2 BIG Reasons to Publish Your Fees on Your Website

Comment by Ginette Garrish on January 30, 2012 at 12:09pm

I publish my basic price list in full because the brides and grooms of today want it all, but want to remain within their budget. It is much easier for them to decide what they can or can not afford, if they are able to calculate costs before they start a consultation. Also, by having prices listed, they are able to see what options may be available for similar items of different prices, and make their choices based on the savings. Aside from the prices listed, I will offer lower prices for larger quantities, or discounts for paid in full early bookings to encourage closure on a sale.

Comment by Jonette Jordan on January 30, 2012 at 1:47pm

Christine, I'm actually surprised that you're on this side of the fence.  I thought you'd be against it lol. You make very valid points and I think for certain vendors, it could make a lot of sense.  However, I'm actually going to generally disagree with this one.  Ultimately, I think publishing fees further perpetuates brides and their price shopping.  If we put our fees out there, then that's all the know by which to compare us.  This will be a great discussion either way.

Comment by Celestial Event on January 30, 2012 at 2:10pm

In my sector of the industry, few potential clients actually understand what Wedding Entertainment actually is or what it can be. I'm selling personality, talent and likability. Unlike a photographer, a Wedding Host/DJ can't showcase their talent on a web page. 

If we post a price, the client will only compare price.

What is good for one id not good for all.

Comment by Ann Alexander on January 30, 2012 at 2:43pm

I publish mine as a base price for several reasons.  As a consumer myself, I prefer to have a general idea of what to expect from a company.  Also, I agree that it does save time for my clients as well as myself.  And most importantly, discussing prices in person is my LEAST FAVORITE part of the job!  I prefer to get it out of the way and know that when I meet them, they have already accepted my flat rate and are ready to pursue me as their Cake Artist!

Comment by Dave Austin on January 30, 2012 at 3:03pm

Sorry, but I can't agree with publishing my fees.  In the DJ Entertainment business, its a never-ending struggle to make our clients aware of the differences between a professional DJ and others.  Unfortunately, for most clients, it's the only time in their life they've gone out to hire a DJ and they simply have no knowledge whatsoever of the various levels of skills and professionalism.  To many, a "DJ is a DJ - They're all pretty much the same."  Of course, nothing coule be further from the truth, but the inexperienced client doesn't know that, and unless someone has the opportunity to educate them, they may make a very regrettable mistake by hiring "cheap."  I'm not knocking anyone where, but after more than 25 years of the DJ business, I heard a lot of stories of brides who had their wedding ruined by some DJ who never showed up, cancelled at the last moment, got drunk and or obnoxious, used foul language, or just played bad or inappropriate music.  None of these things are acceptable, but they happen all to frequently.  I would hope that other vendors in the wedding industry would also apprise themselves of their area DJs who provide quality professional services, and provide their clients with such information.

Comment by Toni Nelson on January 30, 2012 at 3:47pm

For a long time we never had our pricing.  I spent time answering e-mails that were from brides who couldn't afford us or wanted that budget photographer.  So now we post our pricing as "starting at"  and then the amount.  If the starting amount is too high for them then they aren't my ideal client.  I know when I personally look for a service I want to know what I can expect to pay.  Why should a bride be any different?  I have had brides contact us only to be disappointed because we were not within their budget.  Others have said they were so glad we did have pricing up.

Comment by Robert P Williamson on January 30, 2012 at 6:01pm

I have always been a believer in being upfront with my fees, and I agree with everything you said.  I personally hate it when I have to fish around for fees, and prices, so why should I expect my prospective clients to do do so...I know it will weed some out, but from experience I have found that price shoppers can also be the most nit picky.  I know that most of them will not choose a vendor on price alone, they are to smart for that...I learned a lesson the hard way once when I went with the lowest bid for re-roofing my house, ques what?  I had leaks, and he never got back and fixed them even after several calls.

Comment by RYTHM TRAIL on January 31, 2012 at 12:04pm

I would never agree to listing prices on your site. It's a competitive industry and you'll always have low end hustlers going very cheap. If you have a great product and you sell well you will attract serious buyers. The downside of listing your price is that it makes it visible to the competition and there are many low end hustlers who will continue to draw in the not so informed client.

Fielding bad leads and answering clients who are not serious in booking or hiring you is part of the business. It's small price to pay as compared to listing your price.

Again I say if you have a great product and you sell well you will attract serious buyers

This is my site, take a look we close at a 90% rate http://rythmtrail.com/ more than 300 events per year.

Comment by Kenneth W Berry on January 31, 2012 at 12:04pm

I do not publish my prices for Wedding Photography on my website because I am a NATIONWIDE PHOTOGRAPHER which means if a bride in Seattle, Los Angeles, Baltimore, or Denver wants me to do her wedding I am going to charge her more than a bride getting married in Metro Atlanta. I do however list all (4) of my Retainer Levels on my website so the brides know up front how much they are going to be paying to secure their date on my calendar. Now having said that, Christine it could go either way and I can respect both sides of the issue but it does save us professional vendors precious time if a bride doesn't waste time knowing they can't afford you in the first place. I tell brides it is not wise to compromise on price when it comes to the memories of their wedding day.  "YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR AND YOU PAY FOR WHAT YOU GET"  Ken the Photographer 1-866-SMILE OK (764-5365)    www.berrysweddingphotography.com

Comment by Derek Wiltshire on January 31, 2012 at 12:25pm

I was always of the school of thought that if you have to ask the price, you probably can't afford it. Added to which as an individual looking to compare prices, the last thing I want to do is to have to phone/email and await a response before I can even refine my search to the final short list of vendors that I want to qualify. Thus when i do open my studio shall publish my prices (not necessarilly all of them) so I know those that do contact me through the web-site are pre-qualified for me and worth spending time on.

