Business talk | Retainer Fee

September 9, 2019

Filed in: Business talk

I hate to even write this because I felt like I just wrote the blog on NOT having a retainer fee!  The truth is I didn’t want people to go out of their way to pay me an amount and I wanted to make it easy.

In reality, I have came across situations where a client will book a session and then reschedule or post-pone for a long time.  I want you to know that I totally understand situations that come up and/or emergencies happen!

A little bit about how I prepare for sessions, is every couple of months I get with my husband and we plan out the next 2 months together.  We write down events that are coming up, needing to go out of town for responsibilities, we plan trips if there are any, and then even I plan specials or sessions that are coming up.  So because we plan so far ahead, I am ready for any person needing to have a photoshoot.  Sometimes I can even talk to my husband if someone is needing something by a certain time and so we can change it around.

If I have a client who books a session and someone else needs that day, I always do a first come, first serve.  I want all my attention for that time that you have set aside and paid for, all for you!  I have talked to alot of photography business owners who suggest a retainer fee is the way to go.  It secures my time, your time and pretty much your promise that you want some pictures done!!

With a retainer fee, I am charging right now $25.00 non-refundable fee to secure your spot.  I wont be able to put you down in my calendar until that $25.00 retainer fee is paid.  I have 2 easy access online options to pay with a card or I will even meet somewhere and can give you a hand receipt if want to pay with cash.  The $25.00 will go towards the package that you purchased.  You will get 1 free reschedule if anything does come up and if there needs to be another reschedule, I will be charging another $25.00 retainer fee.

If this is the first time you have ever read about a retainer fee in photography, just know most photographers do this.  Time is valuable for all of us and I want you to know that I love capturing memories.  It brings so much happiness and joy in my life and I want my time to make your pictures amazing so you can treasure them forever.  Even though this is my business, my time is also valuable spreading it out between my husband, my full time job, taking care of 2 homes, my animals and having a personal life.  I understand that you have possibly more on your plate and so I know your time is valuable and I am honored that you have picked me to spend some time with to capture these moments.

I would love to answer any and all questions if you have any pertaining to this.  I know that the busy season is about to start and its also my favorite time of the year, so I want to enjoy it with my husband and also with you.  So I need to make sure that my time is set aside properly and organized so I don’t miss anything!!

Thank you so much for growing with me and me figuring what works with my business, what dosent and the things I change as time goes on!!  I do love all of my clients and I cant wait to meet my new clients and see what they are all about!

 

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