Should rates be in e-mail reply?

I do the same thing...I email a "one sheet" to the client explaining price and what we offer.

If they send me enough information, I give them a Quote.

If they don't send me enough information I send them a list of questions I need to know the answers to in oder to give them an accurate Quote.

I hear back from about 1 out of 6, book maybe 1 out of 12. I am glad email is free.
Lots of window shoppers looking for a deal.

As long as they complete my online contact form out completely (reminds me that I need to update it) I have all the information I need to give them all the information they need, including pricing.

I don't rely on a simple email system that just asks for pricing. They have to complete the online form that gives me the information that I need to give them the information they seek. They help themselves by helping me.

Why not give them pricing? If you're shopping for something and inquiried about a product, wouldn't you want to know price?

Yeah man, nothing to be gained and everything to be lost by witholding pricing.

If they don't respond because of sticker shock, then you saved both your time and theirs.

(Unless you're one of the "Edj-u-muh-cate my clients" types, which does more for the dj's ego and softening the inevitable rejection than it does for the clients and their buying decison. )

I'm in agreement with Doug. My fees are also base on travel time. I don't want to price myself out of any market outside my regular service area.

However, in most emails I do give a rate for my services, sort of. About 90% of the time I state that "...a [$$$] Retainer is required to hold the date until a Contract Agreement can be executed. The Retainer will be deducted from the agreed upon fee." This phrase tends to also get rid of the price shoppers. But, I may have lost a few potential clients because they may not have had the Retainer amount at the time. Works for me.

I always reply with the answers to their questions. I'll typically discuss a little bit about our DJ service, usually including pricing, with a link to our website for more information. I usually offer the option of a meeting to discuss the event in more detail - without obligation to book. I always tell them that they can call or email me anytime if they have any more questions or would like to set up a meeting with us.

Off the top of my head, I'd say that at least half of the email inquiries I receive end up with meetings, and we book about 90% of those.

I see no problem with a description of services you offer and the benefits of them followed by a price quote.

If you log on my site and use the date checker you can get an instant quote that comes via email.

I get a few emails that ask price but that's just from the ones who are either to lazy to complete the online form or have check on a date that isn't available... despite the fact that it tells them it's not.:sqconfused:

I just had one like that this week... checked for 5/5/10 saw we were available sent an inquiry then checked on 6/5/10 and sent an email stating they ment 6/5/10... so I politely told them, again, sorry we are booked.

Once I get all the details, I give them the price, even by email. I would hate it if someone wouldn't give 'me' a price when I was shopping for something.

While I agree with all the above comments about giving them all the information they need to hopefully make a decision, perhaps the issue is the next step. How are you ending the email? Is there a "call to action"?

I end my initial emails with an offer to meet, going so far as to offer a specific date (or two), time and location (convenient to them). This may work well for me because my rates are on my website, so any inquires from the site are "pre-qualified". However the approach is sound, don't just end your email cold, tell them what to do next.

Same here. If someone has taken the time to request info I always give my basic prices in the emails. To do otherwise would feel like I do when I buy a new car and the salesman starts playing "those" games.

WaydeWest said:

While I agree with all the above comments about giving them all the information they need to hopefully make a decision, perhaps the issue is the next step. How are you ending the email? Is there a "call to action"?

I end my initial emails with an offer to meet, going so far as to offer a specific date (or two), time and location (convenient to them). This may work well for me because my rates are on my website, so any inquires from the site are "pre-qualified". However the approach is sound, don't just end your email cold, tell them what to do next.

Click to expand...

You are correct! Unless one asks for the order, one may not get it!

DJ Ducky said:

I always reply with the answers to their questions. I'll typically discuss a little bit about our DJ service, usually including pricing, with a link to our website for more information. I usually offer the option of a meeting to discuss the event in more detail - without obligation to book. I always tell them that they can call or email me anytime if they have any more questions or would like to set up a meeting with us.

Off the top of my head, I'd say that at least half of the email inquiries I receive end up with meetings, and we book about 90% of those.

Click to expand...

Bingo Ducky! Great response. Bravo!

Also, The advantage I have if I think it's fishy, I'll call the veune and ask the banquet manager. I have such a relationship with them they will tell me legit or bull sh**...

Also, if you give them a price in your email, why not put that on your web site?

AlbanyAMS said:

Also, if you give them a price in your email, why not put that on your web site?

Click to expand...

because if you are in contact with them via email...
you have the opportunity to "talk" to them about it.
if they see your price on the web and don't like it...
you never have ANY contact.
for me...it's not a matter of "security" or eliminating non-serious offers....
it's just a sales technique.

wait a minute, we've had THIS post before....

But...

For those who give prices in the email when a potential client is inquiring, why do you know they are legit? Why not then just put them on your web site? Just asking.

If they are asking for a price and price is their primary determining factor, they probably expect a response that includes a price.

If price is the primary concern of the clients you target, you had better give them that info or you will be taken out of consideration.

If your target client is different, your method might be spot on.

JF PRODUCTIONS

"Kansas City's Sound Solution"

There is plenty read and look through in the attachments. Lets' get started!

Read here about us on WeddingWire.com


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media page.

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Kindest regards,



Jeremiah Nichol

JF Productions

913.909.6796

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