Thread: Listing prices?

Do you all list your prices on your website? Currently I just have a 'contact Brea for..' email. I was wondering if your advice was to list prices.

I do, and I love it. It completely illiminates the awkward silence when someone calls you expecting you to say your price is $50 for an hour, and you tell them it's $200 for 20 minutes. Also, I am not good at negotiating, so I don't do it - with my prices clearly listed, they look more "set" and people are less likely to try to get me to dance for less.

This is exactly what I have been thinking; recently when I quoted that I dance fcor $200 for half hour they immediately asked me to dance for the same amount for an hour. What is with people? I've just been wondering if it's better to list the set prices so no one is confused (and I don't have to deal with hagglers). Do you think it's necessary, if I list my prices, to also add a note saying that these prices are set?

I don't think it's necessary to write that - I really haven't had anyone try to haggle me since I listed my prices a few years ago. Before that, it was a constant battle! I just think people think (subconsiously or not) that if it's in writing, it's "official" and they can't negotiate.

The one major drawback of listing prices is that you then can't quote something higher than what you normally charge (i.e. you can't haggle UP).

Nisaa

i do, and i'm very happy with it. since i've been doing that i get NO more calls from people thinking it costs 20Euro, and the entertainment and event agency's i have been working with said they really appreciated it, cause it gives them some info to take to the client right away, they know whether i'm going to fit the budget before calling me. they were also all very happy with the menu: in the sense that they know i can do multiple sets, multiple dancers etc etc, and what that costs more or less

Originally Posted by BreaMorgiane

Do you all list your prices on your website? Currently I just have a 'contact Brea for..' email. I was wondering if your advice was to list prices.

yes i can and often do. the price states "from....". for corporate events they often expect you to be there longer, rehearse, etc; and after hearing what they want, i often quote them something higher than what's on my website. NOBODY has ever said "but you're website says...". and if they would i can easily give them a reason why what they are asking would be more expensive than what the website says.

Originally Posted by nisaasaintlouis

The one major drawback of listing prices is that you then can't quote something higher than what you normally charge (i.e. you can't haggle UP).

Nisaa

Originally Posted by nisaasaintlouis

The one major drawback of listing prices is that you then can't quote something higher than what you normally charge (i.e. you can't haggle UP).

Nisaa

Yes you can. My website clearly states that my prices are base prices, and may be increase due to factors such like travel, holidays, etc. So, if I'm speaking to a client and I feel that more $$ is required for this job to be worth my while, I tell them there is an additional fee.

Originally Posted by artemisia_danst

yes i can and often do. the price states "from....". for corporate events they often expect you to be there longer, rehearse, etc; and after hearing what they want, i often quote them something higher than what's on my website. NOBODY has ever said "but you're website says...". and if they would i can easily give them a reason why what they are asking would be more expensive than what the website says.

Good point!

Originally Posted by nisaasaintlouis

The one major drawback of listing prices is that you then can't quote something higher than what you normally charge (i.e. you can't haggle UP).

Nisaa

On my site I have a + sign behind the price listed. And a note saying that prices vary based on a number of consideration.

I also list what the various set are. And no, the math doesn't quiet add up for multiple sets. But hey, when people feel they are getting a bargain they are more likely to hire you.

{{{HUGS}}}

Thanks for this advice! I think I am going to put up a price list now.

One other thing: any advice on what to do regarding undercutting?

You mean other peoples? Or a client saying, Suzy Nippletassle will do it foor less?

In the case of hearing about other peoples, there isn't much you can do. I post Samira's articles on Craigslist frequently. I knwo a couple of name local dancers here who send them out t their e-mail lists as well.

As for the latter, You smile brightly and say, my prices are based on my years of experience along with research on pricing both locally and all over the world. When you hire any one, it is important to know that you are hiring a professional. And therefore you expect to pay professional rates. You generally do get what you pay for.

And leave it at that. The host might see the point and come up with the dough. Or they may be completely driven by the fact that they only have a limited budget for entertainment.

{{{HUGS}}}

Tahira - PM'd you!

pm'd you back

{{{HUGS}}}

Originally Posted by nisaasaintlouis

The one major drawback of listing prices is that you then can't quote something higher than what you normally charge (i.e. you can't haggle UP).

Nisaa

I've got a price list and I love it. I've got a blatantly obvious disclaimer that the posted rates are base prices subject to change due to travel time, holidays, costume changes, and other specifications. Instead of listing "$250," I'll list "$250+"

To Brea's question about undercutting, I address it in my FAQ's, explaining that others might quote the job for cheap or for "exposure" because they're not experienced or professional enough to command a higher rate. I follow this with a "buyer beware" warning, that the client might get embarrassed if they hire a cheaper dancer.

Originally Posted by SatinWorship19

I've got a price list and I love it. I've got a blatantly obvious disclaimer that the posted rates are base prices subject to change due to travel time, holidays, costume changes, and other specifications. Instead of listing "$250," I'll list "$250+"

To Brea's question about undercutting, I address it in my FAQ's, explaining that others might quote the job for cheap or for "exposure" because they're not experienced or professional enough to command a higher rate. I follow this with a "buyer beware" warning, that the client might get embarrassed if they hire a cheaper dancer.

Oh I like that idea of the Buyer Beware disclaimer. I have a link to Shem's article on my booking page. I wrote: "Confused about the rates and why I charge what I charge? Visit this link for clarification: Shems' Behind the Rates."

I also have an asterix that says * Pricing varies based on your needs and my schedule. Now I am going to change the rates to have a + sign on them. :)

I don't. I'm pretty open about discussing my rates and what the going rates in town are because, well, I hate to have other dancers undercutting b/c they just don't know better etc., Still, I have several reasons why I'd rather have contact with the customer than just have a bunch of rates posted--even if it means I have to field a few of the "oh, I was thinking it'd be more like $50" or haggling callers. Some are related to my own set up, some to situations in our local market, and the most important ones are customer service related. There are times posted rates would be nice, but for me, overall the personal touch seems to work better.

When I finally do get my website finished, I'll have a price list -- actually, it's already written. The price list includes a brief description of the different types of shows available, including the length of time for that price, and all prices are listed as "from $$$."

I, too, indicate that I tailor shows to the needs of the client, so the "from $$$" is just that, a guideline to the minimum a person should expect to pay.

I'm contemplating a yellow pages ad, too, and will definitely include the website -- seems that most businesses do nowadays.

Deborah