Client expectations for what they pay for.

[Agetan]

I see, once money exchange hands, service standard are drop right to the bottom. that is typical and very common but it is not a norm,

that is why some time photographers having hard time to ask for payment in advance, cos there is no trust between photographers and clients/customers.

anyway, photography business covers a lot of aspects, customers service just one of the element photographer also need to focus on.

doom to those who think able to take good photos is good enough to run a photography business.

Yes

Yes... True but how you make it happen is more interesting...

Yes, just one aspect but one heck of important area once you get the assignment...

Yes....hahaha... But the other way is not true, meaning, knowing how to run business but mediocre product won't last very long either.

Hart

 

[catchlights]

Yes

Yes... True but how you make it happen is more interesting...

Yes, just one aspect but one heck of important area once you get the assignment...

Yes....hahaha... But the other way is not true, meaning, knowing how to run business but mediocre product won't last very long either.

Hart

as long the product are not too bad, these vendors will still survive with a proper business management.

Just look at the work of some of the portrait studios, ones might still wondering why do still have customers buying from them after so many years, their works seem never improved.

 

[Agetan]

as long the product are not too bad, these vendors will still survive with a proper business management.

Just look at the work of some of the portrait studios, ones might still wondering why do still have customers buying from them after so many years, their works seem never improved.

I always believe in there is a selling point in everyone that still exist... nonetheless it is interesting to find out why they still exist.

We can always learn from someone, somewhere and something...

Some people still find someone's work intriguing.... and some don't... so, that is something only the "buyer" would know. One can't win it all.

Regards,

Hart

 

[jetfynn]

I see, once money exchange hands, service standard are drop right to the bottom. that is typical and very common but it is not a norm,

that is why some time photographers having hard time to ask for payment in advance, cos there is no trust between photographers and clients/customers.

anyway, photography business covers a lot of aspects, customers service just one of the element photographer also need to focus on.

doom to those who think able to take good photos is good enough to run a photography business.

Agree with this fully. :thumbsup:

 

[SkyChaser]

Just my thoughts..

The higher you charge the demand of high expectation naturally comes in.

I believe communication in the initial stage is crucial here. I will ask what they "really" want, and I'll tell them how much I charge for it. No more, no less, no discount. Then I will rephrase their expectation and make sure we have a clear understanding of each other. Don't play the mind guessing game. Most likely they are only 50% right

Like Agetan mentioned, I do believe a total customer experience is very important. I'd like to call it 5 senses customer service. From the moment they see, smell, hear, touch and taste. Just like the char kway tiao probably with great smell drawing you buying but a lousy sight of that poor attitude. People walk away...

 

[catchlights]

Just my thoughts..

The higher you charge the demand of high expectation naturally comes in.

I believe communication in the initial stage is crucial here. I will ask what they "really" want, and I'll tell them how much I charge for it. No more, no less, no discount. Then I will rephrase their expectation and make sure we have a clear understanding of each other. Don't play the mind guessing game. Most likely they are only 50% right

Like Agetan mentioned, I do believe a total customer experience is very important. I'd like to call it 5 senses customer service. From the moment they see, smell, hear, touch and taste. Just like the char kway tiao probably with great smell drawing you buying but a lousy sight of that poor attitude. People walk away...

it is not truth that when you charge more and the expectation from client is higher, most clients usually shop around that price level, didn't have much higher expectation than others, but when you are that level, whatever you delivered will have much higher standard than others photographers.

and one interesting thing you will notice is most of the low-end clients are actually more demanding than higher paying clients, they tend to make sure every single cents they spent is well worth it.

 

[Agetan]

and one interesting thing you will notice is most of the low-end clients are actually more demanding than higher paying clients, they tend to make sure every single cents they spent is well worth it.

I second that. :bsmilie:

Anyway, this is normally how I work... I don't really ask my client what they want, but I do ask them to see my work and let them decide if my images are what they are looking for. I will only offer my service if my work is what they are looking for... as I know I don't have to convince them otherwise on the day of the shoot.

The fact is that, I can only shoot like I do and I can't be someone else.

So it is really a matter of matching your work to your clients. Of course, you can charge at any price that you like, you just need to have something the client "Want" and can't get it anywhere else or not as good as what you can produce.

Service is just the icing on the cake and it is the crucial part for business referral.

Regards,

Hart

 

[SkyChaser]

it is not truth that when you charge more and the expectation from client is higher, most clients usually shop around that price level, didn't have much higher expectation than others, but when you are that level, whatever you delivered will have much higher standard than others photographers.

and one interesting thing you will notice is most of the low-end clients are actually more demanding than higher paying clients, they tend to make sure every single cents they spent is well worth it.

The usual case (but not entirely) is at a higher fee, the better quality the service and end-product are. Normally, people perceive this concept.

Yea, lower end client are actually more demanding. Higher end client do appreciate the art we create.