Haggeling - The PASH Wedding Forums and Message Boards

Julz518 · #1 06-18-2007, 06:52 PM

Hi Marci!

I have a photography "ettiquette" question for you. Here's the situation:
I have interviewed 3 photographers. The two that I like the most offer the same amount of coverage for the same price, except one also includes a 300-photo proof album and a few 8x10 prints in his "package" and the other prices them separately (for a total of $200-$300).

My top choice is the guys who prices them separately. This is based mainly on his personality, though the other guy wasn't disagreeable, he just didn't seem as enthusiastic.

Is it appropriate of me to ask my top choice if he is willing to "throw in" the proof album and prints (or even just the album, since I can get the prints fairly inexpensively) in order to match the other guy's price?? He also offers a "magazine-style" proof album that I liked a lot, but it's more expensive than the traditional album. Would it be appropriate to ask him if he would only charge me the difference of the two if I choose that album?

Thanks!

Marci Curtis · #2 06-19-2007, 10:24 AM

Hey Julz. My motto is; it never hurts to ask... just be prepared if he says no. I'm sure you wouldn't lose your top pick because he was offended. Some have discounts, some might want to be more competitive. It depends completely on the individual and whether they're looking for business. It's funny that you yourself call it haggling because that's one of the primary reasons I don't discount anything to anybody. I'm a bargain shopper myself, but I'd hate to think that a bride who bargains best will "win" my services... it's an awfully slippery slope. I personally tell my couples that I don't ask what they do for a living and I don't ask what their budget is. I don't offer discounts (or jack prices up) for out of season, Fridays and Sundays, military, super small, backyard family shindigs, handicapped brides or second marriages. I've received requests for those who feel they should get a discount for those things, but my philosophy is that ALL of my couples deserve to be treated like royalty that day and ALL of them are, no matter what their circumstance. If I'm not in their budget then they probably shouldn't be looking at me. If you're really talking about the difference of $200 - $300, and you felt the next runner up isn't particularily enthusiastic, THAT alone is worth much more than your savings. This is just not a job you can do on autopilot and unless you're passionate about what you do and love it, it really, really shows in the work (or comes through during the interview!). Since both of these photogs do offer lots of "ala carte" add ons, they may be happy to mix and match your package to your needs. Just don't be like the bride who recently querried me and seemed quite annoyed that I didn't have any discounts which made me chuckle since she was a Saturday, JUNE bride!

Julz518 · #3 06-19-2007, 01:39 PM

Thanks Marci!

My top choice did seem like the type who was trying to be competitive - he didn't offer any discounts, but he was VERY willing to work with us on the package. It just wasn't until after our meeting that I realized how close his prices were to #2, so I wondered if I could bring it up to him. Hopefully he won't be offended

No matter what, I probably will still go with my first choice, and probably invest in a few "add-ons". You're right, his personality and enthusiasm is probably worth the extra $$.

Heather · #4 06-19-2007, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Julz518

You're right, his personality and enthusiasm is probably worth the extra $$.

I totally agree. This person is going to be following you around all day and dealing with your friends and family. Personality and attitude is really important and it's something you'll remember and appreciate after the big day.