I have posted my senior pricing guide to another forum a couple of times for people who were asking about pricing. I just came across a woman who copied it COMPLETELY. Same collections, names and everything. I am just so annoyed. I know it's not that big of a deal, but it was just intended as a starting point and something to look at-not a free for all! I look at other photog's pricing all of the time, but certainly do not copy it. I spent the time to figure my prices and put my packages together and she just copy/pastes, here ya go!

She is in the midwest, but not directly local. If it was local I would really be steamed. I don't mind borrowing an idea here and there, I guess it's just that she used everything almost exactly as is including sessions and packages. There were 2 very small changes. Otherwise a complete copy.

 Send her an invoice for the pricing consultation.

or

Just drive on and forget it. You have bigger fish to fry.

Dave

 LOL

I commented on the post where she posted her pricing. Thought maybe it was a coincidence that our wallet packages were the same. Then I checked out her site and saw the rest. I did send an e-mail letting her know that I didn't appreciate it. Not sure that it really matters, but I did it anyway.

 I wouldn't write them. What do you gain? What's next? Nothing but drama... you have bigger fish to fry.

Dave

Dave is right.

Except...

I'd hunt her down and beat the crap out of her. Satisfaction without the cost of meds!

Seriously, she's not going to last long. She's copying your prices without knowing what her peronal and business costs are. For that matter, your's as well. What if your costs are less than her's?

If she is that lazy to take someone elses prices without doing the numbers herself, she's doomed. There's your satisfaction right there.

Then again, you can always post a new (fake) price list every montyh or so. Drop the prices to the floor. That should be fun.

-Koa-

shannonc:

I've confronted other photographers about issues before (in a professional, friendly way) and I was very happy I did. Actually turned out well. Dave- That's just how we women are....lol

And what did it do for your business?

Personally if she is not in my market (geograpic area) I wouldn't care at all, though I might get a good laugh out of it.  I would consider it a compliment.  I completely understand your point of view as well, I am just sharing mine.

 Let us know if she responds.

At least she didn't undercut you...not that she's direct competition, but maybe if she hadn't  copied your price list she would be super cheap.  I know a few photographers who have asked me if they could use my price list (which was nice of them) and I don't mind.  Ss long as their overhead isn't more than mine and assuming they don't spend 3 times the number of hours on each client as I do, I'd say go for it. 

I can see how you'd be annoyed, but there's not much you can do.  

It happens here all the time.  You'd be surprised how much copycatting really goes on, especially among some of the most "well known" folks.  Some of it's rather pathetic, and they act like they're the only ones who have done something this way.

I read something by McNally today while waiting for tennis where he basically said it's all been shot and all been done before, so how are you going to do it differently.  Sure, it's not a mind blowing concept, but it's a reality well worth pointing out.  Doing things your own way is the only way, I think. 

I wouldn't get too upset unless they're blatantly ripping shooting concepts or marketing schemes.  Then I might send them a note and say great idea, where'd you come up with that, it's genius!  Just to let them know I'm watching.  

"Borrowing" ideas isn't a concept unique to professional photographers... and I'm sure all of us have "borrowed" some ideas from other photographers on a regular basis.  Getting upset about someone lifting your pricing scheme that isn't even in competition with you is a very wasted effort. ;)

Word.

You guys are so right!

I am focusing my energy elsewhere!!!

 Hey, Devan...I really like your pricing structure....can I use it?!?  Lol.....

 Sure, since I am a pricing genius and am making sooooooo much money...

HA. RIGHT!

I just think it's funny because the ala carte pricing is changed just slightly making the collections much more expensive. Plus I realized I kind of messed up on a couple of my collections after making the pricing. So I am sharing my jacked up pricing with all.

devanmarie:

Plus I realized I kind of messed up on a couple of my collections after making the pricing. So I am sharing my jacked up pricing with all.

haha...nice! 

Dave W:

And what did it do for your business?

Why post anything you don't want others to see/use? How do you know she copied yours exclusively? What if she claimed you copy from her?

jk

Boriken Warrior:

Dave is right.

Except...

I'd hunt her down and beat the crap out of her. Satisfaction without the cost of meds!

Seriously, she's not going to last long. She's copying your prices without knowing what her peronal and business costs are. For that matter, your's as well. What if your costs are less than her's?

If she is that lazy to take someone elses prices without doing the numbers herself, she's doomed. There's your satisfaction right there.

Then again, you can always post a new (fake) price list every montyh or so. Drop the prices to the floor. That should be fun.

-Koa-

HAHAHAHAHAHA!

Yeah baby.

I just don't see how anyone has time to worry about what other businesses are doing.  It will get you nowhere to constantly look over your shoulder.  Do your own thing and keep focused on moving forward.