Something that we've implemented is to give discounts for pre-paid packages.
We have three price tiers of packages with two packages at each price level. The savings for level one is about $7, level two $10, and level 3 $18-20.
We've only had a few clients sort of balk at pre-paying. They ask about what happens if they don't like any of the proofs, and the answer is that they would get a refund of the print cost (sittings are non-refundable). Those folks usually go ahead and pre-pay.
This approach allows us to leverage the impulse buy AND pays for the printing of packages up front.
Of course, folks have the option to wait, see the proofs and buy A La Carte as well. Our last event was about 95% pre-order and 5% "wait and see."
Depending on your level of confidence, you could also do on-site proofing and print selection & purchase. We've done that at private sittings and at group events. It gets hectic at big, busy events and that is why we implemented the pre-paid package program. Now, we plan on only doing immediate proof viewing for private sittings.
Just FYI, I do mostly pets, but have done some senior portraits and formals of people as well.
Hope this helps
Jim
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