Quote:
Originally Posted by laurenfitz
Now I get a call from someone who wants a session but wants me to throw in a CD of the photos for the price. What the heck? Um...NO! That will be $500 as stated in my price list.
Why do people always think you are going to GIVE your work away.
|
I just wanted to latch onto this because I've seen it crop up several places here and elsewhere lately and it's bugged me every time. Please take this as explanation, not a personal attack. It's only very, very, very recently that the idea of a set price for any goods and services has become popular, and now suddenly people are becoming insulted if someone questions your price. Bargaining and haggle have recently become considered "cheap" and "rude", but that's a completely new phenomena which only became popularized as spending money conspicuously because a status symbol.
As a consumer, it's their job to get the most use for their money.
As a professional, it's your job to be compensated.
If you want to stick to your price list, that's absolutely fine. Them asking if there's room for negotiation isn't an insult; it's reasonable and prudent. They ask and you either say yes or no, no slight intended.
Bargain hunting for a discretionary service should be expected. What it really means is they value your product and want to figure out if they are able to fit it into their budget. They harder they try to haggle, the more desire they have to actually obtain your goods and services; it's really a compliment.