SportsShooter.com - Sr. Portrait Nightmare

	Houston \| TX \| \| Posted: 2:09 AM on 04.23.09
	->> Jody-- What has already been said, plus, consider making that $50 back on the next job you might do for the questionable friend/client. And don't let anyone know that you gave this discount. If the client spreads it around simply say that there was a misunderstanding and that your actual fees are such.... Then dump them, they are not worthy. --Steve

Steve Ueckert, Photographer

	Houston \| TX \| \| Posted: 2:12 AM on 04.23.09
	->> And if you do go forward with this transaction, get CASH, paid in full, before you deliver anything but a lorez proof overlaid with your watermark.

Nick Doan, Photographer

Scottsdale | AZ | USA | Posted: 2:25 AM on 04.23.09

->> Jody,

there are friends, and then there are Friends! Friends go out of their way to take care of each other. Friends make sacrifices for each other. Friends protect each other.

These people do not sound like those kinds of Friends to me.

So now they become friends, as in friendly acquaintances. Define it for yourself, and get over any guilt. In these trying economic times, you are going to see some "true colors" and you have to decide for yourself how important these types of "friends" are to you. Then, you have to decide how much money you are willing to lose to keep them.

My Friend who had heart surgery a couple of weeks ago and is single and living in a city without family...him I'll fly to see, take care of for a week and pay whichever of his bills I can take care of. The "friend" who sneezed into my soda at a baseball game today and didn't offer to get me a new one; we don't expect so much from each other.

Debra L Rothenberg, Photographer

	New York \| NY \| USA \| Posted: 2:25 AM on 04.23.09
	->> at some point in our careers, we all learn the hard way (after getting burned) Then, we start getting deposits and paid in full packages before we even shoot. I have a feeling that these people will find fault in a reshoot-it seems they are trying to get something from you for less, or for free

Clark Brooks, Photo Editor, Photographer

Urbana | IL | USA | Posted: 3:32 AM on 04.23.09

->> Jody,
Where are you actually in the process. I'm not clear how far along you are in your customer workflow.

Have you done the shoot yet?

Have you collected any part of your fee yet?

Have you printed photos or delivered any part of their order yet?

Ms. Rothenberg wrote, "..at some point in our careers, we all learn the hard way (after getting burned)" --- so true, so very, very true and a unfortunately, very necessary to improve one's business practices and fine tune them to avoid similar situations in the future.

Without more information, it is hard to tell which step to take next. Based on what you wrote so far, I would wholeheartedly support Mr. Miho's advice and think it is the best way to go at this point.

I would add that if they do ask for a reshoot, simply claim it was a miscommunication on your part and that free reshoots are available only to customers paying your full price. Apologize profusely, grovel a bit but stand your ground at this point. Simply explain that reshoots for customers receiving discounts start at $50.00 for the first two hours and $25 for each additional hour of shooting ;-)

Tom Ewart, Photographer

Bentonville | AR | USA | Posted: 6:36 AM on 04.23.09

->> Jody,

I think that letting go of that client and let them go somewhere else is the thing to do. In reality your product is probably better than the "other guy's". Feeling that you have to compete on price is usually never a good thing. You have more than generous with your special deals for this family. Once you draw the line and say, "OK, this is my price and that offer is only good if the package is paid for the next two days at which time the price will go up to (your full price). You are welcome to go somewhere else, thank-you." Once they realize that they have to go though the process again they may reconsider and that $50 won't seem like a big deal or you might even loose a client who doesn't value your work. It's like going into buy a car at the Mercedes dealership and saying, well I can get a car at the Chevy dealer for $16,000--its not the same product. It's hard to fire a customer, but sometimes that's what you have to do. You will never feel good about going though with the transaction and giving in to some one who is bullying you like this. Mark it down as a misunderstanding on their part and don't take the financial hit or give them something more for even less because of it. That type of negation practice after the fact is wrong and you should run not walk away.

