Just curious. What is your opinions on giving pricing over the phone? At one time I did quote over the phone but I ended up with too many, "So and so only charges X dollars". I told them to compare their work to mine and make their decision from there. How do others handle customers who make these comments?
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If they can do it cheaper, let them do it. It's not my deer. If someone questions my price I have the guy's card in the next county hanging by the phone that does deer for $150, I pass the number on and tell them to give him a call. I let them know that they will get what they pay for.
They won't come by, they're looking for "deals". When they tell me that, I reply, "Well, I'm sure he knows how much his work is worth." and I hang up.
I add to that George, I say "he sure knows what his work is worth compared to mine." Around here most all the shops get good, fair prices so its not much of a problem, the problems are from nonresidents who say they can get a deer, elk etc. done in thier home state for half the price or so. I charge a good price for skinning, caping, tagging etc. and salting and sawing the antlers off and everyone is still very happy.
those customers! I used to worry about someone taking that head somewhere else. But finally I said to hell with it and raised my price just as high as the others. Now I still do enough heads to keep me busy and dont have to worry about the cheap-skates. Most of my customers are repeat or a friend of my clients. George hit it right on the head. I tell the callers my price starts at $x and if they want something different or the job requires repairs it will be extra! thats it. Theres enough work out there to take care of the rest.
I once had a guy that I had already mounted one deer head for and he shoots a monster buck. So he brings it over and asked me how much I would charge him. I gave him my price and he says, "well you know that this other guy will do it for free just for the advertisement). So I put the, head back in his truck and shut the tailgate and said... that is really a great deal and you better take it to him, because, I certainly ain't doing it for free and I don't need the practice. He showed it to me when he got it back and he got what he paid for. It looked like the guy used used a cow for reference.
I have been rude to people who try to get me down on my price and I see I am not the only one! I am part time and still charge as much as the full timers. Some seem to think because it isn't my sole source of income I should do it for less. BULLshoes! I had a guy a couple years ago that called me several times over a couple days saying he really wanted me to do his head but I was too high. Finally when rudeness didn't work, when his number came up on the caller ID, I gave him the fax machine. He finally quit calling!
Next time I will try George's line, "He knows what his work is worth"!
Thanks for the input.
Put yourself in their shoes for a second. Remember, not everyone is so caught up in taxidermy as we are, so cut them some slack here. They shop around everything they do, as YOU do too. Taxidermy to them may not be any different. Just let them know that this is art as well as a service, therefore there is a wide variety, and quite a difference from studio to studio. Then quickly explain your strong point, and the price structure. You might just impress and educate him into becoming a good customer down the road. Think of it his way...you come on so strong, with this huge chip on your shoulder, and he thinks, "whats this jackasses problem?" Like I said, slip into his shoes first, then act accordingly...
When someone shops around and finds somthing that they call "a deal" they may just be wondering why you are more, instead of being rude you may want to try and educate them on the differences because it may be their first thing they ever had mounted and dont really know what a mounted deer should look like. Rudeness will not pay off, even if you dont need his business, educate him and we will eventually be getting rid of the $150 deer head taxidermist. It is like this you got a ford and a chevy of coarse you want the ford but you think the dealer is trying to screw you because he wont show you what is under the hood and the chevy dealer is showing you the engine,exaust,taking test drive ect. which one are you going to buy even if the chevy is a little more.
Now you're talking apples and oranges. John, you're even treading on blowing roses up their ass. JUST FOR A SECOND, think about what you're saying. These people are price shopping. Fine. I quote them a price on the phone in a nice professional way adding a quick comment about tanning the hides, presentation, poses, etc. THEN comes the bit about the guy "down the street". Now HE'S crossed the line. If I price shop for tires (AS I DO), I look around for ads, or go out and price them. I don't quibble about the price of the tires other than to ask if balancing, stems, road warranty, etc. are included. I don't tell the Goodyear man that Firestone has the same tire cheaper. I just go to Firestone.
John, a recent posting by Nathan/Jonah/whoever about there were no "good" taxidermists in his area should be a wake up call to this "educating the customer". These are the same kinds of people here. I figure I know what type tire looks good to me and I buy it. I give the customer the same credit. "Educating" him is not what any of you have in mind. "Indoctrinating" him is what you mean so that you convince the customer that only you are capable of doing his work. I'm a taxidermist who plays as a marketing specialist to my customers. I still refuse to blow roses up their ass.
I wasnt talking specifics, like what to say if they compare based on a lower price, or if they insist youre expensive, etc etc. I just made a statement about being careful how we come on, in GENERAL. Look at the tone of some of these posts...yes, we ALL think this stuff, but of course, we shouldnt say it to their faces. Theres a difference between our "shop talk" in here, and our practice...
Back when my prices were too low, I had a few people hem and haw about it, now that my prices (deer head anyway) are more competative, nobody really says anything. I'm very part time and the only time people mention price is when they say the guy down the road is too expensive, but I usually say nothing because he is WORTH it and I know it. I'm finally convinced my work is worth the average going rate and I've quit worrying if I get the stingy customer or not.
I didnt mean to offend you if any was taken but as far as saying I am blowing roses up their ass is not true I know as well as the customer that I am not the only one that can do the job but at least they are educated enough to make up their own mind, you have been doing this a whole lot longer than me george so you have dealt with this many more times than me when you say "he knows how much his work is worth" i agree with that but just hanging up right after is not really very professional but like I say you have been in business a whole lot longer than me so must not be doing that wrong but I do know I would rather tell that guy to just come see my work and answer all his questions before hanging up. Taxidermist talk does come up at the hunting and fishing trips and I dont want to be labled as the guy who hangs up on you if you dont bring the speciman or ask the wrong question. You have bought a whole lot more tires than they have mounts for most cases I am sure, so it is only natural that you already know what to look for. You dont always have to say what is on your mind.(speak softly you never know when you have to eat your words) by the way george I have used your advice many times thanks for all your replys.