How do you guys say no to a client?

I get that in my business. I always tell them that everyone gets the same price. I'm not making a killing on anyone's job. My pricing is what's needed to run my business and the other guys pricing is what's needed to run his business. I don't have room to discount, because I always offer the best price the first time. My business is automotive repair, but it applies to all.

"I'm sorry, but I'm no longer available for your event."

You don't need to explain. There are any number of legitimate reasons this could be true - maybe you've just been invited to a wedding as a guest, maybe you've booked so many events on surrounding dates you need a break, maybe you just don't feel like it.

That brings up an interesting point. How many of us brings their cars in to have the oil changed and haggles on the price. Unless it's someone you know personally I would have to guess no one does. I wouldn't even think of it.

"Do my oil change for $20 and throw in some window washer fluid and a new air filter as well. Oh, and make sure my AC is charged up to"...

Send them an Email now, tell them another party just booked you, signed a contract and gave money down, for the date and they are buying all the extras.

They will appreciate it.

^ troll. No, serious, why lie ?

5W0L3 wrote in post #15355575
Basically I'm a new commer to wedding photography and I don't have that much experience... this client I talked to is continuously trying to push my price down (even though my price is already very low compared to the seasoned photographers in my area due to my lack of experience).. I know i can do a good job, but he keeps saying "this other guy gave me $xxx quote and he's experienced.. and he's got very nice images, can you match that price"... I mean even if there is such a photographer (i doubt it but still).. I can't really lower my price to a point where I'm working crazy amount of hours on editing and I'm still making a loss overall (in terms of the amount I have invested in the gear etc.)

I didn't really want to ask "can you show me the photographs of that photographer" because that comes out rude.. and decided that its probably best for me to not take this client because even if the client finally agrees on my price, he's always going to have something negative to say about what I deliver.. and hence he will never be happy.

They are price shoppers. They think you have better images but don't want to pay your prices. If they like the other photographer that much they would have hired them already.

My stock answer to an enquiry like this is along the lines "Well that photographer isn't me, you would be hiring me, what I deliver and how I deliver it. If you want another photographer go and hire another photographer". This is the type of client you don't need.

As far as an "excuse" goes for no longer being available... "I'm having the day off", "I'm no longer available".

"After our meetings, it has become clear to me that you are not my client."

CameraMan wrote in post #15355725
That brings up an interesting point. How many of us brings their cars in to have the oil changed and haggles on the price. Unless it's someone you know personally I would have to guess no one does. I wouldn't even think of it.

"Do my oil change for $20 and throw in some window washer fluid and a new air filter as well. Oh, and make sure my AC is charged up to"...

You would be surprised. My normal customers would never ask for a discount, or for me to bring down my price to match the next guy. There are plenty of places that offer coupons or will change your oil for nothing. I can't afford to change your oil for 20.00. What does it cost to pay a man/woman an hour, plus oil, filter and waste disposal fees (leaving out other overhead costs)?
I can have a qualified technician inspect your vehicle, change your oil and filter, but it will cost more than 20.00.
There will always be people good with that and some not good with that.
I only work with people good with it.
If you think your customer is going to give you problems, don't take the job.

Tell them it appears they don't see your work being worth the price, and your not willing to take on the job knowing they may not be 100% satisfied in the end. Or you could lie, whatever works for you. I find it is always best to be upfront and honest.

If you dont feel like working with them then just straight forward politely say you're not available on that date anymore. If you tell them you can't lower the price, there a chance he'll take your price and you're stuck to their wedding.
I own a diff business than photography and if my feeling say no, then i have to turn the customer down. You're the boss of yourself in your business!

You're inexperienced and lack a little confidence - this customer has picked up on your insecurities and is playing you. It's time to put your business head on.

If he'd found someone better and cheaper, he'd have booked them, he didn't book them because, they're not better, they're not cheaper, the other photographer is an ass, the other photographer doesn't exist.

But none of that is your problem - they've made you an offer, you're free to turn it down. Sorted.

Just phone him up and say 'really sorry I can't meet that price point, I'm sure you'll be fine with the other guy.' You're not turning them down, you're refusing a silly offer. If you turn the tables you'll see why there's no need for any bad feelings on your part.

There'll be hard decisions in business and PITA customers - but this isn't either of those things.

Just say "no thanks, this isn't going to work". No need to expand on that, keep it short.

if your main source of bad vibes is stemming from them trying to bargain you down, stick to your price point. They will either book you, at the rate you want/need or they don't - seems like a win-win to me.

Lots of people are bargainers, they just throw lower offers out even when they are going to book anyway or try to weasel every last concession from you. A simple and polite firm stance on your pricing is all it takes to either weed them out, or book them as a full priced paying customer who does in fact see value in your work, that's why they want you in the first place and didn't book yet with someone else.

I would tell them the truth. "I am not confident that you will be completely happy with the type of photography that I do and the photographer that I am. The main goal for me is that you are happy with your photographs. Therefore, I find it necessary for me to recommend you to another photographer."

If they continue to pressure you, then they are definitely someone you need to distance yourself from. If they take your advice and accept it, then they will probably be impressed and will recommend you to others. I have had this same exact situation in real life. The non-customer was a very good advertiser for me....because I put them first in their eyes.

There's nothing wrong with saying that you don't think you're a good fit for them and call it a day. If you don't want to do that, you can always say that you've accepted another booking for their day and are no longer available. Candidly, I prefer the straight and honest approach.

Peacefield wrote in post #15356948
There's nothing wrong with saying that you don't think you're a good fit for them and call it a day. If you don't want to do that, you can always say that you've accepted another booking for their day and are no longer available. Candidly, I prefer the straight and honest approach.

^^^^^^^^^^^^
This works.Its honest.

I often resort to this,,,,,Im sorry, there were multiple inquiries for your date and i just received a deposit to close the date. Would you like me to get some referrals for you.

I dont like confrontation,, im a wuss,, i admit it,, i like easy escape routes.


I never book a weddding with anyone unless we have a good feeling about the client. I have never had a bridezilla and dont want to deal with one