I been in the business for over 20 years now and I know that I can't compete with the kid fresh out of college with a digital rebel he got for graduation who is looking to make an extra $25 to shoot a photo. My experience and equipment is a little more advanced, my reliability is a little better and hopefully my product is a little more solid than that other photographer. Even though I am much more expensive the value for what you get probably even higher with my work and I know that everyone many not need or even want the level of service that I provide, but those who do appreciate me and my work. It's nice to be appreciated and not treated like a commodity on the shelf at a big box store where the only consideration is price--or an item in an open-air market where part of the gamesmanship is haggling over price, that's not what I am or how I operate.

Times are tough for the industry and the national economy as a whole but stand firm and don't let people drive you down so that there is no way for you to make a living, you've set your prices based on what you believe to be your value. So hold your head high and move on.

Mark McIntyre, Photographer

	Greensboro \| NC \| USA \| Posted: 7:20 AM on 04.23.09
	->> Jody - Take whatever they are willing to pay and consider the "discount" their senior's graduation gift. Time to walk away from this client. No need for this type of strong arm tactic from so called friends.

Mark Peters, Photographer

Highland | IL | USA | Posted: 7:59 AM on 04.23.09

->> I would be inclined to call his bluff and demand payment of the sitting fee.

I presume you have already done the shoot and pp'd the images. Have they seen the images - and I presume they liked them?

While you would be out your time, recognize that for them to get someone else, they too will be out time, getting a reshoot done elsewhere. Did this kid love being in front of the camera, or is he/she going to throw a fit when they insist that they do this whole thing over.

There is no need for you to fall on your sword for this unless (a) you really need the money or (b) the potential negative publicity from them badmouthing you would cost you future work.

Michael Ciu, Photographer, Assistant

	Lorain \| OH \| USA \| Posted: 8:05 AM on 04.23.09
	->> I would come back to him with a new price, $349.99 plus tax and shipping. Let him go somewhere else and get senior pictures for that cheap. They'll be back. If not, send them an invoice for the sitting fee.

Eric Canha, Photographer

Brockton | MA | United States | Posted: 8:36 AM on 04.23.09

->> Jody I have to agree with everyone telling you to hold your ground. I'd remind them of the $125 in savings that you have already given them. I'd also let them know that on May 1st the files will be deleted as there is no need to hold on to them if the family isn't interested in purchasing a print package.

As for the question of whether $50 is worth losing a friend over, that cuts both ways. Give into this friend and you will find that you have many more friends who will expect you to do the same thing.

Dave Einsel, Photographer, Photo Editor

	Houston \| TX \| United States \| Posted: 9:01 AM on 04.23.09
	->> No good deed goes unpunished. Stand your ground. I'd rather have someone complain that I was too expensive than have them brag about the huge discount they got from me.

Robert Smith, Photographer

	Brandon \| MS \| USA \| Posted: 9:47 AM on 04.23.09
	->> Jody: Have you received payment for the "Sitting" Have you already processed the agreed upon package? I would more inclined to give advice if I knew these 2 conditions. Bob

Clay Carson, Photographer

	Little Rock \| Ar \| USA \| Posted: 10:13 AM on 04.23.09
	->> If it were me, I would stick to the price you set and not budge. Let them go elsewhere. In an earlier post someone asked if it was worth losing a friend for $50. That works both ways. Apparently they have no problem losing you as a friend for $50. If they walk, send them a bill for the sitting fee. If they don't pay, call Judge Judy Just my opinion Clay

Darren Whitley, Photographer

Maryville | MO | USA | Posted: 10:16 AM on 04.23.09

->> Whatever!

You know your friends better than we do, but it's ridiculous for your friend to think they can tell you how to run your business. Make no deals. You've done what is reasonable and it's time to find another client.

There's no time for these people. And there shouldn't be any emotional investment in this spat. Parents often pay even more than this for senior photos. There's no incentive for you to work for them. Move on.

These aren't snapshots they're buying.

Darren Whitley, Photographer

	Maryville \| MO \| USA \| Posted: 10:18 AM on 04.23.09
	->> Another suggestion... what can the husband provide of value to your business??? Perhaps he could barter something. Get it in writing.

