Itemize your quote when bidding for a job?

When providing a quote to a prospective client, do you find breaking your quote (instead of providing a final price) a good strategy to increase wins? If so to what level of details you find it useful?

e.g.

8 hours x rate (100) = 800
travel 100 miles x 2 = 100
usage license = 400
2 hours editing/organizing/del​ivering = 200

total = 1500

Its up to you but you are opening more doors for negotiation.

samsen wrote in post #15666421
Its up to you but you are opening more doors for negotiation.

I don't need the photos heavily edited, so don't spend more than an hour. That might be an example that I've heard before.

As others have suggested, I'd be concerned about providing more avenues for the client to chip away at your costs.

What do you think the advantage to breaking things down might be ?

There are instances when the client isn't aware of everything that goes into creating and delivering the photos they end up with so a more detailed quote can help them to understand and accept the total. On the other hand, as the others here have said, a more detailed quote can provide the client with more ideas for cost cutting. So there's no clear answer that applies to all situations. If the client doesn't expect a detailed quote and you don't feel like you're in a good position to strongly defend each item then don't provide a detailed quote. On the other hand, if the client expects all of the major charges itemized, or if in your estimation, knowing what you do about the client, a detailed quote will help you win the job at the price you want, then go ahead and provide a detailed quote.

In general, it's to the advantage of whomever is providing a quote to list a single number. Conversely, if you are receiving a quote, it is in your best interest to request an itemized quote for the reasons given above.

Yup, I itemize:

Photography - $3000

Numenorean wrote in post #15666655
Yup, I itemize:

Photography - $3000

That's a good point. Some itemize like so:

Package Deluxo
Free engagement session
Unlimited hours
Free travel up to 100 miles
Free usage license
Free editing and delivery

total = $3000

It's hard to negotiate against free or you could use the word complimentary. Oh, you don't want an engagement session? Well, it's complimentary, so I can't deduct the price. (Maybe throw in an easy service you could offer here in its place.)

juicedownload wrote in post #15666780
That's a good point. Some itemize like so:

Package Deluxo
Free engagement session
Unlimited hours
Free travel up to 100 miles
Free usage license
Free editing and delivery

total = $3000

It's hard to negotiate against free or you could use the word complimentary. Oh, you don't want an engagement session? Well, it's complimentary, so I can't deduct the price. (Maybe throw in an easy service you could offer here in its place.)

I am totally SOLD.

Depending on the state (US), you may be required to itemize for tax purposes.

I limit it as much as possible on a quote. Unless something makes it a special circumstance. Then that item gets listed on its own. Most often, I will give just a final price on the quote, but have it broke down into 3-5 lines on the invoice. Bu then its to late to chip away.

As already mentioned, the more lines you have only provides more opportunity for the client to try to cut corners. It also hugely depends on what area of the industry you work in. And on what scale. A $200 shoot budget does not need that much explanation. But if you are doing a $12,000 shoot you might be asked to explain a bit more.

cory1848 wrote in post #15666803
Depending on the state (US), you may be required to itemize for tax purposes.

For an invoice maybe. But not a quote.

less = more

This is for a corporate client who have never hired a photographer before. They had their staff shooting with p&s in the past. Instead of throwing a # at them, I would like to educate them by breaking down the cost, at a level they can understand. I do not think they have a set budget, and so its up to me to convince them what is fair, which is another reason why breaking down the quote may help.

Instead of separating the quote in dollar figures, I agree stating whats included as part of a package is a good option.

I list the following.

Creative Fee
Hair/MUA
Wardrobe Stylist
Location/Studio Fee
Assistants
Usage Fee
Retouch Fee