Discounts for repeat business: Hi, I am just starting my business and have had my first paying clients over the past month. I wanted get some different opinions on how to handle it...

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Discounts for repeat business

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Mar 23, 2013 12:32:25 #

marlaboo

Hi,
I am just starting my business and have had my first paying clients over the past month. I wanted get some different opinions on how to handle it when a client wants to get discounts for repeat service. For instance, one person (in my networking group) wanted to know if they would get a discount if they scheduled "two" business headshot sessions for her and her husband. Then she asked if there would be some kind of discount if they did a family portrait session & the two business headshot sessions at the same time. I want to handle these things in a way that doesn't step on toes but also doesn't undermine my business financially or creatively. It was hard enough to come up with my pricing, so I would like to have things as ironed out as possible ahead of time. Thanks a lot for any thoughts!

Also, has anyone created vouchers/certificates toward sessions that can be given at a charity event? How did you create a professional looking one? (which program or software?).

Mar 23, 2013 12:59:41 #

Bill Emmett Loc: Bow, New Hampshire

I would explain that as a new customer they are receiving a discounted rate already. Continue to say, you contacted competitors and priced your regular rate according to competitor prices. Then tell them they can get a deeper discount if they sign a exclusive contract for all their media work for 3 years.

Mar 23, 2013 12:59:59 #

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

marlaboo wrote:

Hi, br I am just starting my business and have had... (show quote)

First; I'm NOT a pro..so this is just my unstudied opinion.

You had some people come to you and you did a service for them.

Evidentally you did a good job and now they are asking for more.

If it were me, I'd reward them with a discount; after all...word of mouth is the ticket when it comes to services...you want good-will and happy people.

Peter Hurley does this; he charges $1200.00 for a head shot but every client can come back for life for much less than that.

No idea on the software.

Check out Digital Artistry section of our forum.

Mar 23, 2013 13:09:02 #

RedIris Loc: MN, USA

marlaboo wrote:

.... has anyone created vouchers/certificates toward sessions that can be given at a charity event? How did you create a professional looking one? (which program or software?).

Photoshop/Photoshop Elements, a card making program, or WORD can be productive in making a discount certificate. I'd make one in Photoshop and print it out like a photo.... you can write text on photos in Photoshop. Do a search on the web and get some ideas.... it's like creating a business card only bigger.

Have fun.

Mar 23, 2013 13:15:10 #

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

Don't forget vista print..cheap cards printed fast. 250 of them for 10.00.

Mar 23, 2013 15:28:24 #

JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

rpavich wrote:

Don't forget vista print..cheap cards printed fast. 250 of them for 10.00.

+1

And more from Vistaprint

http://i928.photobucket.com/albums/ad121/jser1/P6020004.jpg

Mar 23, 2013 16:28:08 #

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

rpavich wrote:

Don't forget vista print..cheap cards printed fast. 250 of them for 10.00.

And they usually offer 100 or so cards for free, as an intro.

Check out Drone Video and Photography Forum section of our forum.

Mar 23, 2013 16:31:57 #

marlaboo

rpavich wrote:

quote=marlaboo Hi, br I am just starting my busin... (show quote)

I agree that it would be nice to reward repeat service in some way...just need to determine ahead of time what this will be exactly and put it in writing (for my own benefit - so I don't feel swayed depending on each person's argument but have a set thing in place). It was hard enough to come up with the pricing - I wasn't really expecting to have to figure out a discounting/reward plan right off the bat, but I guess those client questions are what challenge you and help you grow ultimately as a business.

Mar 23, 2013 16:35:30 #

marlaboo

RedIris wrote:

quote=marlaboo .... has anyone created vouchers/c... (show quote)

Thanks! That is a good way to think of it....a business card but bigger. I will check those programs out.

Mar 23, 2013 20:23:29 #

wilsondl2 Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska

I would give a good discount for the faimly session and head shots. Should not take much more of your time. When I do familes I usualy do severel combingations -family - kids together - parents couple shot -all for the same session fee but sales are good on extra prints. - Dave

Mar 23, 2013 22:20:09 #

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

If you traveling to your customers location, you must have some sort of set-up fee. Mileage/time, set equipment up. Maybe forgo the set-up fee to do back to back sessions with the family members. Repeats return because they like your work. Since you new I would also assume your working cheap enough. If someone is trying to just beat you down, walk away. If your good the work will come, it just takes time to get established.

Check out Drone Video and Photography Forum section of our forum.

Mar 24, 2013 02:02:29 #

marlaboo

fstop22 wrote:

Thanks. I do want the work to continue to come my way so I want to handle this situation well (especially since this networking group gives me referrals).

Mar 24, 2013 02:05:43 #

marlaboo

wilsondl2 wrote:

Good idea. I did tell her that we could do all sessions together for my 1 1/2-2 hr. session fee, which would save her money for sure (instead of paying for separate sessions).

Mar 24, 2013 04:00:32 #