Tom Davenport, Photographer

	Hayden \| ID \| USA \| Posted: 11:13 AM on 04.23.09
	->> Jody, Whatever you decide, tuck this away in your memory bank for when they call you for the wedding. Tom

Bert Entwistle, Photographer

Colorado Springs | CO | USA | Posted: 12:41 PM on 04.23.09

->> Jody,

If you made an offer and they accepted, then as far as I'm concerened it's over. We all want to be nice guys, but unfortunatly, nice guys often finish last.

We all have our share of these kind of stories - I know I do.

Charge them or keep the pictures and move on. These client/sort-of friends are not real friends at all or they wouldn't pull this on you - friendship is not based on stuff like this.

bert

Michael Fischer, Photographer

Spencer | Ia | USA | Posted: 12:42 PM on 04.23.09

->> Jody,
This isn't quite as serious as you may think. This is a common tactic that people who think they are negotiating do. Professionals don't usually do it, amateurs do.

This guy is called a "nibbler" is sales training. Deal was struck and he comes back and tries to renegotiate. Not a nice thing, but there are some things you need to know that may help.

This guy is "proving" what a strong negotiator he is. From your post, the contact and agreement was probably made with the wife. Wives watch their husbands do this nibbling thing all the time and about 75% roll their eyes when their spouses do it. Understand that if she likes the images, has a emotional bond with the images, then you're 75% of the way home. Review the pricing and EVERY discounts with HER if the original agreement was with her. Make sure you go over every discount that she got.In other words, go around him. What you want to do by doing this is make it appear you are the reasonable one on this. Ask "does that make sense?" when you're done reviewing the original agreement. Shut up and wait for her answer.

Plan B: Offer to throw in a additional 4 x6 or something if you really feel compelled to - that will validate the husband's attempt and not make him feel like the schmuck he really is - and then say something like " I value the relationship and I'm willing to do that. Is that OK?" Then shut up. That's called a closing question in sales and the first one who speaks loses. If you have to wait 5 minutes in total silence...do it.

If she says ok, then you are ok. If she throws up more objections, then they are both nibbling and you'll just have to decide whether another $50 is worth it. The issue here isn't the $50, it's the fact they don't appear willing to honor the agreement. You let them do it this time, they will be consistent and do it next time and every other time.
That's not automatically bad; if you know they are going to do it you price any future job and pad the quote so that you are NOT margin impacted. With some clients, that's how they buy ...they need to "win". If you know this, you can actually make more money because the discount they asked for is less than what you built into it in the first place. From my perspective, it's ok to do that because of the extra stress they cause.

Make sense? If not, let me know.

Michael

Michael Fischer, Photographer

Spencer | Ia | USA | Posted: 12:54 PM on 04.23.09

->> One thing I forgot to mention. When it comes to this kind of purchase, the woman has the control. It's a family type of purchase. Guys maybe get to carry the checkbook, but it's the woman who makes the call.

Why is that?

Gentlemen, if you've ever blown off you wife/girlfriend and gone against her on a purchase; when your decision blows up in your face, you NEVER hear the end of it. You simply need to remind the guy gently.

You can say something like "well, we both know you want to keep her happy. I'm guessing you've been married more than 3 days."

Of all the things I've written on Sportsshooter.com, NOTHING is truer than what I've just typed. Violate the rule at your own risk.

Michael

Jeff Stanton, Photographer

Princeton | IN | USA | Posted: 1:06 PM on 04.23.09

->> Jody, I admire you for getting some feedback from this community. You may or may not take the advice offered here, but at least it will give you some ideas on how to handle your situation.

Personally, I might let these people walk away. It burns my butt to hear you have done the work, agreed on a price with the wife (your sort of friend) and now her husband decides he wants to get involved. I think you have a case for small claims court provided they don't pay you, but I also understand your concerns on public relations.

I think you'll have to do what you think is right and learn from the experience.

