Website Pricing Section

MelMcClain

Just looking for a majority rules opinion on this one and of course some wonderful Dgrinning feedback.... Do you list pricing on your website and why or why not? Currently we're not listing pricing because we want to cater to all budgets, however if pricing isn't listed would you feel that more couples would shy away from that particular photographer?

pwp

I think it depends on your market. Currently, I am finding that couples will not even contact a photog without some idea of pricing listed on the website. They want to know if they are wasting their time contacting someone way out of budget, as well as gauging your work based on price. I list my information, but I also do not lock clients into a selection of packages.

Mr_Beach_Bum

Such a difficult question as there are many pros and cons to both options.

For example, if I am shopping for a car I refuse to look at websites that don't clearly list prices. Same goes for any other product that is generally considered to be a commodity. But for services I might think differently - if I fall in love with your pics, I might be inclined to call for pricing.

For my day job, I split the difference... I list packages without pricing. This keeps my competitors from cherry picking me on line item prices while letting potential clients know that I have the exact services they need. I haven't developed this part of my foto business yet, but I am thinking about that approach. I may list everything the package includes but note that prices are often date dependent and discounts may be available for Fridays, off season, etc.

In the end, if your prices are in line with market rates, it probably doesn't matter much if you show them on the site.... but as always the less your competitors know about you the better.

Photog4Christ

How about "Packages starting at $xxxxx". That way you get rid of the budget brides/tire kickers.

barnyard

Mr_Beach_Bum wrote:

but as always the less your competitors know about you the better.

That's faulty logic right there. You can hide your prices and it will just take your competition a little longer to get your prices.

If you are only selling yourself on price, hide them. Otherwise, it does not matter who sees them.

Tom B

Mr_Beach_Bum

barnyard wrote:

That's faulty logic right there. You can hide your prices and it will just take your competition a little longer to get your prices.

If you are only selling yourself on price, hide them. Otherwise, it does not matter who sees them.

Tom B

True, anyone can eventually get the price - but your competitors need to be really motivated to get them... especially if you are in a large market. The added benefit is you can learn more from them in the process (show me yours I'll show you mine...)

Further, I would also point out that to hide your price while selling on price is counterproductive (or, faulty logic). If I were to be the "value oriented" option in the marketplace, I'd be screaming my low low introductory offer from the rooftops. Then upsell options like crazy.

In fact - a great reason to keep your prices quiet is illustrated in Melissa's blog. (I only pick on you Melissa because you started the thread... I would hate to be Big Al.)

Cheers!

Mishka

I think it was mentioned above...perhaps compromise and give potential clients an idea of your price--without giving your entire pricing structure away.

Check your google analytics (don't have that? get it!) and see how many people click your pricing page and then exit your site. That may be a good indicator that they don't want to waste their time contacting you without knowing your price range. Also, they might think you are way out of their league when you really aren't.

sweet caroline

I give a starting price to give people an idea of whether I'm in their ballpark.

Personally, I have a tendency to not call for pricing. For example, there's a gym I've been thinking of joining for almost 2 years, but they don't list pricing on the website, so I never set up a tour to find out and enroll. They lost at least a year's worth of business from me! Finally, my mother in law went in and set us up with a membership so the kids can have access to the pools. I wasn't even looking for a "budget" price tag. I'm that way for everything, even services. I want to know what I'm getting into before I talk to anyone involved in sales. I'm more likely to add on a manicure with my massage on the recommendation of the receptionist if I already know the cost.

Caroline

MelMcClain

Great perspective Caroline. Thanks!

Blurmore

I'm shooting more weddings this year than I really wanted to or can handle and I only have an email on my website. If people want your work, they will enquire through email. I have a standard intro letter that explains my process and prices and I respond quickly, it works for me.

mmmatt

I started listing all my package and pricing information on my site after I was getting a barage of people looking for discount photographers. I don't care who sees my prices and I don't want to have to field emails and calls for people looking for a $500 wedding photog.

Matt

barnyard

Blurmore wrote:

I'm shooting more weddings this year than I really wanted to or can handle

Then it is time to raise your prices.

Create demand and control the supply with price.

You're welcome.

Tom B

Blurmore

barnyard wrote:

Then it is time to raise your prices.

Create demand and control the supply with price.

You're welcome.

Tom B

I've raised my price every year, and every year I shoot more. go figure.

Tim Kamppinen

Blurmore wrote:

I've raised my price every year, and every year I shoot more. go figure.

Sounds like a good problem to have! Just keep raising them...

Shima

Blurmore wrote:

I've raised my price every year, and every year I shoot more. go figure.

Yeah, because every year we get better, we're like fine wine's and other aged alcohols, older = better and more expensive.

I don't list my pricing on my website, but have a handy PDF file I fire off to the potential client once they ask.