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10/20/2009 03:00:29 PM · #1 |
| I have always had a policy of taking 75% before the wedding date although some photographers take only 50%. Sometimes it's hard to get money from people after the wedding day so 50% seems too low. My packages range from $1000 to $3000, so not a huge profit margin. Do you take less before the wedding date?...also when do you get the balance? |
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10/20/2009 04:32:05 PM · #2 |
| I take 50%, then the balance is due as soon as I show up for the shoot. |
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10/20/2009 04:33:30 PM · #3 |
| $500 non refundable deposit with the balance due 4 weeks before wedding date. |
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10/20/2009 04:41:44 PM · #4 |
I ask for 1/3 deposit to reserve the date - 1/3 due 8 weeks before wedding date - 1/3 due no less than one week before wedding date. If the last payment hasn't been made, I don't shoot.
I spend a good deal of time on DWF.com and its standard practice among most to collect all fees before the wedding date so you don't have to bother the B&G on day of for that last payment. Also, have read too many horror stories about ppl who shoot anyway when the last payment is still due and it takes weeks or even months to get it.... some never do. Once the wedding is over, B&G are much more difficult to get wedding-related expenses from.
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10/20/2009 05:12:28 PM · #5 |
| 20% booking fee to secure the booking - remainder payable 60 days prior to the ceremony - if they miss the 60 day deadline it gives me ample time to send the client a gentle reminder letter - works well for me! |
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10/21/2009 06:40:53 PM · #6 |
| Do you guys think that it makes a difference if the B&G has an Album included in there package? Should you take less upfront because you have to deliver an album? |
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10/21/2009 06:46:09 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by dexphotos:
Do you guys think that it makes a difference if the B&G has an Album included in there package? Should you take less upfront because you have to deliver an album? |
Nope, not at all. Same rules apply whether they order an album or not.
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10/21/2009 06:50:28 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by idnic:
Originally posted by dexphotos:
Do you guys think that it makes a difference if the B&G has an Album included in there package? Should you take less upfront because you have to deliver an album? |
Nope, not at all. Same rules apply whether they order an album or not. |
Ditto.
Our initial payment to "hold the date" is $500. The balance of the package and options is due 30 days before the wedding. Doesn't matter what is in the package. It's 30 days before the wedding. Period.
Some people like to "forget", so we send out reminders. |
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10/21/2009 07:32:17 PM · #9 |
I require a $1000 deposit to reserve the date. Then 50% of the remaining balance 90 prior to the wedding, then the remaining balance is due 14 days prior to the wedding.
Message edited by author 2009-10-21 19:34:21. |
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10/21/2009 10:57:02 PM · #10 |
Originally posted by Travis99:
I require a $1000 deposit to reserve the date. Then 50% of the remaining balance 90 prior to the wedding, then the remaining balance is due 14 days prior to the wedding. |
What exactly does a wedding couple get from you for a wedding package starting at $8500.00? |
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10/22/2009 01:20:20 AM · #11 |
Originally posted by Dirt_Diver:
Originally posted by Travis99:
I require a $1000 deposit to reserve the date. Then 50% of the remaining balance 90 prior to the wedding, then the remaining balance is due 14 days prior to the wedding. |
What exactly does a wedding couple get from you for a wedding package starting at $8500.00? |
How did you get $8500 from that? |
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10/22/2009 02:38:11 AM · #12 |
| I take 50% of the package price, as a non refundable booking reservation. The sooner they pay, the sooner they know they have me booked. Tends to help speed things up. Then the remainder upon delivery of images and such. So far I have had no complaints or problems. Knock, Knock. |
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10/22/2009 04:10:45 AM · #13 |
Originally posted by Spazmo99:
Originally posted by Dirt_Diver:
Originally posted by Travis99:
I require a $1000 deposit to reserve the date. Then 50% of the remaining balance 90 prior to the wedding, then the remaining balance is due 14 days prior to the wedding. |
What exactly does a wedding couple get from you for a wedding package starting at $8500.00? |
How did you get $8500 from that? |
It says on his website wedding packages start from $8500.
Message edited by author 2009-10-22 04:11:15. |
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10/22/2009 04:23:58 AM · #14 |
Originally posted by Simms:
Originally posted by Spazmo99:
Originally posted by Dirt_Diver:
Originally posted by Travis99:
I require a $1000 deposit to reserve the date. Then 50% of the remaining balance 90 prior to the wedding, then the remaining balance is due 14 days prior to the wedding. |
What exactly does a wedding couple get from you for a wedding package starting at $8500.00? |
How did you get $8500 from that? |
It says on his website wedding packages start from $8500. |
Ahhhh, I thought there was some mathematical magic going on.
If he can get that much and his clients are happy...more power to him.
Message edited by author 2009-10-22 04:24:46. |
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10/22/2009 04:09:40 PM · #15 |
Originally posted by Spazmo99:
Originally posted by Dirt_Diver:
Originally posted by Travis99:
I require a $1000 deposit to reserve the date. Then 50% of the remaining balance 90 prior to the wedding, then the remaining balance is due 14 days prior to the wedding. |
What exactly does a wedding couple get from you for a wedding package starting at $8500.00? |
How did you get $8500 from that? |
engagement session
8 hours wedding day coverage
2 photogs
20 page album
disk of wedding images
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10/22/2009 04:15:20 PM · #16 |
Originally posted by Travis99:
Originally posted by Spazmo99:
Originally posted by Dirt_Diver:
Originally posted by Travis99:
I require a $1000 deposit to reserve the date. Then 50% of the remaining balance 90 prior to the wedding, then the remaining balance is due 14 days prior to the wedding. |
What exactly does a wedding couple get from you for a wedding package starting at $8500.00? |
How did you get $8500 from that? |
engagement session
8 hours wedding day coverage
2 photogs
20 page album
disk of wedding images |
Travis, may I ask how many images (roughly) you put in each album and also what manufacturer you use - I am expecting one of the high end ones like Jorgensen, Queensberry or Albums Australia for that kind of $$$
Also, can I ask, when you bumped your prices up (you are certainly higher end of the market) did you find your bookings dropped, or fdid you just attract a higer class of customer? Also, do you find they are happy to spend more time on the day having formal portraits of themselves done than when you charged less?
Just a few things I am turning over in my head at the moment regarding my fees and it would be great to hear from someone charging the rate I eventually aspire to charging my customers. |
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10/22/2009 04:33:10 PM · #17 |
I use Finao albums and I put about 20 to 30 images in a a 20 page album. But I usually predesign and upsell them another 30 pages or an additional album all together.
If you raise your prices you are not going to be shooting as many wedding as say someone who is charging $800 to $1,000. But I guarantee you will be shooting in much nicer venues and people will respect your opinion more. As far as the formal portraits, your clients are paying lots of cash for your services and your opinions. So not only do the enjoy it more, they pretty much give you freedom to take photos how ever you want. (most of them, lol).
Also think of it like this. If you were going out to buy a Ferrari, would you stop by the used car lot on the way?
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