Jody Gomez, Photographer

Murrieta | CA | USA | Posted: 1:40 PM on 04.23.09

->> To answer the questions posted: I got the $200 for the sitting fee up front. I've done the shooting and some editing and the prints get ordered through my website so they have to pay with a credit card in order to get the product. Since my only real investment at this point is my time, I'm not totally burned if they walk away. I checked the prices on the competitor's website that they threatened to go to, and his packages can't come close to what I'm offering.

So when I have time to sit down and pencil out my response, I'm going to give her a breakdown of the discounts plus the time I've spent thus far. If they walk - so be it.

Thanks so much everyone. I was shocked and didn't know what to do and this is the first place I turned when I hung up with them last night.

I'll keep you posted on the outcome.

Jody

Dave Amorde, Photographer

Lake Forest | CA | USA | Posted: 2:02 PM on 04.23.09

->> I vote with Mr. Miho. Not only is his POV honorable, but I'm not so sure some other people are truly aware of the economic situation in Murrieta. Your area has one of the highest foreclosure rates in the nation.

Having said that, this "problem" really has nothing to do with you. This is a marital dispute plain and simple. The wife incumbered the family with a financial obligation without the approval of the husband. The quality of your work or the time you've invested are irrelevant from his POV.

It is unfortunate that negotiating portrait sessions has become akin to buying a new car, but everyone is hurting. If you can help the wife save face by dropping $50, my guess is you'll gain far greater returns in goodwill and marketing.

And yes Jody, you do have a job, and part of that job unfortunately includes being the Human Resources and Public Relations depts for "Jody Gomez Photography." Isn't being an independent contractor fun?

Rich Cruse, Photographer

Laguna Niguel | CA | USA | Posted: 2:48 PM on 04.23.09

->> Hi Jody:

Been there done that. When I first started out, I would get roped into shooting weddings for friends. At one wedding, I told the bride that I could order a second set of proofs at the time of developing (film days) and she would save a substantial amount of money in the long run. She told me "sure, go ahead and do it".

When I showed up with two sets of prints for her and mentioned the extra cost, she denied agreeing to the second set and refused to pay for them. I insisted she pay me and she refused. I made her give me the extra set back and we did not speak for at least 5 years.

I made a number of mistakes, the first one was a lack of contract. The last one was I put principal ahead of friendship. It put a strain on my relationship with my other friends as well.

She "should" have offered to meet me halfway, but did not. My mistake was that I took her by her word and "should" have gotten written confirmation of the terms. Eventually, I "gave" her the prints as a peace offering and we were able to be friends again.

Remember- "It's not show friends, it's show business!". Jay Mohr - Jerry Maguire

My advice is accept the offer in compromise and next time get everything in writing-period. It is a shame some people can't be taken at their word. Keep business and friendship separate- always.

Eric Francis, Photographer

Omaha | NE | United States | Posted: 3:31 PM on 04.23.09

->> THIS, is the exact reason I don't do discounts. Either you are a good enough friend for me to do them for free/cost (in which I get to call all the shots) or you pay full price.
It sounds to me like this person is barely on the fringes of you friends circle anyway. This husband is barely a friend-in-law. He could care less about you and will most likely bad mouth you whether they walk or the wife forces him to write the check. And if you gave in to him, you'd be labeled as the photog who can be bullied into a discount. Stand Your Ground!!!

"Mr. & Mrs. [client]

I'm sorry you are not happy with the discounts I have offered you. If you remain unhappy with my offering, I'd be more than happy to fit you into one of my established packages.
I look forward to completing your order."

Keep it short and sweet.

Darren Whitley, Photographer

	Maryville \| MO \| USA \| Posted: 3:43 PM on 04.23.09
	->> At PPA a photographer from Dayton said, "Discounts bring discounters." They offer incentives, but never discounts. Maybe I need to rethink my team photo order forms.

