How To Say No

Submitted by Syv Ritch on 31. July 2008 - 23:00

I received a phone call for what would have been an important photo shoot. During the conversation, Sheila, not her real name, mentioned that she already spoke to 2 other photographers. She was trying to get the 3 of us to bid against each other. As I was asking questions about her requirements for the photo shoot, she mentioned that "another photographer" was going to do it for $3,250 less than my price. Was it true? or not? It was clear that was around what she was willing to pay.

I couldn't do it for that price; I would have lost money on this project. At this point, I knew that it was time to bail out.

  1. I want to thank for the opportunity to quote for that job.
  2. Sorry, but I can't do the shoot for that price, I will lose money.
  3. But I'd love to work with you in the future.
  4. If the job doesn't turn out the way you need, I'll do my best to accommodate.
  5. Thanks again for calling.

No photographer went out of business after saying 'no' to a bad deal, but many have done so by saying 'yes' to bad deals.

— The Photographer's Guide to Negotiating By Richard Weisgrau

  1. From the Godfather: "It's not personal, it's business".
  2. Don't take it personally.
  3. Always be polite and courteous.
  4. Never slams the phone down.
  5. Always send a thank you note after a bid, even if you didn't get the photo shoot.