #31
How about a catch phrase on there like "You can't polish a turd, but you can photoshop it!"

Ok, sorry that was just wrong. You would have to be careful who you gave that one out to.

Message edited by author 2007-05-09 13:30:14.
 05/09/2007 01:38:04 PM · #32
three things quickly:

1) you might want to spend a little more time word-smithing the back of the card. you're heading in the right direction, but i don't think you're quite there...

"This card has a retail value of $199, redeemable only at Penrod Studios for session fees, prints, or other photography services. Call today to schedule your portrait session. Terms and conditions subject to change."

2) the impetus for this was an impending birth...just go on and create a "certificate" for that one customer and be done with that. then you can spend time getting the card just right.

3) by the same token, you can tweak it to death and never be satisfied. get it a little closer, then go on and get it done. just be sure to track who you give them to, and the response you get, and the money it generates. you might even consider making 5 different versions, then testing them to see which one works the best. keep in mind, this is just one part of your overall marketing.

good luck!
 05/09/2007 01:50:45 PM · #33
Thanks for the replies, guys.

Skip, I think Di has the better direction on the wording. I don't want to offer them prints - I want them to buy those (except for the free 8X10). I'll send the family a nice email gift certificate since these wouldn't be in for a few days anyway, so there is no real rush for the cards. I have time to get it right.

Di, thanks for typing one-handed :D

.... polish a turd.... oy! lol
 05/09/2007 01:57:49 PM · #34
That is such an awsome idea!! Thanks for sharing, now don't shoot me if I borrow it!!! :)
 05/09/2007 01:59:48 PM · #35
Originally posted by angelfire:
That is such an awsome idea!! Thanks for sharing, now don't shoot me if I borrow it!!! :)


I wouldn't have shared if I didn't think it a good idea for everyone! :D
05/09/2007 02:12:00 PM · #36
Originally posted by idnic:
I don't want to offer them prints - I want them to buy those (except for the free 8X10).

i know where you're trying to go with this, and that's why you really need to get the words right. the reason i would make it for anything is to give the customer flexibility without it costing anything. i mean, if you're giving out a $200 value, who cares how they spend it? if your average customer pays $200 for a session and buys $200 worth of prints, does it matter which $200 you gift?

or, you might consider re-casting this more as a 'session card' without a printed dollar value, referencing your website for current pricing.
 05/09/2007 02:13:49 PM · #37
How about this for wording?


05/09/2007 02:19:36 PM · #38
Originally posted by idnic:
Originally posted by elemess:
"Nontransferable" is one word. Also, how do you know if it's been transferred? It's easier if you're handing out the card, but if it's doubling as a gift cert, there's no way to know. Not that it really matters.

Otherwise, looks great. Nice and simple.


Thanks! I hadn't noticed that space. Fixed it now. :D

Edit to say, I plan to only give these out myself or sell them myself so I should know who gets them, but no, it really doesn't matter if they get handed off to someone else. I just wanted to discourage it if I can.


About the nontransferable bit, you might be able to discourage it a bit if the cards are numbered and when an appointment is made to use the card the number of the card must be given.

However, without a name it's probably untraceable.

edit: you posted one with the name while I was thinking ;o)



Message edited by author 2007-05-09 14:36:34.
 05/09/2007 02:24:28 PM · #39
Originally posted by idnic:
How about this for wording?


"is redeemable" vs "may be redeemed"

"call 222-222-2222" vs "call the number below"

;-)
 05/09/2007 02:32:31 PM · #40
Another revision (you may have to refresh browser to see changes). Thanks again, Skip. :)

I think this addresses the transferable issue as well.


05/09/2007 02:56:04 PM · #41
Originally posted by idnic:
I think this addresses the transferable issue as well.

Does nontransferable mean I can't give it to my friend or does that mean I can't take it to that other studio one state north? ;)
 05/09/2007 03:04:16 PM · #42
Originally posted by _eug:
Originally posted by idnic:
I think this addresses the transferable issue as well.

Does nontransferable mean I can't give it to my friend or does that mean I can't take it to that other studio one state north? ;)


Yes! lol

Its intended to mean you can't give it to your buddy, or your mama for Mother's day. If you can get the studio up the street to take it, then good for you!! :D


05/09/2007 03:17:42 PM · #43
I just hope that I am lucky enough to get one if I am walking around downtown. I have a feeling that you would skip right by my ugly mug.
 05/09/2007 03:21:48 PM · #44
Originally posted by boomtap:
I just hope that I am lucky enough to get one if I am walking around downtown. I have a feeling that you would skip right by my ugly mug.

Start flash lots of cash and/or hang out with celebrities and politicians, maybe?
 05/09/2007 03:30:31 PM · #45
Or run down the 16th street mall naked. Nah, that wouldn't work either. Nobody wants to see that.

Message edited by author 2007-05-09 15:30:51.
 05/09/2007 04:14:11 PM · #46
Originally posted by boomtap:
Or run down the 16th street mall naked. Nah, that wouldn't work either. Nobody wants to see that.


LOL I'd give you a card for that! :D
 05/09/2007 04:21:52 PM · #47
Originally posted by Skip:
Originally posted by idnic:
I don't want to offer them prints - I want them to buy those (except for the free 8X10).

i mean, if you're giving out a $200 value, who cares how they spend it? if your average customer pays $200 for a session and buys $200 worth of prints, does it matter which $200 you gift?


It would definately matter to me. if I gave them $200 off on the session then I'm just loosing my time. If I gave them $200 off on the product them I'm losing money out of my pocket.
 05/09/2007 04:29:29 PM · #48
Originally posted by angelfire:
Originally posted by Skip:
Originally posted by idnic:
I don't want to offer them prints - I want them to buy those (except for the free 8X10).

i mean, if you're giving out a $200 value, who cares how they spend it? if your average customer pays $200 for a session and buys $200 worth of prints, does it matter which $200 you gift?

It would definately matter to me. if I gave them $200 off on the session then I'm just loosing my time. If I gave them $200 off on the product them I'm losing money out of my pocket.

But you'd get paid the $200 for your time in the form of the sitting fee...
 05/09/2007 04:56:46 PM · #49
Is anyone else singing that damn Disney song from Beauty & The Beast when you see this thread title? I can't get it out of my head! :/

Eug is right, it doesn't really matter how you give the discount as its all a wash in the end; but like you, angel, I too feel better discounting my sitting fee rather than prints.
05/09/2007 07:43:55 PM · #50
Originally posted by idnic:
it doesn't really matter how you give the discount as its all a wash in the end; but like you, angel, I too feel better discounting my sitting fee rather than prints.

if you really want to get anal about it...

your time is the only asset you can never recoup. if you give that away, it is gone. if you 'value' an hour-long session at $200, then you are saying your time is worth $200/hr; so, go on and give that unrecoverable hour away. it doesn't matter, because they're going to buy prints. well, um, what if they don't buy any prints? then you have nothing.

on the other hand, a printable image may or may not be purchased over and over. it's cost? ink and paper--in other words, next to nothing. if you've been paid for your time, who cares if they never ever buy a single print?

that's why i charge for my time and practically give my prints away. in fact, i typically comp most of my subjects a 4x6 as a thanks for their time.

in the end, i guess it doesn't matter. it comes down to figuring out what works best for you. consistently.
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