Otherwise I feel you are just qualifying potential cleints only to have them go off to compare you to everyone else before they might return.

Comment by Graham Howes on January 31, 2012 at 12:37pm

Although I understand where you are coming from when you advocate publishing rates, I still find it counter-intuitive in my business: live music for weddings and corporate events.

While it probably wouldn't matter with the corporate side of things, I find that there are so many ways one bride's request for, say, my Jazz Trio can differ from a second bride's. While I do hand out a Fees Schedule at bridal shows, there I often have a first-hand chance to discuss the wedding with the prospective buyer.

If I publish one fee, then have to make a different quote for essentially the same service, I feel that the bride will feel that I'm trying to do a 'bait and switch', which could not be farther from the truth.

The reasons that the fees can differ between bride A and bride B include:

- the distance from my city, Toronto, to the actual wedding site

- our services are needed in two totally different places/different rooms in the venue which will mean me bringing extra equipment in order to facilitate a quick and tidy transition

- difficulty in actually accessing the venue, e.g. a yacht club on the Toronto Islands, the CNTower etc.

Lastly, until the bride has actually had a chance to hear my trio (or listen to our demos), talk with me and assess what makes us stand out, she may feel swayed by an undercutting quote from part-time musicians, inexperienced music program graduates etc. and not even call at all.

(I hasten to add that there are obviously some excellent musicians among the part-time industry as well the graduates.)

I'd be interested to hear from other musicians what their experience has been like.

Comment by Beverly Gottfried on January 31, 2012 at 12:53pm

We have always ( 8 years of business) published our fees for The Farm and now also The Farm Cabins and cottages( 4 years).  I am a shopper and while price does make a difference, I know that if I were the one looking  ( and I have been the MOB 2 times for  my daughters weddings) I would like to know what to expect.... I don't think people like to be Surprised, so for them to know  what to expect  is  important for your rapport with them and their willingness to book with you. Transparency is very important, secrecy makes people a little suspicious of your intentions.

Comment by Emee at EJP Events on January 31, 2012 at 12:57pm

I'm with Christine -- with a few alterations. I publish fee ranges so brides can see what ranges can possibly be for each level of service. This saves time since they can see what hourly vs. wedding day vs. full services can cost. At the same time it never locks anyone out.

Comment by Ron R. Porras on January 31, 2012 at 12:58pm

Hello Christine,

"He who trims himself to suit everyone will soon whittle himself away". Raymond Hull

I am currently reading the book, "Book Yourself Solid" by Michael Port and he speaks about the Red Velvet Rope Policy. Most of us have been to a movie premiere, a concert, or special program to which you hold a backstage pass that allows you to mingle with the cast or musicians. It makes us feel special, like a celebrity. Michael encourages you to create your own red velvet rope policy that allows in only the most ideal clients, the ones who will inspire and energize you. Many times we are looking for clients with a pulse and a checkbook that only drain you of time and resources. Port says, "...don't waist your time on them". We are the experts in our field and our websites and marketing efforts should reflect that and if they do, how we list our prices and services will draw the clients that we are really looking for. Of course there are always rules to the exception but listing prices will eliminate those clients we don't want to see. Rev. Ron has officiated 80,000 weddings.

Comment by RedCarpetEventPlanning on January 31, 2012 at 2:50pm

I TRULY appreciate this feedback BridalTweet. I am one of those Event Planners who creates customized packages for each client because most of them have different needs.  I DO however offer a "range" price on my website & this too also helps weed out the serious customers vs. the "shoppers".  I receive calls from customers who have checked the website & would like to discuss my services further.  I'm very happy to be a part of the BRIDAL TWEET COMMUNITY Keep up the GREAT work !!!!  Happy Planning.  :-D

Sincerely,

JD

www.redcarpeteventplanning.com

www.facebook.com/pages/RED-CARPET-EVENT-PLANNING "LIKE" Us :-D

www.twitter.com/RedCarpetPlannr FOLLOW Us

 

Comment by HoustonBride on January 31, 2012 at 3:34pm

I've always been taught the answer to this question depends upon where you are in the market.  For instance, if you are bargain basement type product -- price is your selling point.  Tell everyone and tell them often.  If you have a higher price, and need more time to justify the price to the bride, you should not publish a price list. 

Comment by Sugar Beach Weddings on January 31, 2012 at 4:12pm

Fee's should be posted on the website , brides love knowing the cost of their <a href="http://www.sugarbeachweddings.com/">Wedding</a> Ceremony in advance for planning a budget.

Comment by Suzanne Kattau Kilcoin on January 31, 2012 at 5:13pm

Use analytics?  You should.  I learned in the month of January that they look at my main page and many go straight to pricing and drop out.  After that revelation, I have elected to say "My wedding coverage BEGINS at x and includes x,y,and z".  I want to be able to sell myself.  These price shoppers cannot get that from me by looking at prices, and going elsewhere.

Comment by Suzanne Kattau Kilcoin on January 31, 2012 at 5:15pm

PS I'm NOT cheap, and need the opportunity to be able to express all the reasons why I'm worth it!

Comment by Jonette Jordan on January 31, 2012 at 5:54pm

@HoustonBride That also makes a lot of sense. 

@Suzanne I totally agree.  As much as we as professionals would like to think that brides understand that they get what they pay for, when they're trying to ration out tens of thousands of dollars, that often goes out the window.  Advertising fees, especially large ones, without any context could be more hurtful to some businesses than beneficial.

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