Need some advice

[twinsrus]

We just had a meeting with a prospective client to do an ethnic wedding (Indian). The process is a two, possibly three day affair. A ceremony, more dance party, Friday night (about three hours), then the actual wedding Saturday (possibly seven hours), and possibly some additional photography on Sunday. The MOTB came across as a wheeler dealer who, we feel, would be ultra picky and never be satisfied. While the wedding would be very interesting to do, we feel that they are looking at getting as cheap a price as possible and milking us dry, while, as I said, never being satisfied.

We have concluded it would be more trouble than it is worth. This is confirmed by the fact that the guy who shot their older daughter's wedding is not being asked to do this one, even though he has this particular market cornered. He's a lot higher priced than we are, probably three times as much, which leads us to believe they are shopping for a lower priced photographer that they can badger into doing what they want. They are also video taping everything, so this is why they feel they wouldn't need as many photos.

So, my question is, how do we tell them that we don't want to do it?

Thanks for any advice.

[Scott McLoud]

You can tell them that you are booked on that day. Or tell them that you do not wish to do it.

[NC_Photo]

Have you already quoted them a price?

There is probably a reason the other photographer charges so much. I've never done one but the amount of time involved (both during and after in the editing process) in an Indian wedding is a lot - simply because there are soooo many events to be covered.

That being said, quote a price that is high but worth it, and if they do decide to book you have an iron clad contract....even if you have to modify what you normally use to include other things.

[twinsrus]

Have not quoted a firm price, but they have an idea based on what we put on our website. We told them we would figure a custom package based on what they told us they are looking for.

We feel though that even if we did that, they would still nitpick to the point that we would regret taking the job. You know how you meet with some people and even though it sounds good, a little voice in your ear says "Run!"? That's kinda what we are feeling.

[friz]

I would be honest. Tell them that you would love to do the wedding because you feel the subject mater would be interesting but you can't take the job because of the perception that the client would not be able to be satisfied. If they respect your work they might do a 180 on you.

[FlyingPhotog]

I would be honest. Tell them that you would love to do the wedding because you feel the subject mater would be interesting but you can't take the job because of the perception that the client would not be able to be satisfied. If they respect your work they might do a 180 on you.

Forgive me but IMO this is not the best approach...

You never want to leave a client (even a prospective client) feeling as if they bear any responsibility for your not taking the gig.

I admit I'm not a working pro photographer but I've been a freelance broadcast technician for over 20 years and one thing I've learned is: keep it strictly business. Casting aspersions on a client (which is very personal) is a bad idea because even if you don't end up shooting for them, you need to keep open the possiblity that they may reccomend you to someone else.

My usual thing is either:

- "I'm very sorry but I'm already booked on that date..."

-or-

- "Oooh, sorry but I have some personal business scheduled for that date that simply can't be put off... (Doctor, Dentist, Shrink, whatever...)"

Leave them feeling like it's their loss for not being able to hire you...

Good Luck

[noxcuses1]

Yes, they probably want more for what they want to pay for it.

Stop flip-flopping and make up your mind whether you want to do it or not. :)

If not, then just tell them that you just reserved those dates with another customer. Period. No need to get into any detail about any more. They don't need to know anything else.

Just thank them for considering your services and wish them well. :D

[tim]

"I'm sorry but I don't feel i'm a good fit for your wedding photography. Good luck finding a photographer".

[twinsrus]

Thanks for the good advice. I appreciate it all.

[jim47]

Twins

I am not a pro Photg, but i do woodworking / cabinetmaking and i run across this all the time you go in and talk to the client and you get the idea that this job will be a PITA, charge for the grief, if you think the job is worth 5K give them a price of 10 or 15K you already said your prices were low,then you are covered if you have to do everything 3 times for them you will still make money, i do this when need be and every ounce in a while someone bites, if you dont get the job thats ok you did not want it aneyway. It's a sad thing to have to do business this way but protrct yourself. give them a high price and move on. ( I ounce charged an extra 1000.00 on a job because i knew that the mother in law was going to be there every day watching me i got that job, and every time the MIL opened her mouth I thought about the $1000.00

Jim

[FlyingPhotog]

Twins

I am not a pro Photg, but i do woodworking / cabinetmaking and i run across this all the time you go in and talk to the client and you get the idea that this job will be a PITA, charge for the grief, if you think the job is worth 5K give them a price of 10 or 15K you already said your prices were low,then you are covered if you have to do everything 3 times for them you will still make money, i do this when need be and every ounce in a while someone bites, if you dont get the job thats ok you did not want it aneyway. It's a sad thing to have to do business this way but protrct yourself. give them a high price and move on. ( I ounce charged an extra 1000.00 on a job because i knew that the mother in law was going to be there every day watching me i got that job, and every time the MIL opened her mouth I thought about the $1000.00

Jim

Ah the old "PITA Penalty..." I know and have used that one myself in the past! :lol:

[Mike-DT6]

What's that old adage?

Lying is the best policy! ;-)

I think the politely fabricated excuses suggested so far would be the easiest way to get out of doing the wedding job.

Mike

[S.Horton]

In consulting, there are two ways not to do something.

1. Quote it high and long, so that if they say yes, they could nag and you'd still make money
2. Tell them a version of the truth: we've decided to pursue another opportunity during on (the date) you're interested in

[DDCSD]

I think you are correct to listen to your gut and stay away. I would simply tell them that you cannot meet the time requirements that would be needed for that weekend.

3x your normal rate (what you said the other guys charged) really isn't enough. You could possibly do 2 additional weddings during the time that this one will take. If you want to quote high to try and turn them away, quote 5x your normal rate. That way if they happen to say yes, it is almost worth it to do it.

Remember, if your gut is telling you something, pay attention.