Was I unclear?

[filemanager]

When I booked a session with client X, I explained the process, and I said "The session fee covers my time to actually photograph the session, as well as edit all the pictures. I'm giving you $100 off your session fee because you booked before the New Year. After the session, you will receive a set of marked 4x6 proofs. Now, marked, means my logo will be on them. From the proofs you can decide which images you would like to order."

and she said "Ok sounds good!"

We did the session, it went great, got lots of fantastic images.

I deliver the proofs, and she messages me saying "Your logo is in the middle of the picture, why isn't it in the corner or something?" (Umm because people crop them out and steal photos? I didn't say that though. haha) I said just what someone told me to in another thread, which was "These are just the proofs, you can order the final unmarked prints."

Then she asked if I overcharged her, because I have a Valentine's special going for about half the price of my usual session fee.

I explained that's a special which you didn't take advantage of, on your session fee I gave you $100 off because you booked before the New Year.

In my initial explanation of the process, was I in any way unclear???

[BigFuzzy]

Originally Posted by filemanager

When I booked a session with client X, I explained the process, and I said "The session fee covers my time to actually photograph the session, as well as edit all the pictures. I'm giving you $100 off your session fee because you booked before the New Year. After the session, you will receive a set of marked 4x6 proofs. Now, marked, means my logo will be on them. From the proofs you can decide which images you would like to order."

and she said "Ok sounds good!"

We did the session, it went great, got lots of fantastic images.

I deliver the proofs, and she messages me saying "Your logo is in the middle of the picture, why isn't it in the corner or something?" (Umm because people crop them out and steal photos? I didn't say that though. haha) I said just what someone told me to in another thread, which was "These are just the proofs, you can order the final unmarked prints."

Then she asked if I overcharged her, because I have a Valentine's special going for about half the price of my usual session fee.

I explained that's a special which you didn't take advantage of, on your session fee I gave you $100 off because you booked before the New Year.

In my initial explanation of the process, was I in any way unclear???

Not to me, but then again, I take photos, so I know what it all means. Seems like you were clear to me. I just think it's the typical case of someone trying to get the most they can out of you. Stand your ground (as I'm sure you are) and you'll see her back down. I've had the same discussion about my watermarks which I also put straight in the middle of proofs. Also, "proofs" is a word the average civilian won't know so i don't use it. I just use "sample" and I always ask in every email "is everything perfectly clear" to the point where I'm sure my clients are annoyed that all my emails pretty much end with that haha.

[Naois]

I bet she was expecting to scan all the proofs and use the photos. Good call on the location of the watermark.

[filemanager]

Originally Posted by Naois

I bet she was expecting to scan all the proofs and use the photos. Good call on the location of the watermark.

From the sounds of it, that's exactly what I suspect she wanted to do.

[filemanager]

Originally Posted by BigFuzzy

Not to me, but then again, I take photos, so I know what it all means. Seems like you were clear to me. I just think it's the typical case of someone trying to get the most they can out of you. Stand your ground (as I'm sure you are) and you'll see her back down. I've had the same discussion about my watermarks which I also put straight in the middle of proofs. Also, "proofs" is a word the average civilian won't know so i don't use it. I just use "sample" and I always ask in every email "is everything perfectly clear" to the point where I'm sure my clients are annoyed that all my emails pretty much end with that haha.

That's a good call, maybe I should stop using the term "proof"! Thank you!

[autofocus]

Jennifer, It's very clear to me...there's always some people that try to get something they're not entitled to. We usually finalize the session by telling the client what to expect next and that is, "we'll provide you with watermarked proofs, you'll leave us a $125 deposit, and you can take home the proofs to look them over for one week. The $125 deposit will be fully refunded should you not wish to order anything, or be applied to your order." This, being the last thing the customer hears from us is what they probably remember best, and it has worked well for us.

[autofocus]

Originally Posted by filemanager

That's a good call, maybe I should stop using the term "proof"! Thank you!

I don't know about this...the term proof in photography has been used for decades, and I would assume most people are familiar with the term???

[filemanager]

Originally Posted by autofocus

Jennifer, It's very clear to me...there's always some people that try to get something they're not entitled to. We usually finalize the session by telling the client what to expect next and that is, "we'll provide you with watermarked proofs, you'll leave us a $125 deposit, and you can take home the proofs to look them over for one week. The $125 deposit will be fully refunded should you not wish to order anything, or be applied to your order." This, being the last thing the customer hears from us is what they probably remember best, and it has worked well for us.

What's the point of the $125 deposit? I mean couldn't they go home, scan the proofs, then come back and get their deposit back?

[autofocus]

Originally Posted by filemanager

What's the point of the $125 deposit? I mean couldn't they go home, scan the proofs, then come back and get their deposit back?

Jennifer, you seemed to miss my comment about the fact that our proofs are waterproofed. The $125 deposit is a more solid commitment between us and the customer underscoring that we do want the proofs back in one week...it puts more "teeth" in our terms and in our agreement between us and the customer. I also think it can help in the final sale...the customer has already made a part payment towards their order, which psychologically, may soften the blow by somewhat splitting their outlay. It's certainly not uncommon for service providers to require a deposit on their goods and services...afterall, the proofs are your property, and you want them back.

[Jim Poor]

If I were doing paper proofs, I like the deposit idea as it sets the groundwork for a future purchase. My deposit would be a lot higher, but that's another story.

As much as I don't like terms like always, and everybody, nearly everybody knows what proofs are so I wouldn't stress about the term.