Quotations and clients


http://luminous-landscape.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=43528

I thought this was an interesting read esp as it develops towards the middle of the thread.
As you can see quoting is a problem of course when it comes to photography, it's useful insight to see how other photographers are dealing with it too

maybe can merge that thread to clubsnap :bsmilie:. There is no magic formula.
 

No listing of prices, nor over the phone quote. Do it officially, as there are variables in each job or assignment, some can be absorb but others have to be charged. Came across client which cover up the complexity of the shoot and only mention, just one shot only, very simple, can't be too costly, how much do you charge ? Never falls for that, always be suspicious.
 

No listing of prices, nor over the phone quote. Do it officially, as there are variables in each job or assignment, some can be absorb but others have to be charged. Came across client which cover up the complexity of the shoot and only mention, just one shot only, very simple, can't be too costly, how much do you charge ? Never falls for that, always be suspicious.

actually I don't believe fully in the official quote
to seal a deal many a times you need to make quick on-the-fly decisions
or can do the lawyer way- follow up each phone call with an email stating what has been discussed
 

Without something to prove of what is being agreed, there will have a following of.. I think, I thought, type of excuses and turning to blame the photographer for not giving the quote in letter format.
Even in written quote, there could be missing quote on some items or being overlooked.

Like some times back, was asked to quote on a job, this is on the phone enquery : How much would you charge for documenting an electric cable connection ? Huh..wat's that ? Oh just take some pictures our workers joining the cable, its an easy job, actually we can do it but our boss need something more professional.

Anyway, we are not Lawyer or Solicitors, our words doesn't carry much weight comparing to theirs.
Wah....Lawyer letter, oh photographer's quote.

But again, each have their own way of approach and handling of such request.
 

Without something to prove of what is being agreed, there will have a following of.. I think, I thought, type of excuses and turning to blame the photographer for not giving the quote in letter format.
Even in written quote, there could be missing quote on some items or being overlooked.

Like some times back, was asked to quote on a job, this is on the phone enquery : How much would you charge for documenting an electric cable connection ? Huh..wat's that ? Oh just take some pictures our workers joining the cable, its an easy job, actually we can do it but our boss need something more professional.

Anyway, we are not Lawyer or Solicitors, our words doesn't carry much weight comparing to theirs.
Wah....Lawyer letter, oh photographer's quote.

But again, each have their own way of approach and handling of such request.

I guess I tend to choose clients who I feel I can trust...heheh. I think it you don't trust the person abit from the start even if you do any work for them you're going to end up tearing your hair out
 

Yes...." trust " a word which much valued by our ancestors when doing business.

Even now, when people say during a pledge of " I do " years later could have turn into...I think, I thought and I do not, or regretting to say the word.
For I'd witnessed many good partnership tearing / breaking up bcoz of losing the word. Be it biz or family.

Perhaps , you are blessed with all the people you associated with bears the word " trust ".

Really a lucky person.
 

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quoting for a photoshoot is really a problem. There are many sticky issue. Like when you quote for CC. They have already decided before they they raise an enquiry. so when you quote a price they tell you. your quotations of $250 is extremely high bcos w have somebody who said he can do for free. all CC set the price ceilin as $250 for all events. very disgusting. There are also other photographers who try to undercut simply to get the job. They are not professional in dealing with customers.
 

quoting for a photoshoot is really a problem. There are many sticky issue. Like when you quote for CC. They have already decided before they they raise an enquiry. so when you quote a price they tell you. your quotations of $250 is extremely high bcos w have somebody who said he can do for free. all CC set the price ceilin as $250 for all events. very disgusting. There are also other photographers who try to undercut simply to get the job. They are not professional in dealing with customers.

Yes it's a real issue. this is something we'll talk about soon...
watch out for an article
 

I converse with my clients via e-mails usually because I need to be briefed on their requirements. If first contact is by phone, I will summarise their requirements with a quote via e-mail. If they are ok, I'll send in the official quotation for them to acknowledge.
 

actually I don't believe fully in the official quote
to seal a deal many a times you need to make quick on-the-fly decisions
or can do the lawyer way- follow up each phone call with an email stating what has been discussed

In no matter what industry you are involved, following up a discussion in an email is always useful for 2 reasons (at least that's only what comes to mind now):

1. It helps the other person understand what you have communicated to them and gives them a chance to revert if you have understood it wrong (or if they have expressed it wrong) - and isn't this useful to clear misconceptions before you start a project.

2. When projects go wrong (and they do go wrong), at least there is something written to refer to, rather than "I said this and you said that, and I don't have any recollection of this and that".
 

In no matter what industry you are involved, following up a discussion in an email is always useful for 2 reasons (at least that's only what comes to mind now):

1. It helps the other person understand what you have communicated to them and gives them a chance to revert if you have understood it wrong (or if they have expressed it wrong) - and isn't this useful to clear misconceptions before you start a project.

2. When projects go wrong (and they do go wrong), at least there is something written to refer to, rather than "I said this and you said that, and I don't have any recollection of this and that".

Yes agreed!
 

I personally think that the email serves as a good archival point of reference to ensure you know what went wrong and how to rectify things in future.