This has been an ongoing debate for some time now! Every photographer has their own theory and opinion on this.
Here is my take on having prices on my website and what I have experienced. I think you should publish your prices on your website. Not necessarily all your packages but at least a starting price or a range. A lot of photographers are afraid they will scare off prospective clients when they have their rates published. I know when I’m looking to buy something and there isn’t a price my reaction is “Must be expensive! or What are they hiding?” I had one bride say, “When I saw your pictures on your website I thought I won’t be able to afford you! Then I saw your rates on your site and was happy that I could actually afford you!!!” Prices on my site help screen price shopper brides and saves EVERYONE time! I don’t have to exchange emails back and forth trying to figure out what their budget is while tippy toeing around the price. Plus the bride will appreciate the fact that you have everything on line!
There are other things (positive and negative) to think about too when putting prices online:
- Perceived value.
- Showing your improving is your prices are always increasing.
- Low prices might actually scare people away as they think “Looks too good to be true.”
~Rob
This is something we have discussed many times. In the end, we decide to list a starting rate, especially during our promotions, and to note that we’re happy to negotiate. I think, when you’re in a business like this, part of the driving force is to genuinely share your love of photography with brides. The intention is not to scare people away or become so far out of reach that no one can afford you. We strive to work with all brides to help meet their budgets!
I actually just put mine up. I was remembering when I was looking for services for my own wedding… I wouldn’t even contact people that didn’t list a price.
I totally agree! Clients don’t know they want a 16X20 until they have an emotional connection to an image- so they aren’t going to care about what the price of one is until the time they order. As long as they know what prices start at, what the range of your packages are and if you have any minimum order requirements- that’s all that really matters. Less information is more so they don’t get overwhelmed!
But having basic pricing on your site does eliminate tire kickers- so leaving off pricing does have it’s disadvantages….but really, most tire kickers rarely hire.