Should you give friends and family discounts for your business?

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Should you give friends and family discounts for your business?

Рет қаралды 3,326

Күн бұрын

Enjoyed being on the “Capturing Stories” podcast. I felt like some of the questions were important to so many of you that follow my channel, so I wanted to take this vlog to share my answers.
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First Time Here?
Thanks for being here. I know your time is valuable, so I'll keep it short. I own a company called 4LC Studios. I do video production (weddings, commercial, and anything else that grabs our attention). This youtube channel and everything I post is about the journey. I love sharing what I'm learning, how I'm growing, and how I'm failing. I hope you'll follow my journey and be a part of the conversation.

Пікірлер: 55

@shawvercreations9703 6 жыл бұрын

I couldn’t agree more with you Scott!!! Thanks for the content. Pleas keep it coming!!!

@kingairsoft1000 4 жыл бұрын

the only discount I give in my photo business is to active and former services members and local police and firefighters family.

@BusyDadRVLife 6 жыл бұрын

Great points about listening to the couple. I call it the immersion phase... learn so much about them that you know when you have a golden nugget from a speech when you hear it

@scottmckenna 6 жыл бұрын

Truth

@charleshurley7728 6 жыл бұрын

Since cash flow is really important for me in my first year what I’ve done is offer a small percentage off for friends but ONLY if they pay 100% up front. If they want to put down the normal deposit then it’s the same price as everyone else. Next year I probably won’t offer it but for this year I think it adds value to both parties.

@scottmckenna 6 жыл бұрын

I personally prefer people to spend a small amount upfront and the larger percentage of balance close to the wedding. It helps me plan cash flow for the year rather than current. I don’t like getting to a month and having all the balances already paid months ago because then I feel like I’m doing the wedding for nothing

@junayjacobs9011 5 жыл бұрын

Starting a videography business this year. And this was great to listen to. Thank you

@scottmckenna 5 жыл бұрын

Happy that you liked it.

@Zebrajellyfishphoto 6 жыл бұрын

I just couldn't go past the first two and a half minutes without thinking as I recently told a photographer buddy of mine, don't do it, it's rude of your family to consider that you might even do such a thing! And if they let feelings guide them then it's their problem!

@scottmckenna 6 жыл бұрын

Yup Yup Yup

@balboskey22 6 жыл бұрын

As usual 100 percent agree with you on this topic.

@scottmckenna 6 жыл бұрын

AWESOME

@LVNDRV 6 жыл бұрын

I never gave discounts to anyone of my friends, who asked (yes I do give discounts myself if I feel like people deserve it) . It makes me even angry. I tell to my friends it’s either business or friendship.

@SaldeCodillo 6 жыл бұрын

Hah the dog on the stairs at 3:40.

@scottmckenna 6 жыл бұрын

HAHAH. I was laughing when I saw her hanging out in the video too lol. She wants to be a KZfaqr when she grows up, so she’s always trying to collab

@NathanYounghusband 6 жыл бұрын

Really insightful! Thanks for sharing your thoughts from the podcast.

@scottmckenna 6 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful

@AaronWilhite 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you Scott for being on the podcast! I couldn't have asked for better answers.

@scottmckenna 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for having me

@martydenson_mfm 6 жыл бұрын

I do offer family and friend discounts - Not much (only 10-15%). Have not had any problems so far since I started 12 yrs ago. But your reasoning is certainly on point. Funny thing for me is....I'd rather be shooting their wedding rather than attending as a guest and watching some other videographer not quite nailing it. My friends and family know my reputation work ethic so they don't hesitate to contract me because I am family and they know I'll deliver.

@scottmckenna 6 жыл бұрын

Yep I understand what you’re saying, but in all honesty I’d rather not attend the wedding at all and I’d rather have another wedding to film. Ha

@martydenson_mfm 6 жыл бұрын

Yep, I get it.

@yokamoney 6 жыл бұрын

Such a great perspective.

@nicklong7442 6 жыл бұрын

Amazing advice!

@scottmckenna 6 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful

@thesharpshootersfl 5 жыл бұрын

This is so on point!! Coming from shooting music videos with some scene control, shooting weddings is much more challenging to shoot and edit. thanks for the insight ! - Rex

@gopolarisstudio 6 жыл бұрын

Hey Scott. Been super into your channel for the passed few days (I'm sure you can tell, lol). How do you feel about deposits?

@diceflawless9115 4 жыл бұрын

I got certain family members that think I should do photography for free all the time.

@thesharpshootersfl 5 жыл бұрын

Nothing worse than the “how much for a video like that” question 🤯

@TheQuadView1 6 жыл бұрын

4:01 Spot On!

@spotcutsfilm 6 жыл бұрын

Scott does paid advertising on facebook make sense? Do you use it?

