Comments on: If You Don’t Like What I Charge, Too Bad!

By: Dan Curtis

Dan Curtis — Mon, 10 May 2010 22:55:05 +0000

@Bonnie Bell. Thanks for your comments, Bonnie. I’m happy that you find my articles of some value. I must admit I’m not always calm but deep breathing helps.

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By: Bonnie Bell

Bonnie Bell — Mon, 10 May 2010 21:04:56 +0000

So I guess I’m considered a “veteran” but I don’t feel like one. Every day I angst about how to grow this business, wishing I were better at public speaking so I could do small- or large-group presentations. Having your daily blog provides an oasis of calm. Thank you, Dan.

Oh, I got into the business after 20 years as a People Magazine reporter (that is, in the early days when the story subjects and content were credible.)

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By: Dan Curtis

Dan Curtis — Sat, 08 May 2010 15:36:59 +0000

@RJ McHatton. Thanks for your comments, RJ. I agree with you about establishing value. My experience has been that most people don’t have any trouble grasping the value of a personal history, they just don’t value it enough to pay what it’s worth.

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By: RJ McHatton

RJ McHatton — Sat, 08 May 2010 02:53:26 +0000

Hi Dan. I think its very important to explain and establish value before talking about price. From my experience in the real estate business, clients have no clue what the price should be until they are educated about what the comparibles are in the marketplace. Once a client understands the going price in the neighborhood they feel comfortable buying that home or homesite or condo. The same applies when discussing our unique services of Video Biographies or Corporate History documentaries. Once clients can see examples, see comparibles, then they have no problem paying the price. I think everyone is looking for a bargain, but most people are not afraid to pay for quality once they understand market price.

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By: Dan Curtis

Dan Curtis — Fri, 07 May 2010 22:00:41 +0000

@Yvonne Charneskey. Thanks for your comments, Yvonne.

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By: Yvonne Charneskey

Yvonne Charneskey — Fri, 07 May 2010 21:19:02 +0000

Dan, thanks for writing this. Not only do we hear it for personal histories, we also often get that response for almost any video, photo, or audio project we quote on. We’ve managed to keep busy during this economy by asking what can they afford and letting a client know what we can provide for that amount. But still, we always wonder when that “look” passes on someones’s face, “what part of your personal history would you like left out?”

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By: Dan Curtis

Dan Curtis — Fri, 07 May 2010 01:55:35 +0000

@itsmylifedvds. Thanks for your rant, Louise! It does feel good doesn’t it? Glad you like my blog.

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By: itsmylifedvds

itsmylifedvds — Fri, 07 May 2010 01:48:44 +0000

Thank you soooo much Dan for writing this blog. It reflects my experiences almost exactly. I’m only a relatively new business too and am based in a small regional ‘city’ in Australia. Even my mildly-priced $1000 package gets looks of horror from people or friends saying that they’d pay for their Dad to be interviewed but they don’t have that much money. Then the next thing I hear, they’ve bought the last WII or plasma TV.

Yep, those things are major priorities, but capturing the stories of your family forever – so you have that memory of them when they are no longer with you – that isn’t worth $1000!?

These are the same people who will say “I wish I’d done that with Dad, Mum etc before they died”. I get that comment a lot too, but unfortunately these people probably wouldn’t have taken up the opportunity even then.

It’s because people don’t have that sense of urgency – they don’t want to face that we or their family may not be here tomorrow.

Ok, I think I’ve just had *my* rant, but I feel better knowing I’m not the only one out there experiencing all this.

Love your work

Louise

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By: Dan Curtis

Dan Curtis — Fri, 07 May 2010 01:38:12 +0000

@Peggy. Thanks, Peggy!

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By: Dan Curtis

Dan Curtis — Thu, 06 May 2010 22:54:31 +0000

@Beth LaMie. Thanks for your comments, Beth. When I find the magic bullet I’ll let you know!

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