Highjacked Price List!!

[The Bing]

I recently sat down with a potential client for a wedding. After we were done, the client asked for a copy of my packages to review with his family...

Instead of reviewing my price list with his family he took it to a competing photographer in the area. So of course she offered a lower price and booked his wedding.

This week another client was scheduled for a consultation. They called an hour before the appointment to say "We found another photographer, sorry." The other photographer was Mrs ."I got your price list."

What should I do?

I'm trying not to panic. But I've already lost 2 weddings this month.

Do I lower my prices?

I'm not sure what she's offering or how low she discounting my packages?

But I do know that she's using my price list to steal potential clients.

In the future should I avoid giving a pricelist to any potential clients until I have a deposit?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

The Bing

Hate the be the bearer of bad news, but it's a normal thing to happen.

You do the same thing when your buying stuff.

[The Bing]

Max,

I agree with you.

It's the customers right to find the best bang for their buck.

And I can understand why any competing photographer would cut their prices to book a client.

But my question is what should I do now?

I don't wanna sit back and just hope she doesn't take any more clients. Without knowing what she's offering, what should I do?

What would you do?

Do you show the clients your portfolio before hand?

That should be the selling point. Emphasize the quality over the price. If your product is crappier and more expensive, people will go with someone else.

[The Bing]

I see your point.

Most clients are referred from past clients.

A few have viewed my work on a website.

My assumption is that she may be undercutting me on the final product.

I use a professional lab for everything, so I charge a little more for the prints. Normally that's how I book the client. Once they come in and see one of my finished wedding albums, they' are sold.

But with this situation, I have not had the opportunity to get to that point.

I think she might be going to cheap route on the prints.

Thanks for your repsonses.

[gturner]

No one hijacked your price, you offered the pricelist, they shopped around and booked what they think is a better deal. If they come back to you, then you know that other guy is not worth the price he charged.

It is very hard to fight that sort of ambush. Clients who are shopping on price will find a way to get the deal that suits them. I have it in my business (non-photo) all the time. I know there is no point chasing loss making business so it doesn't stress me.

You need to find out if you offer good value, regardless of what the price is

[kirbinster]

Remember that anything anyone can do someone else can do a little cheaper or at a little lower quality. It is your choice if you want to compete on the basis of price (low margin business) or superior quality (high margin business).

[The Bing]

Thanks gturner and kirbinster,

All of my previous clients have been very satisfield with my pricing and the quality of the product.

So this may just be some folks bargain shopping.

I definitely market base on quality, I'm not the dollar store guy.

Thanks so much for your comments.

I'm probably better off now working with clients who only care about the price.

[heyphotoguy]

When I first started with my own graphics business, this same thing would happen to me. I would cut my prices and almost beg for the clients to choose me over the other guys. Well let me tell you what was told to me by my mentor, STOP IT!!!

You need to believe that what you are charging is right price for YOUR work, not the other guys across the street. People are always going to hunt for the lowest prices but you need to set yourself apart from the rest of the herd. You can do this offering excellent customer service, your experience, and showing samples of your best work.

Anyone can go to the mall, stand in line, take a couple of shots, then return for their photos. However people do want that personal touch that are so special to them like a wedding, a newborn baby, or a family reunion.

Remember when you believe in yourself, provide excellent service, and a great product, no one will have a problem with your prices. People think the price is the first thing but in this business it always ends up being the last.

[candleman]

maybe Mrs."i've got your price list" is charging too little just to get the work and they will "burnout" soon.
OR
you are charing too much for what you are offering.

its possible you need to look at what your level of quality is versus the other photographers and see how you compare in price.