Help with Spousal Dispute

[scootermcq]

Originally Posted by Photologyst

Also, how about getting the jewelry store to give you some wall space to feature your engagement and wedding shots?

That's a good idea......

Thanks,

[digirebelva]

[QUOTE=Photologyst;1114291]Freebies are never really appreciated or cherished. /QUOTE]

Yes & no..I did a freebie (it was supposed to be-she paid me anyway) bridal portrat for one of my wifes coworkers simply because I had not done 1 before and didnt feel right charging for what I considered a learning experience..most turned out good, had a few I would like to do over...anyway my next 2 shots will also be free with the understanding that I am portfolio building and once that is done I start charging, (already have a price sheet ready to go.. )
She has appreciated them..although I understand your point...its person specific..
In the OP's case, I would wonder why your services are free....
Discount yes, maybe a free 8x10 that showcases your talent..having something in hand they like never hurts...and you cant do an image justice on a screen..

Also agree on the wallspace idea...

[Photologyst]

Originally Posted by scootermcq

That's a good idea......

Thanks,

You are welcome!

Think of other venues, such as hotels and places where engagement and wedding celebrations are held to exhibit your work. Bakeries and florists might also be good resources.

Sell it as a win/win for the shop owners.

[digirebelva]

partnerships never hurt if done right...

[MattG]

Ok, I'll change the angle for you.

High Street jewellery stores have a high markup display value for items (300%+ of cost). They expect people to negotiate and typically train staff to close the sale. If someone is buying an engagement ring, then it's the design/cost of the ring that makes the sale, not an associated photography deal.

In my opinion, what you should focus on is introducing a kickback/commission structure to the Jewellery store to sell your services. They would sell your service after the purchase decision of a ring. How and what you offer is up to you, but it is unlikely a discount figures in an emotive decision like this.

My suggestion is to ask for a special pamphlet to be provided at this stage for an engagement/wedding shoot - when redeemed, you pay an agreed percentage/amount back to the Jeweller. Do not introduce the concept of a discount at this stage - you don't have to! Think about it - most men like to keep things simple (well, I do!) and deciding on the ring is tricky enough. They do not want to appear cheap to their new fiancee and having a ready made romantic idea in their hand that is worth paying for - that's gold! Especially if you offer additional services in the engagement shoot, i.e. glass of champagne, canapes, stylist, etc. to pamper the future bride rather than a discount. It's at this point you brand yourself to them. Money will not be the initial driver for your ideal client.

Anyway, it's just an idea and good luck

[autofocus]

Originally Posted by scootermcq

My lovely wife has come up with what she feels is a great marketing idea, and I am a little less excited about the idea. I thought I would throw it out here to see if anyone has done something similar and find what their results were.

I have an associate who owns a fairly successful jewelry store, and my wife's suggestion is to have him offer a free engagement session with the purchase of any ring. This would give him a gift certificate to help close the sale of the ring and would then put me in front of a couple who are going to be in need of a wedding photographer in a few months to a few years time.

My thoughts are because it is free it will have a fairly high redemption rate, but I am not convinced it will result in a high closing ratio to booked weddings. In my experience if you give someone something for free they have no invested interested in what ever it is and tend to undervalue what they have received.

My question to the good people of the forum is if you have tried something similar, what was the redemption rate and what was your closing ratio to booked weddings? If you don't have experience, I would be interested in hearing different opinions as well.

As much as I hate "freebies," the session for free is not such a bad idea because it usually represents a small portion of the enlargement order that follows..especially if you market your enlargements ala carte. Let's say your typical session fee is $100, and off that session you book $900 dollars in enlargements, wallets, canvas wraps, etc..seems to me it's worth giving up the session fee for free to book the meat in the order. Plus, there's now a good chance at getting the wedding along with the referrals that may follow. We do a lot of donations to groups where auctions are held, and people bid on winning a gift certificate to our services. The winner wins a session + one 11x14. We've never had one of these orders only yield the session and the one 11x14...usually they turn into nice orders for us. You also get the write off Just my 2 cents

[bobajob]

If you get a tentative booking, call back to follow-up (this is especially true if the ring has not been given yet...find out when the question will be popped and tell the groom-to-be about how you can do the paparazzi thing and capture the bended knee action for posterity.

This is a great idea, I like it

[scootermcq]

Originally Posted by bobajob

If you get a tentative booking, call back to follow-up (this is especially true if the ring has not been given yet...find out when the question will be popped and tell the groom-to-be about how you can do the paparazzi thing and capture the bended knee action for posterity.

This is a great idea, I like it

Funny enough, this was the thought I was going with. I dropped the idea on the jeweler last week, and we are getting together to talk about it after he gets a new store opened this weekend (little busy right now). I think this will really rock, as it makes you first contact with a new couple and should easily convert into wedding sales.

[scootermcq]

The concept will be a discount coupon for his customers for booking the Paparazzi engagment shoot. His staff talk me up and let them know the photographer will be calling. I haven't told him yet, but my plan will also include a spiff paid to the sales associate for every booking. The way I see it, the better job they do of selling me, the warmer the call will be when I place it. My business plan has 10% of revenue set aside for advertising, and I am going to see where this goes by paying the sales associate my advertising $ for any lead booked. This will also include consequent weddings booked. The associate has the potential to make a couple hundred bucks for promoting me properly.....

Oh well, we will have to see where this goes after my get together with the boss.....