I am on a list of photographers for a particular venue, this is my first year on their list and I have not shot any weddings there yet. I am meeting with a few clients who are having their weddings at this venue. I was wondering if I should offer some kind of incentive to the first few couples who book me for that venue. Maybe an extra print credit or a discount on my booking fee? Just something to give them a bit more incentive to go with me over a photographer with experience that venue. Any ideas or input would be extremely helpful. Thanks!

I really don't think that you should give an incentive. Your work should really speak for you. That is the incentive the finished product and your serevices. If anything i would toss something in after they booked you. That way it is a surprise to them and it shows that you care.

I totally agree. It is your work that should be the reason they book you. Your work SHOULD be more than enough. If it is not...then...well offer to do it for free...

Once you get on that bandwagon of giving something away...it is hard to stop. It will ALWAYS cost you more money than it is worth. Don't get that "car dealer/salesman" syndrome. Sounds cheap and desperate.

If you want to give something away, do it when you deliver their pics (or stuff) Just don't tell them before-hand. Just tell them it is your way of thanking them for their trust in you. That will go much further and they will be more grateful if you do it that way than offering an incentive upfront.

I like to give a "gift" after all is said and done. But I don't do it everytime, just depends. Sometimes it is an extra fine art print I have or canvas/oil print, etc. Since I do my own printing the cost is minimal. They are soooo thankful and they remember.

Have killer samples. That is what will sell "you."

Geez, its tough to start a new photo biz (I know, I did it twice in two cities in 2 years)

If I were to offer an incentive, I wouldn't do anything that cost me money. No prints (they cose me $$$), no extra album pages (more $$$) no 2nd shooter (I have to pay $$$).

Eric