I just read a blog post by Melissa Jill about her rule on discounts.  So many people would like a discount on the services we provide as photographers.  It is interesting to me that the dentist, or the lawyer, or the mechanic is not interested in giving me a discount on their services, but when they come to me for services, they would like a discount.  It is a classic issue of pride: overvaluing ones own worth and undervaluing everyone else’s worth.  My father always wants to buy his new car at a discount and yet, he wants to sell his old car at a premium.  Of course, if one can get away with it, it is good business for them, but if I want to stay in business, I can’t work for free or even half price…  It is hard for people to get this concept, so I am re-posting this video Melissa found that puts the issue in perspective…

My Discount Rule:

So, what is my discount rule?  It is even more simple than Melissa’s.  I work for full price.  If you are special enough to me to get a discount, my services will be FREE, otherwise, it is full price.  My price structure puts my photography within reach, so I don’t offer discounts to anyone.  I enjoy doing things free of charge as a service to the ones I love, or for those in extreme need, but I also have a family to feed, so when I work, I work for full price.  It’s that simple.

I do have one exception to my discount rule.  I give a discount to our military.  They are willing to give their life for me, so offering a discount to them is the least I can do.  I have many friends and family in the military, and I hope that everyone out there is taking care of them.  We all owe them a debt we can never repay.