p.1 #1 · Are the seniors from this summer ever going to place their order and pay?
This was our "first year" for senior photography. We went to 3 Senior High School Photo Fairs and put $1,000.00 into our display. For the bookings we asked for a $50.00 deposit upfront and the balance and photography order within 30 days. Most everyone one has paid and placed the photography order; some others have procrastinated and put it off. We have sent out letters with a deadline with hopes of the payment and order. Some shoots were in August and September with a 30-day payment and order deadline on the latter ones. How have you handled this type of situation?
p.1 #2 · Are the seniors from this summer ever going to place their order and pay?
Our senior photography is a package price and this is paid in full prior to the shoot...no worries this way. We also charge an archive fee if the order is placed more than 6 months after they are posted for purchase...all of this is clearly explained in our contract and helps to avoid problems later on.
p.1 #5 · Are the seniors from this summer ever going to place their order and pay?
If from the time you shoot till the proofing/sales session is more than 1 week, each additional day/week decreases the demand for their pictures.
You should really find some kind of way to get the seniors back to view and place the orders within the first week at the latest. After that, you have to be good at building the excitement for it in order to keep sales up.
I try and get the mom/senior in to a viewing/proofing session within 2-3 days, as the excitement from the shoot is still high. It makes larger sales much easier. Teasers on the blog helps a lot as well. The longer I have to wait, the harder it is for larger sales.
