Pricing On Website

[joshranwest]

Hello everyone, once again I have a quick question, that I cannot find an answer for on the forums. I am in the middle of the road with this one.

Do you put your portrait/wedding prices on your website, or do you let clients email you to ask for your prices? I have done both, and I dont know which technique is better. With the prices on the website, you are pre-qualifying the client, they know how much you are, and the "bad news" is out of the way. Usually when they email you, they are ready to book (key word usually)! If you let the potential client email you to ask how much you charge, thats an instant sales lead. My problem, is everytime I email those clients who ask how much I charge (which when I email them, I do a nice sales presentation, complete with a quote) I only hear back from 1 out of 5. Its getting old, and I am tempted to put the prices back on my website.

Just wondering what you guys do out there. Thanks!

[therosefairy]

I have the prices listed on my site as, like you said, it pre-qualifies clients. Also, when I was looking for a photographer for my own wedding I disregarded most people w/out prices listed. I hated the idea of emailing or calling all the people I was looking into just to get the prices. I know there are mixed feelings all the way, but personally I am completely for showing your prices.

[brian.austin]

Get them on the phone or in person before you start quoting prices.

If you're selling pictures, sure, quote away or post your prices.

If you're selling a service that captures once in a lifetime experiences, with the expertise and charisma to make the day just a little more special, you don't deliver this type of information without establishing a relationship with the client. And relationships don't start via e-mail.

[Jess]

the first thing I do when I am searching for something online is to look at the prices. Isn't that what comparative pricing is for. If you needed to personally contact every business online to find out the prices of the "newest-must-have lens", are you going to contact each one personally, or do you want to shop around?

I believe prices should be online, even from a different buyer's perspective.

[joshranwest]

Awesome, thanks for the input everyone. I have added my prices to the website. Great points about shopping around.

[taygull]

Originally Posted by Jess

the first thing I do when I am searching for something on line is to look at the prices. Isn't that what comparative pricing is for. If you needed to personally contact every business online to find out the prices of the "newest-must-have lens", are you going to contact each one personally, or do you want to shop around?

I believe prices should be online, even from a different buyer's perspective.

A lens is a lens....allthough I pay 15% more for my camera gear because of the relationship I have with my local dealer. I've more than made up the difference in warranty items, last minute needs, no charge on rental equipment, etc...

hmmm...I wonder if you also shop for medical care by who provides the cheapest care?

[Jess]

taygull, do you shop at Amazon or check prices for anything through pricegrabber or whereever?
My point was, that by having prices online, he could weed out people who couldn't afford him, or the people who absolutely love his work, would be able to see if he was in their price range.

Camera, I buy locally. Lenses or CF cards can be bought online!

[Unkl Buck]

I have a starting price listed on the website. I don't give them the ability to download a full price list. Why? Then you put yourself in the arena of choosing you based on price, imo.

[taygull]

Originally Posted by Jess

taygull, do you shop at Amazon or check prices for anything through pricegrabber or whereever?
My point was, that by having prices online, he could weed out people who couldn't afford him, or the people who absolutely love his work, would be able to see if he was in their price range.

Camera, I buy locally. Lenses or CF cards can be bought online!

I don't check prices through Amazon or price grabber on "important items", these would usually be items I have to make a living with....

I usually narrow my search to those whom I trust to buy from then, if the price is close I'll buy from who provides me the most overall value...which is usually a local shop.

[Mark McCall]

Originally Posted by Jess

the first thing I do when I am searching for something online is to look at the prices. Isn't that what comparative pricing is for. If you needed to personally contact every business online to find out the prices of the "newest-must-have lens", are you going to contact each one personally, or do you want to shop around?

I believe prices should be online, even from a different buyer's perspective.

Jess,
Your comparing apples to oranges. You can't compare a client's price shopping with equipment shopping.

A Canon lens is the same quality at B&H, Samy's, Arlington Camera, New York, ect. ect.
See where I'm going with this? It's the same lens. It makes sense to price shop.

But not all photography is created the same....there are differences in quality and price.

[Mark McCall]

Originally Posted by Unkl Buck

I have a starting price listed on the website. I don't give them the ability to download a full price list. Why? Then you put yourself in the arena of choosing you based on price, imo.

EXACTLY.

There are three levels to every type of business...Good, Better, Best.
The price usually dictacts which one your buying.

Do you want to be the Hyndai dealership, or do you want to be the Cadillac dealership?

Ecomony shoppers will always ask how much....but not Cadillac buyers. They know what they want. Price is an afterthought with them.

The beauty of this business is that you choose what level of product you are, not your clients.

[joshranwest]

So true Mark. Great advice and tips everyone. Lots to consider with this. I have seen both sides of the fence. The economy shoppers and the ones who dont care about price. I am trying to figure out how to attract more of those buyers who dont care that a session fee is this much money, or an 8x10 is this much. The economy shoppers are starting to, lets put it nicely, nickel and dime me to death. So maybe I should throw the starting at prices on the website, instead of lisitng them all. Hmmm.