@scottmckenna 6 жыл бұрын

Yes it absolutely makes sense. But regardless of how much money you pay for advertising, if the piece you were advertising isn’t good, it won’t get you work. Make sure to showcase your best work

@spotcutsfilm 6 жыл бұрын

Scott McKenna Thank you much:). Have a Nice spring time. We have first spring sun and hot days In Europe now. Nice time for taking a picture :)

@momustafa321 6 жыл бұрын

Nice video keep the good work

@RustyZipper 6 жыл бұрын

Depends on where you are financially in your business. Last year alone I gave out between $3-4k in billable work to family, friends, churches, fire departments and people who were just struggling. But I don’t donate “ my “ money to churches, charities etc.

@scottmckenna 6 жыл бұрын

I’m not saying you should not do free work if you believe in a cause and you choose to do it. If you want to do that that’s great. I’m talking about more for just friends and family that simply want your services. I give 10% to my local church and that will always be the case but that’s just me.

@spotcutsfilm 6 жыл бұрын

Scott 1200 $ is maximum What I can expect from my clients now in my country and my portfolio situation . Usually I get 700 $ avarage. That's why is difficult for me working with second shooter. I know is crazy but this is my country. What is your advice?

@scottmckenna 6 жыл бұрын

Move. 😄. Just kidding, but if the price is that low in your country it’s going to be very hard to afford a shooter

@spotcutsfilm 6 жыл бұрын

Scott McKenna :) Yeah. Its true. Im not kidding. I know company where they Have clinets for 2500 $ but they have years of experiences and they work with hmm Canon c 300 and ronin Gimbal or some more expensive. Some like Hollywood stuff. You know. Some clients in my country must to feel that they paid much but your equipment must be expensive and big. Its sick but hmmm. Reality

@maf3695 6 жыл бұрын

Spotcuts Film there is a company In California that used an iPhone (with lens adapters) to film a commercial for Bentley car. They also filmed commercial the next year with the newer iPhone for Bentley and that famous area in England that Taylor’s suits. Prada had a runway fashion show recorded on the iPhone. Yes the iPhone is NOT the C300 and Scott makes fantastic videos using GH5 / a6500. You can have the best gear in the world and not know how to use it or the worst gear, know to use it and have the best videos.

@scottmckenna 6 жыл бұрын

SPOT ON. Great gear "helps" make things look better, but you could have the best gear in the world and if you don't know how to use it or don't know how to brand your company to get work, you'll lose.

@scottmckenna 6 жыл бұрын

To buy the better gear, you had to start somewhere, make money and then get more expensive gear. Chances are, the company that is charging nearly triple your work probably didn't start with the C300. Work hard at making the best films you can with what you have, and get better so you're worth more money. Then buy the gear you want. Gear isn't everything

@A.Lewisfilms 6 жыл бұрын

I really couldn’t get past “Everything outside of weddings seems so easy.” ...that couldn’t be more untrue.

@scottmckenna 6 жыл бұрын

I mean in terms of stress, no control, etc. In comparison, on a commercial shoot, I decide and brainstorm storyboarding, lighting, locations, etc. On a wedding, every single thing has been decided already and I don't get an option. That's all I mean. It's no disrespect for other type of work.

@A.Lewisfilms 6 жыл бұрын

Meh, I see your point, but it just sounds like a blanket statement..yes your right that you can't control the brides maid making a crappy speech but you do have the ability to be very proactive about correct composition, lighting, communication with the DJ/Band/wedding guest...you have the ability for much more control than just every single thing having been decided already. I personally think weddings are way LESS stressful because the only thing you can control is your camera and communication with the guest...if you cover all your bases - your in the clear. In a studio your heavily relying on your team and making everything perfect...most of the time situations change or you have to think on your feet regardless if you have a "shot list" or storyboard. None the less - great information and I'm giving the video a thumbs up!

@scottmckenna 6 жыл бұрын

We can agree to disagree. Weddings are incredibly stressful and there’s no room for error. You get re shoots in other types of work most times.

@balboskey22 6 жыл бұрын

So so so true and on point

@maf3695 6 жыл бұрын

If other businesses give discounts why can’t you? I’m talking about Home Depot, Walgreens, champs sporting goods. Military. ie. Even lawyers do pro-bono work. I’m not saying do it for free, but if that is what is in your heart then ok. That’s if you desire to shoot the wedding. Think of the potential clients you get and charge your full rate. Also if I didn’t have anything to do on that day, some money is better then none. My family comes first, my friends eh...

@scottmckenna 6 жыл бұрын

You are free to do whatever you choose.

@maf3695 6 жыл бұрын

S Who there is a question in the title of this video, so I answered! Scott has some great ideas and advice, some I would use and some I will not. I really enjoy watching and learning from Scott! PLEASE watch his latest video (today) and skip forward to 5:00. I think he my opinion relevant.