Give Me A Discount!

Let’s be honest, all of us have at some point asked for this before. For us folks running a business, it’s probably something you detest hearing, but it happens and if it happens often enough, it gets really annoying. Fact is there is a time and place for such things. It’s probably ok to do it at a Pasar Malam (Night Market) but it’s not cool if you’re doing it at say your hairdresser’s or a food hawker stall.

No discounts, really?

I’ll make him an offer he can’t refuse!
– The Godfather
Short answer is NO, there isn’t a discount but there are of course 2 exceptions:
  1. You are someone very dear to me. If you had to ask for it, it means we’re not very tight to start of with.
  2. You made me an offer I can’t refuse eg you’re having a wedding in the moon or deep down in the ocean floor.

Long story short – discount is a privilege, not an entitlement. I ask for a fair fee for the quality (of service) I deliver, nothing more nothing less.

I Understand How Expensive Weddings are!

I really do! There’s the venue, the gown, the floral arrangement, the caterer, the photographer, the videographer, the wedding invites and when you add all of these together, it’s a daunting number, as much as you know this is a once of a lifetime milestone and it’s probably worth splurging a little.

Let’s face it! For the lucky few, the sky is really the limit but for the most of us, it simply isn’t the case. What I always do is to speak and understand from the wedding couples to see what’s most important to them, photography wise. In many ways, I’m not just a photographer but also a consultant. More often than not, we’ll find a middle ground without compromising on things that are important to you as a wedding couple and for me as a working photographer.

As with all business discussions, not everything will lead to a deal closure. Sometimes, I’m just happy to able to sit down and share my thoughts with another person who’s kind enough to provide me with a listening ear. Just don’t come walking into my studio and expecting a discount like you’re entitled to!