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July 2020

Vendor Pricing Change

Stephanie, on February 15, 2020 at 2:14 AM Posted in Etiquette and Advice 0 8

I am a vendor. I recently started my wedding photography business and was offering a deeply discounted rate back in December 2019. I booked several weddings at the discounted price and in the two months since my low pricing I have shot a few weddings and raised my prices. I also only shoot with a second shooter at this point. Two months after she said she would contact me after the holidays, she reached back out to me and was upset that I am no longer offering my discounted rate. I did offer her 30% off of our current pricing. She offered to pay me a price which would be 60% off our current pricing which I am not interested in. What would be the best way to tell her sorry I can no longer offer that rate. We never had an official contract and she never paid any money down to reserve the date or price.

8 Comments

Latest activity by Latonya, on February 17, 2020 at 8:55 AM
  • Latonya
    Devoted April 2021
    Latonya ·
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    The way you just said it now. I’m sorry however I am no longer offering the rates from our original conversation but would be happy to offer you 30% off. To lock in rates and discounts yiu are encouraged to submit a deposit As prices are subject to change


    Good luck.
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  • S
    July 2020
    Stephanie ·
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    Thanks! That's what I said but she wasn't happy with that reply and offered to pay what would be 60% off of our current pricing. I guess I'll just have to stand my ground.

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  • Rebelle Fleur
    Master July 2021
    Rebelle Fleur ·
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    You have to stand by your work and stand firm. We all have families to support even if we are the only ones on that family. In order you grow your business and be financially secure you have to be able to make a profit. I hope she understands. Good Luck.
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  • Kristen
    Master November 2020
    Kristen ·
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    Stand your ground. You did nothing wrong but as a bride I can say if there was one price I expected and it did increase I may price ship some more too. You did nothing wrong but she's gotta do what's best for her budget.
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  • Meghan
    Master October 2019
    Meghan ·
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    I would let her know that when you originally spoke with her she was being given the 2019 packages, but now, it is 2020 and she is being given the 2020 packages. I would remind her that she had the chance to book in 2019 at the lower rate, but did not, so you are willing to give her the 30% discount, but unfortunately, that is the best you can do.
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  • Kari
    Master May 2020
    Kari ·
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    So you had a bride interested in using your services, but there was never a contract signed or deposit made? Then the wedding wasn't booked, and you are free to adjust your pricing however feels necessary for your business. Most wedding photographers readjust their rates on an annual basis, so it is not at all uncommon for rates to change from December to February.

    If you somehow let the bride to believe her date was secured and promised her you would honor the same pricing regardless of when a deposit/contract was completed, that's on you, but if she just assumed the same rates would apply, then she's out of luck for not booking with you sooner.

    I would absolutely not offer any further discounts and let her know the rate you offered is the rate it would cost to book a wedding. She can take it or leave it. If you get into the habit of letting brides guilt you into changing your rates, you'll never establish a sustainable business model.

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  • Daniel
    Beginner September 2020
    Daniel ·
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    If the couple did not secure your services at the cheaper rate when they had the chance, that's on them. Are you particularly hurting for business at the moment? If so, I can see the value in taking whatever job you can. But it also sets a bad precedent - the couple may give your name to others and just say, "be sure to push for a cheaper rate".

    Also, if this one couple is already causing trouble, then I would expect more headaches moving forward.

    I don't begrudge anyone trying to secure a cheaper rate, though. It never hurts to ask - and since you're already offering a 30% discount off current rates, that shows that you're working in good faith. At the same time, no sense in taking a loss if you can avoid it. I wouldn't say anything beyond what you said above - that you can no longer honor the rate quoted.

    If anything, and as you're starting your business this may be helpful, be sure to note that any price quoted is good for X days (I wouldn't do more than 10 business days, to be honest).

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  • Latonya
    Devoted April 2021
    Latonya ·
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    Yes stand your ground. Until a contract is "signed" nothing is set in stone. per say.


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