Im getting a lot of interest for this years Senior portraits. however, the first thing they ask about is of course, PRICES. Now, I have my sitting fees posted on my website and it's very simple. I prefer to keep things simple. But what I'd like to get a feeling for, is how many of you actually post your print prices on your websites for customers to see BEFORE they contact you? I'd like to hear what your reasoning are s for posting them or not posting them. Thanks everyone, and have a happy and SAFE 4th!!! Tony www.collins-photo.com

I don't, but I do allow them access to a recent online gallery to view print prices.  My print prices change every few months and I would never remember to update my website, so it would cause more problems for me!  :)

I only have starting prices posted right now (Sessions starting at $75, prints starting at $22.) I am contemplating whether or not to put basic pricing on the site right now though. I really I get a lot of price shoppers who I never hear from again. Money and pricing is the hardest part of being in business for me! Can't wait to see others responses to this.

I recently took down my print and product pricing.  My pricing page is rather longwinded anyway so I wanted to cut back. I have different pricing structures for portrait vs. maternity vs family pics. I tell people on my site that they can email me for additional info. I've decided to do this b/c my prices change to, especially when I find nicer products and have to charge more.  I think it's true that the more digging people do and want info upfront, are typically not the bigger spenders.

 

J 

I do post them on my website. I now have a "click here" link that links to a printable page. That means they are serious enough in me to have to some to another site just to view my rates.

I shoot on location only right now, so I can't woo them with my CK 1 and sparkling eyes unless we were to meet in a coffee shop somewhere for a consult. I also know that people think I am much nicer in person than on the phone (I can get kinda business-y sounding, so I'm working on that). One last reason I post them is because I am going for the middle to upper market, and if they can't pay my fees, I really don't have time to chat with them. Hmmm...that sounds a little harsh, but I can't get more eloquent on the little sleep I had last night.

I don't have a website, but I have all my print and product pricing laid out on a brochure I can give out to prospective clients.  I want to have everyone on the same page when it comes to expenditure, I'm not looking to surprise anyone or have them regret choosing me as a photographer or try to negotiate with me because they weren't aware of costs up front.  So far it's worked out well, people appreciate transparency.

What I have done is provide prices after the person has filled out a quick questionaire with email address.  The questions are very simple but it lets me know if the person is really interested and mostly I have their email address.  Then I can bug them with promotions that will give them a package that helps close the deal.  I don't have any stats but I think it keeps looky-loos away.  Most people don't ask to be removed from my email list once they get on.

 I just put it all out there... my pricing stucture (for both sessions and prints/products) is very simple and clean cut.  I am too busy with the dance school and photography to deal with price shoppers.  I have never really had a customer try to haggle me or balk at print prices because it is all out there from the moment the look at my site and decide to hire me.  It makes my life a lot easier and the money transactions a lot simpler. 

If anyone here cares to look, you can view my prices here .

Bing

We post ours for kind of the same reason as Bing. At our full time job, we work at night, sleep in the day. I really don't want to be woken up 3 or 4 times a day by people asking what our prices.

 

Sandi

I post only my session fee's and base wedding coverage.

That way, they actually have to contact me if they are interested. I have my entire price guide in PDF and I can send them a link to that.

:)

another Bing theory here.

This IS my full time job and I'm still too busy to deal with price shoppers.  If they're looking for a cheap deal, it's not me and they can move on.

If they want creativity with value, and they can afford me, they will call.  It's just another way of "qualify'ing" your clients.

I agree w/ Bing and Amy. Post it. That way you won't spend extra time dealing w/ customes who are not in the market for you anyway.  I don't publish prices for speciality products, albums, or DVD's though (just prints including enlargements and session fees).  I am reconsidering though after a recent customer was shocked at my DVD price and started viewing my print prices in a different light after seeing it also.  So I may even include those prices on the web so they know exactly what to expect.

 Bing, Bing, Bing...

Double those print  prices today. Your work kicks A$$ and is worth that, at least! I know I paid a lot more locally for some very nice photography, but it didn't have your style and vision. I paid $40 for a 5x7, ala carte, "deal" with the package. 

I'd pay even more for your stuff!

Dave

 

WOW....I knew I'd get some go advise here. thanks everyone for replying. I kinda already knew the answer, but guess I needed to hear it echoed by a few more experienced persons on here. I too am overwhelmed by price shoppers who tend to not come back after getting my print prices, so I think I'm going to post them and be done with it. thanks again everyone!!! tony

inetphotos:

WOW....I knew I'd get some go advise here. thanks everyone for replying. I kinda already knew the answer, but guess I needed to hear it echoed by a few more experienced persons on here. I too am overwhelmed by price shoppers who tend to not come back after getting my print prices, so I think I'm going to post them and be done with it. thanks again everyone!!! tony

 

I think it depends too on what kind of photography you're doing. You don't have to be too specfic. If you say "packages starting at $XXX, contact me for more infomation"  then you can use that opportunity for them to get to know you and be willing to spend higher amounts. 

