Listing Prices Vs Call for Prices

[Joe Butch]

Do you think it is better to have your website list prices of packages or call for prices? I believe I've seen more people not showing prices.

(this is for wedding photographers)

[Jim Bryant]

Have a listing, if not have a price listing range from $$$$$$ to $$$$$$$.

[Brian Mullins]

Originally Posted by Joe Butch

Do you think it is better to have your website list prices of packages or call for prices? I believe I've seen more people not showing prices.

(this is for wedding photographers)

Either....

There really is no right answer for this. Business wise, if pricing is your strong point and you are uber competitive, then by all means show it as it will help bring in business. If you have competitive pricing but it's not your strong suit, then maybe list a starting price. If you are really expensive but deliver a world renowned experience with the photography to boot, then pricing really isn't important.

Your website should encourage people to call or email you. It should NOT act as a gatekeeper so, if pricing will drive people to call, then show it. If pricing may prevent people from calling, then don't.

[TheDarkReaver]

I hate, hate it, when businesses, photographers or otherwise, don't list a price or price range.

[Niresangwa]

Originally Posted by TheDarkReaver

I hate, hate it, when businesses, photographers or otherwise, don't list a price or price range.

agreed. its enough to make me bypass them completely. heaven forbid i have to take extra time to discover this information... i think its a reflection of consumer habit. my first thought is they're hiding something when its not up there. of course i'm never actually shopping for a photographer, just scouting.

[mandyatm]

I do a lot of browsing and shopping online, and if the prices aren't listed, I usually move on. It takes long enough to research something and there are plenty of other sites that do list their prices. I appreciate them saving me some time, and giving me the chance to compare on my own instead of trying to "sell" me when I call.

[lemonjenny]

From a purely marketing-research standpoint, you WILL receive more calls if you list your prices. Many times people assume by saying "call for pricing" that it means they will not be able to afford you, and move on to the next photographer.

[GadgetRick]

I guess the bigger question is, how much business do you receive (or expect to) via your website. I really don't use my website to drive business my way so I don't list prices for my services (although pricing for the prints is readily available).

Pricing is a tough thing. I've been in sales for a LOT of years--much longer than being into photography--and I find, if someone is first looking at price, I don't really want them as a customer either way. They'll just as soon drop me for someone who is a couple of bucks cheaper. That's not the kind of customer I want.

When I am selling something--anything--if pricing is the first question out of their mouths, I rarely get the business. Partially because I really don't want it at that point and partially because my prices are good but never the cheapest.

[smilano]

interesting ideas around this subject-I have been struggling with many issues as I try to get a business going and this has been one of them. for now, I think it's better to not list prices. am going to post a general note on pricing along the lines of " packages start at..." and reference "customized to needs and budget..." this idea was widely mentioned in a PPA conference as a great "compromise" of sorts

[candleman]

Originally Posted by mandyatm

I do a lot of browsing and shopping online, and if the prices aren't listed, I usually move on. It takes long enough to research something and there are plenty of other sites that do list their prices. I appreciate them saving me some time, and giving me the chance to compare on my own instead of trying to "sell" me when I call.

+1

TO BE HONEST

I listed my prces so that i would get fewer calls!

I dont want dozens of phonecalls, where each time i answer the same questions with no result, because all they want is what its going to cost them.

Its up there.. take it or leave it.