nolaguy
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Upload & Sell: On
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| p.2 #1 · How to tactfully turn someone down? | |
time2climb was right (though perhaps a bit aggressive). I was having the same reaction reading the beginning of the thread. Sorry, Marcus, but you kinda stepped in it.
In candor, I’m prone to invent and consider white lies as proposed by Marcus in similar situations. So no high horse here, just calling it what it is and admitting I’ve done it. Interestingly, point 2 offers a truthful segue, as blueirisarts points out.
Truth:
“You have very specific ideas about what you want. I like and respect that – I wish more clients were so aware and interested in the result. Unfortunately what you’re after is not my style. That causes me pause. I’m flattered that you asked but I don’t want to disappoint you so I really must decline. Thank you so much for considering me.”
TheGE’s counsel was also solid.
Regarding the other concerns, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with saying:
“I wish I could make that commitment but this is how I make my living and I need to keep the date open for full-ticket clients. If your wedding was on a Tuesday, I’d do it in a heartbeat.”
“With all respect, I’ve seen your family weddings and while I appreciate the zeal of all the family photographers, I have to honestly tell you they make it very difficult if not impossible for the primary to guarantee even modestly acceptable results. No professional would accept the responsibility if they knew what they were getting into. I mean no offense but that’s the candid truth.”
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Friend or no friend you may want to add a few disclaimers to the contract for the points mentioned