Wedding 'Packages' - how many?

DiddyDave

DiddyDave

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Hi all

Another thread on here made me remember a local 'Pro' who's list of packages I came across recently

So the question then, how many 'packages' do you offer your clients?

Lead, Copper, Tin, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Titanium ?????

Is that too many to choose from?

Well this chap has 54 packages to choose from, all nicely presented on 1 A4 sheet in about font size 4 to cram them in

Anyone beat that?

DD
 
I got fed up with packages as I was always being asked if I mix and match between them. In the end I went for a simple pick the number of hours and the value of prints so the client can choose within their budget and have free choice over print sizes, album, photobook, etc.

54 packages is just overkill :nuts:
 
I don't do packages. I have a standard fee for my attendance, and then build up what the client want - pointless them having or paying for something they don't need ;)
 
Can i ask its probably a really stupid question but here goes,
How do you work out cost per hour for yourself? How do you know how much to charge?

Also where do you usually get prints from and albums do you make the album yourself?

Many Thanks
 
I charge what I feel I qualify for ... ie what is a day off from printing worth to me /travel/equipment/time etc

I also look around and check what people who produce the work also charge.

I tend to say £40 per hour for shooting, and then £25 per hour for editing.

I then discuss with the client what they want in terms of albums and other products. I know the albums and products that I sell inside out, and do all the printing myself (as a professional printer, where else would I go :D).

Albums - look at Mario or Spicer. The book bound route is the way to go in my opinion.

Once the album is done, I then take their images on canvas / framed to show them what else they can have.

Know your products and your prices so you are able to react to anything they may throw at you. Especially when it comes to bartering a price too - know your limits and your margins to ensure you're always making money.

Hope this helps !!

PM me if you want info on prints / albums. Album making is something we're going into soon as we have the right contacts in the right places :)
 
mattchewone said:
Can i ask its probably a really stupid question but here goes,
How do you work out cost per hour for yourself? How do you know how much to charge?

Also where do you usually get prints from and albums do you make the album yourself?

Many Thanks
Click to expand...



I can't see anyone having the time or inclination to hand you their business 'in a bag' m8

Some things you need to put effort in to learn and find out about rather than just ask - you'll understand more that way too

However, the hourly rate is simple...

Every possible cost per year divided into the number of hours you're prepared to work each year. Then decide on a take home wage, calculate up to account for NI & Tax, divide that into the hours worked, add on the costs per hour and hey Prestatin (or some other seaside resort)

DD
 
DiddyDave said:
Then decide on a take home wage, calculate up to account for NI & Tax, divide that into the hours worked, add on the costs per hour and hey Prestatin (or some other seaside resort)

DD
Click to expand...

:D:D:D
 
Does the old method of:

"Lick fore finger raise above head and gauge resistance" then multiply by the air temperature.....

Still work as well.....
 
mattchewone said:
How do you know how much to charge?
Click to expand...

There's a simple but vague answer - as much as you possibly can and still pull in the number of bookings you need to meet your income target.
 
Basic (for tight gets)
Budget 1
Budget 2
Budget 3
Bronze
Silver
Gold
 
I personally dont like people who obviously rip clients off. I think its unfair that they pay you all this money, then ask for some more. :lol: saying that, i do think that there is a difference in price but not necessarily a difference in quality. My friend had a pro and her photographs were rubbish, much preferred the ones i took with my point and shoot at the time. I just think that some people charge loads, [who are well established] and still manage to turn out crap.
I could rant all day about togs who rip people off...but I wont. :lol:


Give customer free choice I say...
 
I only advertise three packages, the predictably named Bronze, Silver and Gold, but I do state that I offer quotes for bespoke packages if my main three don't suit.

54 though, could you imagine trying to go through that lot on the phone.
 
we work with packages and have 4 at present but we also offer the client the option of giving us their budget and i will then tell them exactly what they will get for that money. then they can adjust it as they want.
 
ranarama said:
54 though, could you imagine trying to go through that lot on the phone.
Click to expand...

That would be one long message!

Regarding ripping people off ... when people take a 'tog on board for their wedding, it's a big thing. They have a lot on their mind and sometimes forget what you may offer them.

I always take examples in to show them of what they can have. They're not obliged to take it at all - and it's only a wasted print at the end of the day (or something for the display wall). We're not here to turn money over are we?