Rich Cruse, Photographer

	Laguna Niguel \| CA \| USA \| Posted: 3:59 PM on 04.23.09
	->> Last thought- When I do work for a friend or client at a discounted rate, I make certain they are aware they are getting a one time discount along with the amount of discount. I also tell them that I will appreciate referrals, but they mustn't mention how much I charged them. They can say my prices are competitive, but nothing else in that regard.

Rick Rowell, Photographer, Photo Editor

Vista | CA | USA | Posted: 5:06 PM on 04.23.09

->> Jody,
If you have this agreement on paper with her signature then you in a good spot. Remind this guy that 1. You already have $200.00 of his hard earned money and regardless he's not getting it back. 2. That if he goes to another photographer he will be out the $200.00 plus whatever he will be paying the other photographer. 3. Does his son really want to sit for another session and the costs that are associated with that? 4. The next photographer most likely will not give him discounts and if the photographer does then he should be careful of the quality he will receive, because the reason that you gave for giving a discount was you friendship with the mother and it's not your normal routine to do so. It's been said and it's true, "discount photographers bring discounters." Hold the line on this one and do your best to make him see reason. If not and he tells you that he will bad mouth you. Then remind him that the evidence is all on your side and that we still have liable laws in this country. I would be glad to come and testify on your behalf if it comes to that. If this woman has any power over her husband then this should resolve itself fairly soon. keep talking to the wife as if you still would like to remain friends and see if she doesn't do all of the hard work for you.

Clark Brooks, Photo Editor, Photographer

Urbana | IL | USA | Posted: 5:16 PM on 04.23.09

->> Jody,
Thank you for the additional info. ... cue Led Zeppelin and Stairway to Heaven... "Yes, there are two paths you can go by, But in the long run, There's still time to change the road you're on..."

The first path, is stick to your guns as others suggest and demand the $50. Simply don't activate the proof gallery until the amount has been paid. Once again, Michael Fischer offers great advice. Sit down with the wife (and take your laptop ;-) for a coffee sans hubbie and show her a few of the proofs to wet her appetite for more. Tell her you need the balance in order to make the full gallery available for her to select their final images. If she has her checkbook she'll write the check on the spot.

They have already paid the majority of the fee, which is not refundable, nor would I imagine a judge require you to return any part of the sitting fee. You fulfilled your obligation. I don't believe they will want to pay another sitting fee to the other photog. So the ball is really in their court.

Or, behind door No. 2 and slightly on the same path, I would politely ask for the $50 and wait a few days. Before terminating the conversation let your 'friend' know that package prices will be going up 'due to increase fees from the lab you use' and they probably want to save a few $$$ plus the increase in taxes caused by the higher price by taking care of the balance and ordering right away. They will hesitate because after all they are playing 'the game'. After a day or two increase the prices on the packages 10-15%. Call them and with the news and wait a few days. Let the two of them argue and stew. Then call again in a week or two and offer to forgive the $50 for their order if it is over $900. The will try to negotiate you down to a number close or below what they budgeted to spend - double it and wait them out. If the don't order in a month change the prices in the gallery to reflect what you normally charge.

The second path is KISS ....Keep It Simple Silly.... Back to Darrell Miho's advice with the mental note that in future transactions with them you will pad you quote as suggested above. There is not fuss or game playing. Sure you will be out of $50 but you won't have to play games and figure you had a pretty cheap educational experience considering the situation and the great advice you got from other members here.

HTH

David Shea, Photographer

	Riverside \| CA \| USA \| Posted: 6:01 PM on 04.23.09
	->> This might be late for you today but a good reference for the future, both the link and the blog: http://photobusinessforum.blogspot.com/2009/04/price-negotiations.html

Rich Cruse, Photographer

Laguna Niguel | CA | USA | Posted: 6:12 PM on 04.23.09

->> Very informative David.

The article is correct that everything is negotiable. Did you know that you can negotiate at big box stores like Best Buy? I know, I worked there in the computer dept..

Let's say you want to buy a $2,000 laptop and know that there is no lower price around. Say to the salesperson, what can you do for me to sweeten the deal? In my case, I could (with permission from management) get you employee cost on all accessories. So maybe that $49 laptop bag now costs $20. Something to think about. You get something and so does the store. Win-Win as they say.

