From time to time I come across the dilemma of 2 people interested in the same date. As I only ever book one wedding per day, I’d never attempt to cover both and I don’t employ another associate photographer to shoot for me. So what should I do?
Imagine the situation: Bride A is interested in booking me for July 4th, but doesn’t book me at the first meeting as she’s seeing other photographers. In the meantime Bride B phones and asks if I’m free for July 4th and would like to book a meeting.
Just thought I’d share what I and other professional photographers do in this situation and why. My general policy is that I never hold dates while someone decides whether I’m the photographer for them. The only way to secure a date is with a Retainer Fee , currently of £250. Simply put: The first past the post with their fee books me!
So in the situation above I’d tell Bride B that I am free. Which means that if she decides to book me on the spot, I’d then no longer be available for Bride A.
It may sound simple/harsh depending on your point of view. But here’s why professional photographers follow this same general policy.
If I’d promised to hold July 4th for Bride A and decided to give her 7 days to get back to me also telling her that I’d let her know if anyone else is interested in July 4th, what if I can’t get in touch with Bride A when Bride B enquires? Bride B will decide to go elsewhere because I can’t confirm my availability. Then, what if Bride A finally decides not to book. In the end I’ve lost both bookings!! Or if I did get in touch with Bride A it could come across as pressure selling, forcing her to decide there and then, when she may have other things on her mind! I don’t like that happening to me so I’d never put someone else in that situation.
You may think: “But what are the chances of 2 people asking about the same date? Believe me, it happens many, many times, especially for the months from May to Sept!!
You may have noticed that I said above that this is my general policy, ie. are there any circumstances when I would hold a date? Yes! Check back in a few days to find out under what circumstances.
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