Easily... It costs me money to drive anywhere then to have a no-show client or somebody uncooperative or something else...
Okay, I now understand what you meant with getting screwed on a freebie.
People value only that for which they actually pay.
You're right, and it's one of the points that several people made in the thread that spawned this one.
Let's see what my freebie experiences were...
1. Somebody that wanted a bridal shower shot. It was all agreed. I turned up and was told to XYZ off and that somebody else was going to do the photography. Nobody had told me!
A written agreement will help to avoid (or reduce the risk of) something like that, or at least allow to have a chance of financial compensation. A verbal agreement is also legally binding, but it's hard to prove. This also implies that when the photographer falls ill, or his car breaks down, or his camera fails, there is a risk of a claim. One should be prepared for such situations.
2. Somebody wanted TFP. I said OK then found them refusing to pay for a studio and refusing to do it in their home and refusing to do it outside - not only that but they wanted to bring half a dozen "friends" along. I declined that kind offer - although I am perfectly entitled to shoot villains dead in my own home, I'm not inclined to let villains in nor to let them know where my home is. Also, while I have no objection whatsoever to shooting villains dead and even have a concealed weapons permit - I just don't want to be in a situation where I have to.
That can happen, regardless of the price one sets. With a contract one either lets someone else follow-up, or writes off the event (tax 'benefit'). It's one of the reasons one needs a buffer in one's fees, to cover for the loss or for the additional cost to get one's money.
Not just that but - and this is the killer - when they know you're undercharging they'll be more likely to be obstreperous and awkward.
Exactly, and it can also have something to do whith the audience one attracts.
Sure - I know I am undercharging but that's for a darned good reason.
Do you see the contradiction with your observation above?
There are more methods to arrive at an attractive price, without permanently lowering the bar. One can think of package deals, discounts on a higher base price, volume benefits, etc., etc.
Just make sure you get your running cost (travel, equipment hire, insurance) paid, perhaps in advance. When you split that off from the remaining cost, the separate amounts seem lower, and more understandable.
Just some thoughts,
Bart
