Not enough free stuff!

[athomasimage]

To market my studio, I frequently donate a certificate to charities as a door prize or auction item. The certificate is generally good for a 1-hour sitting and an 8X10 color print. The certificate has some smaller print which includes a statement indicating the print does not count towards other discounts.

A recent certificate winner decided not to order a 2nd 8X10 because the 8X10 certificate print would not count towards her 2nd print discount. She thought since the certificate got her a free 8X10 that she should be entitiled. I stood my ground and lost the 2nd 8X10 print. I guess she showed me??

Some times ya just can't win.

 

[ann]

Some folks are just toooooooooo greedy.

Nice of you to do this, even at times you may wonder why

 

[Big Mike]

I've heard several horror stories about the type of client you sometimes get when you 'give away' something like this. Just goes to show you that if people don't pay for something, they don't think it has any value. :roll:

I still think it's a good idea though.

 

[athomasimage]

What is neat about the concept is the people who organize events are very appreciative of the certificate. Your name gets spread around the organization - hoping someone will call you for a real gig.

But guess how many people bid on an auction item i.e. my certificate, and never use it. Lots!

By the way you are welcome to "CASE" the certificate concept (CASE = Copy And Steal Everything).

 

[c.cloudwalker]

But guess how many people bid on an auction item i.e. my certificate, and never use it. Lots!

I seem to remember this as part of Guerilla Marketing 101. You're ahead. Why complain?

But you need to figure out a way of using the name recognition.

 

[jazzodin]

I know what you mean about offering your services. My partner was approached to sponsor a charity event this Friday. We really don't have the money but offered what else,to take shots of the event. Well they were so happy we are getting the gold sponsor package which means our business name is going to be plastered all over everything. So because its for charity we asked them if we could raffle off a family portrait session and a free 8x10 and all money made goes to the charity. Well I don't need to tell you how happy there are.Sometimes offering your services to a local charity can be worth more than paying for advertising.

 

[DeadEye]

I did a HUGE charity job a few years back. It took several weekends about 500.00 in fuel, and tied up the back hoe and dozer to do it. We built a BMX track for kids to ride on.

For that I am a life time sponsor, tha track is now a big deal in the BMX world and I can shoot it any time I please, heck I could put up a big ole sign if I chose too.

I did it because it was a good thing to do though, charity work is rewarding in and of itself.

Dan

 

[Big Mike]

Another thought:

I know that some photographers have a policy that they never 'give away' their service for the reason that is can devalue it in the eyes of the public/clients. They might offer discounts, or free prints etc....but they never give away their photography.

I'm sure that either method can work well. The key being that you have a plan and try to be consistent.

 

[Photochick]

I give certificates for a free session and a free 11x14 print from the session to charities quite often. I always give the certificate to them for auction only, never as a door prize. I have good additional sales from these. I guess because the people who have them did want the certificate or they would not have bid on it in the first place. They had to pay something for it.

 

[Christie Photo]

Another thought:

I know that some photographers have a policy that they never 'give away' their service for the reason that is can devalue it in the eyes of the public/clients. They might offer discounts, or free prints etc....but they never give away their photography.

That would be me. I decided from the start that I'd NEVER give away my photography. When I'm approached for door prizes, I'll give framing, but never photography.

But... back to the original post. Why not sell the additional print at your second-print price? By then, you have the file ready... all retouching, color balance done. It's just a matter of putting a "2" in the order. I would do it. It builds more good will than not, and costs me no more time.

-Pete

 

[athomasimage]

Another thought:

I know that some photographers have a policy that they never 'give away' their service for the reason that is can devalue it in the eyes of the public/clients. They might offer discounts, or free prints etc....but they never give away their photography.

That would be me. I decided from the start that I'd NEVER give away my photography. When I'm approached for door prizes, I'll give framing, but never photography.

But... back to the original post. Why not sell the additional print at your second-print price? By then, you have the file ready... all retouching, color balance done. It's just a matter of putting a "2" in the order. I would do it. It builds more good will than not, and costs me no more time.

-Pete

I don't mind giving people break. But I like to make the offer as a Thank You. It drives me crazy when people want a bargain and think they are entitled to it. When the customer acted this way, I went decided NO. Had the customer not tried to push and push for the cut rate price I wouldn't have been so steadfast.

 

[Christie Photo]

I don't mind giving people break. But I like to make the offer as a Thank You. It drives me crazy when people want a bargain and think they are entitled to it. When the customer acted this way, I went decided NO. Had the customer not tried to push and push for the cut rate price I wouldn't have been so steadfast.

Oh, I know it. I think most of us are like that. I would have done the same, knowing it meant NO money instead of SOME money. It's the principle of whole thing.

We (people) can be funny sometimes.

-Pete