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10/31/2007 12:49:52 PM · #1
Hello all. I am working at updating and perfecting my website. I notice that some photographers list their prices and some do not. What are your thoughts on the matter?

As a consumer, I like to know up front what something will cost me, but as a photographer I don't want to lose a potential client who is shocked by the sticker price, especially since under certain circumstances I am willing to negotiate. HOWEVER, I know that a lot of people have in their minds that "if you have to ask, you can't afford it" and not putting prices may scare away just as many clients as prices that are too high.

Help?
10/31/2007 01:26:02 PM · #2
My experience in general is that I like to see the price as well. More often than not when you need to call on something your often fed an upsell which is a huge turnoff and other times you cant immediatly get a hold of someone ading time to your decision making process.

I dont have any solid data to back it up, but I think with everyone freely showing their prics nowdays that you will likely lose more people by hiding your price than making it public and having people suffer from sticker shock. If its hidden and price is an issue then they arent going to like your price regardless of how they find out about it, but if you make them call you, then you waste even more of their time.
10/31/2007 02:20:37 PM · #3
The only thing I've heard about posting your pricing is to also post a date to go along with it. Maybe an expiration date. Something like:

"Prices are subject to change"
"Prices are only in effect for the year 2007."

That way if you have to change your prices due to inflation or cost of business, your customers won't be shocked.

--Armchair Wedding Photographer
10/31/2007 02:32:56 PM · #4
Depends on what type of client you are looking for I suppose. If you want penny pinchers, sure post the price.

If you want the types of clients that want quality photos and don't care what it costs... don't.
10/31/2007 03:28:19 PM · #5
A lot of photographers like to put a 'starting at' price. That way if someone's interested they already have an idea of cost and you can personalize (or haggle!) when they call or e-mail :0)

Trust me, if someone likes your work and they want a better price they will ask! You don't have to wheel & deal mind you but I sure get lots of askers..
10/31/2007 03:59:16 PM · #6
Originally posted by fotomann_forever:

Depends on what type of client you are looking for I suppose. If you want penny pinchers, sure post the price.

If you want the types of clients that want quality photos and don't care what it costs... don't.


Why does price online = penny pincher client?

If there are an abundance of qualified portfolios online of people in my area and most of them have prices that are all very close then why would I waste time calling the couple that dont have prices listed? Ive got ample choices without wasting time with them.
10/31/2007 04:13:06 PM · #7
Why does price = penny pincher client?

Well, let me put it this way... I've seen the photos that some would be clients went for after saying my prices were too high. The average consumer will settle for crap, if the crap is cheap enough ... ie Walmart & Sears portrait studios and Glamour Shots.

Believe it or not, since I took the prices off my site, calls to schedule appointments and weddings have increased. I'm getting better paying weddings and higher end clients.

--------
The other side is that you won't get a chance to pitch the sale to them if they see your prices first and then turn away.
10/31/2007 04:23:10 PM · #8
//a431.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/46/l_b98374f61e8b9dc7cbcad6fda46d9cce.jpg

Here's a fine example of a would-be client that thought I was overpriced

Message edited by author 2007-10-31 16:23:19.
10/31/2007 05:01:25 PM · #9
Thanks everyone for the responses so far. It seems like this is a very polarizing issue.

One photographer that I really admire who lists his rates is Jordan Matter. His headshots cost $900 a session. However, he is at the top of the game here in NYC, so I suppose if he scares off clients with the sticker price, it doesn't really matter. And since he's at the high end of the prices for that sort of thing, it's not like the penny pinchers will be calling him, prices posted or not.

I'm still struggling with the pros and cons of posting rates. My market is mostly young actors in NYC who can't afford Jordan Matter and his $800+ compatriots but want great headshots.

Yikes... that couple would have done well to reconsider their budget, fotomann.
10/31/2007 06:26:28 PM · #10
Agreeing with what you just said... several speakers at the 3-day photographer's convention I just finished attending yesterday said the same thing.

