How do you handle multiple inquiries for the same date?

entropy07

First off, I can't believe how blessed I am to be even asking this question, but I do want to see how the rest of you guys handle it. Normally, I have come to situations in the past where inquiries came for the same date. Usually the first person hasn't responded in a while so I assume (correctly) that they're not interested and book the 2nd person, who's usually more eager to book.

What do you do if you got 2 inquiries for the same date within a very close time period of another? Do you ever put a date on "hold" and let the first inquiry decide (say a week) before it's fair game? Do you tell the first inquiry that someone else is interested or is it not a good idea to rush a potential client? What if you have a good feeling about the first person and you know they're busy and just haven't had time to get back to you?

Ultimately the person who gets in a signed contract + retainer is the person that I book, but in leading up to that decision, what's the best way to go about it?

zoomer

I just always tell the truth. If I have a client already looking at the date that I have met with and then another client calls for the same date.
I call the first person whom I have already met with and tell them I have had another inquiry about their date and the new people could potentially come in and book the date and I tell them when the meeting with the new couple is.
If the new couple comes in and books during their meeting the first couple is out of luck.
Never hold a date while people are making their mind up...which means they are out shopping around usually.

Mishka

I've run into your situation before. From experience, zoomer is right. Let people know someone else is interested in their date, but don't "hold" dates unless you have the contract and retainer. (I tried your method first, and it just seemed to get messy..who really is "first?" First to email you, call you, first to sit down with you...it can get confusing). That way, you're being "fair" to everyone. The person who is most interested in your work and wants to book with you will probably be the best client for you.

Scott_Quier

It's all smoke until you get the SIGNED contract and the retainer. I tell each client the same thing.

pwp

I do exactly as Zoomer described, and as Scott said....nothing is set in stone until I have BOTH the signed contract and deposit. I ran into this a few times this year, and honesty was always the best policy.

Qarik

entropy07 wrote:

First off, I can't believe how blessed I am to be even asking this question, but I do want to see how the rest of you guys handle it. Normally, I have come to situations in the past where inquiries came for the same date. Usually the first person hasn't responded in a while so I assume (correctly) that they're not interested and book the 2nd person, who's usually more eager to book.

What do you do if you got 2 inquiries for the same date within a very close time period of another? Do you ever put a date on "hold" and let the first inquiry decide (say a week) before it's fair game? Do you tell the first inquiry that someone else is interested or is it not a good idea to rush a potential client? What if you have a good feeling about the first person and you know they're busy and just haven't had time to get back to you?

Ultimately the person who gets in a signed contract + retainer is the person that I book, but in leading up to that decision, what's the best way to go about it?

I simply clone myself and do both events. Then after the event "one" of us has to go...I setup a payperview "thunderdome" event. :duel "Two photographers enter...One photographer Leaves" :beatwax who ever wins, wins and runs thing from there on. At the time of writing this I think I am a clone of clone..but I can't be sure.

Or do what zoomer says.

Agnieszka

I tend to feel bad about rushing people, but I do tell them that I have somebody else interested in the same date. The first couple that sets up an appointment with me has usually priority (unless I don't think we're on the same page), but I let both couples know immediately, otherwise it will just get nasty

Way to go!!!

entropy07

Thanks for all the advice! I said in a very non-pressuring way to the first person about the other inquiry and now we're meeting tomorrow! Wish me luck!

entropy07

Qarik wrote:

I simply clone myself and do both events. Then after the event "one" of us has to go...I setup a payperview "thunderdome" event. :duel "Two photographers enter...One photographer Leaves" :beatwax who ever wins, wins and runs thing from there on. At the time of writing this I think I am a clone of clone..but I can't be sure.

Or do what zoomer says.

Hahhaah too funny!

Agnieszka

entropy07 wrote:

Wish me luck!

cdonovan

I really coddle and tend to encourage the couple that I have a better repore with. You will be spending a whole day together, and it's a good thing to have a good relationship. That being said, I also offer different packages at different pricing, more than relationship, I'm more inclined to encourage the one who's looking to book the biggest package! somtimes, money talks!

Blurmore

1st signed contract and deposit first served. I tell people I will pencil them in before it is final, and give them fair warning that someone has inquired about their date. I'm running into this a lot now, I'm completely booked (Saturdays) for May and June of 2010.

entropy07

Hey! Just wanted to let everyone know that I met with the first bride today and she booked me on the spot! Check handed over and contract signed!

Moogle Pepper

Awesome!!!