I just saw the wedding pics of a couple who chose a guy who was $300 cheaper than I was. The images aren't stellar, and they certainly don't match the level of experience the bride said he had when she told me the reasons why they chose the other guy. Oh well.
Chuck, after my first response I heard back from a planner that I'm super close with - I usually get 5-7 weddings per year from her. There was a bride super interested in me, and was a couple hours out of town so we'd just been conversing via phone and email. She called me a bit over a week ago while I was with my accountant all morning. She called like 4 times that morning, but I wasn't going to be rude and ditch my accountant to take a call. I called her back at lunch when I was done, and got her voicemail. Called her the next day then two days after that, no response. Befuddled, I emailed my planner, who I knew was working with the bride. I told her I hoped she didn't give up because there was a THREE HOUR STRETCH where I wasn't answering my phone. She responded that the bride loved my work, a lot, but in the end went with a local photographer because she was worried about me being able to make it if the weather was bad (February wedding) :/ Seriously? Venue is an hour from home!
In any event, I agree with everyone that at least they gave you the courtesy of a response. Those that do not book with me often don't bother to respond even if we meet. Here's one more doozie for you: had a bride decide to book, about a month after we met. She scheduled a time to drop off the contract a couple of Saturdays ago at my studio. I was making a special trip to the studio to meet her only. I showered and got ready, and as I was literally gathering stuff to head out the door an email comes across my phone that she had a migraine, and could they reschedule? I responded immediately with a yes and when I'd be around, and nothing. To this day, nothing. That must be some migraine but even worse? I had another bride who wanted that date and I was SMART and WAITED to get in touch with her until I had bride A's contract in hand. She called me the day before Bride A's set meeting time with questions, too. If I'd told her sorry, date's booked based on the SCHEDULED contract meeting, I'd be SCREWED and would probably hunt Bride A down. Luckily I booked Bride B.
Migraine, seriously? You can't just tell me you changed your mind??
i know it hurts. but i guess you will do fine with that whiskey :-). i would be more interested (since we are on topic) in three things
1) what do you answer to that
2) do you ask the couple who rejects you, who they went with?
3) is it wrong to book 90+% of consults? I am trying to keep moneys out of all decisions or even consult (we do it mostly after the fact) but booking so much can also mean we undervalue our self? Or just our presentation is so good that we address couples which fit us? I would die to know what went through the head of some of couples we booked after they booked us.
Kittyk wrote:
i know it hurts. but i guess you will do fine with that whiskey :-). i would be more interested (since we are on topic) in three things
1) what do you answer to that
2) do you ask the couple who rejects you, who they went with?
3) is it wrong to book 90+% of consults? I am trying to keep moneys out of all decisions or even consult (we do it mostly after the fact) but booking so much can also mean we undervalue our self? Or just our presentation is so good that we address couples which fit us? I would die to know what went through the head of some of couples we booked after they booked us....Show more →
1) I would say "Thanks so much for taking the time to let me know. I know you didn't have to do this, and I really appreciate the fact that you did. Keep me in mind for all your other photography needs, and have a great wedding!" If their engagement session goes badly (which happens sometimes when price is a factor), they'll be back.
2) I wouldn't, but I might creep their facebooks...
3). This can mean either you're too cheap or you are great at connecting during consults. It depends on too many factors to generalize.