:)

Just my 2 pennth of course
 
dellipher said:
I personally dont like people who obviously rip clients off. I think its unfair that they pay you all this money, then ask for some more. :lol: saying that, i do think that there is a difference in price but not necessarily a difference in quality. My friend had a pro and her photographs were rubbish, much preferred the ones i took with my point and shoot at the time. I just think that some people charge loads, [who are well established] and still manage to turn out crap.
I could rant all day about togs who rip people off...but I wont. :lol:


Give customer free choice I say...
Click to expand...

I think people in general don't put enough time and thought into hiring a photographer for their wedding - they look to see what 'stuff' they get for a price and just assume that the photos inside that stuff are going to be fine.

I'm selling my time and my skills, I'm not really interested in having a wide range of stuff to sell - I offer one type of album, or prints, or hi-res files, that's it.
 
How do you think he names 54 packages? 2 of Clubs, 7 of hearts, Ace of spades perhaps...I wonder what the two jokers entail.
 
ranarama said:
How do you think he names 54 packages? 2 of Clubs, 7 of hearts, Ace of spades perhaps...I wonder what the two jokers entail.
Click to expand...

Dunno, I would think that everyone would just go for the Ace of Spades (it's the only card you need).
 
I'll have a number 37 and a 11 please... that's what I usually get at the chinese so it must be good ;)
 
I don't do packages either, I have a set price for the day which includes an album and a couple of other bits and the price is adjusted up or down according to the customers requirements and like Duncan I only offer one type of album which is available in different sizes.

54 packages? Just plain madness! :cuckoo:
 
LeeP said:
I charge what I feel I qualify for ... ie what is a day off from printing worth to me /travel/equipment/time etc

I also look around and check what people who produce the work also charge.

I tend to say £40 per hour for shooting, and then £25 per hour for editing.

I then discuss with the client what they want in terms of albums and other products. I know the albums and products that I sell inside out, and do all the printing myself (as a professional printer, where else would I go :D).

Albums - look at Mario or Spicer. The book bound route is the way to go in my opinion.

Once the album is done, I then take their images on canvas / framed to show them what else they can have.

Know your products and your prices so you are able to react to anything they may throw at you. Especially when it comes to bartering a price too - know your limits and your margins to ensure you're always making money.

Hope this helps !!

PM me if you want info on prints / albums. Album making is something we're going into soon as we have the right contacts in the right places :)
Click to expand...

Cheers mate just sent a PM

DiddyDave said:
I can't see anyone having the time or inclination to hand you their business 'in a bag' m8

Some things you need to put effort in to learn and find out about rather than just ask - you'll understand more that way too

However, the hourly rate is simple...

Every possible cost per year divided into the number of hours you're prepared to work each year. Then decide on a take home wage, calculate up to account for NI & Tax, divide that into the hours worked, add on the costs per hour and hey Prestatin (or some other seaside resort)

DD
Click to expand...

I understand just thought i could get some friendly help and advice on maybe where to look etc.
Dont want to sound like im trying to find out how people do things and try to copy and do better. Just wanted a bit of guidance to help me with prices and where to get good quality prints.
 
What's also confusing in the 54 variations, is that although they all fall between £250 & £1,400 many are the same price !!!

And OP - get yourself along to a Spicer wholesaler and speak to GF Smith for starters - they'll not only show you loads of album types, etc, but guide you on what others locally to you are producing & charging

DD
 
DiddyDave said:
Hmmmm - note to self - stay off the booze until after 2pm!

Actually, I was replying to mattchewone :razz:

:D:D:D

DD
Click to expand...

lol Thanks mate ill have a look on what you suggested.
 
i hate all this flower it up with
gold
sliver
bronze
i have even seen echo

we have a set fee £250 for day . we don`t do night coverage . plus we add a bit on top of albums etc . family always want some photo`s .
we find people can taylor their day to a budget they can afford . there is no such client called a tight ass .
people earn all kinds of money and live according to what they can afford .

also we say if you come to us and you can have a free portrait sitting with free 8" x 10" .it might not seem much but it seems to work well .
this works well it means we get to know each other and we also sell more photo`s to family .
 
santana007 said:
i hate all this flower it up with
gold
sliver
bronze
i have even seen echo

we have a set fee £250 for day . we don`t do night coverage . plus we add a bit on top of albums etc . family always want some photo`s .
we find people can taylor their day to a budget they can afford . there is no such client called a tight ass .
people earn all kinds of money and live according to what they can afford .

also we say if you come to us and you can have a free portrait sitting with free 8" x 10" .it might not seem much but it seems to work well .
this works well it means we get to know each other and we also sell more photo`s to family .
Click to expand...


