Jun 24, 2009

Lowering Fees: Retaining Status

Many are concerned about the fact that they are often asked to work and display lower charges (per face) than usual. The concerns include a fear that this may be misunderstood as their 'normal' rate and / or that next time they charge (and display) their nowmal rates it'll look like they have raised fees.

And this is understandable. So, first thing I'd say is that you must make this situation clear to clients when they ask you to work at lower rates. Then you are open to discuss a variety of ways to overcome that where you both come off looking good and the visitors still get their discounted rates.

One way to deal with price variations is to always display the 'normal' price....

BUT THEN ... action one of the following ideas:

  • Give out discount 'Money Off' Vouchers given out at the entrance or with the invitations
  • Have the vouchers as cut-outs in a local paper
  • Vouchers available printed out from a website
  • Vouchers collected from a sponsor's offices
  • Free with every purchase of something else at the show
  • Vouchers given as a prize on another stall

... and so on. You and the sponsors and organisers are now in control of just how hard or how easy this for visitors. You also control (with some of the ideas) the numbers allocated. this works great in conjunction with other services at the event ie a multiple voucher.

It also allows for variations in price at the same event ie people who collect from a sponsor may get a greater discount ... or one to add to the basic discount that comes with the entry ticket.

It's a useful variation of piling on bonuses with a low cost but high perceived value. You retain normal status (by promoting your usual price) but are visibly seen to be 'giving' and delivering the same high quality and value.

Hope this helps next time and may generate some more ideas suitable for your different situations.

John Gordon
The Infotainer
http://www.watchthisface.com/

No comments: