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When the client sets the budget vs agreed rate


4 years 10 months ago #647939 by Wyrick Photography
One of my long term clients that has booked time with me for the last 3 years has recently started to set a budget for gigs he needs me for.   Like today he left me a message saying that he needs me for a particular date, I'll be photographing XYZ and budget is X dollars.  

OK, that budget is below what we agreed on in the past.  Normally I do the work, invoice them and off we go  Now I'm feeling if I accept, I'm discounting my time and losing respect here.  

What can I do here?  
Canon 5d Mark II • Canon 24-105mm F/4.0 • Canon 135mm F/2.0 • Canon 50mm F/1.8 • Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 • Canon 580ex ii
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4 years 10 months ago #647943 by Nikon Shooter
I don't know what you can do but…
  1. I don't like having my hands forced in anyway
  2. As I understand it, a business contract must be agreed by both parties
Some serious talking is required… or I wouldn't go for it.
Light is free… capturing it is not!
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4 years 10 months ago #647969 by Wyrick Photography
That's what I'm thinking, but just not sure how to approach them.  After all, we didn't start the relationship off with them setting budget, and it never was that way.  So, perhaps someone got their wires crossed or they are just trying to pull a quick one.  
Canon 5d Mark II • Canon 24-105mm F/4.0 • Canon 135mm F/2.0 • Canon 50mm F/1.8 • Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 • Canon 580ex ii
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4 years 10 months ago #648043 by fmw
It isn't respect you are losing.  It is money.  My approach would be to explain that the budget doesn't cover what you would normally do but you cut out X, Y and Z to fit the budget.  Make sure that works for him.  In other words, negotiate.  Good luck.
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4 years 10 months ago #648061 by garyrhook
What fmw said above. You reply with what you can do for the specified budget. You also inform them that the work as described by them will cost $X. Clarify the two options. Then you ask how they would like to proceed.

If they are trying to manipulate you into lowering your prices, then you have a different choice to make.
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4 years 10 months ago #648086 by Farestad

fmw wrote: It isn't respect you are losing.  It is money.  My approach would be to explain that the budget doesn't cover what you would normally do but you cut out X, Y and Z to fit the budget.  Make sure that works for him.  In other words, negotiate.  Good luck.



:agree:   1000%  couldn't agree more.  They may have other vendors that operate that way or just honest mistake. 
EF 50mm f/1.4
EF 35mm f/1.4L USM
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EF 85mm f/1.8 USM
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4 years 10 months ago #648114 by icepics
A message about what the client wanted and their budget doesn't sound firm, just what they'd like done for what cost. I agree with Gary it might be best to let them know what you can do on that budget, and how much it will cost for everything they want. Is two separate sessions an option to spread out the cost for the client?

Usually a contract is sent after discussion and payment is up front or at least a deposit or retainer paid. If they seem to be on a more limited budget these days maybe you'll need to make adjustments in the amount of work you do at a time and billing for this client.
Sharon
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4 years 10 months ago #648159 by Overread
It might be an oversight, pull them aside and let them know the price.  A good client, will course correct with no problems.  Bad client will, well, you can figure that out. 
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4 years 10 months ago #648322 by I shoot RAW
Most likely honest error or mixing vendors.  Is it the same person you normally deal with?
Wasn't me :)
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