£250 for the day, but not the night coverage.
What do you class as the "day" from 9-5? Different venues etc?
Just wondering...:)
 
dellipher said:
£250 for the day, but not the night coverage.
What do you class as the "day" from 9-5? Different venues etc?
Just wondering...:)
Click to expand...


i know it does sound like how long is a piece of string ,

start day by getting to brides house at what ever time we are required . then on to church or hotel etc for wedding coverage , then some may want to go to a memorable spot or gardens . to reception for speeches and cutting of cake .
we always say if the cake is to be cut at evening do then we will shoot a mock cutting .
usually there will be a break that is when we get out . but a cut off point would be around 7 pm . one we did last year we were invited to the night do .and put in the hotel for the night . nice little bonus .
for evening coverage i just say put some throw away camera`s on the tables .
i`m not saying i wouldn`t cover the evening , but that would be extra. and would sooner not do it . it`s a bl**dy long day as it is .
also remember if they want you for the reception then you will need feeding .

Rog
 
Rog, when you say we - does that mean there's more than one of you at the wedding ? All day ? For £250 ? Hardly seems worth it ?
 
dellipher said:
the only reason i commented regarding it, was what if you had a bride that didnt want shooting getting ready....you'd charge her same price as the bride who did, for less work and less pictures? :shrug:
Click to expand...

yes , but i feel £250 is more than reasonable and they are given the chance to have it covered .
as for less or more photo`s that can also depend on what the weather is like or the venue . i always set out to take as many photo`s as i can .
£250 is my fee after that they can Taylor a package
i.e story book , digital albums, traditional albums . canvas , glass blocks etc
some people want to add to just the album .
a couple get what i feel is a great deal .

rog
 
WeddingHack said:
Rog, when you say we - does that mean there's more than one of you at the wedding ? All day ? For £250 ? Hardly seems worth it ?
Click to expand...

My thoughts exactly !!!

But then for someone describing themselves as a 'House husband' (see profile), £125 is probably enough

:shrug:

Can't help wondering if Taxman is aware of this income though as most 'cheaper' togs I've come across seem to 'forget' all that boring accounts stuff (no offence if you do/don't mate)

DD
 
DiddyDave said:
Can't help wondering if Taxman is aware of this income though as most 'cheaper' togs I've come across seem to 'forget' all that boring accounts stuff (no offence if you do/don't mate)
Click to expand...

I was once told that if you earned under £3000 a year, it was not subject to tax.
 
DiddyDave said:
My thoughts exactly !!!

But then for someone describing themselves as a 'House husband' (see profile), £125 is probably enough

:shrug:

Can't help wondering if Taxman is aware of this income though as most 'cheaper' togs I've come across seem to 'forget' all that boring accounts stuff (no offence if you do/don't mate)

DD
Click to expand...

£125 :lol:

no offense taken DD :thumbs:

and yes i`m a house husband ,
the two of us is my wife and myself . while she gets people together for group shots , i get the chance to do the candid`s .

i`m sure i can earn around £6000 before tax is due , my wife works as a manager for hbos and does presentations so is good with people ,people have said at weddings we work well as a team . my wife edits the photo`s .
with the money my wife earns around 40K i don`t need to earn loads .
i`m not after a wedding a week , just happy to try and earn a little from something i love to do

in answer to another question £250 does not cover photo`s .
 
TheKrikkitWars said:
I was once told that if you earned under £3000 a year, it was not subject to tax.
Click to expand...

That's closest to Rent a room allowance !!! :shake:

It's not necessarily whether the income is taxable or not, you're supposed to tell them anyway!!!

And, here's the fun bit, even if you make less than the taxable amount one year offsetting your camera costs means that there's a tax saving IF you make more than the lower level in the next year

That said, you still need to pay NI contributions as a S/E person

To save you the hassle, I've forwarded all your details to HMRC for you - no doubt they'll be knocking on your door soon for an investigation :eek::eek::eek:

:D

DD
 
DiddyDave said:
That's closest to Rent a room allowance !!! :shake:

It's not necessarily whether the income is taxable or not, you're supposed to tell them anyway!!!

And, here's the fun bit, even if you make less than the taxable amount one year offsetting your camera costs means that there's a tax saving IF you make more than the lower level in the next year

That said, you still need to pay NI contributions as a S/E person

To save you the hassle, I've forwarded all your details to HMRC for you - no doubt they'll be knocking on your door soon for an investigation :eek::eek::eek:

:D

DD
Click to expand...

cheers DD

how kind :lol:.
a m8 of ours is self employed and is helping out with all we need to sort it out .
so it isn`t that we won`t be telling the tax man . we will . i have receipts for around £10,000 of kit .
 
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