mark_parker2 Posted July 9, 2007 Share Posted July 9, 2007 I've got a customer who has called me once a week for about a month. Each time she has told me that she will have her daughter call and set up a consultation. The daughter has never called. We've set appointments that she ends up canceling. I've never once spoken to the bride. They refuse to meet me for a consultation on my terms or my location and insist that I meet them at their home. I'm a low end photographer and they want my low end package. I've kinda been getting the willies about them for the past few weeks and something deep inside tells me that this is gonna be BIG TROUBLE if I take it. I'm tempted to meet them, but unless the bride is going to be an incredible portfolio builder, I'm not going to take it. What do you tell a client like this? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ellis_vener_photography Posted July 9, 2007 Share Posted July 9, 2007 Next time they call just politely tell them that you have already booked that time slot for another client. Learning to say "no" is a very valuable business skill. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
susan_flewelling Posted July 9, 2007 Share Posted July 9, 2007 Well you need to stand clear on certain factors. I do think that your intial reaction of this bride is probably correct that she is going to be very difficult! It will probably continue throughout the entire process making tons of appointments and having them cancel. This just isn't what you need to deal with. Just let them know that you think they would be better suited to a different photographer. Let them know that you don't feel comfortable taking on their kind of wedding as of yet. Or just tell them that the date is taken and you couldn't hold it for them anymore. That is the easier course. Good luck!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eric merrill Posted July 9, 2007 Share Posted July 9, 2007 I would second Ellis' advice, but with the caveat that I would not say anything that isn't true. "Sorry, but I'm no longer available on that date" is much better than stating you have already booked that time slot for another client, if you haven't. It's a very subtle difference, but I really don't think it's a good idea to lie to potential customers. Even if you don't want their business. Eric Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ronald_moravec1 Posted July 9, 2007 Share Posted July 9, 2007 You just booked that date. Sorry. This is a bad news client anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
russ_butner___portland__or Posted July 9, 2007 Share Posted July 9, 2007 I agree. You're no longer available on that date. Russ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
l_e Posted July 9, 2007 Share Posted July 9, 2007 You are no longer available on that date. No other explanation is needed or should be given. Not being available could be anything from a new client, to a scheduled surgery, or a play date with your dogs. But you don't need to offer an explanation at all, period! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john_h.1 Posted July 9, 2007 Share Posted July 9, 2007 I'll join the no longer available crew. If appointments are not kept, wait to you find out about the payment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doug_axford1 Posted July 9, 2007 Share Posted July 9, 2007 Me 7. I have rarely been wrong on my gut feeling when troubles lie ahead. go fishing - life is too short Maybe Susan wants to book them? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bdp Posted July 9, 2007 Share Posted July 9, 2007 **** We've set appointments that she ends up canceling. I've never once spoken to the bride. They refuse to meet me for a consultation on my terms or my location and insist that I meet them at their home. **** What you typed right there is only an indication of things to come. Never compromise your position of where you stand with things. It's better to lose a job, than to potentially open yourself up for a potential problem down the line. Everyone else seems to think similarly, as do I. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twatkinson Posted July 9, 2007 Share Posted July 9, 2007 If this is what they're like BEFORE the wedding, imagine what THE DAY OF the wedding will be like, or the troubles you'll have AFTER the wedding trying to sell them prints. I agree with everyone else, you're no longer available. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_newberry___northern_ Posted July 9, 2007 Share Posted July 9, 2007 I appreciate your interest but I just don't have the time to devote to your situation which seems very detailed.You deserve the best on your wedding day and I wouldn't want to take on a wedding if my heart isn't totally into it.Or just say your are booked. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craig_gillette Posted July 9, 2007 Share Posted July 9, 2007 One thing about suggesting the reason is that you are booked is that they may not have nailed down all their dates yet. What would you answer if they then ask, "Well, OK then, when are you free?" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
surfidaho Posted July 9, 2007 Share Posted July 9, 2007 There's always the direct approach. "You know <insert Mom's name here> I've been trying to get in touch with <insert daughter's name here> for over a month now, and it's just not happening. I'm afraid I cannot afford to spend any more time on this. Thanks anyway, and best of luck to you". Later, Paulsky Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrianS1664879711 Posted July 9, 2007 Share Posted July 9, 2007 Amen, brother Paulsky! ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joshranwest Posted July 9, 2007 Share Posted July 9, 2007 I agree with everyone else above. Tell them just like paulsky! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laurenm Posted July 10, 2007 Share Posted July 10, 2007 I'm with Paulsky. Or tell the Mom, the daughter needs to call you herself if she is serious as you are very busy. No need to lie and say you're booked. That way you don't have to wonder when someone else calls about that same date if they are checking up to see if you are really booked. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
savagesax Posted July 10, 2007 Share Posted July 10, 2007 Tell them you are having a volunteer tooth removal that day without getting numbed up. It's less painful then doing this wedding! Ummm, I actually like you are booked that day! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
annealmasy Posted July 10, 2007 Share Posted July 10, 2007 They have no respect for you, your time, or your work. This will be MISERY for you if you continue. Take the advice everyone has given. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heather_wallace3 Posted July 10, 2007 Share Posted July 10, 2007 Weigh the risk, just as you weigh the angles for a photo: If this turns out to be a great portfolio bride, you have improved your portfolio. If this turns out to be a difficult, or at the worst, legally tangling situation, you have possibly ruined your business. Worth the risk? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandy_labana Posted July 10, 2007 Share Posted July 10, 2007 No need for an explanation. Just say not available. If they ask for different date, say you will check your calendar and get back with them if you are availble. I recommend not lying. Your availability is determined only by you. Don't worry about some one checking on you because you will be asking whose wedding they are calling for before saying anything about your availability. You can decline a job in any number of ways but doing it politely is good business. Hope some one else with better manners will call you. Sandy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
g.e._masana Posted July 10, 2007 Share Posted July 10, 2007 After listing how difficult to meet they make themselves or even work with you, I'm surprised you'd write that you're tempted to meet them. But they don't appear as tempted to meet you. I wouldn't mention anything to them about why you'd rather not have their business, as they'll just raise a defense and perhaps bad mouth you to others for being fussy... just a nice "oh I'm so sorry, thanks for thinking of me, but I've made other commitments" would suffice. It's not as if they were really going to book you anyway. They've just been wanting to know that you're there, available, as a back up, just in case, while they've been going around trying to book a photographer. That's what you've been seeing the outwards signs of. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
surfidaho Posted July 11, 2007 Share Posted July 11, 2007 On the slightly unrelated topic of "portfolio builder": They don't have to necessarily be pretty, just well liked by many people. In other words, if somebody sees their image and recognizes them, are they likely to hire you? On the subject of what to tell these people: If you simply express your frustration in a tactful way and decline the job, you preserve your dignity and self esteem. Most people don't talk about photographers (one way or another) unless they actually hire them, so I wouldn't worry about bad word-of-mouth. Later, Paulsky Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now