Basically, if you're on the low to middle end and have the time and want to get every client you can ... then don't post your prices. If you're on the higher end, then you want to pre-qualify your clients (i.e. filter out through whatever process available) so that you don't waste your time answering the phone or interviewing clients who will never give you any money anyway. So for those photographers, they suggested posting their prices.
10/31/2007 06:38:13 PM · #11
In most things I purchase (goods AND services), I don't look for the cheapest, but the best value for ME. Quite often, I don't end up with the cheapest.

Having said that, someone who doesn't post prices will most likely be passed over. I am lazy and have limited time - I don't want to spend it chasing someone up just to (possibly) find that their price is totally out of my range.

I sure would love to see a comprehensive vote on this issue - would be interesting to know the result.
10/31/2007 06:43:43 PM · #12
Originally posted by fotomann_forever:

Why does price = penny pincher client?

Well, let me put it this way... I've seen the photos that some would be clients went for after saying my prices were too high. The average consumer will settle for crap, if the crap is cheap enough ... ie Walmart & Sears portrait studios and Glamour Shots.

Believe it or not, since I took the prices off my site, calls to schedule appointments and weddings have increased. I'm getting better paying weddings and higher end clients.

--------
The other side is that you won't get a chance to pitch the sale to them if they see your prices first and then turn away.


I certainly agree with this. If the only thing the potential client is interested in is seeing the price, then more than likely quality isn't big issue with them - they just want it as cheap as they can get it. I've dealt with this kind of client, and I no longer post prices.

I like clients that call and ask to see more of my work, NOT how much I charge for such and such. Since I stopped posting prices, my clientele base has changed considerably for the better. My 2 cents worth.
10/31/2007 06:45:04 PM · #13
Originally posted by LindaLee:

Since I stopped posting prices, my clientele base has changed considerably for the better.

So that is two people in this camp. Anyone else? Anyone see the opposite?
10/31/2007 09:07:22 PM · #14
starting out, i didn't post any prices; if someone was going to go to the trouble of seeking me out, i wanted the opportunity to negotiate a job. for the most part, this worked out with my clients getting good work and me feeling like i was being paid fairly.

fast forward a few years, now when people seek me out, i'm pretty much a known quantity. i don't mind posting some prices for a couple reasons: 1) it helps weed out the bargain hunters, and 2) it lets everyone know that they're starting from the same spot (ie, they're all going to be treated fairly).
10/31/2007 09:36:22 PM · #15
Well I am on the fence as to whether I should post my prices or not. So I will keep an eye on this thread.
10/31/2007 09:55:37 PM · #16
Originally posted by Kaveran:

Originally posted by fotomann_forever:

Depends on what type of client you are looking for I suppose. If you want penny pinchers, sure post the price.

If you want the types of clients that want quality photos and don't care what it costs... don't.


Why does price online = penny pincher client?

If there are an abundance of qualified portfolios online of people in my area and most of them have prices that are all very close then why would I waste time calling the couple that dont have prices listed? Ive got ample choices without wasting time with them.


Well if you REALLY liked the portfolio of the photographer that didn't list his/her prices wouldn't you call? I know I would if I wasn't a penny pincher that is. :P
10/31/2007 10:32:57 PM · #17
Originally posted by yanko:


Well if you REALLY liked the portfolio of the photographer that didn't list his/her prices wouldn't you call? I know I would if I wasn't a penny pincher that is. :P

There is a difference between penny pinching and being unwilling/unable to pay some totally ridiculous amount (which of course is possibly the reason why the price wasn't listed in the first place).

Why should I, as a customer, have to go through that sort of stuff *, when there are plenty of other fish in the sea that don't feel they need to hide their price?

*To explain "stuff" some more: the effort, time and possibly money it takes to make phone calls, which very often end up in talking to a machine, then not being called back, or being called back in the middle of dinner, etc etc etc.
Then, possibly, having to hold back a gasp over some insane price. Trying to say thanks, but no thanks, but the seller doesn't want to listen, keeps trying to convince me how wonderful he is, being very difficult to get rid of. Later, perhaps, follow up phone calls and future junk mail, etc.