In Jody's case, maybe she could still stand firm on the price and give an extra print or something with a low cost to her as a sign of goodwill.

Just a thought.

Delane B. Rouse, Photographer, Photo Editor

	Washington \| DC \| US \| Posted: 6:48 PM on 04.23.09
	->> Rich...why on earth would you negotiate and give a discounted price on a laptop bag when you already know that "there is no lower price around"? That makes no sense at all. Was the potential customer really going to go to the Apple Store b/c Best Buy wouldn't give them a discounted bag? Nope.

Nik Habicht, Photographer

	Levittown \| PA \| USA \| Posted: 8:55 PM on 04.23.09
	->> Delane, there might not be a lower price around, but there could be price matching --- in which case incentives could see you making the sale, rather than the competition..... Back when I was in Camera retail, we price matched other stores on new equipment. I closed many a deal by throwing in a free pre-owned filter or a discounted new one, or a lens cleaning cloth, or.....

Patrick Fallon, Student/Intern, Photographer

	Columbia \| MO \| USA \| Posted: 8:59 PM on 04.23.09
	->> I closed a deal once by offering the guy a doughnut from the employee lounge. Customer: "Is there anything else you could offer me on this?" Me: We got a box of jelly doughnuts and bear claws in the back, how about one of those? Customer: Deal! :)

William Purnell, Photographer

	Wichita \| Ks \| \| Posted: 11:51 PM on 04.23.09
	->> I'm a firm believer in offering more instead of discounting. Like instead of aggreeing to the lower price, tell them you'll give a $50 discount for cash.

Aaron Nagata, Photographer

KEALAKEKUA | HI | USA | Posted: 2:37 AM on 04.24.09

->> Jody,

instead of discounting your price, you could always add to the order. Lets say you charge $25 for an 8x10. Let them know that you'll throw in a 5x7 free of charge. That way you don't have to drop your price and you remain consistent with all of your customers. Take care of them with your product, don't deminish or discount your name and talent.

Also, no matter if its a good friend or not, you'll always run across someone who will try to get more for their money. There are also the friends who try to take advantage because "they are you friend".

Business is not always easy. Chalk this one up as a bad experience but always remember for every bad one, there is 5 good customers that are always willing to pay what is fair and right.

Aloha!
Aaron

Rich Cruse, Photographer

	Laguna Niguel \| CA \| USA \| Posted: 5:01 AM on 04.24.09
	->> Delane: If I can get your business by discounting accessories and keep you from going someplace else and spending your $2000 on the same computer, then that is what I would do. I also want you to come back and buy other things from my store. This is viewed as a goodwill gesture. People respond very well to it. I know I do!

Ian L. Sitren, Photographer

Palm Springs | CA | USA | Posted: 10:50 AM on 04.24.09

->> This is certainly a 'no win' situation either way.

But has anyone given any thought to the price argument is treating the photography as nothing more than a commodity than the value of it as something more of an art?

Is there something being created that by itself is so unique that it completely removes any price comparison?

I know Jody and I know she does great work.

But like I have said many times before, if you have 20 people running up and down the sidelines of a kids soccer game with the same cameras shooting the same stuff, and all good, how can you charge a price commensurate with making a living?

Same with weddings, portraits, all of it. It all gets reduced to a commodity unless it is something really unique.

Of course, you do need the clients for it too. I will give you that. And I will consider that this is just a difficult circumstance and the guy is just being a jerk.

Felix Marquez, Photographer

Bethesda | MD | USA | Posted: 1:13 PM on 04.24.09

->> My advice is " Live To see Another Day".

In other words meet with all the decision makers (at your studio preferably) and state your case as clear and precise as possible, if need be offer them something a 5x7 or 8x10 no charge. Set a time frame for their response and wait for their move; resolve professionally, amicably but decisive.

Then move on to the next assignment or shoot. Good luck and learn from it.

