You're faced with a client demanding a discount. How can you maintain your value as a photographer?

In my case, I mention not just my style but also the selection of post-production and printing materials. Sometimes, clients ask even for different colors or just a discount on the price because they can print (in their mind) for a cheaper price and get the same result Of course, being a landscape photographer is easier for me, but I usually say one sentence: "If you go to buy a Vang Gogh, would you ask for a discount? or for it to be painted in different tones??" There were a few cases when I simply said no to the client. If it is just a matter of $, then they are not valuing your work as an artist, in my opinion.

Clients can be unaware of the cost of gear, equipment, travel, editing, re-editing, conceptualizing, and overall planning of a shoot. I try to remember that as a photographer, photographers do more than just the photographing part. It hurts me and my fellow photographers if I undermine myself and my worth.

When negotiating discounts, ask the customer: “Which services would you consider removing to achieve this discount?” This helps understand their priorities and enables more targeted negotiation. When it comes to pricing and discounts, it’s essential to consider the customer's perceived value. Communicating the added value you provide, such as your expertise, quality equipment, and attention to detail, can help justify the price and build client trust.

Explain that your prices reflect the quality and effort you put into your work. Suggest a smaller package or fewer hours to fit their budget, but avoid lowering your rates.

We see this 'educate clients' too often, it's a very confused and misleading approach to doing business. If your potential clients don't understand or appreciate what you do, and that this has a cost attached...they're simply not 'your clients'. That isn't a reflection on them, they might totally understand your work but just not like it or think you're worth your fee. They may understand and appreciate you but not have budget. 'Educating' them assumes their opinion is not worthy, that's usually incorrect. More often the photographer has done a bad job of making themselves and their work clear. Educate yourself!

Educating clients by showing value rather than price is one of the most important tasks when presenting our work. Pricing should be the last stage of the sales process, first showing the value of the work carried out: Quality, production, versatility, organization, and most importantly, safety in the work that will be carried out. During the speeches in the presentation of the work already carried out, demonstrate knowledge of the area, but nothing extremely technical, remember that the client is a layman on the subject. Dialogue about the subjective effects that the image has with a certain composition or color. Show how much the client will be earning from your work and the way you work.

When confronted with any conflict in a creative business, it's best to clearly communicate certainly. However, if someone's budget isn't where I can meet them, then it won't make a difference if I 'educate them'. They will either see the value of what I offer through my samples and proven reputation, or they will choose someone else.

I think we should educate AND regulate photographers instead of clients. Because your client will see what you create and if that’s what they’re looking for or not. We’re also allowed to say no. But it is crucial for photographers to understand how damaging underpricing can be. If photography a hobby, then don’t charge and don’t accept clients. If it’s a business, even if part-time, charge well. Charge correctly.

Client-Centric Approach: "I’d focus on the client’s specific needs and how my services cater to them uniquely. I’d explain how I tailor each shoot to reflect the client’s personality or brand, providing a personalized experience that generic, discounted services can’t match. By emphasizing the bespoke nature of my work, I’d demonstrate the added value they receive."

Promotions and discounts are very effective in developing and retaining customers. Consider a discount calendar and stick to it every year, so that your loyal customers know exactly when to save money. For example, you could offer a package with reduced services or fewer hours of cover to keep within their budget. " Valentine's Day pack Promotion: Offer a couple's photo session at a 15% discount." or "Mini Session Package: 30-minute photo session with 10 retouched photos.

Adding value as opposed to a reduction is what I usually choose to do, if I'm able. Adjusting the deliverables as a solution can often be agreeable to the client. If they are interested in working with me, but cannot afford my rates, I make effort to work with them if my quote is in the ballpark. That is not always the case and I reserve the right to walk away from the potential work.

As a photographer, my aims to deliver top-notch quality and service to all clients. Regrettably, discounts are not available. However, i can propose several options to enhance the client's experience, such as extending the shooting session, providing additional prints, or creating a customized package tailored to their specific needs.