The list goes on......

I know that not EVERYBODY will do ALL those things, but it just isn't worth it to me to find out the hard way if this particular one will or won't.

I much prefer to do as much homework as I can via internet. Once I THINK I have found what I want, then is the time to make contact.
10/31/2007 10:37:47 PM · #18
i don't post prices because i only sell framed work
it isn't framed on the web
i also price based on size (4ft panos are $$ compared to a framed 4x6 )
yet i show all on the web site ..
10/31/2007 10:54:46 PM · #19
Price or not...I have prices for most of my packages, but not all the incidentals like prints, framing, etc. There are WAY too many options and at some point I'll be giving too much info for a consumer and a manual for my competition to copy if they so desire.

If you have prices the calls/emails you get are already to buy, or close to it- they've seen your work and know they can afford you.

No prices and you'll get calls asking about price- is this a nuisance or a chance to sell them on YOU and build rapport? Depends on you and what you can deal with. Got a full time job and can't answer every call? Then IMO you're not gonna turn many inquiries into customers. No prices often makes prospects think your too expensive. On the flip side, they can judge your work/packages without having their judgement clouded by price...so some say.

Cut and dried decision, isn't it? LOL
10/31/2007 11:00:15 PM · #20
Originally posted by Prof_Fate:

There are WAY too many options and at some point I'll be giving too much info for a consumer and a manual for my competition to copy if they so desire.


In my market, this has become quite important with everyone trying to undercut everyone. And it is hard to explain to a customer via a web site, this is why I'm being underpriced ;-)

Originally posted by fotomann_forever:

//a431.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/46/l_b98374f61e8b9dc7cbcad6fda46d9cce.jpg

Here's a fine example of a would-be client that thought I was overpriced


How am I supposed to compete with that? LOL

Message edited by author 2007-10-31 23:01:08.
10/31/2007 11:03:22 PM · #21
Originally posted by Beetle:

Originally posted by yanko:


Well if you REALLY liked the portfolio of the photographer that didn't list his/her prices wouldn't you call? I know I would if I wasn't a penny pincher that is. :P

There is a difference between penny pinching and being unwilling/unable to pay some totally ridiculous amount (which of course is possibly the reason why the price wasn't listed in the first place).

Why should I, as a customer, have to go through that sort of stuff *, when there are plenty of other fish in the sea that don't feel they need to hide their price?

*To explain "stuff" some more: the effort, time and possibly money it takes to make phone calls, which very often end up in talking to a machine, then not being called back, or being called back in the middle of dinner, etc etc etc.
Then, possibly, having to hold back a gasp over some insane price. Trying to say thanks, but no thanks, but the seller doesn't want to listen, keeps trying to convince me how wonderful he is, being very difficult to get rid of. Later, perhaps, follow up phone calls and future junk mail, etc.

The list goes on......

I know that not EVERYBODY will do ALL those things, but it just isn't worth it to me to find out the hard way if this particular one will or won't.

I much prefer to do as much homework as I can via internet. Once I THINK I have found what I want, then is the time to make contact.


My only point in that post was if you value the photographer's work so much you'd call assuming of course you are willing to pay more. I understand why the customer would find it beneficial to always see prices posted but it's not always beneficial to the photographer. High prices isn't a selling point so why post it if you don't have to? Like what I said before if you really really like that person's work more so then everyone else you've checked out you'd call that person assuming of course you are willing to pay more which should be implied whenever prices are not displayed. Heck, just look at Amazon.com which makes finding prices on high ticket items a bit harder to view than cheaper stuff. High prices simply are not a selling point.

Message edited by author 2007-10-31 23:06:08.
11/01/2007 12:35:05 PM · #22
I'm not in a position of wanting every customer that calls me... the price they are willing to pay is one factor, but demeanor of the client will be a deciding factor as well.