F

Jean Finley, Photo Editor, Photographer

Iowa City | IA | USA | Posted: 2:38 PM on 04.24.09

->> Jody - I'm sure you have resolved your issues by now, but something struck me. It seems like you did some "specials" here because of the friendship. You opened the door to the idea that there was flexibility on the fly (so to speak). So it doesn't surprise me that the client is trying to squeeze a little more. (and the "deadline" is a nice strong-arm touch). Typical human behavior, especially in this economic climate.

If they've paid the 200$ sitting fee already, they aren't going to go somewhere else. They're bluffing. I wouldn't pencil a long response. They "understand" what you're offering. Here's what I'd show them:

option #1: the "special" you offered.
option #2: the closest standard package in terms of prints (this obviously doesn't give them what they wanted)
option #3: the prints they want via alacarte. (they don't want to pay this price)
option #4: they can walk away (and sacrifice their sitting fee)

I bet I know which option they pick and pick quickly.

Let them know how long the proofs will be on file so they are clear how long they have to decide. Let them go check out the market. They'll be back.

David Manning, Photographer

	Athens \| GA \| \| Posted: 2:53 PM on 04.24.09
	->> It seems to me that they trying to take advantage of this friendship. You're already giving them a 'friend' discount and a special package on top of that. You've gone as far as you can go and IMO you need to find a way to politely explain this to them.

Michael Fischer, Photographer

Spencer | Ia | USA | Posted: 11:52 AM on 04.25.09

->> They aren't really friends, or at least the husband isn't.

I'm about half way through the draft on building a pricing program; part of the issue here was not having a pricing strategy in place.

From a marketing perspective, Ian is exactly right when he says "Same with weddings, portraits, all of it. It all gets reduced to a commodity unless it is something really unique." You have to market yourself as different. Look at Ian, who I have never met - but I immediately think of Ian whenever I see a story on bodybuilding or images of it. Powerful marketing.

The oldest marketing advice I can remember is "there are riches in niches." If you look the same, price the same, present your product the same way as everyone else, you will run into intense market pressure to be a commodity. There is NO ONE ELSE WHO "SEES" things exactly the same way as you. Market yourself that way. In other words, you are a niche unless you choose to act like a commodity.

Think about it.

Jody, I hope it worked out for you.

Jeff Blake, Photographer

	Columbia \| SC \| USA \| Posted: 11:58 AM on 04.25.09
	->> Hold your ground, your "friend" is trying to take advantage of you.

Jon Wright, Photographer

	Wayzata \| MN \| USA \| Posted: 9:31 AM on 04.26.09
	->> To jerk you around like that is an insult. Customers see the passion we bring to what we do for a living. For some reason they equate that with "fun". Photography Is fun, but we don't do this for fun. Why does it seem that "friends" and "discounts" when mixed always seem to lead to trouble. The customers that pay us the most are always the ones that are the happiest.

Louis Lopez, Photographer

	Fontana \| CA \| USA \| Posted: 1:42 PM on 04.26.09
	->> Take the "Friend" component out of it. Treat them the same as you would any of your other customers.

Jody Gomez, Photographer

	Murrieta \| CA \| USA \| Posted: 8:01 PM on 05.04.09
	->> Update - Nothing has happened. No phone calls - emails - drive by's - nothing. I guess I'll take my $200 and run. Thanks so much everyone for your help. I learned my lesson - no more "friendly" benefits in the future. Jody

August Miller, Photo Editor

Farmington | UT | USA | Posted: 8:29 PM on 05.04.09

->> There is an old saying in sales. "those who pay the least complain the most" Did you negotiate with the wife and then the husband got involved and had to "show" the wife how he can talk you down in price? Unfortunately, this happens a lot. Pity the women married to this man, she should have paid attention to the old axiom I tell my daughters, always see how your date treats the waiter, as that is how they will treat you. These type of customers almost always will complain the most, nitpick the most and cause more work and stress than one needs. Take your money and run. If they do call back, "be firm, but professional, be polite, but firm". Good luck.

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