Offer an alternative, lower cost photographer. If you can’t afford a Tesla you look at BYD, etc. You don’t turn up at a Tesla garage demanding a discount. You certainly don’t put down a deposit and then demand a discount & you absolutely don’t take delivery and then demand a discount. I personally think seasonal sales are a disastrous idea - unless they are to fill a gap that’s exceedingly slow every year. I’d rather offer a cheap studio day, first come first served with people queuing to take their turn. You can then pass on the genuine savings.

Offering different payment methods greatly helps with closing budgets. Be aware of factoring fees for using credit card machines into your budget, so that customers won't feel the frustration of a last-minute price change due to payment methods. Discounts on commemorative dates are always welcome if you're trying to reach a certain market. But be careful with excessive promotions, this can lead to customers not closing with you at a certain point while waiting for a future promotion.

Discounting your rates excessively can set a precedent that devalues your work and skills. It may lead to difficulties in maintaining your pricing integrity with future clients. Prioritize building relationships with clients who value your work and are willing to pay for the quality you provide. These clients are more likely to respect your expertise and may lead to more sustainable and fulfilling collaborations.

Once I had a client who replied they had decided to go with another photographer, to which I replied, and I always reply if they notify me. My response, "Thank you for notifying me of your decision. Best of luck on your project and keep me in mind for future work." I received an email from her 10 days later looking to hire me for the same project at my rates as the other vendor had cancelled on them. Over the years I've learned to stay true to my financial goals while honoring my clients as best as I can.

If there is a strategy to target a specific client or company, you can think carefully about the recurring work and the amount of money that this client may end up hiring in the medium term. If this calculation makes sense to you, you can think about a higher discount, otherwise, stay firm and value your work. On social media, always show the value that your work has and not the price. Awaken the desire for the quality of your brand.

Mein Preis ist nicht nur für meine Dienstleistung, diese Fotos zu machen. Meine Fotos werden den Zweck erfüllen, der die Probleme oder Anforderungen des Kunden l?sen. Falls der Kunde seine Anforderungen geringer einstuft, kann evetuell eine Preisverhandlung stattfinden.

Firstly, if there is an opportunity to offer a discount, particularly for first-time clients, please do so. If not, educate your clients with the analogy, "The more sugar, the sweeter the tea; the less sugar, the more bitter the tea."

The best client to serve is your current clientele. Your ROI is better as you already have their trust and confidence. Working with a client once allows me to learn their needs, habits & integrations of the deliverables. Then I can suggest additions or be confident walking into future work with said client. Taking care of clients is what can make the difference in a service based business. Responding to emails to showing up on time, to making sure they are satisfied, all matter.

I agree. When working with a potential client; I always set the stage for them. To invite them to feel comfortable with me, hearing what they want, getting their input, allowing them to be heard so then they can trust my judgement in my craft. And by building this relationship they’ll most likely be returning clients!

The best clients are the friend clients. Not every client will be your friend and you don’t need to befriend any clients but if you’ve got a positive rapport with a client and you both are bouncing ideas off each other and your whole shoot is a positive experience you’ve got a friend client who not only respects your work but your rate and will pay nothing but the starting offer. This isn’t just to say they have to but that their expectations of you have exceeded what they came in with and you have inspired them to treat you with the respect and confidence you deserve.

Ob man als Fotograf marktübliche Preise anbietet, ist abh?ngig vom Fachgebiet. Sei der Beste in Deiner Region und in Deiner Sparte, dann sind Preise an der oberen Grenze vollkommen in Ordnung und es gibt keine Diskussionen oder Rabattwünsche. Transparenz muss natürlich sein, damit von Anfang an keine Missverst?ndnisse entstehen.

If you decide to offer a discount, make sure you don't undercut your rates too much. You can explain that you value your work and that your prices reflect this. Make the terms clear (duration, services included, etc.) to avoid confusion.Whatever the outcome, make sure you remain professional and polite. Customer relations are important for future recommendations and referrals.

Lots of people subscribe to the idea of "it doesn't hurt to ask." When people ask for a discount, it's not personal. They might really love you but have a limited budget. They might just always ask for a discount to see what they can get. And some people just enjoy haggling for the best price. The important thing to remember is that someone asking for a discount isn't a statement about you or your skill or your value, it's just tells you how the client works and what they value. When they give you this information, you're in a great position to decide whether you want to make an exception for them or stick to your pricing.