Question
What is a polite way of telling customers they are just asking for too much?
I am a photographer and have very low rates to get my name out there. I have a customer that just seems to want it all and financially I can't afford to travel too far or buy more props or do some other things she is wanting. I do not want to come off rude, and I don't want to really lose her business either.
I use to go far out of my way for everyone but I am realizing that it doesn't help me at all.
Thanks for the help.
Best Answer
I had this problem during my 38 years painting murals. People can go crazy! Also- no! I do not repair walls before painting a mural! I noticed that I did better giving them limited choices. They might change a little but they tended not to get so confused.
In your case- I think you need a pricing paper- to show what each level of pricing includes. Be very specific. At the bottom, you can add- after this many miles away- add 40.000 for gas. Or time. After 3 props- add this. After 4 backgrounds add this. Then if you decide to let them have it for free, they think they've got a deal. I always had them initial it- one for me, one for them. I kept that in their file with the sketches, samples and bids and deposits etc. Don't steal from yourself because you are nice. I did that too. I was always honest and did more than bid so everyone was happy but did raise my prices and get signed bids or such.
Perhaps approach your (current?) customer with " Usually, anything over this many props or distance is a additional cost. I don't want to charge you, I know how budgets are , so lets do "this" (whatever this is) If they don't like that or think its rude, well- they are out for a freebie. I've delt with those too. Good luck!
Other Answers
Be honest.
State that you are not being able to pull a profit atter all your expenses and time.
Honesty and integrity - the way great businesses grow.
as a business person, you can't if you want to be processional and polite.
the way to do it is to quote a price so high, you know they won't accept it.
— and if they do, you can live with it.
Keep documentation of how much it would normally cost, then have like their discounted price so they can see how much you are helping them. For instance, I had car repair work done. The bill totaled $125 and some change and at the end of the bill they added Discount -$50 labor to show where I saved money. Customers like receipts and they like knowing exactly what they are getting.
by Scott - 5 months agoThe farther you go out of your way to travel and what not you have to ask them that it will cost them more for that.
Much more $$$$$$$$$$
Source(s)
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by Ryan - 5 months agoJust tell her. It's your business. You call the shots. You tell them what you offer for what prices. They either use you or someone else.
by MyOpinion - 5 months agoYep, honesty is best and stop giving away your services.
by Love big words - 5 months ago


