A Week of Frustration

[wrdm]

How do you deal with a frustrating week. I'm currently sitting in a foul foul mood after seeing 3 potential customers leave me hanging . . . . . .

1st customer was wanting a large print for her wall, asked me all my prices, seemed to commit to the shoot and then wanted to confirm that all she needed to pay was the print cost . . . . I lost that one when I told her that she also needed to pay her session fee.

2nd customer is a friend who I think is just messing us around, she always seems to con a deal out of us, which is more our fault than anything, but she booked a shoot with us on Wednesday and when I asked to confirm the details she hasn't responded in 2 days.

3rd customer was all set to book our Mother's Day special, I asked for a deposit (as I always do) and got meet with this "Just before i confirm, how much would it be to get family pictures done? My husband, son and me! we wanted to get this done and this might be a better option, (rather than getting pictures done twice!)" and again I've heard nothing at all and her shoot is meant to be at 330pm on Saturday.

This is really really starting to get to me, especially when I'm sooooo quiet just now. . . . . how do you guys deal with these things?

[candidrachel]

There seems to be a break down in communication somewhere here. YOU need to be absolutely CLEAR to the customer what they will be getting and calling the shots.

The first oen you mentioned about losing that one when you mentioned the session fee. Are you being clear right from the start that the session fee needs to be paid for prior to ordering prints?

The second one. Never mix business with friend or family 'nuff said

The third one: Old chinese proverb says "He who buys early pays twice!"

[wrdm]

The first one I was very clear on my prices, I started by telling her that my session fee is £50 which includes an 8x10. She asked if we done bigger prints or canvas and the prices and I emailed those prices back and told her these are charged in addition to the session and only after you have seen the proofs and make a selection.

[wri7913]

Originally Posted by wrdm

The first one I was very clear on my prices, I started by telling her that my session fee is £50 which includes an 8x10. She asked if we done bigger prints or canvas and the prices and I emailed those prices back and told her these are charged in addition to the session and only after you have seen the proofs and make a selection.

I would probably reiterate what she originally asked for at some point in the email. Such as "Here are prices for larger size prints that you may be interested in, please remember this also includes the session fee".

You should repeat that info each and every time they ask for changes or additional information. This may not be necessary for professional commercial shoots since all that is spelled out in your bids, estimates (the point at which they sign for the shoot to be done) and the final bill (estimate +any additions or changes during shoot).

[joe27]

Wow with the second one, I hope she is not that close of a friend.