Comments on: Turning Away Business

By: Calisara

Calisara — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 23:57:14 +0000

Michelle! I had to look up this post again for reference. I think I’m going through my first ever experience, and it’s very isolating. But glad to read through the comments as well. Though one thing about pricing, I think the general public believes asking for discounts is simply a “negotiation” tactic, so I wouldn’t write off someone off the bat when they are taking an innocent approach to “score a deal”. Though, that is just one small area to consider, most price shoppers want it all but not pay for it. So go with your gut.

In my case I feel that I’m being directed upon rather than looked at as a professional. I want feedback, and want to fulfill the client’s request and take direction, but I’m also bringing my experience to the table so I have more than just my services. And it’s getting to the point, where I know I will not be successful, even if I do get the job done properly. Toughie.

By: Michelle Loretta

Michelle Loretta — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 21:19:58 +0000

Unfortunately it is common… and you should be concerned when people ask for this. Typically, if someone is asking for a discount before they meet you, they only care to purchase based on pricing. It will be hard (and probably impossible) to change their mind. You will want to steer clear from people like this, in my experience.

By: lindsey

lindsey — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 20:46:40 +0000

should i be concerned if a clients asks for a discount before meeting me or learning anything about our pricing at all? kind of off-putting, but not sure if this is common?

By: Cynthea Kinnaman

Cynthea Kinnaman — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 22:42:14 +0000

Thank you for this post. I once heard a less experienced wedding planner in answer to the question “Who is your target market?” say, “My target market is any bride who wants to hire me.”

I just shook my head.

If we’re selling ourselves to every bride, how do we ever differentiate ourselves and stand out from the competition? I don’t meet with brides unless we’ve had an in depth phone conversation about what they are looking for and what we can deliver. If my instinct says we’re not a match, I tell them very simply, “In all honesty, I don’t think we’re a good fit for you. Our goal is to have you absolutely thrilled with our service and I just don’t get the feeling that we’re going to be able to deliver what you’re looking for in the way you would like it delivered. We’d be happy to recommend another planner to you.”

I wish them all the best. I truly do. But the quickest route to burnout is trying to be all things to all people.

By: Sharon

Sharon — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 19:28:12 +0000

Thank you so much for this week’s post. I have struggled with this topic for a while and appreciate the insight and guidance. Thanks to Catie for sending the link my way!

By: Tara Bliven

Tara Bliven — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:01:55 +0000

I have done the “we’re booked” thing (oops), but graduated to clumsy “it’s not you, it’s me” conversations. CLUMSY! But I’m glad I did it, and they will be to Awesome post, Michelle — thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.

By: Phil

Phil — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:38:53 +0000

Learning to handle the clients who aren’t going to be a good match has been such a blessing. I’ve run into really nice people who are just looking for a service that doesn’t match what I do. My first turn away was an acquaintence who was a personal referral from a close friend. After speaking with the bride it was so clear that what the couple wanted wasn’t what I could do for them. In the end, sending them to another photographer established better relationships all over – with the friend, the bride and couple, and the photographer I sent them to. This is a great article – thanks for all the wisdom recently!