PreSchool Portrait Pricing

[angelsfort]

Hi there! I'm hoping to settle an argument between myself and one of my good friends.

She works at a preschool here locally... and she called me this morning ranting and raving because the company that they have hired to do their pre-school portraits is charging "way too much" for their packages... I told her to bring me one of their flyers and I'd take a look at myself... not that I'm an expert or anything, but I know a teeny bit more than she does about what goes into taking nice portraits - I haven't perfected it yet, but I do know where I WANT to be (when I grow up).

Anyway... when she brought me the flyer, I wasn't nearly as shocked as she was with the pricing. I actually think it's very reasonable. Can I get your opinions on this as well??

Here's what they are offering... 3 different portrait "packages", as follows;

A- (1) 3.5 x 5, (1) 5 x 7, (4) wallets, (8 ) mini's $15.00
B- (2) 3.5 x 5, (2) 5 x 7, (8 ) wallets, (8 ) mini's $22.50
C- (1) 8 x 10, (2) 5 x 7, (2) 3.5 x 5, (8 ) wallets, (8 ) mini's $35.50

they are also selling each item individually (with the purchase of a package only) as well as some other items (mousepad, mugs, etc)

They sound good to me... unless, of course, they take lousy pictures! But we won't know about that until next month...

What do YOU think?

You realise that if you don't agree with me, then she'll never see this entry!!! LOL (just kidding, I can admit defeat... if I really have to!)

[heartseye]

Hmmmm....the prices are, perhaps, a little high.....but then I am in Western Canada. Still I think this kind of work doesnt vary too much. If the work is good, I'd pay these prices....Bob

[angelsfort]

That's funny Bob, she's from Canada also!! She'll be happy to hear that she's got a fellow Canadian on her side!!

[AlexisG]

The prices don't seem too high to me. My brother recently paid $40.00 for 1-8x10, 2-4x6, and 8 wallets for his daughters preschool pictures. But the photographer was really good and he actually made my niece smile (she doesn't like cameras) so my brother was more than happy to pay for it!

[Dacoda Image]

I think this is all going to depend on demographics. I am in a rural area in North Dakota and they seem just a little high, but again if the photographer puts out a high quality product and presents an excellent image, then it would be resaonable even here.

[TimAndrea]

i think that is reasonable, i charge $15.00 per sheet usually. which is 1 8x10, 2 5x7, 4 4x6, or 8 wallets. I give a little kickback to the owner from the sales, they may do the same for the school. you didnt say they were charging a sitting fee which makes a difference. anyway, you are right, this is a good price!

[dougsmit]

My first impression is that the packages include too many photos for the age group. Kids get a new photo opportunity frequently because they change quickly and each shot does not need to be distributed to everyone the know. An option of 'get less for less' would work for families who have small distribution lists.

[angelsfort]

TimAndrea, nope, there didn't appear to be any sitting fee... and I can't tell by the flyer whether they are giving back to the school or not... (I think I'll ask her about that though...)

And dougsmit, you raise an interesting point also... I'm guessing they don't share that mentality.

It does say "ask about special discounts for sibling packages"... so it looks like if there's more than one child from each family, then they at least will get a better rate on the additional packages.

[Phyllisva]

that's alot cheaper than what I paid ....my DD's Pre school packages STARTED at $30.00

[Capturetmoment]

The prices listed are considered average for a "school" type portrait where bulk orders and processing are done.

[jfrancho]

I'm assuming the price is for one pose, and shot assembly line style. Pricing sounds right, perhaps lower than what I'm used to seeing for a "school pictures" type of shoot. Your friend is probably only familiar with Sears or Walmart pricing structure, where you can go in with a coupon and get one 8x10 for $1.99, as long as you don't succumb to the add ons.

[Unkl Buck]

I thought that was reasonable. I don't normally do this kind of session, but if I did, my starting package would be in that range. But I wouldn't give away the farm either. My starting package would be maybe a couple 5x7's and a handful of wallets. Then go from there.

[Nikonfreak]

That's actually cheap from what I see down here in Florida.

Julio

[D.Rodgers]

The local guy here charges $10.00-20 per sheet. CDN

[Danlphot]

Here are my preschool prices:

SUPER SAVER (save $29.25) $ 72.75
PACKAGE A (save $12.75) $ 55.00
PACKAGE B (save $8.25) $ 38.00
PACKAGE C (save $3.75) $ 29.00
PACKAGE D $ 6.75
PACKAGE E $ 6.75
PACKAGE F $ 6.75
PACKAGE G $ 6.75
PACKAGE H $ 9.00
10x13 ENLARGEMENT $ 15.25
5x7 CLASS PHOTO & FOLDER $ 5.75
CLASS PHOTO PUZZLE MAGNET $ 10.00
(8X10)
PHOTO PUZZLE MAGNET (CHILD) $ 10.00
(8X10)
PHOTO SNOW GLOBE/PENCIL CUP $ 6.25
2 PHOTO MAGNETS $ 6.25
2 SNOWFLAKE ORNAMENTS $ 7.25
2 PHOTO KEYCHAINS $ 7.25
5-INCH PHOTO COIN BANK $ 6.25

• Super Saver 1 10x13, 2 8x10, 4 5x7,
8 3½ x5, 48 wallet size, 5x7 class photo
• Pkg. A 1 10x13, 2 8x10, 4 5x7, 24 wallet size
5x7 class photo
• Pkg. B 2 8x10, 2 5x7, 4 3½x5, 16 wallet size
5x7 class photo
• Pkg. C 1 8x10, 2 5x7, 2 3½x5, 12 wallet size
5x7 class photo
• Pkg. D 1 8x10
• Pkg E 2 5x7
• Pkg. F 4 3½x5
• Pkg. G 8 wallet size
• Pkg. H
2 3½x5 individual photos
1 5x7 class photo
1 cardboard photo frame

I took in over $29,000 for the preschool photography part of my business last year. I live and work in a mostly rural area with modest household incomes. A majority of the preschools I photograph are Head Start programs.

Dan