On the rider's side... being able to see one's photos while still at the event is a fun thing. No waiting a few days/weeks until they are posted on the website. My set-up works well too because the person manning the viewing station can show how the images would look straightened, cropped etc. and it seems many like this feature. They can of course, order prints etc. right then and there and I offer Event Specials (ex. free shipping) to encourage orders. Many do place orders, but frankly, the majority seem to just want to look at their pics and those of their friends, critique them, laugh at them, admire them, but not order them.
On the Hoof Pix side... this whole venture is stressful and very expensive to operate. I won't itemize what it takes, but the costs, so far, out weigh the proceeds... BIG time. For one, having a "team" means payroll. Luckily for me (and my customers), my team has consisted of FANTASTIC friends who just want to help and are OK with not getting paid. That said, I take care of all travel, accommodations, food expenses for my "team". Multiply that by 5 or 6 people ...and the sale of a few 4x6 Proofs @ $10 each ain't gonna cut it. Plus I feel I am living on borrowed time. How long will these wonderful friends want to keep helping me? With each new event, I struggle to find enough "volunteers" to help. The caveat is that I can't do this with just one or two helpers... I need at least 4 more bodies who are computer-savvy and/or able to shoot AND are happy working long hours with no pay!
So what is the solution I ask myself? Should I continue to offer this service (on-site viewing) at selected events or return to my usual business workflow of shooting alone (or with an occasional assistant) and posting the images a week or two after the event? Sure would cut down on expenses. If I no longer continue the on-site service, will I start hearing the complaints? get passed over as official photographer for another who can do this? I fear the Monster has raised it's ugly head, the Monster being my customers who now have expectations but don't want to pay for them.
5 comments:
PAM
it is a crazy world we live in today.
The deal to see pics should be a FEE and the FEE could be deducted off the price of a PKG deal?
I am a fellow photographer and see the point. Its hard to keep business these days as you say... but its harder when peeps just arnt plending the money they once did only last year! People R frugal... and always looking for a deal
GOOD LUCK!
Pam,
I wonder how many of the customers looking at these images while onsite, go home and order them on the website 1-2 weeks later? Is there a way for you to track this?
I can't keep track of who views the images at the event, then orders online. I do know that the online orders after the event have been VERY low this year for ALL of my events.
Its a tough business because I don't really know how I'm doing until the end of the year because many wait until then to place orders.
I can relate to those last minute customers... That reminds me, I still need to order a photo from 2005 of Tiger an I at Meadowoods! I keep saying that I'm going to order it and then forget. It isn't even on the website anymore. I'll have to email you to see if I can still get it.
~Melissa
The Second Waffle
I think people would still buy your photos without on-site viewing. They are good photos!!! On-Site viewing is fun for us riders - down south in the winter season there's a photographer with a table of self-serve computers, and she does on-site printing so you can take the photos home. It's really fun and must increase sales...but also must have been very expensive. Short of something like that, I'd say drop the on-site viewing and associated expense and keep coming to the events!
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