During the interview (or call if they seem to be impatient), I try to get a feel for the client before price is discussed, if I feel the client is going to be a major pain to work with, the price is going up substantially, in hopes they will search elsewhere. If they take it, at least it will be worth it monetarily for me :-)

I try to put off discussing price as long as possible. I want to show the portfolio, my professionalism and personality before price becomes a factor. Those that push to get to price will likely get a higher quote than those that hear me out. It's just my way of keeping this whole wedding thing as stress free as possible for me.
11/01/2007 12:46:20 PM · #23
Originally posted by yanko:

My only point in that post was if you value the photographer's work so much you'd call assuming of course you are willing to pay more. I understand why the customer would find it beneficial to always see prices posted but it's not always beneficial to the photographer. High prices isn't a selling point so why post it if you don't have to? Like what I said before if you really really like that person's work more so then everyone else you've checked out you'd call that person assuming of course you are willing to pay more which should be implied whenever prices are not displayed. Heck, just look at Amazon.com which makes finding prices on high ticket items a bit harder to view than cheaper stuff. High prices simply are not a selling point.


If your that confident that your online portfolio is sooomuh better than everyone elses and want to take that stand then more powerto you.

My point is that with more and more photog's on the web finding a good looking portfolio isnt that hard. So, if I stumble on your site, and your portfolio doesnt totally blow me away I wont waste time calling you when there are other portfolios that are as good AND they have comparable prices displayed. Sure, I could call you and find out your more, or even less BUT if I already have ample, quality choices I likely wont waste the time.
11/01/2007 03:47:16 PM · #24
Originally posted by Beetle:

Originally posted by yanko:


Well if you REALLY liked the portfolio of the photographer that didn't list his/her prices wouldn't you call? I know I would if I wasn't a penny pincher that is. :P

There is a difference between penny pinching and being unwilling/unable to pay some totally ridiculous amount (which of course is possibly the reason why the price wasn't listed in the first place).

Why should I, as a customer, have to go through that sort of stuff *, when there are plenty of other fish in the sea that don't feel they need to hide their price?

*To explain "stuff" some more: the effort, time and possibly money it takes to make phone calls, which very often end up in talking to a machine, then not being called back, or being called back in the middle of dinner, etc etc etc.
Then, possibly, having to hold back a gasp over some insane price. Trying to say thanks, but no thanks, but the seller doesn't want to listen, keeps trying to convince me how wonderful he is, being very difficult to get rid of. Later, perhaps, follow up phone calls and future junk mail, etc.

The list goes on......

I know that not EVERYBODY will do ALL those things, but it just isn't worth it to me to find out the hard way if this particular one will or won't.

I much prefer to do as much homework as I can via internet. Once I THINK I have found what I want, then is the time to make contact.


For me it's not about "hiding" my prices. The majority of my work comes from word of mouth, and these days, I rarely get asked "how much do you charge for such and such..?" right out of the gate. It's only once we've talked about the scope of the project that we discuss price (and a contract). Most people have heard about me from someone I've worked with, and already have a good idea of what I charge anyway.

I suppose the biggest reason that I don't post prices on my website is that I purposefully limit the projects I take on, and I really don't have a need to post prices.

I know, I know- you're not pointing fingers at anyone, (and I didn't take it that way!), but I just wanted to say that "hiding" prices isn't the only reason people don't post them.

Linda

11/05/2007 09:03:26 AM · #25
By posting your prices, you kind of take away a little bit of leverage that you have. Putting your price right up on your site allows your dollar signs to talk to a potential client before you do. If you need to list pricing, don't go into great detail. Give a wide range of prices, and don't show all your cards right there. Being vague is a better idea in these situations, because then it forces the would be client to call you, which allows you to put your own personal touch and start off the relationship right by showcasing your personality, willingness to come up with the "perfect" solution, and your overall customer service, which they can't get from 0's and 1's on a website.
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