website pricing question

Whats better to post your package pricing on the website, or to have them call you? thx

I'm sure that you'll find different strokes for different folks on this one. Me. I personally post my prices. I figure why waste my time and my clients time. I'm up front with costs and let my clients know before hand so they can at least see if my pricing suits their budget.

ah, thx

The way I see it, potential clients will be browsing several sites when looking for a photographer...they will be comparing them. For many clients, price will be a factor...and it's hard to make a comparison if you don't have a price and others do. It might be easier for them to just forget about the ones that don't have prices and compare the ones that do.

I would suggest you look at other photographers in your area...and your price bracket...and see what they are doing.

Now, if the photos on your web site are fantastic...that would probably trump my argument. If your photos sell themselves...they will want to call you. Also, it's better to attract clients that want your style, and are willing to pay for it...than clients who pick you based on your price.

I put prices up. Then I don't have to use my time answering emails and phone calls for people who aren't willing to pay my prices.

And even WITH my prices up, there are STILL people who email me asking for package info and pricing, and then disappointed when they find out I don't shoot for $500. Ummm, do they not read?

When looking (and I am currently) I prefer prices on the site or at least a starting price so you know the ball park you're dealing with based on what you are seeing on the site. It also depends on your location though, if no one else has prices listed, listing yours "might" give them an advantage and they could under-cut you but people should be choosing you based on your talent and their budget, not the fact that one guy is cheaper than the other.

For example, a photographer I found inspiration in looking at his style/pics is Mike Larson and his prices are listed on his site --- his top package tops out at $15,000 so based on that I know I like his style but I know it's not in my budget so I move on, etc. There's no wasted emails sent back and forth and things like that.

thx guys for all your info, and tips

I don't think it makes a lot of difference .. it's just a phone call which takes only a minute.

Most clients are willing to make a call if the photos look appealing.

I don't list prices.

I don't want to shoot for price-focussed clients, who will generally not enquire with me because I don't have my pricing visible.

I want to work for people who like my work enough to enquire.

picturecrazy wrote in post #4112646
I put prices up. Then I don't have to use my time answering emails and phone calls for people who aren't willing to pay my prices.

And even WITH my prices up, there are STILL people who email me asking for package info and pricing, and then disappointed when they find out I don't shoot for $500. Ummm, do they not read?

ive had that as well with potential clients. ive made my prices pretty clear and informative yet i still get this. its weird

Today, most of wedding photographers tend to list their prices or at least the price range.

People might like work of more then one photographer and then contact them for prices. Those who have their prices on-line are already one step ahead, especialy those who market themselves in the most crowded range of $1500-$2500 per event.

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Slava Slavik
Atlanta Wedding Photographer

I am just getting started with my own wedding photography business now, but I am of the philosophy that my images will sell, and the price will follow.

I've said it a million times, I don't want to be the "budget photographer". I don't want clients to chose me because I am the cheapest around. For this reason, putting the starting price on my website is a must. I want clients to know that they won't be hiring me for an $800 shoot and burn. My lowest price is stated, and, if that price is in their budget, then great, and if not, I hope that my presentation and portfolio of images is strong enough to at least persuade them to call me. After that, it's all in my hands. You need to sell yourself, not your prices.

So, imo, put "Packages starting at $xxx. Contact me for more information".

bcap wrote in post #4114586
I am just getting started with my own wedding photography business now, but I am of the philosophy that my images will sell, and the price will follow.

I've said it a million times, I don't want to be the "budget photographer". I don't want clients to chose me because I am the cheapest around. For this reason, putting the starting price on my website is a must. I want clients to know that they won't be hiring me for an $800 shoot and burn. My lowest price is stated, and, if that price is in their budget, then great, and if not, I hope that my presentation and portfolio of images is strong enough to at least persuade them to call me. After that, it's all in my hands. You need to sell yourself, not your prices.

So, imo, put "Packages starting at $xxx. Contact me for more information".

brian.. nice site. i like that. very simple and straight forward.

thx again