VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Mike Harrison · Posted: Wed Apr 03, 2013 6:24 am Post subject:

My earlier response to the prospect questioning how competitive my rates were:

ballenberg · Posted: Wed Apr 03, 2013 6:37 am Post subject:

I say, not worth the time you're spending. There are bargain basement options if that's what they want. Give them a bottom line-that protects you in the worst case. You don't need to justify or explain your rates. They're your rates, period. Friend of a friend? Fine. Say it nicely, but firmly.

Hey look, Mike .... we're from New Jersey. Need I say more?

Mike Harrison · Posted: Wed Apr 03, 2013 6:57 am Post subject:

melissa eX · Posted: Wed Apr 03, 2013 7:53 am Post subject:

Since she sent you a spreadsheet with all the available configurations - if you're going to continue with her send one back.
1 narrator for X time = $ 1 narrator for XX time = $$ etc.
1 add. voice for X time = $ 1 add voice for XX time etc etc etc.

Then tell her those are your fixed rates. You're quoting a fixed rate for a certain amount of audio. Consider your pricing like their modules. They can buy eight 5 minutes narrator modules plus four 35 minute narrator modules plus three 5 minute add. voice modules - or whatever.
The idea is their client can choose how many talent for how many minutes and will always know how much it will be based on their decision.
And their ability to add.
Make sure to include PITA factor, spell out revision policy and set a minimum session fee or length.

It will make it easier for her to quote her client HER fixed rate and then quote YOUR fixed rate (which will be higher because she'll include her markup) and leave the actual length to her client. She can breath more easily because - as Philip said

Mike Harrison · Posted: Wed Apr 03, 2013 8:07 am Post subject:

Bish · Posted: Wed Apr 03, 2013 9:04 am Post subject:

Give a fixed price and a clearly defined deliverable. Establish a variance procedure (they will have one) and if her scope of work changes beyond the agreed maximum deliverable, issue a an order of variance (or change order). That will feed their corporate machine. Up until that point, deliver your maximum agreed narration... stopping in mid sentence if necessary! If they want things bolted-down, play them at their own game. As has been said earlier... corporate can lock down a budget to satisfy their internal procedures, but it's only a game to feed the bureaucratic machine.
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Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

ya gotta know when to hold em, know when to fold em,

Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

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BobbyH · Guest

Mike Harrison · Posted: Wed Apr 03, 2013 5:19 pm Post subject:

If she was less than happy with what I was telling her, and in need of doing more research, I doubt that she'd include my name in a search. I'd already told her in email that the voice-over community very actively communicates with one another. That, and this forum are good examples of how I could be certain that that rates I gave her were competitive. Plus, I have included no personal or company names, so if she were to stumble upon this forum and thread, while she might be a little miffed, she would also see that there aren't many defending her position... or, at least, accustomed to providing what she's asking for.

She said she wanted to learn more about the voice-over community. Welcome to it.
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Mike
Male Voice Over Talent
I have taken leave of my sensors.