Clients who want to lowball

I'm having an issue with a new client who does not want to sign contracts (this is their last gig that will be handled as such) I recently, very recently shot the Harlem Globetrotters, got photos of their children with the players, the whole 9 yards. A few of these shots I'm close enough to where I can touch them. They got the damn VIP treatment.

My asking price was low to begin with, 100 dollars, he's trying to talk me down to 50. What the hell do I do? I'm trying to stay firm on this one but this guy is just killing me "it's the economy we're in a recession" "it's for the kids" The recession and kids ain't paying my f***ing bills.

How do I go about this without going into super-ultra-mega douche mode? I have a habit of wanting to come unglued on things like this

If you discussed price beforehand and he agreed, don't budge. If he doesn't want to pay the fair price he agreed on for his and his families memories, so be it, throw a copy on a drive somewhere and forget about them. These things happen, especially when you don't have them sign on the dotted line.

That said, weigh the pros and cons. I'd reconsider if this is somebody you're sure will bring a lot more business for you down the road.

Is it a family? Have them come in for a viewing, pick the shots they want and tell them they can have the others for 50 but they can have the ones they want for the already agreed upon $100? Kidding.

Nah, it's rough but luckily if they are haggling for such a low dollar amount it doesn't seem like you are going to be losing much in future business with them by holding your ground.

You're prices are very cheap. Don't budge on your price, I'd delete them in front of him before I'd bend.

Persian-Rice wrote in post #14046878
If you discussed price beforehand and he agreed, don't budge. If he doesn't want to pay the fair price he agreed on for his and his families memories, so be it, throw a copy on a drive somewhere and forget about them. These things happen, especially when you don't have them sign on the dotted line.

That said, weigh the pros and cons. I'd reconsider if this is somebody you're sure will bring a lot more business for you down the road.

that's the problem.....he CAN bring me a lot more business, potentially. He knows a lot of people, if this were any one else I wouldn't think twice and I'd tell them pay up or shut up.

He is a nightmare to deal with legally and I've warned him about not signing contracts (he's already in the hole for work he did for someone else and they aren't paying him) but he brings me business.

He won't bring you the right kind of business.
"Dude, I know this photographer. His work is dirt cheap and if you bug him enough, it gets even cheaper!"

Seriously, tell him he has 30 days to pay the agreed upon price for services rendered. Make sure that he knows that if he doesn't pay that files will be deleted. Count it as a learning experience and go market yourself towards clients who will pay and do it with a contract.

j-dogg wrote in post #14046913
that's the problem.....he CAN bring me a lot more business, potentially. He knows a lot of people, if this were any one else I wouldn't think twice and I'd tell them pay up or shut up.

He is a nightmare to deal with legally and I've warned him about not signing contracts (he's already in the hole for work he did for someone else and they aren't paying him) but he brings me business.

j-dogg wrote in post #14046913
that's the problem.....he CAN bring me a lot more business, potentially.

IMHO, a discount might be justified if business has already been sent my way from the client. I'm not going to give someone a discount simply because I think they have the potential of sending business my way.

You should tell this guy that because the economy is so bad, you've been forced to increase your price for the job to $150

Say "Thanks but, no" and walk away. Do you really need this client? How much time have you already invented in them, only to not pay you what you want/need? Why is this a hard decision? Its one thing if you need it to pay the rent. Then just do it and be done with it. Other wise walk away.

As far as his excuses. There is not one, that you cant use back at him to maintain your price.

j-dogg wrote in post #14046913
that's the problem.....he CAN bring me a lot more business, potentially. He knows a lot of people, if this were any one else I wouldn't think twice and I'd tell them pay up or shut up.

He is a nightmare to deal with legally and I've warned him about not signing contracts (he's already in the hole for work he did for someone else and they aren't paying him) but he brings me business.

"Has bought me more business" and "Can bring me more business" aren't even remotely the same. "I'll hook you up. I know people" is the deadbeat mantra. It's only a valid statement when accompanied by prompt payment in full.

done and done, we will see how this pans out tomorrow, but I'm sticking to my guns like I should be doing in the first damn place.

50 dollars is 50 dollars, having a pretty dry month right now, but these are easily worth WAY more than that.

j-dogg wrote in post #14046805
[...]My asking price was low to begin with[...]

The answer is usually in the question. So it is here. Quote yourself; there's how to answer, maybe add ", already discounted because you've brought me business in the past."

cdifoto wrote in post #14047521
"Has bought me more business" and "Can bring me more business" ...

Seems to me like he's already "Getting the business"?

So how did it go?

j-dogg wrote in post #14046805
I'm having an issue with a new client

j-dogg wrote in post #14046913
he CAN bring me a lot more business...

I'm confused.

He's a new client, but you say he can bring you more business and then, in the same post, you say he brings you business.

I'm glad you stuck to your guns, but the quotes above are confusing...

I would counter his $50 offer with $150. If he wants to negotiate then it is only fair you can too!

It is the way I deal with craigslist lowballers or those who want to make a deal after a price has already been agreed upon.

Justaddwata wrote in post #14049690
I would counter his $50 offer with $150. If he wants to negotiate then it is only fair you can too!

It is the way I deal with craigslist lowballers or those who want to make a deal after a price has already been agreed upon.

Ha I use that one too...
it's a 100...
can you do it for 50?
No but I can do it for 150.
why would I give you 150 when I'm trying to get you to 50
exactly....so let's just keep it at a 100