Dave

 

Dave W:

 Bing, Bing, Bing...

Double those print  prices today. Your work kicks A$$ and is worth that, at least! I know I paid a lot more locally for some very nice photography, but it didn't have your style and vision. I paid $40 for a 5x7, ala carte, "deal" with the package. 

I'd pay even more for your stuff!

Dave

 

 

Not to hijack but I was thinking the same Bing. voice in my head was saying...."wow her prices are close to what mine are......they should definately be higher"  and your album pricing is very low.  I know that you are highly customized and create a unique vision for each client.  But your prices are more in the mid market general photography range.  Not that I know anything about your area.

RedBarn:

another Bing theory here.

This IS my full time job and I'm still too busy to deal with price shoppers.  If they're looking for a cheap deal, it's not me and they can move on.

If they want creativity with value, and they can afford me, they will call.  It's just another way of "qualify'ing" your clients.

So your attitude is "if you have to ask if you can afford me, you can't?"   I don't get that.  I value great photography but, I still would have to find out ahead of time if I could afford to buy prints.  Do you go into a restaurant and order food without knowing the price?  Just because you value great food doesn't mean you can afford it.  I'm just wondering if you accept this kind of thinking from other businesses you deal with?

Linda Drake:

RedBarn:

another Bing theory here.

This IS my full time job and I'm still too busy to deal with price shoppers.  If they're looking for a cheap deal, it's not me and they can move on.

If they want creativity with value, and they can afford me, they will call.  It's just another way of "qualify'ing" your clients.

So your attitude is "if you have to ask if you can afford me, you can't?"   I don't get that.  I value great photography but, I still would have to find out ahead of time if I could afford to buy prints.  Do you go into a restaurant and order food without knowing the price?  Just because you value great food doesn't mean you can afford it.  I'm just wondering if you accept this kind of thinking from other businesses you deal with?

 

Welcome to the forum Linda!

It looks like you misunderstood RBs post. Her prices are posted on line for the world to see...

Dave

 

 Thanks for the welcome.  (not the best way for me to jump in, I'm afraid! Sorry)  I did misunderstand her post.  I thought she meant she was too busy to be bothered by price shoppers.  She did say that in her post.  

Linda Drake:

 Thanks for the welcome.  (not the best way for me to jump in, I'm afraid! Sorry)  I did misunderstand her post.  I thought she meant she was too busy to be bothered by price shoppers.  She did say that in her post.  

 

Hi Linda, and Welcome!  Just wanted to help you clarify what we mean by "price shoppers".   I personally would like for my clients to choose me based on my style and the quality of my work... not my prices. If someone is shopping around for a photographer based on who can do the job for them at the absolute cheapest, without regard for quality of service or product... then I really don' t think we would mesh well in the creative process. 

 

Linda Drake:

Just because you value great food doesn't mean you can afford it.  I'm just wondering if you accept this kind of thinking from other businesses you deal with?

Just because I can't afford to eat at the nicest restaurant with the greatest food and the best service all of the time,  doesn't mean I won't save up for it when I want to go there to remember/celebrate a special occasion....  

bing

 

 

Dave, Mckelle... enough   you guys are too kind!

Honestly, I am one of the more expensive photographers in the area (I live in a VERY small town).  I am probably mid-range for the bigger city area (I live about 20 minutes outside of Memphis).   So far, it works for me (my customers are so kind and trusting and awesome.. just the kind I was hoping for when I priced myself for this town)...  my business is still pretty new though.  I priced myself so I'd have some room to grow a little as I continue to narrow the customer base and figure out what makes me the absolute happiest to shoot.  I definitely don't claim to have it all figured out.... and I really appreciate the encouragement!

Bing

I think we are just confusing terms.  I think anyone is wise to check prices.  Even if you are buying a Mercedes you need to know the cost and determine if you are able and willing to pay the price.  Maybe instead of saying to don't have time for "price shoppers" it might be that you meant you don't have time for "bargain shoppers".  Is that it?

Linda Drake:

I think we are just confusing terms.  I think anyone is wise to check prices.  Even if you are buying a Mercedes you need to know the cost and determine if you are able and willing to pay the price.  Maybe instead of saying to don't have time for "price shoppers" it might be that you meant you don't have time for "bargain shoppers".  Is that it?

You've given me good insight to your experience as a photographer.  I'm learning all I can. 

 I hope you realize that it's not that some people are "willing" to pay but, aren't "able".  (not all, of course)   I know I've lived on a very tight budget for many years and there is a difference between having money and not be willing to part with it and not having the money.  Sorry about those you've dealt with who are difficult. 

 I do appreciate your advice about posting prices and not worrying about who calls.  I'll remember that as I'm getting started.  

Linda Drake:

You've given me good insight to your experience as a photographer.  I'm learning all I can.