So, The Wife gets a wedding call...

...for NEXT Friday. That's less than two weeks' notice. It's unclear at this point whether the B&G dropped the ball on hiring a photog, or their originally contracted one bailed. The Wife had some non-photographic stuff lined up that day, but she can rearrange her schedule. Turns out this is a non-Christian wedding, so that will involve additional research and planning to get up to speed on the particular cultural nuance, "must have" shots, etc. Last minute isn't ideal, but it can work. The venue and religion are a challenge, but in a good way. The B&G were gushing about The Wife's previous wedding shoots on her website, and tell her she's THE photographer they really, really want for their wedding. THEN...

"Since this is so last-minute, and you probably won't be able to book anyone else in that time span, you're going to give us a discount, right?"

Um, no. They already asked for quite a few concessions and considerations before that little nugget dropped. The price for the package they want is firm. They're going to think about it. What're the odds we never hear from them again?

lisa on location is your wifes website?

this little diddy on there would have me asking about special pricing:

Uh, that would get a, "HECK NO!" from me. If anything, there should be an up-charge for last minute notice. Granted, 2 weeks isn't really all that "last minute," but most people, including photographers, prepare for weddings longer than 2 weeks. I highly doubt you will be hearing from them again.

The only discount I offer anytime anyone asks is a free 8x10. Beyond that, my price is my price. Take it or leave it.

My price is my price and I most decidely do NOT customize packages to fit any budget. Consequently, the question of discounts simply does not even come up 90+% of the time.

tfizzle wrote in post #11049833
lisa on location is your wifes website?
this little diddy on there would have me asking about special pricing:

She does customize packages. She *did* work with them to customize this one. Then they asked for a discount on top of that.

sounds kinda backwards to me, if anything there should be a last minute booking fee.

I guess I don't understand the issue with a last minute booking - I'd think you'd be happy to fill a day that's open?

IMO, some people just like to ask for a deal. Personally it doesn't offend me, I either say no or I work with them if I think I need to.

No was definitely the right answer!

the thing i'd do for clients last minute like that is allow them to book a smaller package since i didn't have the day booked anyway.
otherwise i really only have one full day package for weekend days.

timnosenzo wrote in post #11051341
I guess I don't understand the issue with a last minute booking - I'd think you'd be happy to fill a day that's open?

IMO, some people just like to ask for a deal. Personally it doesn't offend me, I either say no or I work with them if I think I need to.

from the sounds of it the bride and groom are rather unorganized, don't have any plans for the shoot and don't really know what's happening..and this is all going to fall on the photographer to figure everything out in 2 weeks

I would like to hear the follow up story to this. It will be interesting for sure!

My buddy set me straight on this. Under the gun is not the time to offer a discount.

I have had a few this year.

zagiace wrote in post #11052137
My buddy set me straight on this. Under the gun is not the time to offer a discount.

Absolutely; it is they and not you who are under the gun. They should be delighted at having found a capable photographer with availabillity on such short notice; especially this time of year.

There's nothing wrong with the question; I'm sure a lot of couples think, why not at least ask. But there's nothing wrong with saying no, either. I don't think there's anything here to be indignant about.

Just to clarify, The Wife is happy to get the call. She'd like to shoot this wedding since it'd add another dimension to her wedding port. She has plans for that day, but is willing to rearrange her schedule to accommodate them. Part of what they're asking for is roughly six hours of coverage, but they only wanted to pay for four (it's a little convoluted to explain, but this is what she offered them "custom package options" on to fit their needs). It's only after these negotiations had taken place that they started asking for the discount.

As others have mentioned above, the couple is under the gun, The Wife isn't. She's had to turn down several attractive wedding gigs in recent weeks because she's already booked. She just normally doesn't have much demand for Friday bookings, plain and simple. The couple seems nice enough, but they simply don't understand what they're asking for.

I hate it when people do that...