I'm just a bit ticket. I started a calendar online with 8 other photographers. The purpose is to send brides to the calendar if we are booked. I have the web tech guy that host the page and makes changes as we need them. Last year, we charged a fee of $75.00 that went to the cost of the software. This year, the fee is only $30.00 for the year. I got an email from one of them that they were dropping out. They said that it wasn't beneficial to them and none of the weddings they have booked came from the group.
My friend, the wedding coordinator needed someone else to take brides to when we are booked or if they just don't like us. I had her come to a meeting with this group of photographers to meet them all. I specifically told her to take a bride to the photographer that just dropped off the calendar. They booked the wedding and then the bride changed her date. They are the ones that kept the original deposit and then charged a second deposit. The bride went back with them again. So, they are grossing over minimal of $3000.00 for this wedding. That's just the one I know about. I am sure that the photographers book from me. I send at least 3 a week to this calendar. I really don't care if they think it's not beneficial to them, but it ticked me off that they didn't give me credit for sending the bride to them by way of the coordinator. And yes, they knew I suggested she use them when we were booked. I had told them that at the meeting. It just shows you how arrogant and ungrateful people can be.
Sorry, I just had to vent. I did send them an email reminding them of the bride they booked. Yvette
Find another photog to replace him with and if he wants back in let him know the space has already been filled.
Great idea for networking and collaboration! Another thought, if you have the time and inclination, is to check the calendar when someone calls and refer them directly to one or two who have that date free. Tell the client to let them know you sent them. "They both do wonderful work! I'm sure you'll enjoy working with either (names). Be sure to tell them hello from me." I'm sure both the client and photog would enjoy the personal recommendation.
Hi Linda,
Thanks. I do tell the bride to let them know that I referred them to the calendar. I'm sure most are in a hurry and maybe either don't think about it. If the photographer doesn't ask, they may not offer the info. I always ask. It's the only way of knowing if your advertising dollars work. However, in this case, they knew the I referred the coordinator to them. I guess they just forgot...Y
How about sending an email to let the photographers know you just made a referral to them? I'd like to know when anyone refers to me, so I can be sure and reciprocate. Like you said, the brides don't always remember to mention it when they call.
It's sad world we live in.